Why the 91 92 FJ80 is the Best Bang for Buck 80 Series

Рет қаралды 31,476

Жыл бұрын

With the prices of 80 Series Toyota Land Cruisers ever increasing, one model is still within reach for many, the 91-92 FJ80. Yes, its slow but the FJ80 will provide you with many fun and exciting adventures and take you everywhere a more expensive FZJ80 can.
Here is the more detailed differences broken down by year: sleeoffroad.com/tech-zone/80-...

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@Yotaadventures Жыл бұрын

Glad I got my 94 3x locked FZJ before people ever found out about them. Glad to see they’re on the come up!

@brimbotungus8507 Жыл бұрын

Lucky! I paid 9k for my 94 FZJ (without locker upgrade)

@skeleguns10oooooo10 4 ай бұрын

The engines you showed are the ones offered in the US. A Diesel version was offered overseas

@Matt_Hansen Жыл бұрын

Your right, most people that are not landcruiser nerds do not realize that there is a difference between the model years. The 80 series market is pretty tricky as values tend to be all over the map due to the hype, condition, oversees imports, and aftermarket modifications. Combine that with really beat up wheelers and rust buckets going for dirt cheap and Bring a trailer collector condition trucks going for north of $100k this can cause a lot of confusion for both buyers and sellers of 80s. Maybe its different in your location but around me (west coast/ PNW) prices for similar condition trucks at the lower end of the market seem to be comparable between FJ80s and non-locked FZJ80s. With that in mind, if I'm looking for a good deal out here I would argue the best bang for your buck 80 series is 95-97 OBD2 non-locked. Skip the "triple locked tax" you can add lockers later. With OBD2, the MAF can compensate for forced induction if more power is desired/ required. It should also be mentioned that anyone looking to buy an 80 series should understand that these things are 25-30 years old and they will most likely require a bunch of maintenance/ repairs regardless of model chosen. Your best bet before buying an 80 series is find a land cruiser nerd/ specialist that can help you know what to look for.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Yes, location is tricky. Here in the mid atlantic, just checking FB Marketplace it seems that an FJ80 with a clean title that can be driven away is hovering around 5-8k depending on condition whereas FZJ80s are floating around 8-12k. Both groups certainly have their outliers but the FJ80s here are consistently cheaper. I definitely agree that these trucks are only getting older and bringing someone along you trust to check it out for a second opinion is important. That's actually how I picked this up as the work to get this fixed and reliable was way over their head and I was able to purchase it instead.

@Kristian_Saile Жыл бұрын

I have had 4 Land cruisers as well as an FJC. I owned a ‘92 FJ80 for 20 years. It was a great rig. You are spot in about weight… if you don’t pile the crap on it and keep it simple the power is fine. I had 33’s, OME lift, winch, roof basket, built out interior single berth in the back, and fully loaded on multiple month trips the only frustration was freeway speeds in either high winds or in the Colorado mountains where 45mph was all it could muster. The 3FE has great torque characteristics for off-road driving and it’s an under stressed durable unit. The articulation is good enough that with a good set of tires you can get through more technical terrain than most would assume. My biggest issue with it honestly was brakes, the FZJ has considerably better brakes. Range sucks too so I always had to run Jerry cans for range. But overs it’s a great value and bridge between the old age of simple/utilitarian Land Cruiser design and modern ride quality and comfort. Add some ARB’s if you need lockers and it will still be way index a triple locked cruiser and arguably better.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

The only modification I have is 33" BFG K02s. I do agree about the brakes being a little undersized. A brake upgrade video is probably due in the near future.

@parkerprutzman4201 Жыл бұрын

I have 91 FJ80 in Upstate NY, a rust free Texas car. I never drive it in the winter. I agree with your presentation. The 3FE is more primitive motor, but robust. Cast head and cast block, timing gear, no timing chain. Yes it is slow, but will run longer I believe than a 1FZ. I also have in Indonesia an LC105, Aussie version. The 105 came in two engine options. 1HZ non turbo diesel and the 1FZ. My has the 1FZ engine, more power than the 3FE, and the 1HZ. It is also much smoother, but as you mentioned more things to worry about. One thing to mention is a rust free 91 with a 3FE is a better buy than a rusted 97 with a 1FZ.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video. I drive mine in the winter but am very diligent in cleaning the underside after any salt exposure.

