Why the 91 92 FJ80 is the Best Bang for Buck 80 Series

[@Matt_Hansen]

Your right, most people that are not landcruiser nerds do not realize that there is a difference between the model years. The 80 series market is pretty tricky as values tend to be all over the map due to the hype, condition, oversees imports, and aftermarket modifications. Combine that with really beat up wheelers and rust buckets going for dirt cheap and Bring a trailer collector condition trucks going for north of $100k this can cause a lot of confusion for both buyers and sellers of 80s. Maybe its different in your location but around me (west coast/ PNW) prices for similar condition trucks at the lower end of the market seem to be comparable between FJ80s and non-locked FZJ80s. With that in mind, if I'm looking for a good deal out here I would argue the best bang for your buck 80 series is 95-97 OBD2 non-locked. Skip the "triple locked tax" you can add lockers later. With OBD2, the MAF can compensate for forced induction if more power is desired/ required. It should also be mentioned that anyone looking to buy an 80 series should understand that these things are 25-30 years old and they will most likely require a bunch of maintenance/ repairs regardless of model chosen. Your best bet before buying an 80 series is find a land cruiser nerd/ specialist that can help you know what to look for.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Yes, location is tricky. Here in the mid atlantic, just checking FB Marketplace it seems that an FJ80 with a clean title that can be driven away is hovering around 5-8k depending on condition whereas FZJ80s are floating around 8-12k. Both groups certainly have their outliers but the FJ80s here are consistently cheaper. I definitely agree that these trucks are only getting older and bringing someone along you trust to check it out for a second opinion is important. That's actually how I picked this up as the work to get this fixed and reliable was way over their head and I was able to purchase it instead.

[@Kristian_Saile]

I have had 4 Land cruisers as well as an FJC. I owned a ‘92 FJ80 for 20 years. It was a great rig. You are spot in about weight… if you don’t pile the crap on it and keep it simple the power is fine. I had 33’s, OME lift, winch, roof basket, built out interior single berth in the back, and fully loaded on multiple month trips the only frustration was freeway speeds in either high winds or in the Colorado mountains where 45mph was all it could muster. The 3FE has great torque characteristics for off-road driving and it’s an under stressed durable unit. The articulation is good enough that with a good set of tires you can get through more technical terrain than most would assume. My biggest issue with it honestly was brakes, the FZJ has considerably better brakes. Range sucks too so I always had to run Jerry cans for range. But overs it’s a great value and bridge between the old age of simple/utilitarian Land Cruiser design and modern ride quality and comfort. Add some ARB’s if you need lockers and it will still be way index a triple locked cruiser and arguably better.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

The only modification I have is 33" BFG K02s. I do agree about the brakes being a little undersized. A brake upgrade video is probably due in the near future.

[@cultclassicmotoring5636]

I recently sold my FJ80 91 due to milage of 422k. Rock solid vehicle and if I ever wanted an 80 again I’d stick with 91/92. The fact that they have both iron block and head means they have the same thermal efficiency, thus rarely blowing head gaskets. The motor on my 80 was never cracked open aside from a valve cover and oil pan gasket. Lockers are cool on the later models but the fact that these articulate so much it’s in many scenarios it’s not even needed. Pick a good line off-road and you’re golden.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I'm only at 216k miles and I definitely plan on finding more excuses to put more miles on it

[@parkerprutzman4201]

I have 91 FJ80 in Upstate NY, a rust free Texas car. I never drive it in the winter. I agree with your presentation. The 3FE is more primitive motor, but robust. Cast head and cast block, timing gear, no timing chain. Yes it is slow, but will run longer I believe than a 1FZ. I also have in Indonesia an LC105, Aussie version. The 105 came in two engine options. 1HZ non turbo diesel and the 1FZ. My has the 1FZ engine, more power than the 3FE, and the 1HZ. It is also much smoother, but as you mentioned more things to worry about. One thing to mention is a rust free 91 with a 3FE is a better buy than a rusted 97 with a 1FZ.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I drive mine in the winter but am very diligent in cleaning the underside after any salt exposure.

