New Some Advice Trade my 3rd Gen for Land Cruiser J80

[Johnin714]

Looking for some friendly advice.

So this is my 2nd go around at a 97 T4 3rd Gen non 4x4 Limited in good condition with a 3" lift 17" Bronze Black Rhino wheels and Pirelli AT 32's. Besides the other upgrades i will mention below. I just noticed i have a small oil leak (not cam cover) about 4-5 drops when i get off the highway. It will cost me roughly $900 to fix the oil leak and replace the timing belt and other belts replace radiator and Plugs and wires all parts and labor. Down time will be 2 days. Its Not a major concern (at the moment) which is where the advice comes in.

I have always wanted a J80 Land Cruiser even back in the day. I always liked the more roomy interior the body style and off road 4x capabilities of it. I know the MPG is similar to the T4 a few miles less with the LC. Even though the price here in California for both the T4 and LC are way above where it should be. I was considering going out of state for example Arizona, Nevada to get me a LC. I don't off road much due to my T4 not being a 4X however im at the age now (50) that i want to go play in the dirt like i was as a kid. (mid life crises i guess)

PROS FOR KEEPING MY 4RUNNER:

* Lifted
* New Wheels and Tires
* New Shocks / Springs
* Straight Body Natural White
* Cup Holder Mod
* Satoshi Grill Mod
* All new Front and Read Urethane Bushings
* Rebuilt Rack n Pinion
* Car Play Radio amp and Sub
* New Original Wood Dash trim from Later Model T4
* New Leather Non Ripped Seats with new motors
* Recent Tranny Flush / Oil Change /Tune Up

CONS:

* 178K miles
* Timing Belt will need to be changed while finding oil leak.
* Still Stock Radiator (while be changed with oil leak)
* More money to put into the engine
* $1k to fix


LAND CRUISER PROS:

* New experiences with a new off road world to play in
* 4X4
* Retains higher resale value (if i ever decide to sell it)
* More room for my kids and stuff
* Starting over with a new project
* Bad A$$ looking SUV with a lift
* Turbo Diesel out there but super hard to find prob end up with a 6 Cylinder

CONS:

* Starting over fixing and figuring out issues
* No idea State of the Motor etc
* Parts may cost more and harder to find?
* MPG is less by a couple miles to the gallon.
* This will be my daily driver (work about 20 miles away from home)
* Possible Money Pit ?

Should i sell or try to trade my T4 and go after a solid running LC or even consider a V8 Sequoia ? Use the $1k instead of fixing my T4 apply it to a LC or Sequoia when i sell my T4?

Thoughts why i should, shouldn't ?

Thank all of you in advance for any advice its much appreciated!

 

[spartacus]

Sequioa don't know.'If'you can find the unicorn a, 80 series specifically 1995-97 with a '4.5(1fz-fe)l and 'locking differential in good' shape it will be boo koo bucks but worth it
You can sell your 2wd and get a a 3Rd gen 4r with locking diff for'around 6k in good shape upgrade the suspension and you'are all'set for the outdoors. You can also get a 4th gen 4runner with a v8in good shape upgrade the suspension and tires for around 10 -12k.

 

[Johnin714]

Sequioa don't know. 'If 'you can find the unicorn' a 80 series specifically with a '4.5(1fz) and 'locking differential in good' shape it will be boo koo bucks but worth it
You can sell your 2wd and get a a 3Rd gen 4r with locking diff for'around 6-8k in good shape upgrade the suspension and you'are all'set for the outdoors. You can also get a 4th gen 4runner with a v8 in good shape upgrade the suspension and tires for around 10 -12k.

Im still on the fence about each one. Sequia would be the last option. To me they look like a giant 4runner. The thing is i want a little more room i forgot to mention im 6"2 of course i have the limited with the sunroof so that helps. However, another buddy of mine is taller than me and we both sat in the front of my Runner and we where just about touching elbows. I havent considered a 4th Gen Runner simply because because i dont like all the computer crap they put into the cars/trucks now days. I prefer old school 1 main computer. Although newer cars etc have more creature comforts i still prefer the proven classics. I have seen some 80 series with the 4.5 for around 6k in good condition. So im thinking i could get close to $3500 for my Runner as is add another $1/2K on top and im right there for a LC

Thanks for the reply!

