I've been looking into possibly getting a 80 series Landcruiser to haul everyone around in.

I would like to get something that can be modified somewhat easily and have a decent aftermarket following.

I've been taking quick peeks here and there and it seems that allot of companies outside the states offer plenty for these Cruisers, but not much here in the states.

What are good years to look for? I read that in '93 they had optional electric lockers and in '96 they added ABS and Airbags.

I'm still looking into what they came with and all the other wondeful deatils, so any help with standard features and optional features would be great.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

I think the 93 had a better tranny. Slee offers tons of aftermarket parts. From what I have seen they wheel like hell, just protect the long overhang in the rear. They tend to be hard on brakes and gas IF you drive them hard. They are a heavy truck. Diesel ones are even nicer!!!

 

these were very helpful in my decision on what vintage to get:

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

http://www.brian894x4.com/Expedition...rFZJ80FAQ.html

i picked up a mildly built 97 from bellingham. (thanks nate!) the links above pretty much sums up the differences between the years.

theres tons of aftermarket support. just check on ih8mud.com for more info. they are a heavy truck, and they will suck back the gas. but hey...at almost 4 bucks a gallon..cant be that bad right?

 

Unless you're concerned with fuel mileage you won't go wrong picking up an 80. If you want to keep up with traffic avoid the '91 & '92 model years as they have the 155hp 3FE, '93 - '97 has the 212hp 1FZ-FE. '93+ offered the lockers as an option. IMHO don't look specifically for a locked truck, the elocker is fine but ARB's especially in the front are better buy. For the most part any '93+ will treat you right. Bear in mind built these rigs tip the scales at over 6k lbs so when get stuck it's a beached whale. Good luck.


MUD 80 FAQ

 

Thanks for those above links! Very informative. I am in the process of potentially trading my 1991 Lexus LS400 for a 1991-92 Toyota Land Cruiser and still learning about them.


I have found two 1991s - one has 236K and one has 202K. Both are quite nice.

 

Go to http://www.ih8mud.com and read some of the forums and you can find the info you need.

 

In my opinion the only downside to an FZJ 80 (1993+) is the fuel economy. You can't legally obtain a factory diesel 80 series in the states. That to me would be the perfect family offroader. If you are looking , ih8mud is a great resource. Look for one with a new head gasket.

 

Look for a 93-97 with plenty of maintenance records. Pesky heater hose (PHH), HG, and front axle service are issues that often need to be addressed.

 

Well it's a great MommyMissile ! I have a '94 FZJ80 and it has both lockers AND ABS. We just added a 9th seat up front so we can fit baby #7 and then... well, if my record keeps going we can add another kiddo by altering the back row into side facing seats... but honestly? That's more or less a sardine can to me.

Im partial to my '94 either way