What's a FJ80/FZJ80 like in RWD?

[AussieHJCruza]

They drive like a patrol with a part time kit, that may be a positive or negative depending on what you like. I don't like it.

 

[80t0ylc]

Curious for those who have done the part-time mod, one way or another, how these handle in RWD. Most seem to like it, but some say they don't like it.

Not sure if there's something about the dynamics of the chassis that isn't meant for RWD, or if there's no such thing.

Thank you all for your replies!



I am. We have two rigs and would most likely want to get down to just one. If we keep the FJ80, it has driveline vibration issues and it'd be nice to sort those.

Either way, it's nice to keep wear off the birfields. I've also found RWD to typically be competent enough in the snow. Nice to have the option to put it in 4WD, but AWD all the time feels a bit overkill.

Just an awful lot of miles with slightly less MPG and more wear to deal with. Ended up with a dry spindle bushing, but probably wouldn't have if I kept regreasing the knuckles (or rebuilt them) or if I had a part time kit. The steering does feel a bit heavy. I could see it being more enjoyable to drive in RWD, not even doing burnouts.

Well, you got your replies from people that have done the part-time conversion and other opinions from experienced Land Cruiser owners. Over the years I’ve been wheelin’ (50+), I’ve owned plenty of part-time rigs. My 80 is the only full-time 4WD rig and I must confess that it is the most enjoyable all around vehicle that I’ve ever owned and driven. It sounds like you have some good mechanical reasons to consider part time, but unless it’s your only option, I would strive to keep it like it is. Plus, speaking of overkill, the whole vehicle is overkill. And that is part of the 80’s allure, IMHO.