What are the minor differences between 80 series years? (1 Viewer)

[effjay80]

OBD1 and NO airbags is a huge plus IMO but I'm a square peg too.

 

[405]

Didn't see it mentioned on the SLEE list posted, but on the FZJ 93-94 had black center caps and 95-97 were silver.
Also, on the lift gate the Toyota sombrero badge location changed, in 1997 it was centered above the Toyota Land Cruiser badge. In the earlier years it was offset to the driver side.

 

[Malleus]

Buy a 200

 

[Wisco80]

Buy a 200

That's IFS. Plus the 80 still has that old school look

 

[Hornd]

It's definitely a great engine, but I want my cruiser to last me 20 years. If I was going to keep it, I'd pull it and the tranny and do a rebuild. My thinking is, since the engine is already coming out, there's the opportunity to put something more powerful in.

Also, I'm not keeping the Toyota trans either. I believe it's a 4 speed and I don't like it at all. Probably going GM 6L80.

Idk, maybe you can talk me out of it... but my dream truck is a solid axle Cruiser that's a good balance of off and on road performance, has a v8, does 300 something hp, and sounds amazing.

Why not Lift a Tahoe and save $20K - that's going to be Your Reliability Level with Chevy Motor & Trans. and that is assuming you do Perfect Install.

 

[Lka1988]

Why? The 1FZ-FE is bullet-proof.

I am curious why you asked for "minor" differences. The real difference that matters, at least in my opinion since you're planning to throw away the Toyota engine, is the transmission. The '91-'92 has the A440F from the FJ60. The '93-'94 has the A442F (the best transmission in the 80s, IMO) and the '95-'97 (or LX450) has the A343F.

No one in their right mind would choose the A440F transmission. It's a dog. If someone gave me an FJ62/FJ80, I'd pull it out, throw it away and invest in the five speed manual.

The A343F TCU is actually part of the ECU, so if you pull the ECU, you lose transmission control.

The A442F has a separate TCU, so if you pull the ECU out, the transmission still functions. Plus, it's a better transmission all around.

FWIW, and again, IMHO, the 1994 80 (US spec) was the best ever built and delivered to the US market. I don't know where you got your "Frankenstein" information, but every year is slightly different, depending on where Toyota bought parts and when in the production cycle the truck rolled off the line.

Only real difference between the A440F and A442F is that the latter is electronically controlled. A440F has no TCU at all, which can be considered a plus for some, and the only electronics present are related to the optional cruise control (which likely doesn't even work at this age).

I'm a bit newer to 80s, and am trying to figure out the parts differences between years (US market)

So this is how I understand it so far:

91: fj80
92: fj80
93: technically fj80 but with 1FZ, rear rotors, and ABS
94: fzj80, but depending on the week it was built it could also be a Frankenstein fj80
95-97: fjz with airbags and facelift interior, as well as no Toyota letter grill anymore.

Did I miss anything? Potentially going to find a parts vehicle to buy, I want to make sure I get one that has the most parts compatibility as possible to my 93.

1991-1997 are all "J80", with "J" meaning "Land Cruiser" and "80" meaning this particular model run. The prefixes "F" and "FZ" are dependent on what engine is equipped (this is common nomenclature to all Toyotas). There are even diesel models overseas with the prefixes "HD" and "HZ". But you live in the USA, so unless you're planning on importing an overseas model, those aren't relevant.

