What to look for on a used 80 series?

[freeze]

I'm doing a little research but thought I'd tap into some of the cruiser heads on here.

Anything to look out for on an 80 series besides leaks. Any steering pump/res issues? Transmission?

[Winch]

The Japanese imports came with the diesel and I think lockers were optional on all model years. The American (LHD) models had 15" wheels and no optional lockers from 1990 - 1993 and 16" wheels, better brakes and optional lockers from 1993 - 1997. Being that they were all permanent AWD, you should check the birfs by cranking the steering to both sides in 4WD to listen for clicks, etc.

[canadian bum]

Don't know too much about what to look for on the gassers but the JDM ones like Winch said can come with options like front and rear lockers and a factory electric winch. The JDM ones also had a full float rear axle. The Gas pots from North America had a semi float rear.

The big problem with the JDM diesels is the early 1HD-T engines had poor bottom end bearings on the connecting rods. I recommend doing them ASAP with ACL bearings. I have a 1HD-T engine with 163,000km's with the number four connecting rod bearing scattered around in the oil pan. I am rebuilding this engine but that tells you how big of an issue this is.

Also the JDM's cruise did not work above 100km/hr. Other than those few things they are pretty solid vehicles and I would recommend straight piping the exhaust because there are 3 things that collect unburnt fuel and cause smoke out the exhaust that would make someone who didn't know diesel exhaust worry. There is a Cat, muffler and resonator. Get a 3 inch straight pipe exhaust and more power is on the way.

I can also play with the injection pump and boost to get it to move a little better. My friend just bought one and gets about 26MPG.

[freeze]

This one is an american gasser... LX450 though... same as the 80.

Birfs look like they might need a rebuild/repack. I'm noticing a slight whine from either the steering pump or Alt. Second Resonator has been removed possibly causing a check engine light. Everything else has been redone by a Toyota Dealer. It's pretty much all redone. Price might be a tad high but it has everything done to it including RTT/lightforce/ARB/etc...

I'm looking for Meghan as she's bitten by the bug!

[canadian bum]

Gas has poor power. Don't have to worry about exhaust on the gas only the diesel. Also gets a huge 16mpg if your lucky. Can get a super charger for the engine though. Also the LX450 should come with factory lockers but I am not sure if its full foat rear or semi. Might still be semi float. You will have to regear for sure for any bigger tires as the 3FE had a hard time getting out of its own way with stock tires.

[Doc McCoy]

I think the Yankee 80's are semi-float. Not sure if the Lexus equivalent is.

[canadian bum]

Yeah the rear is semi float. I think the LX450 came with a higher horsepower engine then the one I am thinking about.

[uriedog]

I know a guy here in town that super charged his, gave it a bunch more snap.

Many of the ones I have seen/worked on have rusty roofs. E lockers are often rusty in-operable, an easy fix though

[canadian bum]

Is it the same guy I know? its a gold one he bought some parts off of me a little while ago.

[uriedog]

Is it the same guy I know? its a gold one he bought some parts off of me a little while ago.

Carl? Engineer type nice guy.
He got a fender off an LX450 parts truck my buddy had at our shop.

[DINOSORE]

Hey guys! .. new here. I just picked up a nice 97' LX450 out of Arizona. 92 to 94 had semi float axles in the rear. 95 to 97 have full float .. Landcruisers and LX450s.

I had a JDM first (BJ74), but found that I didn't like sourcing the parts out all the time. Not always the case, but it seemed to be that way for a few of the parts I needed. Great truck though! I don't think you can go wrong either way.

If you are going for a US 80 series or LX450, look at the front axle for weeping or leakage at the knuckles (may need a front axle rebuild if there is). Ask the PO if the head gasket has been replaced or not (check the entire cooling system for leaks, stick a scanner on there that reads coolant temp and take it for a spin to see if it runs hot). Look for rust as well. They are a bit underpowered, but the torque in the 1FZ is good. Try to find one in good shape with factory lockers. There are some nice 80's in the US for sale .. importation is a piece of cake. Remember that you will need to add 6% duty to the 5% GST when you bring it back unless it is 15 years old or older. Many of the guys on MUD have over 200,000 miles on their 80's and some have over 300,000 miles on them and still wheel just fine! Good luck!

[canadian bum]

Yup think that is the same guy that I know. His wife drives a nicer newer one I believe.

[RockDoc]

I don't follow the 80 series stuff much, but sounds like the original head gaskets give trouble like dinosore pointed out, and the EGR system can lead to headaches when a little VSV or control box craps out and causes the system to through codes. The 80s are supposed to be the cat's meow as far as capabilities though...

I believe if you look in the 80s FAQ section on mud, there should be a buyers checklist for inspecting a possible purchase.

*edit* here it is: http://forum.ih8mud.com/1012335-post3.html

[freeze]

Right on! Great information or sure. Thank you we'll see how it goes.

[Kroll]

I've gained much respect for these "mall-looking-cruisers".
There are some rare 81 series cruisers that have the manual locking hubs and the H55F transmission. They are more touchy on the throttle though. But those are as rare as a clean BJ60 on salty Canadian roads.