hobby10k

New to the forum. I have read some threads, and done some research.

I've been planning on buying a offroad rig for some time now. I've kicked around the idea of various rigs and think I've narrowed it down to a fj80 cruiser. The other ones I was interested in was a wrangler, a 4runner , and a samurai. This rig is going to be my trail rig, exploring rig, hunting rig, camping rig, and also want to take it on long trips and not worry about it. thats why I chose the fj80.

from what I have read the 1993-1997 Fj80 is the best one to get.

I have a couple questions regarding the 93-97.

Is there a particular year out of that year range that is better?

I know that some have lockers and some do not. How can you tell if it has locking diffs or not? Does the diff lock switch indicate that it has locking front rear diffs or does the switch only indicate a center diff lock?

and what are common problems that I can look closer at when I'm out looking for a j80.

What is different, better or worse of the lx450 vs the j80

thanks for your help.

hobby10k

Oh also, which company has the best and most aftermarket parts for this rig? thanks

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

Good choice. Possibly one of the most capable and rock solid off-road vehicles to ever be produced. Ih8mud will be your best resource for cruiser info. Though the newest is always better I hear the 94 is a desirable year because it has old and new stuff from when they did the mid model upgrade to the fzj80 vs fj80. You can read on specifics but old stuff is the trans for example and new upgrades are things like brakes and axle upgrades etc.

All are full-time 4wd/AWD. Center diff lock is for the middle/tcase to get 50:50 locked f/r power. Not all have elockers, but that's ok because air lockers can be better for some people. Both Lexus and Cruiser models are essentially the exact same vehicle except for trim packages - for 80,100 and 200 series. All kinds of parts out there - popular suspension is likely old man emu, since globally respected as an ARB product. In the USA there are tons of places for cruiser parts.

I plan to get myself an 80 someday especially since most now have over 200k and are cheap - but still very reliable. I only know of pesky heater hose being an issue as well as head gasket I believe, do both during PM and you're golden.

Coolest thing about 80 I learned about recently - aqualu and red-something is making a 4-door 40-series body that mounts right up on the 80 chassis....

hobby10k

Thanks for the response, and thanks for the input.

How will I tell if it has the E-lockers or not? is the single turn switch fort the e-lockers? so if it does not have the locker turn switch then it does not have the e-lockers?

hobby10k

I can look at the rear ends once I am there and see, however the ones that I see for sale online all they do is list that is has a locker, and some show the picture of the turn dial.

I'm trying to save some time before I go look at the rig so I can determine if it has the e-lockers by the interior pictures. Most of the rigs for sale are between 1.2-2 hours away from me not its not easy for me to drop by and check them out.

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

Diff locker switches/dials are left of steering column. Not everyone gets a good pic to see and many aren't knowledgeable with what they own and don't list it. Also, consider those who do know and will demand a premium for this feature.

Seebolt

I'm not sure if you have purchased one yet but I have been searching for awhile and done a lot of research. The purchasing guide is a good place to start on these. It is on slee offroad. The biggest thing about these is that all preventative maintenance has been done.