Everything to Know: Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser - Review/Buyer's Guide

Introducing the Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser: Body on fully boxed frame, Solid front axle, Full floating rear axle, Locking differentials, Coil suspension, Inline 6... is there a better SUV out there when it comes to a balance of build quality, ruggedness and comfort? crickets They just don't make them like they used to.
This video explains everything you need to know about the 80 Series Land Cruiser: History, Year Changes, Rust, Engine options, Lexus LX450, 105 Series, Venezuela 80 Series, Quality issues, Off-road capability, Overlanding, Pricing/Value, Competitor SUV's, and a quick look at the fate and future of the Land Cruiser.
Special thanks to RM Garage for the off-road and 1fz-fe footage! Check out the documentation of his 80 Series teardown and rebuild: / @rm_garage
bringatrailer.com/listing/199...
More 80 Series videos:
How To Read Transmission Code with Flashing Overdrive Light, 80-Series Land Cruiser: • How To Read Transmissi...
How to: Replace Transmission Solenoid - Toyota FZJ80 Land Cruiser: • How to: Replace Transm...
JDM Ice Cube Maker in 80-Series Land Cruiser: • JDM Ice Cube Maker in ...
LED Headlight Upgrade: • Easy LED Headlight Upg...
Front Axle Knuckle Rebuild/Birfield Replacement: • Toyota Solid Front Axl...
Prevent Rust on Vehicle Body with Fluid Film Aerosol: • How to: Prevent Rust o...
Fluid Film Undercoating to Protect Frame + Underbody: • How to Apply Fluid Fil...
Maintenance/Repair Cost- First 8 Months: • Toyota Land Cruiser Ma...
How To Install Rear Trailer Hitch Receiver: • How To Install Rear Tr...
How To Install 4-Pin Trailer Harness: • How To Install 4-Pin T...
Differences between US and Japanese 80-Series Land Cruiser: • Differences between US...
9" LED 360 PRO Series Fog Light install: • 9" LED 360 PRO Series ...
Recharge/Refill Vehicle AC System with R134a: • How to Correctly Recha...
Replace Valve Cover Gasket: • How To Replace Valve C...
Replace EVERY Coolant Hose on FZJ80: • How to: Replace EVERY ...
15 Common Problems of Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser: • 15 Problems of Toyota ...
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Instagram: 6th_gear
6thGearGarage

[@homewithj1]

I have a 1994 . Fairly clean no mods . 188k when I got . I dont drive much because I live in NYC . But camping and road trips are a blast .

[@Ghostrider-71]

1990 HDJ81 owner here. Bought it back in January of this year (2023), great vehicle and I have enjoyed working on it as well.

[@paulschofield985]

I’ve got one of them same year, factory triple locked totally love it..

[@6thGearGarage]

I would love a diesel, but they were out of my price range. Depending on the price of gas, it costs me about $15 to $20 an hr in gas to drive my 80.

[@jorritkoperdraad5611]

@@6thGearGaragewhat’s the consumption of a LC 1995 VX 4.2 diesel? I’m thinking of buying one (in South Africa) but I’m a little worried about the consumption

[@6thGearGarage]

I'n not sure how the diesels do, as I have only driven the gas 1fzfe@@jorritkoperdraad5611

[@paultrend]

@@jorritkoperdraad5611 the 1HD-FT does 11l/100km on highway (120km/h@2600rpm)

[@edwardpeters4700]

1997 LX450. It's been a labor of love like most classic cars. She's looking good these days with a fresh re-spray, lockers, bumpers, and sliders.

[@6thGearGarage]

Fresh paint makes such a difference. The clear coat on many of these 80's did hot hold up well, including mine.

[@Gonzobbq]

[@paultrend]

1996 HDJ80 (1HD-FT) 3ple locked @155.000km. I love it. We use it for mild "Overlanding" in Europe. RTT+Fridge+Inverter makes it perfect for vacations abroad the beaten track.

[@igorv4631]

I've had the same one and sold it, worst decision I ever made

[@yyyyyyyyzzzzzzzz1997]

I'm in Vietnam and I'm using a Land Cruiser VXR manufactured in February 1995 in Japan. I really love this car so I was very interested in your podcast. Thank you very much!

[@gerardgunhouse397]

Great 80 series review. I have owned three 96/97 80 series over the past twenty plus years along with a 2003 100 series. I much prefer the 80 due to it simplicity and amazing build quality. This vehicle was overbuilt and designed to last indefinitely providing one keep up with proper maintenance and avoids the rust belt. I still own a 96 LX450 with 85k original miles. I purchased the truck from the original owner in 2001. It has always been garaged and has never been off-road. Spent it's entire life in the southern US (Alabama, Texas and Georgia). It has been meticulously maintained and is in like new condition. I currently own a number of other vehicles including two GX460s and a 200 series but the 80 series is very special from a different era. Cheers

[@6thGearGarage]

This is my first Land Cruiser and I love it! I had saved up for a pretty nice 1st Gen 4runner, but When I saw the opportunity to own a decent 80 for under $10k, I couldn't pass it up. I've owned about 10 80's Toyota Pickups over the years and like you said, the 80 is an entire different league when it comes to build quality. The 80 feels like a tank compared to an 80's 4wd Pickup, and those trucks are tough to begin with!

