Ok, here's the dilemma. I have a 4 year old son and a new baby on the way. My wife has educated herself about transporting kids safely and says my 88 4runner has to go. It only has lap belts in the back. I need 3 point belts for the kids. and 4 doors I have decided.

So the only thing that fits my criteria (live front axle, wheelable, 4 doors, three points in back, not too big for the trails, under 15K) appears to be an FJ80. And I am already sold on Toyotas.

I have searched here but not turned up much info. Can you get these in the states with a manual tranny? There are lots of 91-93 models for sale here in the Southeast where I live. I know I need to look for the locking diffs-were these an option or were they standard? What else do I need to look for when considering buying one of these?

Does anyone have one for sale? I want one lifted with body armor and a winch-I'd just as soon by one built than have to do it.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Go 93 up only - If you want o educate yourself, join the 80 Series List on Yahoo Groups

Yeah, do 93 and up. You get a 24 valve engine, the 1FZ. Produces 220 HP. Nice engine.

YOu will love your '80...hold out for one with electric lockers, you will wish you did one day.

As for the 80 series list, I doubt you want to do that. Lots and lots of banter and not much information.

Good luck and keep us posted on your decision.

Go to sleeoffroad.com and email Christo of availability of already-built FZJ-80s.

He is the US 80 series guru.

Oh yeah, automatic only in the US market and E lockers were an option.

As for mechanical stuff to look for, standard Toyota stuff...no real red flags on the FZJ-80s

Sincerely appreciated replies, guys. I am checking out slee offroad now.

I love when the wife gives an ultimatum that turns into a search for a new truck!

I'll be back here when I buy one!

'90+ 4runner, do a sas, give me the rest of the $

Go here for tech. Q/A
http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/tech/technical.html


Join the yahoo 80's list great site with great people (not rockcrawling)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/80scool/


Kinda cheesy but still some good info
http://www.acme-outfitters.com/wwwboard/index.html


We have a 95 loaded with all options and LOVE it.

Get one and you will see:smokin:

Hard to argue with the 80 series - 4 wheel discs, 2:48 low range, great flex, 11" of stock ground clearance, stock 275/16 rubber, factory steering stabilizer, Birfields nearly twice the size of the regular Toyota model, smooth straight six w/ 275ft lbs just off idle, available factory f/r lockers, coolers for engine and tranny oil, tons of upgrades, forged aluminum wheels (vs cast for virtually every other stock rim), full floater rear axle (93 on), etc. The 93-94s have a 30,000 GVW city bus transmission that's a bit harsh but bulletproof if the fluid's changed now and again. From 95 on its a beefed 4Runner tranny that's quite stout as well. You can steal these trucks on the net. Enjoy!

DougM

I'm in a similar situation....had been half heartedly looking to trade my BMW roadster for a FZJ80 due to practicality and wanting another 4x4 and then recently found out that I have a baby coming too. Now I am MUCH more serious about looking for a truck.

I looked at either a 91-95 4runner or a 80 series, and decided the 80 series would be a better choice. Nolen touched on the high points about the 93-97 haveing the better engine and lockers. The problem I have found over the past 2 months of looking/calling is the factory lockers are not as common as you'd think. Of over 25 trucks I have called about only 2 have had the lockers and 1 of those was trashed on the inside. The other was a low mile, excellent quality 97, but the price was 30k - FIRM - and it sold in 3 days!!??! I'm gonna keep trying find one in the condition I want with the lockers for another few weeks and then consider one without and add ARB's. I have had more than 1 dealer offer to take off the cost of the ARB's to make the sale, but I have held firm....so far.

Another option if you are not afraid of modifying a truck is to get a 91 or 92 FJ80. Those sell for close to $9k- $12k around here. A near new Chevy V8 can be installed for around $7k (parts and labor) - add ARB's for $2k and for around $21k (high side for conservatism) you have a FJ80 with PLENTY of power and lockers F&R. Just a thought I have been toying with.

Good luck in your search!!

I hear you, FJ4zrocks.

Again, I've thought about doing a SAS on a 90s 4runner but I don't have a garage. And not much spare time. If I can buy a solid 93 or up FJ for less than 20K all I need to add is maybe 4K worth of a winch, bumper, small lift (OME?) and tires. And an engine swap is just way beyond the limits of my attemtion span.

I know I CAN do it, I just don't want to. I could spend the time wheeling. I also think doing a SAS on a 4runner probably halves the resale value of the truck -and my kid is in private school so If I had a styley FZJ80 all the soccer moms would respect me.

IF I could drive a FZJ for 3 years and put on maybe 30K miles, I could probably get it painted if I want to sell it and it might have depreciated, what 5K? Sure maybe more but it still makes more sense than to Buy a 10K 4runner, throw 6K in mods (SAS, gears, lockers, tires, winch, etc.) at it, and then it is only worth 8k or less in 3 years. These are just play numbers people may find fault with but I swear buying a better truck works out better on the balance sheet.