 

[spartacus]

Im still on the fence about each one. Sequia would be the last option. To me they look like a giant 4runner. The thing is i want a little more room i forgot to mention im 6"2 of course i have the limited with the sunroof so that helps. However, another buddy of mine is taller than me and we both sat in the front of my Runner and we where just about touching elbows. I havent considered a 4th Gen Runner simply because because i dont like all the computer crap they put into the cars/trucks now days. I prefer old school 1 main computer. Although newer cars etc have more creature comforts i still prefer the proven classics. I have seen some 80 series with the 4.5 for around 6k in good condition. So im thinking i could get close to $3500 for my Runner as is add another $1/2K on top and im right there for a LC

Thanks for the reply!

You are correct in your thought process. I've always wanted a 80 series as well. There are a few dealers out here that scoop up the unicorns get them fixedup and sell to yuppies which has made them a premium value.

 

[Devbot]

Tbh doesn't make much sense how $1k in maintenance is a con for the 4runner but a $10k project bill is seen as a pro for a Land Cruiser
The resale value will start plummeting the more you build on it too
That being said they're one of my favorite cars ever designed. Looks a lot like a land rover but sized like our 3rd gens. If anything I'd just own both; DD the FJ and take the 4runner to it's limits with some hardcore crawling and wheeling

 

[azrex]

Fzj80

I can offer an opinion since I've owned both a '97 FZJ80 and a '97 4Runner 4x4. Land Cruiser prices have gone crazy, so finding a decent one will cost some bucks-$10k+ and if it has <200k miles add a few more grand, and if it has lockers, add some more. There's a fantastic forum for them at IH8MUD.com which is very active. I really liked mine, I had done lots of small mods and a small lift, tires, bumpers, etc. until the timing chain jumped two teeth which required engine removal to replace, and since it was out, might as well rebuild it, so that was $3k+. That said, still a great go anywhere rig and the best a/c in any car I've ever owned. After I had sold it, I started some house projects that required a vehicle that could carry some lumber, etc. so I thought I'd find a 4Runner since they were comparatively cheap. So I found a '97 Limited 4x4 for $3k. I've probably spent another couple grand on baselining it and some upgrades. It drives nice, not as solid feeling as the 'Cruiser but still pretty good. Definitely get better mileage and feels quicker than the 'Cruiser, although you don't buy either of them to go fast. My recommendation, if you want a solid go anywhere vehicle and can afford it, go with the 'Cruiser.

 

[Johnin714]

Tbh doesn't make much sense how $1k in maintenance is a con for the 4runner but a $10k project bill is seen as a pro for a Land Cruiser
The resale value will start plummeting the more you build on it too
That being said they're one of my favorite cars ever designed. Looks a lot like a land rover but sized like our 3rd gens. If anything I'd just own both; DD the FJ and take the 4runner to it's limits with some hardcore crawling and wheeling

I agree with the resale part to a point. However, here in California a lot of offroad Gurus such as yourself prefer something fixed or a kick start if you will. I have found a few with front fenders dented nothing near mint that are selling for close to $4-5k. Ones that are much cleaner condition go less than one that is partly modded. The ones that enthusiast like ourselves that have a kick start are closer to $8/10k. Of course the non touched factory showroom look that are perfect can go close to 40k.

