Topic: wtb 80 series, guideance needed

[66cobra]

looking to cash out of my 85 runner and build an 80 series expo.rig, i would like to put a LS1 in it , does anyone have advice on what years are best and the good/bad&ugly to look at when buying one. i know very little about them

[bigarms23]

i like the 91-95 fj80 cause of the solid front axle and they had the best motors

[Yoat Goat]

Honestly the 1FZ is a damn good motor, holds upto tons on boost on stock internals, reliable too.

[jabhb]

93-97 is what ya want.  Search and you can find them with stock front an rear electric locker. The 1fz-fe is great motor. Mime currently has 270000 miles on it and still is running strong. Yeah it lacks power.... and I'm the kinda guy that likes to have it...   and I was going to swap or a v8 too, but the more yu learn about these, the more you'll be impressed.  That's why I think I'm just gonna rebuild the motor and supercharge it!    I come from having a built 4runner, and I loooove my 80.

[baxter650]

93-97 have better (bigger) brakes as well.

[notyourmomslx450]

If you want a V8, I'm pretty sure the 4.7 toyota V8 bolts up to a 97 LX450 transmission.  Just have to swap over the valvebody from the tundra tranny to the lx450 tranny.

[notyourmomslx450]

Oh, and check out ih8mud.com for all your 80 series questions, too!

[jabhb]

ever find info on doing that swap?

[notyourmomslx450]

here ya go:
http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/341445-project-effjjay-eighty-2uz-powered.html

[trollcruiser]

93-97 are definitely the better years. 93-94 had a different transmission than the 95-97. Some say the earlier tranny was stronger than the later one. More standard options on the 95-97 if you want the luxury items. As mentioned, it is hard to beat the engine for torque and reliability.

[66cobra [OP]]

what I'm thinking is a 95-97, d-60's ,atlas and a LS7 would make an awesome combination. I would also like the standard bolt on goods as well. all running on 35-37's. this would serve as a good trail rig, look nice enough to take the little woman out in and be able to tow the boat. I'm tired of having a separate vehicle for each event. Insurance and maintenance of so many vehicles is killing me. I love all my cars but this sh.. is getting old

[CruzrDave]

96-97 would be the choice if you where going to be keeping the drive train, engine and trans stock.

However if you are going to change out the drive train, engine and trans then save yourself some money an get an 1990-92 with the 3F and semi float rear. They are cheaper and just as nice.

[notyourmomslx450]

What are you looking to spend?  I'm thinking about selling mine to get a tow rig for my '94.  It's got an almost completely brand new interior and mastercraft Baja RS front seats.

[wanabecruisen]

As said, 95-97 are the preferred years by most if you are going to keep the drivetrain. For your swap any year would work. Later years had a bit nicer interior with leather, stc. but many prefer the earlier cloth for comfort and more room. I would just keep an eye out for the best deal you can find on one that has blown a head gasket or toasted a trans and build from there.

[themainjam]

i second the front and rear lockers some ppl dont even know they have them. 

[Aussie_Redneck]

Not trying to hijack, but I have a question after reading this thread. There are tons of 91s and 92s around here for 3k or less with billions of miles. It seems from reading above that the 91-92s have the semi floating axle, but the 94-97(?) had the elockers and a full float. Will the elockers fit in the 91-92s? I have seen some lockers around on the cheap and it gave me an idea. Probably not the first to think of this I just couldn't find the right thread.
Thanks,
Aussie_Redneck

[baxter650]

With the usual grinding they will go right in.

[Aussie_Redneck]

thank you!

[General Sherman]

With the usual grinding they will go right in.

Don't forget, you'll also need to have the long spline shafts.