Would you get this FZJ80?

[mtnbike28]

My brother has a knack for getting cheap deals, anyway he picked up a 1994 FZJ80 with over 200k miles, a little smoke at start up and he said "beat!"
The front bumper is missing the end caps, the PAS fender is dented and missing the running light, the back seat has a huge burn mark from a boat battery problem....

My brother says it drives straight, no wobbles etc. and I can get it for $1,000 - if not he said he would use it on his property.

I know I can get a nicer one with less miles for ~$5k, but the price point is my interest, I have a great DD already, this would be a toy and to see what all the 80 fuss is about ; )

 

[jfz80]

I would explore the smoke on start up and depending on the conclusion, quite possibly a yes.
rings/valves would be my guess

For a thousand you can alway part which I know would not be the intention but an option...as much as returning to your brother for farm service maybe. The only thing is the accesories and pm are not cheap. I have seen a couple 93/94 built and up to maintenance go for 4500 lately on mud; granted not so close and easily attainable (ie CA, NM, AZ)

Just consider,
lift> 1000
tires>1000 (500 used maybe)
accesories> 1000 winch and bumper, cheap sliders, maybe an aussie (factory lockers???)
PM> ???? 500-1000

your back to five but not necessarily shelling out at once which has its value too. And its built your way.

btw did you change your screen name? just didnt look familiar
and can I have your DC taco? love that truck there Jay and I hate red trucks

 

[mtnbike28]

The smoke....

Thanks Jason,

Yes I bummed when my brother mentioned last night it smoked at start up.... I assumed (dangerous) it was blue and not white because he should know white is bad. I do not want to sink a ton of money into this motor.... so I agree the smoke will be an important item to look at. Reading on mud etc, the smoke from rings or valve seals is not a major deal and seems like most folks don't fix it till there is some other reason to go into the engine.

PS, no the Taco is not going anywhere, it is approaching 200k miles and I am thinking a extra vehicle would be handy when it needs some love...

 

[angerhater]

Do a compression test, to check if its the headgasket....if you get decent numbers....wheel it some and feel the love.....then dave up for your dream rig

 

[mtnbike28]

Guess I will find out....

I am on my way, will see it around noon.

 

[BenMara]

tell ur Bro to come pick up mine! haha JK

 

[mtnbike28]

Thanks for the help, I have decided to pass on this one.