I know the early 90s were low on power but I would like to still have the factory locking diffs. What links or info do you have about the 90s? I would really like a 60 series but it seems like the 90s are close to the price. Any buyer info would be great. I would like to be around the $10,000 mark, to make a vehichle that is a short daily driver and also a trip/camping vehicle for 2-4 people.

I think you mean 80 series since the 90 series is only non-USA.

If so, then 93-97 have the good engine and 93-94 have the stoutest tranny.

91-92 have the anemic 3FE engine and unless it is trail only, I would not recommend it.

Do a search, lot's of info here on this stuff.

Go to CCOT and do a search there...TONS of info on that board on this subject.

i think he may be talking about the 80 series cruiser, during the period called the "ninteys"....or not??:confused:

My mistake. I wanted the 90 year model of the 80 series. Thanks I will look at the ccot site. mobiltoy

Originally posted by mobiltoy
My mistake. I wanted the 90 year model of the 80 series. Thanks I will look at the ccot site. mobiltoy

A "90 year model of the 80 series" is an FJ62.

TJK

I remember reading somewhere that 95 and up 80 series have a full float rear end? Is that true or does my memory decieve me?

Originally posted by mobiltoy
I know the early 90s were low on power but I would like to still have the factory locking diffs. What links or info do you have about the 90s? I would really like a 60 series but it seems like the 90s are close to the price. Any buyer info would be great. I would like to be around the $10,000 mark, to make a vehichle that is a short daily driver and also a trip/camping vehicle for 2-4 people.

I believe factory locking diffs didn't show 'til '94, with rear disc brakes and rear full-floater axle. Not all '94+ 80s came with factory locking diffs. Seems like the "loaded" models had the lockers and other trim packages didn't. Check for the locker switch (http://www.birfield.com/~morgan/tech/80lockerswitch.jpg) on the left-side dash, under the steering wheel.

'93 was the first year for the 1FZ (mo betta) engine. That cruiser is an FZJ80. The 3FE-powered FJ80 was made '91-'92. Maybe '90 also.

I'd recommend reading Christo Slee's (http://www.sleeoffroad.com) excellent 80-series buyer's guide. His site seems to be down right now, so I can't give you the exact URL.

Also, you should join either the 80scool (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/80scool/) international mailing list and/or the 80scool_usa (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/80scool_usa) mailing lists, and asking questions there.

I think $10,000 might be too low to expect to get a '94+ 80-series, but it's possible. I paid $16,500 for a '94 FZJ80 with 93,000 miles and all the goodies, last June. I'm in CA where cars cost more. I flew 500 miles to San Diego and drove it back.

They are great vehicles. My friends Mark and Nick have done some significant wheeling with theirs and the 80s performed very well. There are lots of great mods and accessories for them, but to be honest they perform damn well without many changes. The one thing that's really missing from the 80 for the rockcrawling crowd is low gears. I'm sure they will come. But an 80 isn't really for rockcrawling anyway. Mine is my daily driver, family station wagon, camping truck and getaway car. When I want to go rockcrawling, I take the trail-beater 55.

This is mine:

http://www.birfield.com/~morgan/moabdurangotahoe/img_2876-md.jpg

Morgan

Originally posted by morgan
I'd recommend reading Christo Slee's (http://www.sleeoffroad.com) excellent 80-series buyer's guide. His site seems to be down right now, so I can't give you the exact URL.


Here is Christo's newbie guide (http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm).

Morgan

It sounds like the 94 is the earliest model that I will look for. The site is a good one, thanks.