Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Forums, etc.

I'm searching for a Land Cruiser in the 91-97 range. They're not the most popular cars out there, and people rarely part with em once they get them, so needless to say, it's been a challenge finding the right one.

Anyone know of a good 'Yota forum where users might post vehicles for sale?

That or does anyone have any suggestions on where to look besides cars.com, yahoo autos, and ebay?

Lastly, if you know of anyone who is selling one, feel free to PM me. I'd like to keep it to the EC/Midwest if possible.

Thanks in advance.

I'd buy a car like that from somewhere that they don't salt roads, like Fullerton, CA.

(I didn't end up buying that one, but I still love that Bullet went and test drove it and gave a comprehensive report just over 2 hours from my starting the thread.)

look here: http://forum.ih8mud.com/classifieds-ih8mud-com/

Wow, Hutch,

That is one nice test report from Bullet! Gotta love the mags.

Thanks for the forum tip, I'll start there.

10-4 on the salt. I just need a reliable ski truck for the winter that can make long drives and not be completely rusted.

Unfortunately I sold my '00 4Runner with 197k original miles on it a few months ago because I didn't want to deal with the problems that driving on salted winter roads had given it.... So, I start over again....

Ih8mud is the TGR (well, I think it's bigger than TGR) forum of Land Cruiser owners. They also have a nice classifieds. Go there.

If you have any ambition to do mods, get a car that has already been modified by the previous owner ... you'll save money. Oh... and if you have any desire to use this vehicle as a ski/mountain car, do not get a 91-92 Land Cruiser. Way underpowered (using the old 3FE engine from the FJ62 on a much heavier body). Go 93 and up.

Also, these are uber reliable for the most part but read up on a few repair/things that all LC owners become well-versed in: head gasket repair, passenger heating hose repair, knuckles, etc. These terms will come up a bit so it's good to know what folks are talking about.

Good luck!

Thanks FJ,

I have no plans to do any mods. I'd actually prefer a vehicle that is as close to 100% original/stock as possible.

Thanks too for the engine tip on the 91-92's. I'll make sure to go 93 and up.

I'll admit I'm a bit of a mechanical jong, but can make my way around an auto conversation pretty well. On that note I'm not familliar with one term you used; knuckles? Does this refer to any front end joints?

Knuckles :) Fabulous lancruiser steering/CV linkage. They're bulky, old school, and prone to sloppy handling. Rebuilding them is commonplace in the FJ world. They won't fail, but they'll certainly make things interesting at highway speed if they're worn out. Easy way to check is to lift the front end with a jack and turn the wheel all the way to one side or the other then get out and check for play in the wheels. Play = time to rebuild the knuckles.

All that said, I still miss my Landcruiser. Good luck with the search!

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Originally Posted by FJ62

do not get a 91-92 Land Cruiser. Way underpowered (using the old 3FE engine from the FJ62 on a much heavier body). Go 93 and up.

Also, these are uber reliable for the most part but

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If you get any more under powdered then a FJ62, you would be moving backwards. I loved mine, but it was a dog.

Also it was far from reliable...I had lots of problems including two engines, and finally gave up on it. It was the exception, not the rule (as far as reliability, but they are all dogs), but I still consider it one of the best off road wagons going.

you should be looking in socal and az if you're sorta local to the joint.


1. expedition portal is a good start.

2. I hate mud is a good spot but often confundled w/ confundulation and bullshit but there is alot of good stuff to be had.

What type of fj are you looking for?

I am looking for a BJ60'ish right now myself. Craigslist, ih8mud, and autotrader are where I have been looking. Good luck finding one!

http://www.ih8mud.com/

I like it. I have a FJ80.

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Originally Posted by BmillsSkier

I'm searching for a Land Cruiser in the 91-97 range.

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The 91-92 range is hideously underpowered. These two years have the differential lock standard. Nice feature- my 1991 (while underpowered) can drive anywhere in any conditions with this lock. Parts are everywhere. Usually pretty cheap.