I really like your thought process OWN BOTH! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. If i did that my wife would probably make me sleep in it! Not saying that a bad thing lol

 

[Johnin714]

I can offer an opinion since I've owned both a '97 FZJ80 and a '97 4Runner 4x4. Land Cruiser prices have gone crazy, so finding a decent one will cost some bucks-$10k+ and if it has <200k miles add a few more grand, and if it has lockers, add some more. There's a fantastic forum for them at IH8MUD.com which is very active. I really liked mine, I had done lots of small mods and a small lift, tires, bumpers, etc. until the timing chain jumped two teeth which required engine removal to replace, and since it was out, might as well rebuild it, so that was $3k+. That said, still a great go anywhere rig and the best a/c in any car I've ever owned. After I had sold it, I started some house projects that required a vehicle that could carry some lumber, etc. so I thought I'd find a 4Runner since they were comparatively cheap. So I found a '97 Limited 4x4 for $3k. I've probably spent another couple grand on baselining it and some upgrades. It drives nice, not as solid feeling as the 'Cruiser but still pretty good. Definitely get better mileage and feels quicker than the 'Cruiser, although you don't buy either of them to go fast. My recommendation, if you want a solid go anywhere vehicle and can afford it, go with the 'Cruiser.

I have to admit my 4Runner drives great but i missing the overlander family of 4 capabilities that i want to start to explore especially with my kids before they get to old. Im tired of the ipad / PS4 / Fartnight battles. So your advice really helps some. When you had your LC where you able to find parts, upgrades etc fairly easy or was it a grind? I know our 3rd Gens T4 you can buy stuff for it just about everywhere.

 

[busmup808]

I have a 98 Runner that I have a lot of time and money into and I’m not done yet. I have also owned a 91 FJ80 that I swapped 93-97 elocked axles and was in the process of swapping the HDJ80 turbo diesel motor before selling. My wife also has a 1st gen 07 Limited Sequoia that we bought with 65K original miles back in 2010. Out of all the trucks I’ve owned, the 80 series was the best I ever had. I regret a lot selling that truck.

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[Johnin714]

I have a 98 Runner that I have a lot of time and money into and I’m not done yet. I have also owned a 91 FJ80 that I swapped 93-97 elocked axles and was in the process of swapping the HDJ80 turbo diesel motor before selling. My wife also has a 1st gen 07 Limited Sequoia that we bought with 65K original miles back in 2010. Out of all the trucks I’ve owned, the 80 series was the best I ever had. I regret a lot selling that truck.

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Interesting... I followed and subbed your 4runner build and you did some amazing work not to mention some great ideas with it. It was truly inspiring and made me do some mods to mine because of your thread. I figure since this is my 2nd 4runner it might be time for a new atmosphere, a new view and challenge. The end results like your past one only inspires me to get one. I see what yours looked like in the picture and that style 80 looks so nice to me especially lifted with some mods. Thanks for the pics and your insight!

Did you find anything challenging to do on your LC when you had it ?

 

[azrex]

I have to admit my 4Runner drives great but i missing the overlander family of 4 capabilities that i want to start to explore especially with my kids before they get to old. Im tired of the ipad / PS4 / Fartnight battles. So your advice really helps some. When you had your LC where you able to find parts, upgrades etc fairly easy or was it a grind? I know our 3rd Gens T4 you can buy stuff for it just about everywhere.

Easy to find parts and there's an abundance of aftermarket pieces available from turbo kits, armor, interior goodies, gullwing windows to replace the rear sliding windows and on and on (my dogs loved those sliding windows, I wish they made them for the 4Runner). Some of the engine pieces I could only get through the dealer and hence could be expensive, but they were available. Starters, alternators, compressors, etc you can find just about anywhere.

 

[Johnin714]

Easy to find parts and there's an abundance of aftermarket pieces available from turbo kits, armor, interior goodies, gullwing windows to replace the rear sliding windows and on and on (my dogs loved those sliding windows, I wish they made them for the 4Runner). Some of the engine pieces I could only get through the dealer and hence could be expensive, but they were available. Starters, alternators, compressors, etc you can find just about anywhere.

