Update

[Digger276]

Ok Pros,
I know some people had some strong opinons about this, but here are the updates.

1991 FJ80, intial MPG 9 range, completely went through front end (with parts list provided by Dan-Thanks), (very little grease by the way) MPG 15, adjusted badly needing valves MPG 16, installed the part time 4wd kit from Marks 4wd and installed Borlo stainless exhaust, MPG 19 range. Have to do one more tank to be sure. Had a lot of different variables in this tank than the rest of the tanks. The steering is better with the part time kit, the increase in speed from taking off from a stop is noticablly increased. Had to play with the shims to adjust the bearing in the transfer case (which Marks 4wd said I would not have to) but hey nobody is perfect. Overall good experience with the part time kit.

So that is the update and i will let you all know the final MPG.

Cris

 

[mot]

MPG 19 range.

Could yours be the first gasoline/petrol-powered 80 to exceed 20mpg?

Definitely keep us posted!

Mot

 

[Beowulf]

Cris,

As one of those with a strong opinion, could you also detail the costs for these modifications, including the cost of the parts for the front end service and the valve adjustment?

You got almost 90% increase (9 to 17MPG) by doing routine service.

-B-

 

[Digger276]

Facts

Hola,

The valve adjustment, I did it myself, and I have to say they are picky. Had to be just right. The stupid little marks you have to look for was a pain too, but hey no one ever said engineers have common sense. The biggest increase in MPG was from doing the front end, there truly was very little grease in there. I am glad that that one of po's used the good grease that is designed to stick the joint and not flow out. But most of it had been washed out by the bad seals. The borlo exhaust (not made anymore for the 91) was found on E-Bay from Man-A-Fre in CA, it was a display model and it was $400.00 plus shipping. I also bought the part time kit from them (great service) and it was $499.00. I put it in at a friends garage and he charged me $50.00 lift, tool rental (was there all day) and I paid his helper $50.00. That included the exhaust change and taking out the rear half of the transfer case, taking apart the spool and replacing half of it and then putting on new hubs. I didn't measure the bearing clearance for the shimes since the kit said it would be perfect and it had a nice bearing whine so I had to do it again after buying several shimes to have on hand. The whine is all but gone, really have to listen for it. I have it very well tuned and plan on getting a high flow catalytic converter to aid the new exhaust. My last tank around town (not being very easy) I got 12.5 MPG.

Next project will be increasing braking it does lack and I do tow a trailer now and then.

Cris