In this video I go over key differences in the 80 Series Land Cruiser and what you should look out for when buying one. I also tell you which 80 series is the best for you and the best one to buy.
This is a detailed buyer’s Guide to the 1991 - 1997 FJ80 FZJ80 and the LX450.
This info was take from different forums and different online guides to take a deeper look into the subject I suggest looking at this article by Slee Offroad
sleeoffroad.com/tech-zone/80-series-newbie-guide/
Here is a quick overview
US models
The first model of the 80 Series imported to the US was the 1991 model. This model was sold until 1992. 1993 saw the introduction of the new 4.5 L motor. In 1995, the dash was updated to include airbags and this model ran until 1997, which was the last year of the 80 Series. Below is a list of major specifications and changes that were made.
FJ80 1991-1992
First major wagon body re-design since the 1980 introduction of the 60
series.
3FE 4.0L engine and A440F automatic transmission held over from the 62 series wagons.
Introduction of full time, four wheel drive system.
Introduction of all coil suspension for the wagons.
15″ x 7″ alloy wheels standard and unique to ’91-92 but the same as SR5 mini-truck wheels
front disk / rear drum brakes with FF front and SF rear axles
third row seats available for the first time
no airbags available
no ABS brake system available
no factory lockers available
FZJ80 1993-1994
Introduction of 16″ wheels.
Rear axle changes to full floater with disk brakes when equipped with ABS
Also gets viscous coupling HF2AV transfer case versus
non-viscous HF2A transfer case for drum braked 80’s (and fj80’s)
Introduction of 4.5l 24 valve motor.
Front and Rear factory lockers become an option.
Automatic transmission - Electronic Controlled A442Fwith mechanical lockup converter
Somewhere in 1993 the AC system changed from R12 to R134. With the R12 systems the dryer unit was in front of the battery and with the R134 it moved to behind the bumper. Might have been in 1993
The thickness of the drive plates on the front hubs were increased after April 1994 (build date). The new drive flange number is 43421-60040 and the old one is 43421-60022. If you try to install an earlier birfield into a later truck, you will not be able to install the circlip on the end of the axle shaft.
Supercharger systems now available for 1993-1994 models.
Front ABS Lines are routed on the front control arm.
Radiator is a 3 row brass core.
FZJ80 1995-1997
1996 saw the introduction of the Lexus LX450 Model.
Exhaust system changed from side by side catalytic converters to in-line converters. The exhaust also routes below the frame rail just behind the catalytic converters to avoid excessive heat on the passenger floor-boards.
Front grill changed from the word TOYOTA written across the front to the new Toyota symbol.
Headlight mounts are different from 1991-1994 vs. 1995-1997 and will not interchange.
Redesigned dash board with airbags as standard equipment.
Headliner changed to two piece molded units.
Emission system on engine changes. Changed from a Mass Air Pressure meter to a Mass Air Flow meter. Certain plumbing was also removed.
Supercharger & Turbo systems available for 1995-1997 models.
ECU updates and truck became voluntary OBD-II compatible. Fully compatible in 1996 models.
Wheel Lug nuts change from conical to washer type.
Airbags become standard
Automatic transmission changes to the A343F. Some 95’s were produced with the A442F. The transmission type is printed on the label on the driver door.
1997 saw the introduction of the 40th Anniversary editions as well as the Collectors Series.
1997 the rear swaybar brackets that attach the bar to the frame were changed from a plate side that attached to the side of the frame to a bracket style that attached to the bottom of the frame.
ABS wires on the front were moved upward and no longer run down the front control arm.
Radiator is a 2 row aluminum
40th Anniversary Specifications
Two Tone leather seats
Serialized symbol on center console.
40th Anniversary floor mats
40th Anniversary emblems
Black Chrome badging
Available in Sage and Green colors only
Auto climate control
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:43 Why someone would buy an 80 series land cruiser
1:27 What are the year differences between the FJ80 FZJ80 and LX450
1:51 Features that all 80 series land cruisers came with
2:54 FJ80 Key differences and model years
3:10 Why the 3FE engine is so good
4:15 Why the Toyota axles were so well designed
4:30 Biggest tires that fit on an 80 series
4:47 FZJ80 & LX450 Key differences and model years
5:57 Why the 1FZ Engine is so good
6:15 The BIGGEST feature that only came with some FZJ80's and LX450's
6:32 The very best 80 series land cruiser you could buy
7:10 What land cruiser is right for you
9:25 How much should you pay for a land cruiser?
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