@cultclassicmotoring5636 Жыл бұрын

I recently sold my FJ80 91 due to milage of 422k. Rock solid vehicle and if I ever wanted an 80 again I’d stick with 91/92. The fact that they have both iron block and head means they have the same thermal efficiency, thus rarely blowing head gaskets. The motor on my 80 was never cracked open aside from a valve cover and oil pan gasket. Lockers are cool on the later models but the fact that these articulate so much it’s in many scenarios it’s not even needed. Pick a good line off-road and you’re golden.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

I'm only at 216k miles and I definitely plan on finding more excuses to put more miles on it

@Gerbyq Жыл бұрын

I love my FJ62 / 3FE, but she sure is slow. I do agree with you though, for offroading, overlanding, house on wheels, they're so reliable. I take my FJ62 to the middle of nowhere Utah offroad without worry.

@ecnirp9197 8 ай бұрын

'92 FJ80 owner here 0-60? YES Fwy topspeed? YES mpg? YES what time would you be here? YES can it make it there? YES compliments on the road?ALWAYS

@Ghostrider-71 7 ай бұрын

Great synopsis and break down on the basic differences. I am relatively new to the Toyota LC as I bought an HDJ81 back in Jan of this year (2023). I would like to add another LC to my garage someday. Thank you for posting.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage 7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@wonderoffroad Жыл бұрын

I love you list really set its out for non 80 series owners. good pros and cons

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. I really tried to keep it basic enough for someone that is just getting into them could understand, but still with enough depth to cover the topic well

@eulalio02 Жыл бұрын

great video. fj80s are a tough vehicle and certainly capable to do many things. look forward to more landcruiser vehicles.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed, I have some more content ideas as weather starts to get nicer and trails open up

@migwelder2153 3 ай бұрын

Awesome video man. I’m fixing to buy a 80s Land Cruiser this video helped me.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage 3 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot. Since this video came out prices have cooled a bit and the difference in price between FJ80s and FZJ80s seem to closed a bit. Same rule still applies though, buy the best one you can afford.

@motogp2375 Жыл бұрын

I’m very fortunate to have inherited my dads 97 FZJ80 40th Anniversary but no 3rd locker. Thats ok, its still an 80 series. It would still take me anywhere I need to go. Great info brother!

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video

@RustyActual Жыл бұрын

Great video! I had thought that every FJZ was triple locked and didn't know some of those other differences. I've got the exact same rig in the same color that i'm currently tearing down and beggining to rebuild. Got it from an aunt and drove it for 5 years before getting a Tacoma, from 255k to 295k miles without issue aside from clicking birfields and a small leak from what i think is the power steering gearbox. Sat for 5 years, 1 of which was out in the woods with a tarp over it, but it started right up and drove home after a jump. Such a solid rig and i'm so glad i didn't give in to all the family members begging me to get rid of it. Subbed for sure!

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed. These rigs really are overbuilt and can take a lot of abuse.

@WillyK51 4 ай бұрын

300K miles well taken care of, a Baby. Engines were designed to last 1 Mill K. If you think of taking it out there, A 5Spd Std Tranny would be my most expensive investment

@NKPGarage Жыл бұрын

Great video with well thought out facts. I still would buy a 96/97, they're better built overall in my personal opinion, more comfortable, quieter, etc.... But if you just want to get into an 80 series the 91/92 is always going to be good bang for the buck on a limited budget. And you can always do an LS-based 5.3 swap in the 91/92 easily if you really wanted to for not much $$.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video

@bethestandardallday Жыл бұрын

Wow really? How much is that swap?

@NKPGarage Жыл бұрын

@@bethestandardallday if you’re doing it yourself it’s the cost of a good junkyard 5.3 from a early 2000s Chevy/gmc truck, the trans adapter, and wiring. I’ve seen it cone for under $2500 on the low end. Or if you want a shop to do it it will be more because most of the cost is in the labor.

@michaela26015 Жыл бұрын

The front brake rotors on 91-92 are smaller than 93+. However, it is easy to upgrade to the 93+ front rotors which is what I did on my 91.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Does using the larger rotors require upgrading the calipers as well? I thought I read that doing so would require you to also size up to the 16" wheels as well.

@tyemiller6204 Жыл бұрын

Glad some one posted this subject….been wondering if I could swap the brake system from the 93 to the 91? been thinking of just going through the axles from the ‘93’ with brakes and all and put them on my ‘91’….but I am still knew to this….so I do not know if they can…the 93 had 16” wheels and the 91 had 15’s…..but I put those 16” wheels on the ‘91’ and they worked just fine….I currently having break issues and so have been contemplating of just doing an axle swap? thanks again for bringing up the break thing.

