Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Forums, etc.

[BmillsSkier]

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.

[Hutch]

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/

[BmillsSkier]

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....

[FJ62]

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!

[BmillsSkier]

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?

[Cruiser]

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!

[hutash]

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

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.

[Blatant]

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?

[MakeFast]

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

[skiing-in-jackson]

http://www.ih8mud.com/

I like it. I have a FJ80.

[skiing-in-jackson]

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

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.

[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.

[Platinum Pete]

yotatech.com has some cruiser stuff

[FrankZappa]

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

[tigerstripe40]

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.

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.

[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.

[BmillsSkier]

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.

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.

[Conundrum]

^^^ 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.

[khakis]

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

[mnflyfish]

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

[mnflyfish]

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.

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

[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

[mnflyfish]

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

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.

[khakis]

a Cummins would bolt right on my tranny as well.

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

[Conundrum]

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

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.