Thinking of moving on to an 80 series. Thoughts?

[RomanSchnobrich]

Gx470

My buddy from San Diego moved up to Montana with his 2WD Taco and quickly realized it's useless up here. He got a 2004 GX470 this summer and I must say, it's pretty dang rad. Compared to my 2000 3rd gen, it rides like a cloud. That air suspension doesn't hurt. I do see how "accessible" space could be an issue-- when his third row's folded up, it's still pretty tight back there. I think he scored it with 140k for about 11k down in San Diego.

I share the infatuation with 80-series, not that I even wheel remotely hard, but their extra space and the insane aftermarket support is a huge attraction.

 

[White Stripe]

If your going to buy a 80 series, buy one leads fixed up and with most of the mods you want already on it. U pay more in the beginning, but in the long run its cheaper by far. Don't worry too much about factory lockers, aftermarket lockers are widely available. Don't get a 3feel powered fj80.

 

[IBallEngineer]

If your going to buy a 80 series, buy one leads fixed up and with most of the mods you want already on it. U pay more in the beginning, but in the long run its cheaper by far. Don't worry too much about factory lockers, aftermarket lockers are widely available. Don't get a 3feel powered fj80.

Did you mean 3FE ?

91-92 had the 4.0 3FE motor.

In 93 it became a FZJ80, using the 1FZ-FE 4.5 motor.

For the record the differences aren't just about space and a solid axle. The dynamics of an 80 are very very different from the 3rd Gen. runner. I have owned my FJ62 for 21 years and I have loved it, but I also have two 3rd gens and a Tacoma. None of those three are like my 62, and an 80 is different than that. Make sure it works for you by driving one before you "trade up".

 

[audiness]

I own both a 3rd Gen 4Runner (mild build) and a fully built triple locked 80 series (actually LX450). They are two very different vehicles. The 80 feels much more solid, is way heavier, and of course large and roomier. I like the ride of the 80 over the 4unner. The 4urnner would smoke the 80 series in a drag race, and its handling is more nimble. My 4runner is my daily driver/ around town vehicle. The 3rd gen is, as well all know, no slouch off-road. But the 80 series will go where just about nothing else can/will. It is the true off-road king if that is what you are after. There is just no comparison. The solid front axle makes all the difference. I have been amazed time and again about what the 80 series is capable of when it comes to off-road. Now with that being said, I agree with what the previous commenter said about the 100 series. It does have a better engine, and more comforts. I love my 80 series, they are very special to me –and they have a cult following for a good reason. They are less common, parts are more expensive, and harder to find. I see multiple 3rd gen 4runners daily, but I see an 80 series only once every 2-3 weeks. I’ve thought about getting a 100 series, but I just can’t let go of the 80 series. To me is the last true landcruiser Toyota imported to the US, and they are just amazing vehicles. the 100 series is a great truck, but it doesn't carry the legacy of the landcruiser like the 80 does.

 

[Seattle_SR5]

Those are all excellent reasons to own a TLC, dang it now I want one.

I heard that there were a few issues with early 100 series trucks - weak transmissions, front differential problems, etc. the 2003+ seems to have cleared that up.

 

[Dropzone]

Set up an account on Ih8mud.com
best place to do research on cruisers

 

[3rdgenfan]

I own both a 3rd Gen 4Runner (mild build) and a fully built triple locked 80 series (actually LX450). They are two very different vehicles. The 80 feels much more solid, is way heavier, and of course large and roomier. I like the ride of the 80 over the 4unner. The 4urnner would smoke the 80 series in a drag race, and its handling is more nimble. My 4runner is my daily driver/ around town vehicle. The 3rd gen is, as well all know, no slouch off-road. But the 80 series will go where just about nothing else can/will. It is the true off-road king if that is what you are after. There is just no comparison. The solid front axle makes all the difference. I have been amazed time and again about what the 80 series is capable of when it comes to off-road. Now with that being said, I agree with what the previous commenter said about the 100 series. It does have a better engine, and more comforts. I love my 80 series, they are very special to me –and they have a cult following for a good reason. They are less common, parts are more expensive, and harder to find. I see multiple 3rd gen 4runners daily, but I see an 80 series only once every 2-3 weeks. I’ve thought about getting a 100 series, but I just can’t let go of the 80 series. To me is the last true landcruiser Toyota imported to the US, and they are just amazing vehicles. the 100 series is a great truck, but it doesn't carry the legacy of the landcruiser like the 80 does.