@aaronhogan2371 8 ай бұрын

Australian here. Our FJ80's have the full floater axles and disc brake rear. The brake rotor diameter is smaller on FJ versus FZJ. Anyone complaining about the 3fe "lack of power" needs to understand how to pull a code from the diagnostic port with a paperclip and how to maintain them. I bought an FJ80 recently and found both O2 sensors were dead and the cat convertors were blocked. The vehicle was not timed correctly (due to lpg/propane conversion). After addressing these things it goes just fine for a 4wd with 400,000 kilometers on the odometer. Definitely not as good as my 1hdt HDJ80R, but apples/oranges. The only spec to get electronic diff lockers down under was the VX "Sahara" top of line. The vast majority of 80 series in Australia are GXL spec.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage 8 ай бұрын

Exactly, it takes a little more effort to count the flashing lights, but besides that, it is straightforward. I felt an immediate difference after a tune-up, valve adjustment, and O2 sensors. Tightening the throttle cable is literally free horsepower, as most trucks probably have stretched cables and are not opening the throttle all the way. That's how mine was.

@Star_of_the_new_moon 6 ай бұрын

I used to import them 10 years back from the US. Triple locked 1500-3000$ max from the auctions. Pristine 3fe $500-1000. My best buy was a collectors edition 90,000 miles for 3000$ from the auction pictures only no description. It arrived in perfect condition ❤

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage 6 ай бұрын

That is insane. Did you keep any of them?

@Star_of_the_new_moon 6 ай бұрын

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Unfortunately I didn't my country went through some turmoil and I had to sell all my cars. But I currently own an fj80 that I bought from Colorado several years ago for $900 and an fj40 I'm rebuilding that I got for dirt cheap before prices went up. Enjoyed your video getting everything spot on.

@tonymendoza2590 Жыл бұрын

Well said. Got mine for $10k. Will still upgrade and refine it one at a time

@bethestandardallday Жыл бұрын

How many miles

@fj40landcruiser10 Жыл бұрын

i agree i am in saudia arabia and the best landcruiser is that similar to yours the 3f engine is a beast easy to maintain that model 90 to 92 is doing what i need desert mountain trips are so cool i just added a front winch and slitly bigger tyres only❤

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Nice, I have upgraded my tires to 33" BFG KO2s, and I'm pretty keen on a hidden winch for the front as well. I've had no issues with driving mine around in the Appalachian mountains here.

@jgcruisers Жыл бұрын

Good video, I have had both, both are great, but if you have the option and the xtra cash, the newer ones are way better, in my opinion. is the same body, same reliability, with a little more power. triple locked ones are not necessary , but nice to have, to use when needed.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video

@TAI-lr5vr Жыл бұрын

Hey I've done a pretty comprehensive video for the 80 series. Great perspective change since most of the 91 92 80's are HDJ81'S however

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

I'll have to check it out, thanks

@adamm1072 6 ай бұрын

I own a FZJ80, you are correct. However, I do like the creature comforts of Leather and more power especially at Hwy speeds.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage 6 ай бұрын

I don't mind the cloth seats, especially for what I use it for. But I do agree, leather would be a nice quality of life upgrade for longer trips.

@adamm1072 6 ай бұрын

I have 291k on the clock, runs perfect. yea its a gas pig , and in TX we have long stretches. milage dosent bother me, when the time comes i will just rebuild the engine.@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage

@CA11100 Жыл бұрын

here in Socal even FJ80s are pricey at times, cleans ones are hardly any cheaper than FZJ80s. add in all the flippers and people selling their grandparents 80s they think they're all made of gold its made the market pretty ridiculous.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I think since SoCal is seen as a safe harbor for rust free examples their prices will be inflated for both FJ80s and FZJ80s. No one flocks to the rust belt searching for crusty cruisers but they will go to the west coast and pay a premium for not touching road salt.

@jacobgriffin2500 Жыл бұрын

The 3fe 80 series do have there benefits. They made lots of manual trans behind 3f and 2f engines which make manual swaps possible and you can have 2wd vs awd and much lower gear ratios!, the front axles are differnt and a manual hub bolts right on! No abs and everything is much more simple, put a gm alternator in place of the smog pump and a fzj80 battey box bolts up for dual battery factory looking setup

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

All very good info. I replaced the alternator on mine with a reman unit, and it came with a GM part number.

@vanillathunder988 Жыл бұрын

Both engines are rock solid. Toyota says the fz has 10% better MPG, not much difference. Best bang for buck depends upon what's available in your area when buying. Although "Good deals" are becoming less common for either model, the premise of this video seems to be accurate. After owning an FJ62 with the 3FE for many years, I wanted the younger, more powerful engine with obd2 and got a '97.

