Seriously looking at a '95 LC80, quick questions.

[Brian894x4]

I'm looking at a '95 Land Cruiser 80 series that I very well may buy this weekend. I have a few quick questions.

One is regarding the tow package. This rig does not have it. I have no plans to tow anything, but what I'm wondering is if I'm missing how on anything special that come with the tow package like tranny cooler, or lower gears or anything like that? Things that might come in handy for more than just towing.

Also, there are no factory lockers on this one. But I will want at least one rear locker. I'm thinking an ARB. Any idea how much the LC80 ARBs are going for these days? No biggie on this one, I can just shop around.

I see that Sleeoffroad offers a kit to make it a part time 2WD drive. Will this work on a '95 and does it improve gas mileage at all? I seem to get conflicting opinions on this one.

The other question is, is there any kind of detailed specification/option list for a 1995 on the web that anyone can point me too. Something like you'd see in a Toyota brochure, not just the basis stuff you get on all the car sites.

I've done a lot of reading up and I think I have a good idea of what to look for, but any last minute pointers would be really appreciated. This one has pretty low miles. Well under 100K.

I hope it works out! This could my new expedition rig.

[locrwln]

I'm looking at a '95 Land Cruiser 80 series that I very well may buy this weekend. I have a few quick questions.

One is regarding the tow package. This rig does not have it. I have no plans to tow anything, but what I'm wondering is if I'm missing how on anything special that come with the tow package like tranny cooler, or lower gears or anything like that? Things that might come in handy for more than just towing.

Also, there are no factory lockers on this one. But I will want at least one rear locker. I'm thinking an ARB. Any idea how much the LC80 ARBs are going for these days? No biggie on this one, I can just shop around.

I see that Sleeoffroad offers a kit to make it a part time 2WD drive. Will this work on a '95 and does it improve gas mileage at all? I seem to get conflicting opinions on this one.

The other question is, is there any kind of detailed specification/option list for a 1995 on the web that anyone can point me too. Something like you'd see in a Toyota brochure, not just the basis stuff you get on all the car sites.

I've done a lot of reading up and I think I have a good idea of what to look for, but any last minute pointers would be really appreciated. This one has pretty low miles. Well under 100K.

I hope it works out! This could my new expedition rig.

All of the FZJ80's that came to the US came with the Tow package. The only difference is the additional tranny cooler, which they all have. The tow hitch was a port installed option. So no you are not "losing" or doing without anything.

Not sure on the prices, haven't bought an ARB for a couple of years, so I don't know what they've made it up to.

The problem with the 2wd conversion is that you loose your ABS and no one on the Mud board saw any real increase of mileage. Most agree, not worth it for the price of the conversion. Pretty much will never recover your investment. Unless it's a trail rig only, then maybe...

I was like you at first, I wanted a part time system, but after having mine for a year, I've grown to like the full-time system. When you are out exploring, you don't have to think about it, just drive, the same for snow.

I don't know of any specific options list other than what I've gathered on the Mud board. The only options were: Lockers, leather seats, running boards, roof rack, third row seats and tow hitch. All of the comfort options, were already installed. All of the 80's that came to the US were considered a luxury vehicle, so all of them were "fully" loaded.

Good luck, hopes it works out and if you do pull the trigger, POST pictures.:jump:

Jack

[Desertdude]

some info HERE (http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm)on the differences between years

I think I paid somewhere around 800 for the ARB per - plus extras

also George has some good info HERE (http://george4wd.taskled.com/)

and the 80'scool site (http://www.lcool.org/)

[Brian894x4]

Well, I looked at it today and I have some questions for you guys that have owned these things.

The good:

2nd owner, locally owned, not a single modification. Purchased by lady originally, then sold to family who owns it now and has literally used it as a soccer mom car for the last 4 years. They just purchased an Acura MDX which is why they are selling.

Very low miles. About 80K.

Overall condition seems to be good. No rust anywhere.

Brand new BFG All terrains.

The questionable:

The brakes have been done since 2003, but not sure when. However, the pedal feels like it has a lot of travel before the brakes really start to engage. Is this normal for a Land Cruiser? I've heard LCs have weird brakes.