1991 - First year of 80 series, equipped with the 3F-E carried over from the FJ62. Designation is "FJ80". A440F transmission carried over from FJ62, with some minor variations to accommodate the HF2A AWD transfer case - not compatible with FJ62 version.
1992 - Addition of electronic door lock switch on passenger door, and introduction of variable intermittent wipers.
1993 - First year of 1FZ-FE engine, A442F transmission, and HF2AV transfer case (limited slip). Designation is now "FZJ80". Full-floating rear axle, bigger disc brakes all around, and ABS are optional, but commonly equipped. Factory front and rear lockers become available as an option. Third brake light equipped.
1994 - No changes (correct me if I'm wrong)
1995 - Revised 1FZ-FE (removal of air injection system), A343F transmission replaces A442F. Still 4-speed. Full-floating rear axle, disc brake all around, ABS, and airbags become standard equipment. Transition year to OBD-II; may or may not be equipped. TRD offers supercharger for 95-97 (can be install on 93-94 with some modifications). Dash and steering wheel revised to update look and incorporate airbags. Minor facelift to grill from "TOYOTA" to Toyota logo.
1996 - Lexus LX introduced (still an FZJ80). OBD-II becomes standard. Crash bars equipped in doors.
1997 - 40th anniversary model introduced. Toyota logo on tailgate is relocated from the left side to the center.

I prefer the 1991-92 FJ80 because of its simplicity and lack of major electronic controls. It's a holdover from "old truck" days, but with a more modern look.

Something to keep in mind - the A-pillars on all 80s are very weak and *will* collapse in a rollover. If you plan on beating it, consider installing a roll cage.

 

[Wisco80]

Why not Lift a Tahoe and save $20K - that's going to be Your Reliability Level with Chevy Motor & Trans. and that is assuming you do Perfect Install.

Sure that would be the "practical" choice, but I love cruisers, I have my 80 and it's already mostly built. We all have our dreams... and I'm gonna make mine happen

 

[Lka1988]

Why not Lift a Tahoe and save $20K - that's going to be Your Reliability Level with Chevy Motor & Trans. and that is assuming you do Perfect Install.

Dude, drop it. That argument is nearly 30 years old and has been proven wrong several times over.

GM aside, LS engines have a proven track record, parts availability is basically "yes", and they have a *massive* aftermarket. Nearly every problem that could affect reliability has already been addressed by the aftermarket, especially if they go with a popular variant. The same holds true with their transmissions.

 

[Wisco80]

Dude, drop it. That argument is nearly 30 years old and has been proven wrong several times over.

GM aside, LS engines have a proven track record, parts availability is basically "yes", and they have a *massive* aftermarket. Nearly every problem that could affect reliability has already been addressed by the aftermarket, especially if they go with a popular variant. The same holds true with their transmissions.

Part of the reason I want to go LS, parts are everywhere and I'm a DIYer. If I'm on a road trip and have issues, I'd rather not wait 2 weeks to get parts for the 1FZ. I can walk 2 feet into any junkyard and find what I need for the 5.3

 

[Lka1988]

Part of the reason I want to go LS, parts are everywhere and I'm a DIYer. If I'm on a road trip and have issues, I'd rather not wait 2 weeks to get parts for the 1FZ. I can walk 2 feet into any junkyard and find what I need for the 5.3

Which 5.3 are you gonna go for? The LM7 seems to be the most common if you're looking at GMT800 half-tons, but I guess it just depends what you find...

 

[Wisco80]

Which 5.3 are you gonna go for? The LM7 seems to be the most common if you're looking at GMT800 half-tons, but I guess it just depends what you find...

Probably find a newly wrecked 1500 or Tahoe, whatever models come with the 6L80 trans. I can't remember the engine designation, but you're probably right on with LM7. I also believe I need the 4WD version of the 6L80 to work with the Marks adapter. Anyways, I'll start a build thread on that soon and start figuring out all the details

 

[Lka1988]

Probably find a newly wrecked 1500 or Tahoe, whatever models come with the 6L80 trans. I can't remember the engine designation, but you're probably right on with LM7. I also believe I need the 4WD version of the 6L80 to work with the Marks adapter. Anyways, I'll start a build thread on that soon and start figuring out all the details

Right on! I'm looking forward to it. I gotta get my 80 fix somehow... It's been 12 years since I sold mine and I can't let it go haha.

 

[Wisco80]

Right on! I'm looking forward to it. I gotta get my 80 fix somehow... It's been 12 years since I sold mine and I can't let it go haha.

I'm a bit undecided on the transmission, doing the 6 speed would be preferable but is probably a lot more work and hassle. On the other hand, I had an S10 with the 4L60E and didn't really like that transmission.