@on1ytheb3st Жыл бұрын

No way, is that Mount Solon near Reddish knob or possibly near West Augusta? I'm out there all the time riding the mtb trails. If you haven't already a nice rough track out there for wheeling is 227, that forest road connecting Flagpole Knob to the High Knob area.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Yes way, most of the clips are from West Augusta near Old Parkersburg Turnpike. One picture where it's actually green is actually on 227 going towards Flagpole Knob and Reddish Knob. My brother and I actually try to do the Shenandoah 500 with our dual sports every year so I know the area relatively well.

@zerochance8581 10 ай бұрын

I thought this was well done. Good points. I have a 91 two tone and a 94 triple lock. The 91 is the simpler and more reliable design but takes as much time to slowdown from 60 as to get there..haha.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage 9 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot. The brakes are something I have been eyeing to upgrade

@shauncoyne1793 Жыл бұрын

You forgot about the viscous coupler in the transfer case on the zj. I gotta 91. I recently looked at getting a zj rear axle t try jfor mine cause mines leaking anyways, for like 1800 with locker I'm like uh, I guess I'll just reseal it.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

To me the viscous coupler in the transfer case was not really a key differentiating feature that would sway someone from FJ to FZJ. I have no idea what a good price would be for a locked axle but yeah unless you are rock crawling it's just easier to just reseal it

@tyemiller6204 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video….I have a ‘91’ and been using it as my daily driver for several years…been using her pretty hard at times….that said….I have bought a ‘Donner’ ‘93’ that was wrecked and use for parts….has already paid for itself….my question is….would like to swap the rear axle (and maybe the front) as well as the motor into my ‘91’ that has 225K on it….thought it would just rebuild the one out of the ‘93’ and swap it out with my ‘91’….Are these compatible? what about the transmission/transfer-case?….anyway, thank you for this….helped me alot….have a great day from Montana!

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

From my understanding, the rear differential should be almost a direct swap. Installing the 1FZ into the FJ80 would take maybe a little bit of effort just like any engine swap but it sounds like you already have the parts from the donor truck, which is more than half the battle. I'd probably swap the whole drive train; engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and rear axle. That way, you know everything is going to bolt up. Putting the 1FZ on a stand and slowly rebuilding it is what I'd do as well. But considering you're 3FE only has 225k miles, it might be while before you yank it out. If you didn't already have the donor truck and engine I'd be personally looking at V8 swap options.

@tyemiller6204 Жыл бұрын

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Thank you for your response. I appreciate your insight and thoughts. That said, I may go a different direction and not do the engine swap. I had an ‘82’, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ford pick-up, 4-speed manual, with a 300-6 motor….that sucker went everywhere and did everything I asked it to do…was literally bullet proof. Wasn’t fast, but damn could it climb those mountains, here in Montana. I see my ‘91’ Cruzr….being the same way…..the 300-6 was a direct gear drive for the cam…as I just learn my ‘91’ is also and I like that….where as the ‘93’ is not (I believe). That ford was dependable and reliable. my current 3FE is the same way….doesnt smoke, doesnt rattle and starts in the middle of winter at several days of -20F and more weather….without a freeze plug….same as that ford…it always started….no matter how cold. I think what a may do, is to find a home for the 1FZ and just rebuild this 3FE when its ready…I am pretty sure there are little things I can do, to enhance the motor during the build up. I agree and tempting as it is to put a V8 or small diesel….there is just something about an In Line Six that resonates with me…..I just love them and don’t know why….having Disc Brakes all around is desirable and worth swapping the axles….I agree with you though….if I am going do that ….then I should going ahead swap the running gears minus the motor…actually go through each component ‘before’ I need them, so as, to be ready when I do. May not be everyones cup of tea…but it suites me….thank you so much for all of your grace and encouragements…..have a great week.

@generalcaeser9176 9 ай бұрын

My stock 91 FJ80 struggled over 60 mph and was at an uncomfortably high rpm. Other thing is that no matter what type of driving I did I got 9 mpg and I drove it like a new Cadillac to church on Sunday.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage 9 ай бұрын

That's unfortunate, not the experience I've had so far. Only mod are 33" tires, and I average between 12-14mpg. I averaged 13.5 mpg driving a little over 500 miles from VA to NH. The way back was a different story with a trailer and fully loaded and got 8-9mpg. Speed wise, I can comfortably cruise at 70 mph on a flat highway and push pace a little faster if needed.