The front axle wiper seals look pretty good. No major leaks, but I did notice some gunk on the front sway bar. Could be from oil changes or related to the other problem, which was a small amount of fresh oil in between the engine and tranny. Not enough to drip, though. I'm wondering if that's an indication of a main seal problem or if maybe it's more likely the rear of the valve cover.
The owners says that nothing has been done to the vehicle mechanically, except oil changes, tune ups and a brake job.

The interior was in OK conditions, but unfortunately, the leather was all pretty badly cracked on all seats. Not ripped anywhere, but definately not just creased. Is this pretty common on LCs?

I can't think of any other issues that stood out to me and I looked it over pretty good. I'm thinking of offering $10K. They're asking more and it hasn't been for sale very long at all. I'm not desperate. I'm basically looking for a good deal and a rig to convert to a semi-stock expedition rig to replace my truck. Any thoughts?

[Desertdude]

80 K is still brand new-ish for a '95.

Brakes on an 80 are just weak. I installed SS lines and slotted rotors - my next thing since my rotors have worn a bit will be 100 series pads - all of these things help a bit.

the gunk is pretty typical, I have a bunch under mine like it was sprayed on for rust protection during shipping.

Leather takes a lot of care during its lifetime.

I say, if you like it, and have a good feeling about the purchase, it doesn't matter too much about + or - a thousand

enjoy that purchase :iagree:

[shahram]

I don't know what the market is like in Oregon, but here in SoCal there are lots of used 80s, some reasonably priced, others less so. I waited until I found one with lockers, and I'm glad I did. It might save you some money to wait for one that's locked, because it so rarely means anything to the price of the vehicle. Most owners don't even know what it does or why it's there.

I think you've made the right choice in terms of years, as '95-'97 seem the optimal years (in my opinion), with the combination of the FZFE engine, ABS, dual airbags, and possibly lockers. They differ very little in price from the preceding model years on the used market, mostly because buyers aren't aware of the differences.

If you're really not in a hurry, I'd wait for those OEM lockers.

[Brian894x4]

Quick question...since you got an ARB bumper on a '96, will any Land Cruiser 80 series ARB bumper fit or are there differences in the '95 and later versions due to the airbag. And how does it work with an airbag equipped rig?

Well, I made an offer of $11,000. I know that might be a little high, but the low mileage and super clean local history counts a lot for me. Not a spec of rust anywhere, except on the front calipers which I thought was a bit odd, but it's really in good shape as far as I can tell. I've crawled all over, under and inside it. They even had the original window sticker. I think it was around $48,000, if I recall correctly. And it does list "tow package" on there.

I've been in the market off and on for the better part of two years, so ya, they're hard to find up here. Especially with low miles, good condition and not some fatal flaw like 6 million previous owners, or trucks from back east that were auto auctioned off and stuff like that. Seen lots of those. Mostly I've seen super high miles, like 160-260K miles. That's just too much for a vehicle I'll probably keep for the better part of 10 years.

I was actually looking for a '93-94 model to get the bigger tranny (I know that's probably no big deal) and I don't really like how the cats hang down on this '95, but I can live with it. I didn't really want airbags, but if I ever into an accident, I'll probably be happy to have them. I do like the later version of the dash layout a lot better than the earlier models.

I'll probably have it in my hot little hands on Monday. Unfortunately, there isn't enough room for two 4x4s in our house, so the truck will have to go. I'll miss that rig. So many memories. But I really just can't justify keeping it, paying the insurance on it and I really have no safe place to park it, since LC will end up living in the garage once mods start.

[calamaridog]

Brian,

I hope your new truck works out for you. It sounds like a nice find. Normal people have to choose which toys to keep, so don't feel too bad.

[Brian894x4]

Thanks. I think it will, but I plan to test it out for a month or two before making a final decision to replace my truck with it. Once my choice is confirmed, up for sale she goes. If for some unforseen reason, I don't like the LC, I'll have no trouble getting my money back out of it. But I'm pretty sure this is exactly the rig I've been looking for all these years.

:safari-rig:

[esh]

This sounds like a lot better fit than your pickup.

Think of all the electronics crap you can stuff into it! :D

You should give Tim a call- he hasn't been out much since having the baby but he knows 80s, or Mark at metaltech4x4.com.