I also have a 1984 VW Westfalia. I can get parts from many niche webpages. I notice that the Land Cruiser doesn't have the broad spectrum of web pages the VW Westy has. There are too many Land Cruisers out there- you can go to the auto parts store and get just about any part overnight from NAPA- even here in JH.

Check out www.pirate4x4.com.

I just picked up an 85 FJ60. Yeah, it's slow...but so am I. Just rolled 222,222 miles on all original stuff. I bought it for a diesel conversion down the road.

yotatech.com has some cruiser stuff

A bunch of yotas around here and they got a junk yard to boot
Classic Cruisers, formerly TOYOTAS “R” US

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Originally Posted by skiing-in-jackson

The 91-92 range is hideously underpowered. These two years have the differential lock standard. Nice feature- my 1991 (while underpowered) can drive anywhere in any conditions with this lock. Parts are everywhere. Usually pretty cheap.

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The 91-92 had the CENTER differential lock standard. NOT the axle differential locks.

That said, the 91/92's are now dirt cheap. You can pull the 3FE and sell it to a FJ40 or FJ60 owner looking for a builder block.

I've driven a 92 that had a 6.0 liter Vortec v8 swapped in. WHOA BABY!
If I had some cash to spend on building another rig, I'd strongly consider going that route.

How pickey are you on a cruiser specifically, have you thought about any of the stuff commin in from Japan? there are LC's and toyota 4X4s that can be scored pretty cheap.
I'm sure if you ask around, you will find someone local that is brining them over.

I've had my toyota Hilux Surf for about 3 years now.
so far my little deisel has treated me well, and is decent on fuel for a 4X4.

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Originally Posted by shiftagain

How pickey are you on a cruiser specifically, have you thought about any of the stuff commin in from Japan? there are LC's and toyota 4X4s that can be scored pretty cheap.
I'm sure if you ask around, you will find someone local that is brining them over.

I've had my toyota Hilux Surf for about 3 years now.
so far my little deisel has treated me well, and is decent on fuel for a 4X4.

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Interesting, I hadn't thought about the overseas vehicles. I will keep this option in mind, but being far away from the West Coast, where most of these vehicles come in, it might be a little difficult for me to orchestrate.

^^^ And it's tough to get them through US customs on occasion. I tried to get a Hilux here and it was a no go.

I'd look in Houston or Dallas. They seem to be a dime a dozen. A buddy of mine just got a 94 with high miles and a busted birf for a grand

I looked for almost two years to find my 80. Mine is a mid-west/salt road 80 but the family I bought it from only used it to drive to and from their house at Big Sky. A little surface but very little, and due to a divorce I got a screaming deal.

That said, I would really look at TX. And also pay attention to FL. For some reason, the bulk of the fully locked 80's ended up shipping to Florida-makes no sense to me but...

For what it sould like you need, a unlocked FZJ would be a excellent SUV. Unlocked the 80 is one of the best SUV's ever made, locked and it's the most capable off road vehicle ever offered in stock form to the US buyer. They are super easy to work on, have those cool sliding windows in the back for your dog to stick his head out, and they are uber-reliable. Just remember you're looking at a truck that's 12-15 years old and their will be some maintence issues that will need to be addressed. They sold for $50K plus and you're picking one up for under $10K, so take you time and find a seller that has good detailed records of the mait. they've done. Each year has it's little issues, spend some time on ih8mud and do you're research. I went with the 94 because I got a screaming deal, but also it has cheaper issues than some of the other years. I'm currently struggling with a EGR filter issue I can't make go away. Not a performance issue, just part of the emissions system(we don't have emission testing in MN so no big deal) I just hate the check engine light reminding me I haven't figured out the problem yet. It's like it mocking me.

So yeah you'd love an 80. If you're concerned about airbags, they appeared in 95. The 94 has the Toyota bus tranny that is bombproof, the 97 is the anniv year but recently I've heard of some overheating issues in the AZ area, but these are easily addressed with an aux fan for about $50. There are two forsale in MN right now on Craigslist. If you want to call on them, I'd be more than happy to have a look before you drove up. Not to say I could spot a major underlying issue, but it's pretty obvious if the prev owner cared for the truck.