@generalcaeser9176 9 ай бұрын

Do you have the 4.oL or the 4.5L? My sluggish gas guzzler was a 4.0L. The good news is I just today bought a super awesome 1998 Land Cruiser Prado 3.0L diesel with about 70k miles! 😁Hoping for low to mid 20's for fuel economy. @@Dan_And_Daves_Garage

@ThePenatron Жыл бұрын

Haven’t found any problems finding parts for the Fzj80 just search lx450 and they are usually cheaper

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

Good to know. Are you mostly searching for consumables or something a little more niche? For example I had to have made new transmission cooler hard lines on my FJ80 since they had rusted out with pinholes in them. They were NLA from Toyota, and no 3rd party makes them.

@j.blakejohnson2981 Жыл бұрын

I'm a lot slower than in you in the LJ70 (70 Series - Jeep-like) but I get a lot better gas mileage. (Of course, its diesel so I guess you have the better deal)? Still love it.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

The 80 series also has a full time 4WD system which eats up a lot of fuel economy. I've seen one LJ70 here that was imported from Japan that was really cool for sale but it was way too expensive justify.

@sallepre948 Жыл бұрын

Hey Dan just picked up a 91 FJ and im jersey too! Any chance you could help me out with some questions etc?

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

I'm actually in VA. Go ahead and ask those questions and I might have an answer for you

@metalbird89 4 ай бұрын

Well you can import hdt hd ft

@ThePenatron Жыл бұрын

A lot of people think there are more that 7% with lockers

@michaelparsons2225 10 ай бұрын

Im buying a 91 sahara VX turbo deisal, new motor, new heavy duty trans, new brakes etc, clean car. 35k Australian.

@ThePenatron Жыл бұрын

At this point it’s coming down to which one is easier to Chevy v8 swap

@marcielynn4886 14 күн бұрын

KISS!

@levonm-xl5jh 10 ай бұрын

I would love to talk to you about your truck because I found one hair like yours and have few important questions. Is there a way we can chat somewhere ?

@celestialdesign9611 Жыл бұрын

Toyota is going to manufacture more parts for the 80 series, the pandemic has delayed them significantly. Check rock auto, I bought wear items things like spark plug wires for $5 with shipping was around $12. After a couple years of DD you get use to the lack of performance, when I drive my wifes turbo volvo it actually becomes really fun to drive. Don't for get to adjust your mechanical air intake sensor 2 teeth, turns the 3FE into an animal, relatively speaking of course. When it gets over 300k I'll put a LS in it as the 3FE is actually a chevy motor. Toyota bought the patents (1930's) for it, same as thier modern 5.7, its a Chevy motor.

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

I've found some parts that have surprised me on Rock Auto. I will have to look into the AFM adjustment

@philipschillaci168 Жыл бұрын

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage I tried looking it up for our fj80 92. Any hints?

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

@@philipschillaci168 I found this link on iH8mud forum.ih8mud.com/threads/afm-adjusted-on-3fe-much-better.779000/ . Hope this helps

@philipschillaci168 Жыл бұрын

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage thanks 🙏. The article characterizes our problem exactly. The engine sounds like it has a high lift cam at idle. I’ll take care of it this week. Thanks again. Ps. I subscribed.

@alhang Жыл бұрын

I got a 92 JDM RHD FJ80 3x Locked, its OBD-1, with a 1FZ, rear tire carrier, fridge, full float rear. It's an oddball for sure, but I love it and enjoy restoring it and offroading. If I had to do it again, I'd probably get a diesel. I've seen plenty of guys build FJ's with big lifts and tires, I can't imagine driving those with 155hp. Are you keeping the engine in yours are will you swap it later?

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

I've dabbled with the idea of a swap but I think the 3FE stays. Tossing on a turbo is the most likely route I'd go.

@alhang Жыл бұрын

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage that would be an interesting build, good luck with the project

@marcielynn4886 Жыл бұрын

Got the same tail lights. Too hard to get original.

@alexkenley1 9 ай бұрын

HZJ80 😉

@romo2517 Жыл бұрын

so LC years 1992 and up are automatically FZJ80?

@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Жыл бұрын

91-92 FJ80 93-97 FZJ80 The "FZ" is from the engine available, the 1FZ, and because in the US all 93+ model years came with the 1FZ they are automatically FZJ80's. Hope this clears things up.

@romo2517 Жыл бұрын

Thanks yes it does. model year interiors and engines confused me