[@1992Yotaman]

Thanks for the 80s series content. I have a 92 fj80 and your videos help me out a lot and make maintenance a little less intimidating. Keep it up!

[@landcruiserscotland]

Great video. I learned a lot from all the little details!

[@tedbastwock3810]

Was always confused by all the model numbers under the model name "Land Cruiser", with their wildly different looks. This was a fantastic video, I enjoyed it very much. Thanks!!

[@christopherrodriguez6254]

Good detailed video. I have a triple locked 93 and unlocked 94. Both over 300k miles and run great! Enjoy your HDJ!

[@pochunlee]

Best comprehensive video, ever! loved the part about the possible problems, you should do a series about that, starting with pesky problems like shaking mirrors, I guess the fix version of the 15 common problems video.

[@6thGearGarage]

Yes! I'll slowly be doing most of those repairs over time and making videos. The problem though, is that I keep buying more project Toyotas!

[@vang1203]

Glad your posting up more videos frequently!!

[@6thGearGarage]

I'm really trying to make this a full time gig!

[@vang1203]

That’s good to hear!! A lot of your videos helped with my 86 4Runner as well! Can’t wait to see whats more to come!

[@6thGearGarage]

@@vang1203 actually, next to come is a 1985 4runner restoration! I just need to get this 1980 long bed together and running first to make room in the garage.

[@vang1203]

@@6thGearGarage right on! That’s gonna be useful for my 84!

[@bobmariano3731]

Awesome video & great details & info . Have a 1995 LC with 250,000 & going strong . 💪 thx so much again . 👍⚾️

[@blackdiamondoffthegrid8703]

Love my 97 LX450 and Land Cruiser. They vary dependable when basic maintenance kept. My 95 1HDT-FT Turbo Diesel is a fun vehicle to drive.

[@tractorguy1994]

The way you talk about the Land Cruiser being raw just sounds like what the 70 series still is these days

[@6thGearGarage]

I wish they sold the 70 in the USA.

[@bwarrior6340]

⁠it's OK the 80 series is beter than the 70 series. If that makes you feel better 😂.

[@NigelNaughton]

Awesome vid!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@darrenhili6623]

Love your video mate,👍 i have an early 90s 80 which is not triple lock that I'm keeping as standard BUT 6 months after we go it I bought a late 91modle wich has all the features (triple locked, fridge, heated seats....) That I use for overlanding in Europe 😅 simply love these beast!! They are with just around 150k Miles. The only doen side here in Malta is the parts availability 😔 we have to import most of them from other countries and shipping costs more than the actual product 😅 unfortunately in the early 2000s most of the land cruisers that where purchased from Toyota Malta got scrapped and sold for metal!! Very few are left on the roads that are not imported. The Maltese market didn't have all the extras that the Japanese market had to offer also! Thank you for your videos mate

[@6thGearGarage]

Why did they scrap so many land cruisers in Malta in the early 2000's? That's tragic! I searched on google and didn't find an answer.

[@user-yr4yd9iv9t]

It's a complete Master piece

[@weingump2602]

2003 lc100 owner here, thank you

[@6thGearGarage]

It' a great time to buy/own a 100 Series. Just as 80 prices have skyrocketed, 100 prices will be next.

[@AverageOverlander]

Pretty solid video.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@alfredobrown]

Interesting fact about the fj80 in Venezuela. People down there know it as Toyota Burbuja (bubble)

[@drewfleming7065]

Thanks for the history tour....I had a 70 FJ40 way back and loved the simplicity...even down the the copy of the Chevy straight 6....How do you like the right hand drive?? Dont know if Id ever get use to it....

[@6thGearGarage]

The right hand drive was pretty easy to get used to. Aside from drive thrus and passing big trucks (I don't do much passing in an 80) there is really no disadvantage to RHD. It's actually nice when parallel parking and I don't have to step out into traffic.

[@ASRCivicFerio]

I have 97 collector’s edition since 2005 with 130k miles and picked up a 96 3 years ago with 230k miles both 3 locked!

[@6thGearGarage]

I really wish mine was 3x locked, but they fetch a premium price and I don't do any serious off roading in my 80.

[@kateotoole6690]

Best 4WD Ever Built!

[@rossouwlambrechts129]

1996 4,2td VX owner here. Bought last year as a project. Brilliant overlander and so easy to work on. Parts availibility in South Africa is an issue though👎

[@user-yr4yd9iv9t]

Nice marvelous art of work by Toyota

[@6thGearGarage]

We agree!

[@jakeodonovan2864]

I own the exact same (color too) JDM, 100k klm. Use it as a daily currently, I don't notice the gas-guzzling nature as a former American V8 driver. Thanks for posting great videos, we use the others for our 94 hilux as well!

[@6thGearGarage]

I did the math once and depending on current gas prices, I pay $15 to $20 an hour just in gas to drive this beast.

