I've been passively searching for a used Land Cruiser for probably 2 months now. I had originally intended on getting a 100-series, but the more I researched the 80 the more I liked it.

Fast forward to last week and this guy pops up on Craigslist -

1996 with 158k on the clock. Dark Emerald Pearl over tan interior. No triple diff. Bought it from a rather affluent individual who was the 2nd owner and had owned it since 2k miles - excellent service records (which he gave me). His current whip was a 200 series.


Overall is in good/not great condition. Needs quite a bit of TLC. My PPI, if you want to call it that, uncovered 2 issues:

1. There is a noticeable knock somewhere in the front of the engine. It doesn't quite sound like a rod knocking, but it is consistent with the speed of the engine. My amateur investigation thinks it's either a) AC compressor bearing going out or b) some sort of water pump issue. It definitely sounds like it's in that region.

2. Oil over the engine. It has not had any head gasket replacement so that's probably in my future.


I welcome any input here.

Nice!

Awesome info that you posted here. I'm debating whether I'll reupholster my seats. If I do I'll post before and after pics.

Since I sold mine, the OP's blatant disregard for my safe space, and his triggering behavior, should not be tolerated.

You should atone for your privilege with more pics.

You've been added to the former owners section.

I'm going to post more pics and a detailed review in a week or two. I'm still in a "commissioning" phase right now where I'm learning everything that's good/bad/ugly.

Proud owner of a 3rd Generation TexAgs '97 LX450 here.

Added.

Don't have one but definitely want one.

To isolate sounds like that I get a long screwdriver and touch it to the part making a whine or whatever and put the handle end against my ear. Should work with knocks as well as whines.

That oil on the engine is more likely a valve cover gasket than a head gasket.

I learned to drive in a 91 FJ80.

I've had 95 LC/97LX /97LC go through my hands so far. The 97 LX is now owned by ColonialAg

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/faq-for-80-lx450-mar-2015-added-battery-information-thread.84888/

That is pinned at the top of the 80 Series Tech forum you linked but always good to point it out that specific thread leads to lots of useful information

My brother in law drives a 96 LC that I'm hoping to get my hands on when he upgrades. It's technically his dad's car and I know his dad would rather see it built out than sell it for a few thousand. Hopefully he upgrades him in a few years and turns it over to me.

Agreed, and added!

I've got a 1994 that is my ranch vehicle -- it will go anywhere.

Added!

Looks like I'm about to dive in for some open heart surgery...been drivin' Elsie around and making a short list of all the fun problems I'm finding with a 20 year old vehicle.

Yesterday while driving she had a very, very strong exhaust smell in the cab - and particularly around the engine bay.

Further investigation, and I'm seeing oil dripping around each exhaust port...

Hmmm. Time to pull the head off and see what all is going on. I'm assuming for sure the exhaust manifold gasket is toast, I just hope that's all there is. Going to go ahead and do the head gasket replacement and any other "good ideas" while I'm at it.

I think you mean valve cover gasket, the head gasket is not really a DIY project.

Well took everything out of the 80, seats and carpet for a full detail. Both front seats and second row already dropped off for new leather. Third row is like new. Should get them back in about three weeks and going to repaint the hood. Will post pics before and after.

02CobraC said:

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Well took everything out of the 80, seats and carpet for a full detail. Both front seats and second row already dropped off for new leather. Third row is like new. Should get them back in about three weeks and going to repaint the hood. Will post pics before and after.

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Lseats.com and leatherseats.com have patterns for our 80s and they're like 750 or so for both rows with armrests.

Who's doing your leather? Are they going to do the gathered inserts or flat?

It's a local does great work. Yes he will be doing the gathered look in the center of the seats. For both fronts, second row, center console $1,600. I know it's a lot, but decided to go with it. And all leather no vinyl sides. Has pros and cons about it but it won't be heavily used. He did my seats on my Jeep with 1050 cordura. Tough as nails.

02CobraC said:

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Well took everything out of the 80, seats and carpet for a full detail. Both front seats and second row already dropped off for new leather. Third row is like new. Should get them back in about three weeks and going to repaint the hood. Will post pics before and after.

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Can't wait for the pics! I need to do this exact same thing.

Just thought I'd bring attention to this beautiful 70 series on the Outdoors Board.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/2807492

WANT list?

Mine is a 96!

Great thread. Decided my next vehicle is going to be an LC of some sort. /subscribed.

Are there companion threads on TexAgs for the FJ40, FJ60, or UJZ100/LX470?

And who has the most miles?

Not mine, shamelessly stolen from another 80 owner

To my knowledge, no. The 80 series is the only thread.

Updated

I enjoyed this set of Land Cruiser videos from Motor Trend. Episode 1 has a good brief history of the LC.

Episode 1


Episode 2


Episode 3

Took the 80 into the local exhaust shop and the smell (and leak) are coming from a hole in each of my cats - time for them to go.

Coming on Monday:

• Magnaflow y-pipe and front catalytic converter
• Magnaflow rear catalytic converter
• New Denso O2 sensors
• Borla cat-back system

Going to try and take some time on Tuesday to do the install.

Let m know how that will sound

'03 100 Series here.

But love this thread!!

KY AG said:

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Took the 80 into the local exhaust shop and the smell (and leak) are coming from a hole in each of my cats - time for them to go.

Coming on Monday:

• Magnaflow y-pipe and front catalytic converter
• Magnaflow rear catalytic converter
• New Denso O2 sensors
• Borla cat-back system

Going to try and take some time on Tuesday to do the install.

---

I went thru this on my 95 FZJ80.

Some owner along the line cut both the Cats off and installed a universal cat and a trash can muffler.

I ended up buying magnaflow replacement Y Pipe/front cat, rear cat, new O2s and then a bosal (OEM replacement/copy) muffler and rear resonator/tailpipe assembly.

Was a hair louder than stock but much quieter than before.

KY keep in mind that the inside of SUV will act like a sound chamber, so sometimes you may get some drone inside at certain RPMs. This is why I didn't go louder for the exhaust.

I mulled the Bosal, but it's "aluminized" rather than being stainless steel. Honestly, I would prefer to go back OEM Toyota but I couldn't find anywhere that sold the factory exhaust setup.

And man, talking about the inside being a sound chamber...


...it's hard to have a conversation with my kids going down the road. I'm not picking Borla because I want it be louder, that was really the only stainless steel option I could find. I think down the road I will be installing some sound-deadening material.


Regarding install: everything I'm seeing looks like these pieces all bolt together, i.e. no welding involved. If that be the case I'm going to do it on the lift at my Dad's house, so curious if this is a DIY project or I should take it to a muffler shop.