[@Yotaadventures]

Glad I got my 94 3x locked FZJ before people ever found out about them. Glad to see they’re on the come up!

[@brimbotungus8507]

Lucky! I paid 9k for my 94 FZJ (without locker upgrade)

[@skeleguns10oooooo10]

The engines you showed are the ones offered in the US. A Diesel version was offered overseas

[@Star_of_the_new_moon]

I used to import them 10 years back from the US. Triple locked 1500-3000$ max from the auctions. Pristine 3fe $500-1000. My best buy was a collectors edition 90,000 miles for 3000$ from the auction pictures only no description. It arrived in perfect condition ❤

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

That is insane. Did you keep any of them?

[@Star_of_the_new_moon]

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Unfortunately I didn't my country went through some turmoil and I had to sell all my cars. But I currently own an fj80 that I bought from Colorado several years ago for $900 and an fj40 I'm rebuilding that I got for dirt cheap before prices went up. Enjoyed your video getting everything spot on.

[@migwelder2153]

Awesome video man. I’m fixing to buy a 80s Land Cruiser this video helped me.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Thanks a lot. Since this video came out prices have cooled a bit and the difference in price between FJ80s and FZJ80s seem to closed a bit. Same rule still applies though, buy the best one you can afford.

[@RustyActual]

Great video! I had thought that every FJZ was triple locked and didn't know some of those other differences. I've got the exact same rig in the same color that i'm currently tearing down and beggining to rebuild. Got it from an aunt and drove it for 5 years before getting a Tacoma, from 255k to 295k miles without issue aside from clicking birfields and a small leak from what i think is the power steering gearbox. Sat for 5 years, 1 of which was out in the woods with a tarp over it, but it started right up and drove home after a jump. Such a solid rig and i'm so glad i didn't give in to all the family members begging me to get rid of it. Subbed for sure!

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed. These rigs really are overbuilt and can take a lot of abuse.

[@WillyK51]

300K miles well taken care of, a Baby. Engines were designed to last 1 Mill K. If you think of taking it out there, A 5Spd Std Tranny would be my most expensive investment

[@motogp2375]

I’m very fortunate to have inherited my dads 97 FZJ80 40th Anniversary but no 3rd locker. Thats ok, its still an 80 series. It would still take me anywhere I need to go. Great info brother!

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Glad you enjoyed the video

[@Ghostrider-71]

Great synopsis and break down on the basic differences. I am relatively new to the Toyota LC as I bought an HDJ81 back in Jan of this year (2023). I would like to add another LC to my garage someday. Thank you for posting.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eulalio02]

great video. fj80s are a tough vehicle and certainly capable to do many things. look forward to more landcruiser vehicles.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Glad you enjoyed, I have some more content ideas as weather starts to get nicer and trails open up

[@michaela26015]

The front brake rotors on 91-92 are smaller than 93+. However, it is easy to upgrade to the 93+ front rotors which is what I did on my 91.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Does using the larger rotors require upgrading the calipers as well? I thought I read that doing so would require you to also size up to the 16" wheels as well.

[@tyemiller6204]

Glad some one posted this subject….been wondering if I could swap the brake system from the 93 to the 91? been thinking of just going through the axles from the ‘93’ with brakes and all and put them on my ‘91’….but I am still knew to this….so I do not know if they can…the 93 had 16” wheels and the 91 had 15’s…..but I put those 16” wheels on the ‘91’ and they worked just fine….I currently having break issues and so have been contemplating of just doing an axle swap? thanks again for bringing up the break thing.

[@Gerbyq]

I love my FJ62 / 3FE, but she sure is slow. I do agree with you though, for offroading, overlanding, house on wheels, they're so reliable. I take my FJ62 to the middle of nowhere Utah offroad without worry.