Thank you for that info that is really good to know. My off-road buddy at work has a Jeep (GASP!) i said that here. I hope i dont get banned for saying the "J" word LOL. Said that once you get started more with off roading i will want to buy everything to put on my rig. He likes my 4runner but he brings a valid point also, which is a 4runner is good for me and the kids but the land cruiser is for your wife, your kids, their friends and a dog and still have room to tow a small pop up trailer or boat etc with ease! Think of all the room i will have if i go with the LC compared to the T4

 

[YotaByte]

I have both rigs

For what it's worth I have both the rigs you mention 99 3rd gen and a 94 FZJ80. I find myself driving the 4runner a lot more and appreciate that the overall parts cost to keep the thing going is a lot lower than the LC. The LC is a little bit bigger, which is nice for long trips, but is more of a pig around town and on the highway. 4Runner is also a lot more comfortable offroad and almost as capable.

 

[Johnin714]

For what it's worth I have both the rigs you mention 99 3rd gen and a 94 FZJ80. I find myself driving the 4runner a lot more and appreciate that the overall parts cost to keep the thing going is a lot lower than the LC. The LC is a little bit bigger, which is nice for long trips, but is more of a pig around town and on the highway. 4Runner is also a lot more comfortable offroad and almost as capable.

Im assuming both of yours are 4x4? thank you for the info!

 

[YotaByte]

Im assuming both of yours are 4x4? thank you for the info!

Yes, sir. I live in the boonies and do a lot of driving in sketchy winter conditions up various ski hills along with other misguided adventures in the warmer months. The wife has claimed the LC for the most part and absolutely loves it. It would be really hard for me to pick between the two if I only had to choose one; so I didn't. I don't think you could ever wrong with either.

 

[Johnin714]

Yes, sir. I live in the boonies and do a lot of driving in sketchy winter conditions up various ski hills along with other misguided adventures in the warmer months. The wife has claimed the LC for the most part and absolutely loves it. It would be really hard for me to pick between the two if I only had to choose one; so I didn't. I don't think you could ever wrong with either.

Thats my dream picture both rigs next to one another. So hard to decide....

 

[YotaByte]

Thats my dream picture both rigs next to one another. So hard to decide....

It's a slippery slope indeed. I'm on the hunt for a clean(ish) FJ62 that isn't stupidly priced; bring a trailer seems to have effected the pie in the sky asking prices of many older cruisers.

You might also consider a 100 series or Lexus GX 470/460. Hell of a nice rig for the money with any of those, and plenty big for a family of four. Best of luck on whatever decision you end up making.

 

[Johnin714]

It's a slippery slope indeed. I'm on the hunt for a clean(ish) FJ62 that isn't stupidly priced; bring a trailer seems to have effected the pie in the sky asking prices of many older cruisers.

You might also consider a 100 series or Lexus GX 470/460. Hell of a nice rig for the money with any of those, and plenty big for a family of four. Best of luck on whatever decision you end up making.

Ohh I completely forgot about those. Good call might look up some other options now that you sparked my interest. Only problem is newer cars have so many more computers. Thanks for the idea and feedback! Really appreciate it

 

[busmup808]

Interesting... I followed and subbed your 4runner build and you did some amazing work not to mention some great ideas with it. It was truly inspiring and made me do some mods to mine because of your thread. I figure since this is my 2nd 4runner it might be time for a new atmosphere, a new view and challenge. The end results like your past one only inspires me to get one. I see what yours looked like in the picture and that style 80 looks so nice to me especially lifted with some mods. Thanks for the pics and your insight!

Did you find anything challenging to do on your LC when you had it ?

Not at all. When I installed the E-Locked axles, found not using them as much I thought I would. The truck crawled (3FE motor) nicely over obstacles. I had the OME COMP 4 springs up front and J springs in the rear. I lifted the LC faster then the 4runner in my garage. The truck is easy to work on.


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[IBallEngineer]

A whole lot of issues.

The OP's 3rd Gen is not 4wd, all FZJ80's are All Wheel Drive with a low range. The center diff can be locked to make truly 4wd.

The difference in mileage is NOT just a few MPG. You will be lucky to get 13 in the cruiser.

I have had my FJ62 for 24 years, and I love wheelin' it. But I'm too old to daily drive it. I love my 3rd gen, but its 4wd. My wife's isn't, but she borrows mine for anything that would need it.

What you really need is a 4wd 3rd Gen, but what you WANT is an 80. Get both if you can, uhuh.