[@fergalshevlin6920]

@@6thGearGarage Oh dear, I've just realized that it won't fit yours either! Duh!

[@seanadcock1935]

I daily my 96 LX 450. I absolutely love it! Yeah, I have to work on it a bit, but I wouldn't trade it for anything other than another 80!

[@6thGearGarage]

Being able to work on it yourself is the best part that makes it so affordable.

[@seanadcock1935]

@@6thGearGarage absolutely! Your videos have been awesome! From the valve cover gasket to the front axle rebuild. Definitely made it a whole lot easier! Thank you!

[@electrikoptik]

The 1FZ in the 105-series was updated. It produced 240hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. About 10 hp more than the non VVT-i 2UZ V8.

[@phillipthomas5000]

1994 FZJ80 here thankfully with the white paint that didn't have the pealing clear coat like all other toyota colors and AZ truck so no rust just the excessive plastic wear due to heat.

[@6thGearGarage]

The white ones have aged so well. I think the dark metallic green clear coat peels/fades the worst.

[@andrewshinabery8039]

Good video.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@austinyang3253]

Great video. What do you think of the '24 LC coming to NA?

[@6thGearGarage]

I like it. The 200 appeared more luxury/Lexus than an tough Toyota and they weren't selling many. Although smaller than the old Land Cruisers, this reset should breathe a lot of life back into the nameplate.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Can I get a Venezuelan series 80 after 25 years in California? Thanks in advance, Daniel I have an FJ40 and a 55 (with the expected body rust 😢). Both running fuel injection, though I should have kept them carburete

[@6thGearGarage]

I'm unsure on how imports work in cali due to the state's strict emissions. I know they still apply to vehicles older than 25 years.

[@juskoman2337]

1996 FZJ80 VXR 1FZ-FE 400,000 miles. Its on high Idle and I can't figure it out, is it the vacuum hose, or the valve cover. My grandfather just gave it to me I'm 25.

[@6thGearGarage]

Wow that's high miles, congrats! The valve cover shouldn't be able to cause a high idle. It could definitely be a vacuum leak. I'd start by checking/replacing the hoses, especially if they're the original ones.

[@jeanneblackwell5123]

Is there a quick check to see if my water pump is working properly? 1982 toyota pickup. seems to be heating up on short trips. needs water. no leaks. new radiator 2 years ago. thanks.

[@6thGearGarage]

If it's loosing coolant and there are zero leaks anywhere, it could be a leaking headgasket allowing coolant to enter the cylinder while driving. I'd do a compression check: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGiolYWteLxsfNU

[@jeanneblackwell5123]

thank you for the quick reply and video to show me how to check the compression. However, I am not loosing coolant. I have added water to the radiator and the coolant level stayed the same. @@6thGearGarage

[@6thGearGarage]

@@jeanneblackwell5123 Sorry, I misread that! Well that's good news then. I'd start with the simple things first. You already have a new rad, so that'd good. How old is the thermostat, and is it an OEM part? I''ve had bad luck with cheap ones and only use OEM Aisin thermostats on my toyotas now.

[@jeanneblackwell5123]

He charged me for a new thermostat but I will check it out at any rate. Thanks. @@6thGearGarage

[@ricardoarmas001]

97 LX 450 boy do I have a lot of work a head of me.

[@geoffodger]

1994 GXL 5 speed manual 2022 I removed the 1fz-fe and installed a LS 6 litre V8

[@donovanchilton5817]

That is very cool, actually. I love the idea of an LS swap 80 series with a 4l80E

[@6thGearGarage]

That's absolutely the way to go and if my 1fzfe ever kicks the bucket, I plan on going that route.

[@UpulRanjana-sq1tz]

cute cat yo ❤😅

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! He's my garage buddy

[@AA-vr8ez]

A G wagon can do all of that, and pass a vehicle on the highway. Up till 2018, they had solid front axles. And they are reliable, but they’re not Land Cruiser reliable lol.

[@6thGearGarage]

I've seen the abuse they can take in the WD videos... pretty impressive.

[@rezamansoor14]

1997 - 40th anniversary Triple locked

[@6thGearGarage]

Nice, that's the best of the best!

[@davidmilledge221]

I wish Toyota brought back the 80series would sell like hot cakes , must still have the coils and solid front diff and bugger all electronics 😊are you listening Toyota

[@RM_Garage]

YUP. The last of its kind for sure!! My 1FZ might be removed in the near future even though it's a fresh rebuild... yes they are *thirsty*. LS in the future.

[@6thGearGarage]

I am moving the body to a clean frame with no rust. Long restoration, more videos to come!

[@6thGearGarage]

That reply was meant for a comment on one of my 1980 pickup videos… not sure how I replied that to yours. My 80 frame is good to go!

[@user-xb1rh7de9y]

Yes, I own a Land Cruiser 80 from 1997, but unfortunately, the market has run out of spare parts, such as the body kit and some accessories. Japan will have a bad reputation.

[@wbrown9476]

80 series was from 1990 to 1997 not 1991

[@6thGearGarage]

I should have said North America got the 80 in 1991. We're usually a year behind.