[@NKPGarage]

Great video with well thought out facts. I still would buy a 96/97, they're better built overall in my personal opinion, more comfortable, quieter, etc.... But if you just want to get into an 80 series the 91/92 is always going to be good bang for the buck on a limited budget. And you can always do an LS-based 5.3 swap in the 91/92 easily if you really wanted to for not much $$.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Glad you enjoyed the video

[@bethestandardallday]

Wow really? How much is that swap?

[@NKPGarage]

@@bethestandardallday if you’re doing it yourself it’s the cost of a good junkyard 5.3 from a early 2000s Chevy/gmc truck, the trans adapter, and wiring. I’ve seen it cone for under $2500 on the low end. Or if you want a shop to do it it will be more because most of the cost is in the labor.

[@wonderoffroad]

I love you list really set its out for non 80 series owners. good pros and cons

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Thanks a lot. I really tried to keep it basic enough for someone that is just getting into them could understand, but still with enough depth to cover the topic well

[@aaronhogan2371]

Australian here. Our FJ80's have the full floater axles and disc brake rear. The brake rotor diameter is smaller on FJ versus FZJ. Anyone complaining about the 3fe "lack of power" needs to understand how to pull a code from the diagnostic port with a paperclip and how to maintain them. I bought an FJ80 recently and found both O2 sensors were dead and the cat convertors were blocked. The vehicle was not timed correctly (due to lpg/propane conversion). After addressing these things it goes just fine for a 4wd with 400,000 kilometers on the odometer. Definitely not as good as my 1hdt HDJ80R, but apples/oranges. The only spec to get electronic diff lockers down under was the VX "Sahara" top of line. The vast majority of 80 series in Australia are GXL spec.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Exactly, it takes a little more effort to count the flashing lights, but besides that, it is straightforward. I felt an immediate difference after a tune-up, valve adjustment, and O2 sensors. Tightening the throttle cable is literally free horsepower, as most trucks probably have stretched cables and are not opening the throttle all the way. That's how mine was.

[@adamm1072]

I own a FZJ80, you are correct. However, I do like the creature comforts of Leather and more power especially at Hwy speeds.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I don't mind the cloth seats, especially for what I use it for. But I do agree, leather would be a nice quality of life upgrade for longer trips.

[@adamm1072]

I have 291k on the clock, runs perfect. yea its a gas pig , and in TX we have long stretches. milage dosent bother me, when the time comes i will just rebuild the engine.@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage

[@fj40landcruiser10]

i agree i am in saudia arabia and the best landcruiser is that similar to yours the 3f engine is a beast easy to maintain that model 90 to 92 is doing what i need desert mountain trips are so cool i just added a front winch and slitly bigger tyres only❤

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Nice, I have upgraded my tires to 33" BFG KO2s, and I'm pretty keen on a hidden winch for the front as well. I've had no issues with driving mine around in the Appalachian mountains here.

[@tonymendoza2590]

Well said. Got mine for $10k. Will still upgrade and refine it one at a time

[@bethestandardallday]

How many miles

[@ecnirp9197]

'92 FJ80 owner here 0-60? YES Fwy topspeed? YES mpg? YES what time would you be here? YES can it make it there? YES compliments on the road?ALWAYS

[@on1ytheb3st]

No way, is that Mount Solon near Reddish knob or possibly near West Augusta? I'm out there all the time riding the mtb trails. If you haven't already a nice rough track out there for wheeling is 227, that forest road connecting Flagpole Knob to the High Knob area.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Yes way, most of the clips are from West Augusta near Old Parkersburg Turnpike. One picture where it's actually green is actually on 227 going towards Flagpole Knob and Reddish Knob. My brother and I actually try to do the Shenandoah 500 with our dual sports every year so I know the area relatively well.