And I'm guessing you've read up on mud?

It sounds like you're set on this particular truck, but another possible way to go on this would be a cheap '91-92 FJ w/high mileage, swap in a 4bt and the rear locker, and do all the maintenance it would need in the axles. 400+ mile range out of the gates for around the price of a nice FZJ is pretty attractive. Andre has a 4bt swap forum up now.

[Jenny Cruiser]

Good luck on your LC. I had an unlocked 95, then two locked 93s and now a locked 94. I like the 93/94s better. My 94 has an ARB winch Bullbar on it, but I have no idea if there's a difference for 95-97. I doubt it. My next/last cruiser will be a Supercharged 97 LX450. :jump:

[Life_in_4Lo]

The questionable:

The brakes have been done since 2003, but not sure when. However, the pedal feels like it has a lot of travel before the brakes really start to engage. Is this normal for a Land Cruiser? I've heard LCs have weird brakes.

No major leaks, but I did notice some gunk on the front sway bar. Could be from oil changes or related to the other problem, which was a small amount of fresh oil in between the engine and tranny. Not enough to drip, though. I'm wondering if that's an indication of a main seal problem or if maybe it's more likely the rear of the valve cover.
The owners says that nothing has been done to the vehicle mechanically, except oil changes, tune ups and a brake job.

The interior was in OK conditions, but unfortunately, the leather was all pretty badly cracked on all seats. Not ripped anywhere, but definately not just creased. Is this pretty common on LCs?



1. Brakes- they should engage pretty quickly. I think a fluid flush/new pads and see what it does. Take a look at the MC to see if any leaks appear

2. Oil on the swaybar is common, as oil changes the drippings build up there.

3. Leaking valve cover gasket, you will see at the gasket and also under teh truck as it drips down the back of the engine, onto the bellhousing and down/back

4. check for oil buildup at the front of the engine- you can reach up and feel the little skidplate that covers the fan/belts. If there is oil there, good chance of the oil pump leaking. gasket, diy writeup on ih8mud

5. There is a square head bolt on the front axles at the birfs- you can unscrew and stick a ziptie in there to see the grease level in the front birfields.

6. Land Cruiser leather is a lower grade than the Lexus. both crack and split and is pretty common.
Look in the ih8mud classifieds, a guy named Atlasxxx sells replacements-around $600 for front 2 rows, which is a good deal.

7. Order all OEM parts from cruiserdan on Mud. He will look out for you as well as good prices. For example, when I replaced the valve cover gasket, he recommended I do the plug gaskets as well--good thing I did! That alone saved me another day taking it apart when those went south.
Anyway, a huge resource you should take advantage of.

Good luck!

[Brian894x4]

This sounds like a lot better fit than your pickup.

Think of all the electronics crap you can stuff into it! :D

You should give Tim a call- he hasn't been out much since having the baby but he knows 80s, or Mark at metaltech4x4.com.

And I'm guessing you've read up on mud?

It sounds like you're set on this particular truck, but another possible way to go on this would be a cheap '91-92 FJ w/high mileage, swap in a 4bt and the rear locker, and do all the maintenance it would need in the axles. 400+ mile range out of the gates for around the price of a nice FZJ is pretty attractive. Andre has a 4bt swap forum up now.

Hey Ken! Great to see you here. I haven't spoken to Tim in quite a while. I emailed him a while back, but never got a response, so I assumed he moved back to the East Coast, since last I heard that was the plan. I had no idea that they had a baby. Congrats to them!

:clapsmile

I think the LC will be a better fit. I'm pretty excited about starting the build. Although it will fairly mild when I'm done.

Mud has been really invaluable. I've been all over the site and I still have MANY threads to go over. I'm learning new stuff everyday.

[Scott Brady]

Congrats Brian! I cant wait to see the progress

[toyrunner95]

hey so what can you sell of your old truck that will help a new explorer?:jump:

[Brian894x4]

Thanks all for the kind words and info. I pick it up tomorrow and sometime thereafter I'll start up a new build up thread.

Here's my plan. Subject to change of course. Let me know what you all think.

