'96 FZJ 80-worth it?
Feb 6, 2005 | 01:48 AM
#22
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV
Front end is due for a major service (very expensive). I drove one recently, a 96, with 120,000 mi. and it was clean and tight mechanically, but interior was beat. None of the mechanical problems you described. They wanted $13,000.
If you want all the 411 on 80's, check the 80 forum at www.ih8mud.com
If you want all the 411 on 80's, check the 80 forum at www.ih8mud.com
Feb 7, 2005 | 03:32 PM
#23
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by calamaridog
Front end is due for a major service (very expensive). I drove one recently, a 96, with 120,000 mi. and it was clean and tight mechanically, but interior was beat. None of the mechanical problems you described. They wanted $13,000.
If you want all the 411 on 80's, check the 80 forum at www.ih8mud.com
If you want all the 411 on 80's, check the 80 forum at www.ih8mud.com
I can do a complete front axle rebuild in two hours... don't be afraid of that... it's not that hard.
Feb 7, 2005 | 03:35 PM
#24
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by NOMIS
I'm fairly new to this forum so I don't want to call anybody out - so don't get me wrong. But on my '96, the aftermarket belts were of the wrong type - cogged. Replacing the belts with the factory non-cogged replacement eliminated the quasi-supercharger whine for me.
99% of the time, it has NOTHING to do w/ the belts... sounds like you had a unique case...
And I have a " supercharger " whine too... oh... wait... it's b/c I have a S/C!
Oh... my 80 has 205k on it now, and it's going strong.
<-------------------------------and it wheels like no other.
Feb 7, 2005 | 04:12 PM
#25
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,399
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From: Southern California
Originally Posted by NOMIS
I'm fairly new to this forum so I don't want to call anybody out - so don't get me wrong. But on my '96, the aftermarket belts were of the wrong type - cogged. Replacing the belts with the factory non-cogged replacement eliminated the quasi-supercharger whine for me. Oh, and mine leaks a little oil as well - the Moblil 1 full synthetic I use exacerbates the problem - but not enough to negate the benefits. The trucks are built extremely well - if yours is replete with factory lockers, you'll be able to outwheel 99% of the vehicles out there. Good luck with your decision. Just for a price point comparison I picked up my 96' LX450 in 2003, in excellent condition with 75K on the clock, sans lockers for 19K out the door - Benz dealer was originally asking 21K pre-tax.
Feb 7, 2005 | 06:41 PM
#26
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by WolfpackTLC
I can do a complete front axle rebuild in two hours... don't be afraid of that... it's not that hard.
If he has to go to a dealer for the rebuild, it will be extremely expensive, because it will take THEM all day.
Feb 7, 2005 | 08:36 PM
#28
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by blupaddler
Wolf...
Can you come over and help me do my birf's in 3 hours then? Allowing an extra hour for me to learn
Can you come over and help me do my birf's in 3 hours then? Allowing an extra hour for me to learn
LOL, somehow I don't think he's coming over. He's on the "other" coast.
Feb 7, 2005 | 08:47 PM
#30
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 380
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From: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV
Usefull links for axle rebuild, gives you some idea of what is involved. One comment was "4 hours per side" from someone who was new to the procedure:
http://george4wd.taskled.com/birfield.html
http://www.birfield.com/~morgan//tech/axle/index.html
http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/...ck/repack.html
Have fun. If you're in San Diego and are planning this project, let me know cause I'd love to watch/help if I'm not working.
http://george4wd.taskled.com/birfield.html
http://www.birfield.com/~morgan//tech/axle/index.html
http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/...ck/repack.html
Have fun. If you're in San Diego and are planning this project, let me know cause I'd love to watch/help if I'm not working.
Feb 8, 2005 | 11:00 AM
#33
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,918
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From: Da Gorge, Oregon
Check the head gasket for leaks, especially in the area around #6. My last '96 FJ, a well-maintained mall cruiser from Carlsbad, leaked enough coolant to blow big time because soccer-mom never noticed the problem. It required a factory new engine, but luckily had the extended warranty so the $5,000 repair was covered. The dealer told me that a random number had the problem regardless of maintenance history, usually between the 80K and 120K mark if they're going to let go. It never developed into a recall, so you're on your own. Buyer beware.
Feb 26, 2005 | 08:02 PM
#36
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Cuyamaca CA and N. Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by vi3tdragun4o5
I just bought a 96' FJ80 for $11 grand. It has 112K on it, is it a good deal???
Does it have lockers and maintenance records/clean inspection? Then I'd say great deal...
If it is unlocked and leaking oil all over your driveway, then I'd say no.
Have any plans with it?
Feb 27, 2005 | 09:26 AM
#40
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Camas, WA USA
No CV's, it uses Birfields. Plan about $1000 or more at the dealer for a complete birf service, or ~$300 and a good 1-2days of messy but relatively simple work. It should be done every ~90k, though some have gone much longer without doing it. If it clicks when turning you are probably too late and will need a new birf.