[@TAI-lr5vr]

Hey I've done a pretty comprehensive video for the 80 series. Great perspective change since most of the 91 92 80's are HDJ81'S however

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I'll have to check it out, thanks

[@jacobgriffin2500]

The 3fe 80 series do have there benefits. They made lots of manual trans behind 3f and 2f engines which make manual swaps possible and you can have 2wd vs awd and much lower gear ratios!, the front axles are differnt and a manual hub bolts right on! No abs and everything is much more simple, put a gm alternator in place of the smog pump and a fzj80 battey box bolts up for dual battery factory looking setup

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

All very good info. I replaced the alternator on mine with a reman unit, and it came with a GM part number.

[@CA11100]

here in Socal even FJ80s are pricey at times, cleans ones are hardly any cheaper than FZJ80s. add in all the flippers and people selling their grandparents 80s they think they're all made of gold its made the market pretty ridiculous.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Unfortunately I think since SoCal is seen as a safe harbor for rust free examples their prices will be inflated for both FJ80s and FZJ80s. No one flocks to the rust belt searching for crusty cruisers but they will go to the west coast and pay a premium for not touching road salt.

[@vanillathunder988]

Both engines are rock solid. Toyota says the fz has 10% better MPG, not much difference. Best bang for buck depends upon what's available in your area when buying. Although "Good deals" are becoming less common for either model, the premise of this video seems to be accurate. After owning an FJ62 with the 3FE for many years, I wanted the younger, more powerful engine with obd2 and got a '97.

[@ThePenatron]

Haven’t found any problems finding parts for the Fzj80 just search lx450 and they are usually cheaper

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Good to know. Are you mostly searching for consumables or something a little more niche? For example I had to have made new transmission cooler hard lines on my FJ80 since they had rusted out with pinholes in them. They were NLA from Toyota, and no 3rd party makes them.

[@levonm-xl5jh]

I would love to talk to you about your truck because I found one hair like yours and have few important questions. Is there a way we can chat somewhere ?

[@alhang]

I got a 92 JDM RHD FJ80 3x Locked, its OBD-1, with a 1FZ, rear tire carrier, fridge, full float rear. It's an oddball for sure, but I love it and enjoy restoring it and offroading. If I had to do it again, I'd probably get a diesel. I've seen plenty of guys build FJ's with big lifts and tires, I can't imagine driving those with 155hp. Are you keeping the engine in yours are will you swap it later?

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I've dabbled with the idea of a swap but I think the 3FE stays. Tossing on a turbo is the most likely route I'd go.

[@alhang]

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage that would be an interesting build, good luck with the project

[@shauncoyne1793]

You forgot about the viscous coupler in the transfer case on the zj. I gotta 91. I recently looked at getting a zj rear axle t try jfor mine cause mines leaking anyways, for like 1800 with locker I'm like uh, I guess I'll just reseal it.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

To me the viscous coupler in the transfer case was not really a key differentiating feature that would sway someone from FJ to FZJ. I have no idea what a good price would be for a locked axle but yeah unless you are rock crawling it's just easier to just reseal it

[@generalcaeser9176]

My stock 91 FJ80 struggled over 60 mph and was at an uncomfortably high rpm. Other thing is that no matter what type of driving I did I got 9 mpg and I drove it like a new Cadillac to church on Sunday.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

That's unfortunate, not the experience I've had so far. Only mod are 33" tires, and I average between 12-14mpg. I averaged 13.5 mpg driving a little over 500 miles from VA to NH. The way back was a different story with a trailer and fully loaded and got 8-9mpg. Speed wise, I can comfortably cruise at 70 mph on a flat highway and push pace a little faster if needed.

[@generalcaeser9176]

Do you have the 4.oL or the 4.5L? My sluggish gas guzzler was a 4.0L. The good news is I just today bought a super awesome 1998 Land Cruiser Prado 3.0L diesel with about 70k miles! 😁Hoping for low to mid 20's for fuel economy. @@Dan_And_Daves_Garage

[@Palkia8842]

I'm looking for a first car, and there's a used FJ80 for sale for $12,500. Completely stock, only 119,000 miles. I kinda want it 'cause I think it'd be cool to have an 80 series, and since it's stock and has low milage, I really feel like it's a once in a lifetime deal, but I don't think having an 80 series is a great idea for a first car, due to difficulty of finding replacement parts, bad fuel economy, and being slow as heck. + It's mostly paved roads where I live, so I wouldn't even need one anyways. Is it really that hard to find replacement parts for them though?