1) Of course, remove running boards. (sliders eventually, but that will be down on the list). Likely remove fender flares and either patch holes or put on something thinner variations that I've seen on other rigs. Any suggestions?

2) Stock suspension hieght, however springs changed as needed to compensate for weight. I have no intention to lift this rig at all. 33" will the be largest tire I plan to run and they apparently will fit without lift, so that's what I'm going to do.

3) 33" Goodyear MTRs. If I can fit my truck's brand new 15x8 wheels with 33x12.5-15 MTRs through wheel spacers or grinding, I'll try that. Otherwise, they'll go up for sale and I'll be up a set of 16" steelies and brand new 33" MTRs to fit 'em.

4) ARB winch bullbar. (If anyone knows a good deal on a new or used one, please let me know). Of course front and rear off road lights.

5) Warn 9000-9500lb winch. I know some suggest going larger, but I don't plan to winch often and I want to keep weight as reasonable as possible.

6) dd a dual battery system like my truck has, although simplier for reliability.

7) Rear bumper stock for now, with plans to add something custom later for rear protection. I don't intend to have a spare tire carrier I don't think.

8) I guess there's a mod to tuck up the spare tire. Does anyone know if a 33" spare will fit under an LC like it does under my pick-up?

9)Sliders. Possibly homemade custom to keep cost down.

10) Roofrack. Haven't decided how to pursue this. I already have a roofrack on the truck and I will likely inititally transfer this over, but I like the full size low profile type racks and I may eventually go with one of those. I've also considered that I want to keep the rig low profile, so I might forgo the roofrack.

11) Rooftop tent. I REALLY l like these from what I've seen, although I've never used one. This "may" be a future option, although I don't really want to add the weight and the profile. I also might see how viable it is to sleep inside the cab. We'll see.

12) No snorkle. I don't do serious watercrossings, they're spendy and again, I want to keep the rig semi-low profile. However, I will add diff breathers just to be safe.

13) Rear ARB locker. This rig doesn't have the factory lockers, which is a bummer, but something I can definately live with considering everything else about it. Eventually the rear will be fitted with at least an ARB. I may possibly go all out and fit the front and rear with ARBs and upgrade the gears. That's gonna be a spendy, spendy proposition, but if I'm going to going up one diff anyway......we'll see.

14) I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the interior. Of course, Ham radios, laptop mount and GPS all have to be mounted inside somehow. Extra gauges will likely be kept to a minimum with one showing the aux. battery voltage.

15) One idea I had was to remove one of the split rear seats, since I don't really anticipate carrying more than 2 other people and in that spot, mount my cooler and if there's room a storage box and some other stuff, which would leave a lot of room in the back to carry other gear.

16) I don't really want to do a drawer system, because I'd like to keep the rig versital if I have to move or transport large items. I'll probably just carry most of my gear in removable boxes. But I'm sure this will evolve over time, since I can never keep my hands of building something, which means...I'll probably under up with drawers.

17) I've got a complicated water system in the pick-up, but I'll likely just go back to water containers for simplicity.

18) The theme of this build up is going to be simplicity for reliability and durability and keeping weight down. And also fairly low profile since it will be parked alot out in the woods while I hike down trails and explore on foot. I know with 33s and an ARB bumper, that sort of defeats that purpose, but the less it sticks out the better.

Any other suggestions or thoughts are more than welcome.

[Life_in_4Lo]

-You might look at the OME 'low lift' springs for upgraded weight carrying but not lifting the truck.

- I think you should leave the running boards on there for now, considering your setup. I felt that they were actually very useful on the 80. They are also pretty solid for running boards. People say the 80 is low, but it is really quite good in stock form. I like the running boards

-TJM might be a better front bumper option for you. Lighter weight and cheaper, looks really good too.

-Might want to post a WTB front bumper ad on Mud, people are selling old stuff to get the new Slee front bumper.

-33" will fit in spare location. I ran 285/75-16 MTR under there until I got my rear bumper.

-rear seats come out w/ a few bolts. it increases your interior usefulness by a HUGE margin. For some reason, I can't pull them out permanently...I kinda like them in there but I have unbolted them for trips and the extra room is great.

