Well the original plan was to build the fj62 into an expedition rig once the 40 had sold, but today I ran across a 97 fzj 80 with only 62000 on it so it got me thinking which would be better to build. Well wagon guys what would you do. I'm still leaning towards the fj62 as I own it free and clear.

Thanks for the input

:usa: :beer: :usa:

I know that FJ 60 parts are expensive, I can only imagine 80 parts.:D

Good question! I have a "paid off" fj62 also, and i'm trying to decide wether to build it, or go with something else. So far i've got an OME suspension, ARB bull bar, Warn winch, 33's and such, but before I put REAL cash into it ie. SOA air lockers, gears, I want to make sure it's what I really want. My plans are either to build the fj62, get an fj80, get a NICE fj40, or maybe, as difficult it is to say this, look into one of them new fangled heep rubicons...:flipoff2: I need the rig for daily driving, so i'm leaning towards something newer/more reliable. Any ideas?

I think the 80 series has a few things in it's corner over the FJ62, in my opinion. I have owned both, but love my 80.
1) Coil springs ($600 OME replacements)
2) 1FZ-FE with 212 hp and 275 ft/lbs torque.
3) TRD supercharger that takes power to 270 hp and 375 ft/lbs torque.
4) Factory electric lockers.
5) Full floater rear with f/r disc brakes.
I am sure I could think of more, but these are the first that jump to mind.

Ross

I'd definitely go 80 series. Much cheaper to modify. $630 for OME vs. $1700 for 62. ARBs for 62 $1500 with bearings and compressor, lockers for 80 free as you can get the electrics and it doesn't add to your purchase price. Bullbars and winches are basically the same. Tires are a bit more for the 80. Sliders are about the same for both. Sound deadening is much improved in the 80. Nicer ride on the highway. Either one if you roll it you are hosed. 80 has more power. I'm thinking the support for the 1FZE and access to info and parts is easier than the 3FE, maybe I'm dreaming here. It seems there are less problems with the 1FZE. You have a dilemma though as your 62 is already paid for. My logic is more for looking at a 62 vs. a FZJ80. You can easily make up a portion of the increase in purchase of an 80 on little things that like lockers and cheaper suspension. Which makes them a better purchase value. However, the same trend in the market which has made the price of 80s drop has made 62s drop too. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish I had an 80 instead of my 60. But my 60 is a permanent fixture in my life as I have too much time and $ into it. And it is definitely unique which makes selling it that much harder.

I love the 60-62 Styling, however the 80 will be a better rig in the long run, much more comfortable to drive. One of our club members has a sweet 86 FJ60 that he has built into a capable expedetion type rig, nice lift, 35" BFG's etc. He recently traded into a 96 80 for his daily driver, his first comment was there seemed to be much more than 10 years worth of creature comfort, and technology in between the 2, for me it would depend on whether, after getting the 80 would I have the funds to accomplish it, and can I justify keeping both.
Butch

Other than the purchase price, FJ-80's are cheaper to build than 62's by far, plus you can have some power with the OEM setup.

GO for the 62K FZJ-80, you will NOT regret it.

I sold my "decked out" FZJ-80 and it was the worst mistake I have made in buying and selling cars over the years.

If one of you could take a moment and respond it would really help me out. I have heard that 1993 was the best year for the 80 series, but what would make that a better year than a 1991? There is a very early 80 series for sale in this area and I'd like to know if I should look into this one or hold out for a 1993?
Thanks as any insight would really help.

well i have a 62 that is spoa and on a set of 38.5s, go with the v8 you will like the power a lot better than the 6. i am running 5.29 gears and it does ok but i would like it to be lower. and the 80 series is so much more comfortable. just my 2 cents mike

91s and 92s SUCK! 3FE engine is not up to toting that big chunk of metal around. And the brakes are inadequate. 93s/94s are fairly desirable as they have the stronger tranny, no airbags, etc... The tranny thing is sort of a big vs. small sort of thing, however there are tons of 95-97 80s with the small tranny that are pushing big tires, superchargers, etc... And I've never heard of any tranny explosions. 93-94 do need a retrofit for the Supercharger so that could actually be a downside. Also they would have higher mileage. Be careful as some 93/94s also had a semi floating rear axle and drums. All 93-97 have the 1FZE engine which is the nice Inline 6.

Well it looks like the fzj has the 62 beat by a small margin. The biggest problem with the 80 is that I would have to finance it and go back to car payment and since I have not had them for 6 years now that is a major down side for me. I agree the fzj 80 has some serious get up and go but so can the 62 if that tbi 350 fell in to this one that never made it to to fj40. The one other thing that put the 62 in the lead for me is I have hauled a sh$t load of Cub Scout camping gear in the 62 that I'm sure would not have fit in the 80.

Next Opinion???

:beer: :usa: :beer:

For me it would be the 62 as it's paid for. I have no interest in acquiring a car payment again, so I would keep the 62. Imagine the mods you could make with $20K+ :).

I vote for the 80. The quality of your saddle time when expeditioning will be much nicer.
If you are thinking of expeditioning South of the border make sure you pack all your spares. TLC parts were tough to come by the last time I was down there.
CAS

I say stick w/ the 62. if you spring it over & do all the work yourself you'll only be out $400-$1000 depending on the options & you'll get clearnce that would cost some serious $$$ on an 80 series last time I looked. Replacement parts are not that bad & w/ a TBI350 & spare parts are cheap & even fairly plentiful south of the border. 80's are cool & comfortable but you'll be into an 80 alot more than you would in to your 62 making it that much harder to ding & scratch it.