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

For a first and only car I think it's a pretty bad idea, especially if you only have paved roads. It's really hard to recommend a 30 year old car as well because you just start running into age related issues even if low mileage. I would seriously consider something a little more practical that sets you up for success for the things you NEED like work or school. I would also say it's not a "once in a lifetime" deal. Clean, low mileage examples pop up for sale all the time on the classic car auction sites. Could it be a good first car? Maybe, but probably not. For 12.5k you have a ton of runway to find something else that is more practical, fits your use case, and can still be fun and different.

[@Palkia8842]

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Very well worded response, and honestly I agree. I'm also looking at Pre-facelift Nissan Frontiers and 5th gen 4Runners, and maybe Xterras. I would like to consider a Tacoma, but all the cheap ones have way too much mileage.

[@jgcruisers]

Good video, I have had both, both are great, but if you have the option and the xtra cash, the newer ones are way better, in my opinion. is the same body, same reliability, with a little more power. triple locked ones are not necessary , but nice to have, to use when needed.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Glad you enjoyed the video

[@sallepre948]

Hey Dan just picked up a 91 FJ and im jersey too! Any chance you could help me out with some questions etc?

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I'm actually in VA. Go ahead and ask those questions and I might have an answer for you

[@ThePenatron]

At this point it’s coming down to which one is easier to Chevy v8 swap

[@tyemiller6204]

Thank you for this video….I have a ‘91’ and been using it as my daily driver for several years…been using her pretty hard at times….that said….I have bought a ‘Donner’ ‘93’ that was wrecked and use for parts….has already paid for itself….my question is….would like to swap the rear axle (and maybe the front) as well as the motor into my ‘91’ that has 225K on it….thought it would just rebuild the one out of the ‘93’ and swap it out with my ‘91’….Are these compatible? what about the transmission/transfer-case?….anyway, thank you for this….helped me alot….have a great day from Montana!

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

From my understanding, the rear differential should be almost a direct swap. Installing the 1FZ into the FJ80 would take maybe a little bit of effort just like any engine swap but it sounds like you already have the parts from the donor truck, which is more than half the battle. I'd probably swap the whole drive train; engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, and rear axle. That way, you know everything is going to bolt up. Putting the 1FZ on a stand and slowly rebuilding it is what I'd do as well. But considering you're 3FE only has 225k miles, it might be while before you yank it out. If you didn't already have the donor truck and engine I'd be personally looking at V8 swap options.

[@tyemiller6204]

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage Thank you for your response. I appreciate your insight and thoughts. That said, I may go a different direction and not do the engine swap. I had an ‘82’, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ford pick-up, 4-speed manual, with a 300-6 motor….that sucker went everywhere and did everything I asked it to do…was literally bullet proof. Wasn’t fast, but damn could it climb those mountains, here in Montana. I see my ‘91’ Cruzr….being the same way…..the 300-6 was a direct gear drive for the cam…as I just learn my ‘91’ is also and I like that….where as the ‘93’ is not (I believe). That ford was dependable and reliable. my current 3FE is the same way….doesnt smoke, doesnt rattle and starts in the middle of winter at several days of -20F and more weather….without a freeze plug….same as that ford…it always started….no matter how cold. I think what a may do, is to find a home for the 1FZ and just rebuild this 3FE when its ready…I am pretty sure there are little things I can do, to enhance the motor during the build up. I agree and tempting as it is to put a V8 or small diesel….there is just something about an In Line Six that resonates with me…..I just love them and don’t know why….having Disc Brakes all around is desirable and worth swapping the axles….I agree with you though….if I am going do that ….then I should going ahead swap the running gears minus the motor…actually go through each component ‘before’ I need them, so as, to be ready when I do. May not be everyones cup of tea…but it suites me….thank you so much for all of your grace and encouragements…..have a great week.