- I like 16" stock oem's or black alloys. Lighter weight, and no modifications necessary. wheeler's offroad has a nice black alloy that is cheap and looks great- kinda like a steelie look.

[Brian894x4]

Thanks for the tips. I'll take a look at the TJM. I really do like the look of the ARB bumpers. Especially the Land Cruiser versions. I posted a wanted ad on Mud, but so far, no sellers.

I'm sure the running boards are well made, but I really like the look of a slimmed down 80, minus the running boards and even the fender flares. At least the wide flender flares. We'll see.

285/75R-16 MTR....hmmmmmmm 33" x about 11". I kind of like that tire size. Maybe I should think about just selling my 33x12.5-15s on 15x8 rims and going with another brand new set of tires?

Those are Load Range D. Is that what I need for the Cruiser, or will a softer or heavier Load range be better?

[Life_in_4Lo]

IMO, I would just get new tires for the stock alloy 16" wheels. The LC alloys are hard to come by cheap so if you have them, might as well enjoy them! hehe

The D load 285's work great for me. You can run 305's (same diameter, but wider) but maybe an issue w/ your application of 'no-lift'. anyway, I think 285's look great and they do the job.

I like the TJM w/o hoops. It looks really clean and very "stock". I almost got that bumper.

[Brian894x4]

IMO, I would just get new tires for the stock alloy 16" wheels. The LC alloys are hard to come by cheap so if you have them, might as well enjoy them! hehe

The D load 285's work great for me. You can run 305's (same diameter, but wider) but maybe an issue w/ your application of 'no-lift'. anyway, I think 285's look great and they do the job.

I like the TJM w/o hoops. It looks really clean and very "stock". I almost got that bumper.

The LC alloys are definately nice looking wheels, but I just love black wheels. Ever since I put them on my truck, I don't know why. I think it's the simple utilitarian look that I like so much.

Something like what Scott recently got for this Taco would be great, but I think those might be a bit spendy.

My favorite over all set ups are the moderately stock utilitarian rigs overseas that use stock suspension, steel rims and then some kind of bull bar.

By the way, does anyone know where people are getting those "thin" fenderflares that they put on to replace the stock ones?

[Brian894x4]

IMO, I would just get new tires for the stock alloy 16" wheels. The LC alloys are hard to come by cheap so if you have them, might as well enjoy them! hehe

The D load 285's work great for me. You can run 305's (same diameter, but wider) but maybe an issue w/ your application of 'no-lift'. anyway, I think 285's look great and they do the job.

I like the TJM w/o hoops. It looks really clean and very "stock". I almost got that bumper.

The LC alloys are definately nice looking wheels, but I just love black wheels. Ever since I put them on my truck, I don't know why. I think it's the simple utilitarian look that I like so much.

Something like what Scott recently got for this Taco would be great, but I think those might be a bit spendy.

My favorite over all set ups are the moderately stock utilitarian rigs overseas that use stock suspension, steel rims and then some kind of bull bar.

BTW, does anyone make a thinner 80 series fender flare that can replace the stock one that sticks out so much?

[Life_in_4Lo]

you can always paint or powdercoat the stock alloys black. That will still be cheaper and better performing than steel wheels.

the 1990-91 Land Cruiser fender flares are narrower and don't stick out as much.

[Mike S]

I don't know of any specific options list other than what I've gathered on the Mud board. The only options were: Lockers, leather seats, running boards, roof rack, third row seats and tow hitch. All of the comfort options, were already installed. All of the 80's that came to the US were considered a luxury vehicle, so all of them were "fully" loaded.

Jack - you're forgetting about the 'Gold Package' for the soccer moms!

I have been used to both part time and full time AWD or 4WD. I like the AWD set up on the 80. The manual CDL switch install is pretty simple and a good idea, IMO.

edit: On the subject of MTRs. This is a very good off-raod tire, I ran them on my FJ60 for quite a while. The 60 is lighter and less sound proof than an 80, but here's what I found with the MTRs on my 60...

1. They are noisy.

2. They are hard to keep balanced (I was running 31 X 10.50 on stock rims)

3. They hold up pretty well on pavement for an all-out OR tire.

4. The have very tough sidewalls - I liked that

5. The are good in the mud, rocks, snow.

M