I am more set on a 80 series over the 100. I agree the 100 is probably a better vehicle for long trips and more comfortable. I am more drawn to the front solid axle cause I will be doing some wheeling and plan on going to Moab with it. The 4runner is no slouch off road. The only left I can do to further enhance its off road capability is going long travel. That has to be close to 4K in parts for all of that. Couple grand more I can have a 80 series.

 

[thecole1098]

I am more set on a 80 series over the 100. I agree the 100 is probably a better vehicle for long trips and more comfortable. I am more drawn to the front solid axle cause I will be doing some wheeling and plan on going to Moab with it. The 4runner is no slouch off road. The only left I can do to further enhance its off road capability is going long travel. That has to be close to 4K in parts for all of that. Couple grand more I can have a 80 series.

Or close to the same amount as doing long travel, you could do a SAS

 

[November Sun]

Unless you absolutely need a solid front axle I'd go 100 series.

https://expeditionportal.com/top-10-used-overland-vehicles/

"I can hear the screaming and gnashing of teeth from the FZJ80 owners (I am one), but the reality is – the 100 series is just better for vehicle-based adventure travel. It has a much better motor with 100% better performance and can even manage 1-2 mpg better fuel economy. The 4.7L doesn’t eat head gaskets or PHHs and runs ice cold (no AC shutoff in the Mojave). Sure it doesn’t have a solid axle, which limits the most extreme terrain applications, but the 80 isn’t really that good at extreme terrain anyways. The 100 series also has excellent brakes that don’t fade after a few minutes on a twisty road. The interior is refined, comfortable and quiet. Overall fit and finish is class leading, as is interior materials and durability.



On the road, the 100 series will cruise comfortably at 85 mph all day long and then shift into low-range and tackle the most challenging terrain with just a few modifications. If you install an OME HD suspension, new shocks and 295/75 R16 BFG ATs, you will go just about anywhere you want to go in fantastic comfort. These trucks have also proven to be one of the most reliable vehicles ever imported to the US and it is not uncommon to find examples with 300,000 miles that are still rattle and leak free – impressive."

I have a built 3rd gen as a daily driver and a slightly built 100 Series Lexus Lx470

There really is no comparison of the two. I love the 3rd gen around town but my LX is what I would take on a journey. It really is amazing what stock 100 series is capable of. I plan to add an 80 Series to the stable if I can find the 97 special edition. Anyway, what all previous posters have said.

Get on IH8mud and get lost.

 

[November Sun]

I own both a 3rd Gen 4Runner (mild build) and a fully built triple locked 80 series (actually LX450). They are two very different vehicles. The 80 feels much more solid, is way heavier, and of course large and roomier. I like the ride of the 80 over the 4unner. The 4urnner would smoke the 80 series in a drag race, and its handling is more nimble. My 4runner is my daily driver/ around town vehicle. The 3rd gen is, as well all know, no slouch off-road. But the 80 series will go where just about nothing else can/will. It is the true off-road king if that is what you are after. There is just no comparison. The solid front axle makes all the difference. I have been amazed time and again about what the 80 series is capable of when it comes to off-road. Now with that being said, I agree with what the previous commenter said about the 100 series. It does have a better engine, and more comforts. I love my 80 series, they are very special to me –and they have a cult following for a good reason. They are less common, parts are more expensive, and harder to find. I see multiple 3rd gen 4runners daily, but I see an 80 series only once every 2-3 weeks. I’ve thought about getting a 100 series, but I just can’t let go of the 80 series. To me is the last true landcruiser Toyota imported to the US, and they are just amazing vehicles. the 100 series is a great truck, but it doesn't carry the legacy of the landcruiser like the 80 does.

Sick truck.

 

[Roc Doc]

I had a 94 FZJ80, locked at both ends, 5.29 gears, custom bumpers and sliders, winch, coilover front, etc. It wheeled great, but let's be clear there is still a bunch of body panels and windows that don't like rocks. The size is now about the same as a JKU, so it's no longer the fat pig on the trail. It felt really balanced on the trail, but heavy of course, probably 6000lbs all in. The extra interior room is noticeable over the 3rd gen T4R, but it's nothing like a Tahoe or Expedition.

