Well, I went through with it today. I've been thinking about getting a new wheelin rig to build, and was leaning towards a 96-98 4Runner... Then I started thinking about having to SAS it and everything else... Then I started thinking about what already has a front solid axle, has 4 doors, has leather, and is not a 4cyl... It dawned on me I should get an FZJ80... So, today I picked one up. Its a 94 with the 4.5L I6, auto, factory e-lockers front and rear, center diff lock, TJM front bumper, BFG A/T 33"s and the creature comforts newer cruisers are known for... How bout some pics:
Now, I've decided I cant do any hard wheeling, or even moderate wheeling, until I get sliders, and a good rear bumper with quarter protection. The plan is to keep this one semi nice. Some scratches are to be expected, but not huge dents or aggravated tree encounters, unlike the 87. And for those who are curious, I'm now leaning towards parting out the 87 and leaving nothing but part of a body and a frame... then as time and money allows, turn it into a competition rig... two seats, 1 big motor, 1 transfer, 2 big axles, and 4 big meats.... For the Cruiser, I plan on doing a 6" lift , regear the axles as steep as I can, putting some 37"s on it, and callin it a good general purpose wheelin rig!