Good Luck,

Jay

1994 FZJ80 160K miles

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Originally Posted by Conundrum

Check out www.pirate4x4.com.

I just picked up an 85 FJ60. Yeah, it's slow...but so am I. Just rolled 222,222 miles on all original stuff. I bought it for a diesel conversion down the road.

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Nice truck, that still has he cool headlights and the 4 speed manual i believe. Conundrum, check the Patagonia website, on the "Cleanest Line" blog. One of their employees did a Diesel conversion on a 60 series. Someday when my 94's engine gives it up, I'm dropping a diesel in. I'm leaning toward the Toyota but a Cummins would bolt right on my tranny as well. Either way I'll go from 14 mpg to 24ish and gain a ton of power.

Nice find!

Jay

I forgot about this buying guide that Slee posted up several years back. Should help you in your education, as well: http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

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Originally Posted by FJ62

I forgot about this buying guide that Slee posted up several years back. Should help you in your education, as well: http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

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I'll second this!!! This guide kept me from buying trouble a couple times. But beware, the Slee website can also lead to huge credit card bills.

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Originally Posted by mnflyfish

a Cummins would bolt right on my tranny as well.

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whaaaaat!? Really???!!! 4bt? Link?

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Originally Posted by mnflyfish

Nice truck, that still has he cool headlights and the 4 speed manual i believe. Conundrum, check the Patagonia website, on the "Cleanest Line" blog. One of their employees did a Diesel conversion on a 60 series. Someday when my 94's engine gives it up, I'm dropping a diesel in. I'm leaning toward the Toyota but a Cummins would bolt right on my tranny as well. Either way I'll go from 14 mpg to 24ish and gain a ton of power.

Nice find!

Jay

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Cool headlights and 4spd is right.

I've got the same plan. When the engine goes, it's getting a Toy diesel and 5spd from Manafre. They are also working on some pretty cool suspension systems as OME is the only thing going besides custom spring overs. I'll probably pick one of those up too.

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Originally Posted by khakis

whaaaaat!? Really???!!! 4bt? Link?

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No link, that wa just something I was told in passing. I'd prob go with the Toyota Diesel. They can be had for a little over $3K with approx 50k miles. Then other than general mait and keeping the body nice I'd never have to buy a new car. I'll do a little research and see if that in fact is the case.

Jay

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Originally Posted by mnflyfish

Unlocked the 80 is one of the best SUV's ever made, locked and it's the most capable off road vehicle ever offered in stock form to the US buyer.

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I'd have to say wrong on this as currently the rubicon is probably the best to the USA at this point. However toyotas in general w/ their lockers and other bells, tend to be the best all around.

I guess the argument is, whether a 4 dr wrangler unlimited rubicon an suv? If not then the 80 gets it...if so then commence a wheeling challenge.

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Originally Posted by tigerstripe40

The 91-92 had the CENTER differential lock standard. NOT the axle differential locks.

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I am not super car techy and found this page after I got my FJ80

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/abc4.html


there is lots of good stuff on these pages. Still, I'm pretty impressed with my FJ80.

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Originally Posted by Blatant

I'd have to say wrong on this as currently the rubicon is probably the best to the USA at this point. However toyotas in general w/ their lockers and other bells, tend to be the best all around.

I guess the argument is, whether a 4 dr wrangler unlimited rubicon an suv? If not then the 80 gets it...if so then commence a wheeling challenge.

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That's a debate that could go on for years, but no matter how you slice it...they're both Range Rover Recovery Vehicles. I mean someone has to pull those fancy station wagons out of the ditch.

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Originally Posted by mnflyfish

No link, that wa just something I was told in passing. I'd prob go with the Toyota Diesel. They can be had for a little over $3K with approx 50k miles. Then other than general mait and keeping the body nice I'd never have to buy a new car. I'll do a little research and see if that in fact is the case.