 

[Broski]

 

[AussieHJCruza]

I'm a bit newer to 80s, and am trying to figure out the parts differences between years (US market)

So this is how I understand it so far:

91: fj80
92: fj80
93: technically fj80 but with 1FZ, rear rotors, and ABS
94: fzj80, but depending on the week it was built it could also be a Frankenstein fj80
95-97: fjz with airbags and facelift interior, as well as no Toyota letter grill anymore.

Did I miss anything? Potentially going to find a parts vehicle to buy, I want to make sure I get one that has the most parts compatibility as possible to my 93.

If it has a 1FZ, it's an FZJ80. 91-92 = FJ80 (3F-E); 93 onwards = FZJ80 has 1FZ-FE engine.

For a 93, 93-94 will offer the most similarity. 95 onwards some minor grille etc changes, interior changes, engine management changes which means different engine wiring harness, etc.

Engine long blocks are all the same 92-97 but you'll have more useful parts for your 93 with a 93-94 vehicle.

Why not a Turbo 1FZ? Pretty sure you could get a refreshed FZ (Cylinder head job, hone and rings and bearings if it needs it, new timing chain etc) and some boost and a transgo kit in the transmission for a decent chunk of change less than an engine and transmission swap.

95+ will make this easier if you chose this route.

 

[Wisco80]

If it has a 1FZ, it's an FZJ80. 91-92 = FJ80 (3F-E); 93 onwards = FZJ80 has 1FZ-FE engine.

For a 93, 93-94 will offer the most similarity. 95 onwards some minor grille etc changes, interior changes, engine management changes which means different engine wiring harness, etc.

Engine long blocks are all the same 92-97 but you'll have more useful parts for your 93 with a 93-94 vehicle.

Why not a Turbo 1FZ? Pretty sure you could get a refreshed FZ (Cylinder head job, hone and rings and bearings if it needs it, new timing chain etc) and some boost and a transgo kit in the transmission for a decent chunk of change less than an engine and transmission swap.

95+ will make this easier if you chose this route.

I'll be doing the labor myself. Turbos are expensive, plus id need to rebuild. I can swap LS for 5k or less.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

I'll be doing the labor myself. Turbos are expensive, plus id need to rebuild. I can swap LS for 5k or less.

Interested to see a costing on this, with all due respect I'm sceptical of the 5k figure for a running, driving vehicle with OEM functionality.

What adaptor are you using GM transmission to Transfer Case?
What are your plans to make the LS talk to the Toyota instrument cluster, cruise control etc?

 

[Wisco80]

Interested to see a costing on this, with all due respect I'm sceptical of the 5k figure for a running, driving vehicle with OEM functionality.

What adaptor are you using GM transmission to Transfer Case?
What are your plans to make the LS talk to the Toyota instrument cluster, cruise control etc?

5k and under has been done many times before, doable if you're not buying a crate engine.

I'm gonna go marks adapter, probably the biggest cost.
Cluster I'm not sure yet, might retrofit Silverado gauges, or Dakota digital module.
Cruise control has lots of tutorials. I haven't done all the research and planning yet, not sure if I'll attempt the swap this summer or next.

The cost that will probably throw me over 5k is I want a custom built stainless steel exhaust with long tube headers. But I'm not really counting that in my head, it's a fun mod not a must to get it running.

 

[Hornd]

Dude, drop it. That argument is nearly 30 years old and has been proven wrong several times over.

GM aside, LS engines have a proven track record, parts availability is basically "yes", and they have a *massive* aftermarket. Nearly every problem that could affect reliability has already been addressed by the aftermarket, especially if they go with a popular variant. The same holds true with their transmissions.

What about the Million Mile 2UZ Scares you? It's Literally the Best V8 Ever.

 

[Aloha Jen]

IMO, 95+ with OBDII is huge.

Orrrrr….get an OBD1 reader and app to have the same functionality. Got one for my ‘94 and it’s great to see all the codes and gauge readings right on my phone.