The bad. Gas mileage, the gas tank is too small and adding a second is a royal PITA, and the engine is not powerful enough.

 

[kolelt]

Looks badass though. SAS on coils. Front and rear lockers. !!! If it camemin diesel in the states. It would be ultimate!! I heard they have bad issues with head gaskets. Why did you sell it ? What were your main issues with it ??

 

[3rdgenfan]

I had a 94 FZJ80, locked at both ends, 5.29 gears, custom bumpers and sliders, winch, coilover front, etc. It wheeled great, but let's be clear there is still a bunch of body panels and windows that don't like rocks. The size is now about the same as a JKU, so it's no longer the fat pig on the trail. It felt really balanced on the trail, but heavy of course, probably 6000lbs all in. The extra interior room is noticeable over the 3rd gen T4R, but it's nothing like a Tahoe or Expedition.

The bad. Gas mileage, the gas tank is too small and adding a second is a royal PITA, and the engine is not powerful enough.

Bad ass 80 series. It would not be my daily driver so the gas mileage isn't that big of an issue. I would like to get me to the trail and back though.

 

[audiness]

I would encourage any enthusiat to look into the 80 series . The newest ones out there are 20 years old, so naturally there is going to be upkeep. If you are the kind of person that takes your vehicle to the mechanic to get things done, you’re going to run out of money very fast . These trucks are extremely well-made and fairly easy to work on but the best part is there is a ton of information out there on everything that can possibly go wrong with these . I did not have a head gasket issue but I did change my head gasket as p.m. there are lots of people out there with 300k, 400k, enven 500k miles on their 80 series with original engines. It’s worth it !

 

[spartacus]

I overland with a group of friends and one of them has a fzj80 and it is impressve. it's a tank going through anything but because of the gas mileage it's not his daily driver. he has a swing out bumper to carry gas just for that reason. I have a 3rd gen is a daily driver and I've put a lot of overlanding miles on it but if I had to choose a dedicated overland vehicle I'll go with 80 or 100 series LC.

 

[GrandSport]

I believe he has the GX470 which is essentially built on the same chassis as the 4th gen 4Runner, but has a taller roof height and better designed interior than the 4Runner.

3rdgenfan- I've always been impressed with the 80 series, even more so than the 100 for the fact that it has such an aggressive body and solid front axle. My only issue with them is they are now so expensive that you could find a 100 series for the same price, with lockers and with less mileage.

The 80 is now at the point where if you have a clean one with lockers, you can ask virtually anything. There are nutcases on IH8mud asking top dollar for them.

GX470s are really expensive, but they're really nice. I shyed away from them because I wanted a reliable daily driver and they had too many things to worry about at 10+ years old like the airbag suspensions.

 

[victor.romo.359]

If you're patient, you can find a decent 80. I had a shot at 2 (with their own quirks) at under 5k and 3x locked.... I regret not pulling the trigger... derp![emoji22]

 

[absalom]

I have a super clean 100 for $5800 if you want. I can't tow that much weight with our Sprinter, so we're going back to a 3rd gen.

 

[3rdgenfan]

I would encourage any enthusiat to look into the 80 series . The newest ones out there are 20 years old, so naturally there is going to be upkeep. If you are the kind of person that takes your vehicle to the mechanic to get things done, you’re going to run out of money very fast . These trucks are extremely well-made and fairly easy to work on but the best part is there is a ton of information out there on everything that can possibly go wrong with these . I did not have a head gasket issue but I did change my head gasket as p.m. there are lots of people out there with 300k, 400k, enven 500k miles on their 80 series with original engines. It’s worth it !

I turn wrenches on all of my vehicles. The maintenance and up keep doesn’t scare me away at all.

 

[Roc Doc]

Looks badass though. SAS on coils. Front and rear lockers. !!! If it camemin diesel in the states. It would be ultimate!! I heard they have bad issues with head gaskets. Why did you sell it ? What were your main issues with it ??

Came from the factory with solid axle, but the three-link coilover suspension was custom. I sold it because I moved to a new city and didn't have anywhere to store it. What it really needed was a LS2 or LS3 engine, and more fuel storage.