Fj80

I just picked this up. There is an intermittent strange thumping or knocking noise at low speed coming from the drivetrain.
Any ideas

 

I'm not sure about the thumping, but that is a great looking LC. I'm looking into buying another right now.

 

Nice!!!!

 

Very nice rig....

 

Good looking 80. Looks like it’s been painted at some point. I’ve owned three fj60’s and cruisers are as bombproof as it gets. I’m looking for a fzj80 or early model 100 myself. I here Florida has the best deals.
As for the thumping at low speeds, does it do it in 4wd or 2wd. Check front birfield joints for leakage. Check drive shaft joints. Check wheels for true. If it’s been sitting, the tires may need replacing. Need more info to narrow the problem down. Hope you enjoy the cruiser. Specter off-road and man-a-fre are good places for parts and after market.

 

The 80 series are full time 4WD, unless it has been modified to run 2WD.
My new-to-me FZJ80 is waiting for when I get back from South America next month. I can't wait!

 

That’s right I forgot about the permenant Awd on the 80 series. How much did you get the fzj for if you don’t mind me asking. What kind of condition? I’ve been looking at eBay motors for a good deal In my area.

 

I ended up paying $4200 for it, I forget the mileage but other than normal cosmetics and a seeping Valve Cover Gasket, I was told by a trusted individual that it runs smooth. No lockers though.

 

Nice find looks in decent shape. I’m looking for the same kind of deal. Ideally a clean one owned by a little old rich lady who had it dealer maintained with under 150k miles. The prices on the 100 series are pretty cheap now and have the 4.7 v8 that gets better Mpg’s than the six, plus are newer. The solid axles on the 80’s are a big bonus though. I’m torn.

 

If I could find a 105, I would do it. I should have kept my last FZJ80... it was a 94 with 82k miles when I sold it in 2011. Owned by an old couple that just used it to get groceries.

 

Yep I keep hearing about those deals, just have to find one for myself. I missed one last year with 69k by a couple of months.

 

@G.T. I believe knows about these fantastic beasts.

 

Will they fit or is modification needed?

 

the leather in the fzj’s was crap. You can buy new bottoms though. The Lexus versions of the same year used a better quality.

 

My mom has been driving a 96 LX450 (triple locker) since 2002, from 30k miles to 295k. The leather was nice... once upon a time.

 

It shows who is online

 

FZJ’s are allot of fun and there is enough of an aftermarket here in North America to really build an excellent example out of what you end up sourcing.

As mentioned before 80 Series leather does not age well and there are lots out there to rebuild the factory seats if desired.

If you want an excellent import I’d strongly suggest talkin to Steve Jackson at Land Cruisers Direct. He has some stuff listed on his website but talking to him about your preferences and budget will allow him to start looking at current and future offerings in Japan. He only sources excellent headache free machines but that quality comes at a cost.

If you’d rather have a left hand drive car and not mess with the - minor - headaches of registering and insuring a vehicle with a non-standard VIN you can go to some of the reputable LandCruiser shops to do a swap for allot less. If that’s a plan that appeals to you I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rob Smith in Georgia as I know he has done successful 1HZ swaps into 80’s with great success. For a friend of mine he did a turbo 1HZ swap and it’s an amazingly awesome change.

Rob Smith - Odd-Iron Off-Road
http://oddironoffroad.com/

Steve Jackson - Land Cruisers Direct
http://www.landcruisersdirect.com/

 

Ha Ha . I got your baby with me and I only got 47.5 to go.

 

So I should have someone else detail it first thing when I get back... with heavy duty disinfectant.

 

I recommend fire.