semlin
curmudgeon
was thinking of a junk's suggestion of a more general faq on what to look for when buyng an FZJ80/450 and then though I would focus on stuff that is typically wrong at 100k or more but fixable with cruisers that might help with the price negotiations, especially if someone is trying to sell it like a nearly new car and spin the Lexus chic etc. All these can be checked easily in a lot without any tools or really getting dirty:
1. PHH or pesky heater hose is barely visible through driver's side wheel well looking at on driver's side of engine block but if you know what to look for and have a flashlight, you will very likely be able to show a dealer something he can't avoid agreeing needs replacing.
2. during testdrive, kill radio and heater and put the cruiser in 4-lo and turn with decent throttle from a standing start on full lock on an uphill gradient in both directions (try to do on gravel or dirt) This will reveal any birfield clicking or clunking at its worst. Will sound terrible if there is any. Salesman's face will look blank. Don't try this with lockers engaged.
3. pull the plastic cap off the EGR modulator to check for carbon build up then if you find it start pulling off nearby vacuum hoses to see if they are blocked.
4. front steering knuckles at the wiper seals— are they leaking fluid or bone dry? If either they will need servicing.
5. The year of manufacture is stamped on OEM plug lead set wires. More than 3 years old means they need replacing.
Any other suggestions?
1. PHH or pesky heater hose is barely visible through driver's side wheel well looking at on driver's side of engine block but if you know what to look for and have a flashlight, you will very likely be able to show a dealer something he can't avoid agreeing needs replacing.
2. during testdrive, kill radio and heater and put the cruiser in 4-lo and turn with decent throttle from a standing start on full lock on an uphill gradient in both directions (try to do on gravel or dirt) This will reveal any birfield clicking or clunking at its worst. Will sound terrible if there is any. Salesman's face will look blank. Don't try this with lockers engaged.
3. pull the plastic cap off the EGR modulator to check for carbon build up then if you find it start pulling off nearby vacuum hoses to see if they are blocked.
4. front steering knuckles at the wiper seals— are they leaking fluid or bone dry? If either they will need servicing.
5. The year of manufacture is stamped on OEM plug lead set wires. More than 3 years old means they need replacing.
Any other suggestions?
?