Jay

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Here is a good link:

http://www.proffittscruisers.com/eng...nversions.html

Proffitts Crusiers is resonably priced and tehy do some of the best work I've seen.

While I'd live to have a toyota diesel powere Cruiser, for a DD I wouldn't use the Toyota motor. Mostly due to parts availability. If the truck was a rig I used on weekends for recreation like rock crawling or occasional use, then for sure.

I'd LOVE to put a duramax diesel into an 80 series. But the money involved.. :eek:
Hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by mnflyfish

That's a debate that could go on for years, but no matter how you slice it...they're both Range Rover Recovery Vehicles. I mean someone has to pull those fancy station wagons out of the ditch.

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One more to consider is the Mercedes Benz G Klasse.
It's got a 5.8l v8, solid axles, 3 differential lockers, and coil sprung suspension. Supercharger packages and upgraded brakes are available on the AMG G55.

Then again, for the price of one of those you can buy yourself a BITCHIN' rock buggy, trailer and used 3/4 ton truck to tow it with...

I love my Land Cruiser more than anything after this thread.

/admitting I am a shade tree mechanic and will dive into many problems on VWs and Volvos without hesitation, the Land Cruiser is difficult to work on. There isn't that much space to get at stuff.

I replaced a power steering hose not long ago and it was a very hard job.

That is all.

On a side note, we went to the Brew Pub as a family for dinner tonight and had a great time. Brew Pub beer is just fine with me.

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Originally Posted by Conundrum

Cool headlights and 4spd is right.

I've got the same plan. When the engine goes, it's getting a Toy diesel and 5spd from Manafre. They are also working on some pretty cool suspension systems as OME is the only thing going besides custom spring overs. I'll probably pick one of those up too.

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This is an old thread, but if your talking about the H55f 5speed from Man-a-fre it's the tits. I have a 72 40 and have it hooked up to a built 396. 2100 RPM in forth gear at 75mph, 5th gear cruises at like 1600 at that speed. If only I didn't start to get death wobbles the truck could probably make a decent run into the 100's before you twitched and rolled the thing.

As a note though the only time I've ever used first gear on the street was when pulling a friends Chevy HD home, 1st is definatly a crawler gear. Only thing I'd caution you is for some reason me and a few others got without the flywheel cover from Man-a-fre. Minor phone call to get, but something I'd check.

did you end up finding one?


i second http://www.pirate4x4.com , there's also http://www.4x4wire.com

This is a bit off topic but I thought that lookers might be able to help me out. My 91 Toyota PU just ate shit. The right rear leaf spring has rusted off of the frame. Is this repairable? the Left side of the frame is just as bad. Should I just sell this thing for parts or try to resurrect it?

wow that's scary. Guess you're in the rust belt? It's fawked. Sell for parts or trade-in

y'all had to give MNFLYFISH yet ANOTHER reason to spout out about Landcruisers DIDN"T you...WTF, and i had to bare witness to his steal of a lifetime...

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Originally Posted by bigt

This is a bit off topic but I thought that lookers might be able to help me out. My 91 Toyota PU just ate shit. The right rear leaf spring has rusted off of the frame. Is this repairable? the Left side of the frame is just as bad. Should I just sell this thing for parts or try to resurrect it?

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See if your vin fits in Toyota new frame rust warranty. You will have to google it. If your frame fits the description and is covered, Toyota will write you a check for 1.5 times the high book value of your vehicle.

Good idea but, it is a 91 so I don't think it is covered but, I will check.

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Originally Posted by daver

did you end up finding one?


i second http://www.pirate4x4.com , there's also http://www.4x4wire.com

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I've made some good progress. I've come close on a couple 94s but when I had them looked at by local mechanics the repairs that would need to be done very soon added up to more than the truck was worth. (full disclosure I'm a "call someone to fix it" guy, rather than a "do it yourself" guy)

Through my search I've actually hooked up with a couple good private dealers in Southern Cal and Florida that have given me a shout everytime they see a LC in their areas. So hopefully I can find a good rust-free southern car.