[@j.blakejohnson2981]

I'm a lot slower than in you in the LJ70 (70 Series - Jeep-like) but I get a lot better gas mileage. (Of course, its diesel so I guess you have the better deal)? Still love it.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

The 80 series also has a full time 4WD system which eats up a lot of fuel economy. I've seen one LJ70 here that was imported from Japan that was really cool for sale but it was way too expensive justify.

[@marcielynn4886]

Got the same tail lights. Too hard to get original.

[@romo2517]

so LC years 1992 and up are automatically FZJ80?

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

91-92 FJ80 93-97 FZJ80 The "FZ" is from the engine available, the 1FZ, and because in the US all 93+ model years came with the 1FZ they are automatically FZJ80's. Hope this clears things up.

[@romo2517]

Thanks yes it does. model year interiors and engines confused me

[@Christpheer]

The best si 2005 , 2006 and 2007 series 80 in Venezuela

[@celestialdesign9611]

Toyota is going to manufacture more parts for the 80 series, the pandemic has delayed them significantly. Check rock auto, I bought wear items things like spark plug wires for $5 with shipping was around $12. After a couple years of DD you get use to the lack of performance, when I drive my wifes turbo volvo it actually becomes really fun to drive. Don't for get to adjust your mechanical air intake sensor 2 teeth, turns the 3FE into an animal, relatively speaking of course. When it gets over 300k I'll put a LS in it as the 3FE is actually a chevy motor. Toyota bought the patents (1930's) for it, same as thier modern 5.7, its a Chevy motor.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I've found some parts that have surprised me on Rock Auto. I will have to look into the AFM adjustment

[@philipschillaci168]

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage I tried looking it up for our fj80 92. Any hints?

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

@@philipschillaci168 I found this link on iH8mud forum.ih8mud.com/threads/afm-adjusted-on-3fe-much-better.779000/ . Hope this helps

[@philipschillaci168]

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage thanks 🙏. The article characterizes our problem exactly. The engine sounds like it has a high lift cam at idle. I’ll take care of it this week. Thanks again. Ps. I subscribed.

[@MinnieGodfery]

1753 Kerluke Spring

[@ThePenatron]

A lot of people think there are more that 7% with lockers

[@metalbird89]

Well you can import hdt hd ft

[@alexserrano5367]

V6 4Runner or V8 4Runner for the win .

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I actually bought a GX460 as a baby hauler and enjoy it

[@michaelparsons2225]

Im buying a 91 sahara VX turbo deisal, new motor, new heavy duty trans, new brakes etc, clean car. 35k Australian.

[@alexkenley1]

HZJ80 😉

[@marcielynn4886]

KISS!

[@ubiased23]

Toyota Land Cruiser it is an incredible off road vehicle and very reliable. However, the 4.5 liter 6 cylinder it is underpowered.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Being severely underpowered paired with terrible fuel economy is its biggest downside

[@ubiased23]

@@Dan_And_Daves_Garage I totally agree, but there are modifications to make it more powerful by adding a bigger turbo or a supercharger.

[@DeliaAlbert-l6l]

Sanford Flat

[@markwilliams7091]

155hp? That's depressing.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Beats walking

[@AnthonyCole-j7q]

Martin Sandra Jackson James Martinez Maria

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

What are you two on about

[@matthewjames4268]

Neither.....the 1hdft

[@RustyActual]

yeah we wish buddy, fuck the US automotive industry

[@MuhammedErarslan]

Hall Scott Moore Mary Johnson Cynthia

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

?

[@lcpenninger]

Glad you got rid of the Amish beard

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

I like the stache better

[@marcielynn4886]

Not selling my 92, sorry.

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

Ok

[@kcw9313]

It’s the most undesirable that’s why

[@Dan_And_Daves_Garage]

If only someone could provide some detail why