Buying 80 Series

Gday mate, I'm not to sure which year was bad for weak big end bearings in the TD, but eric, a member from this site will surely know!

Stewbag,

It was the earlier models 90/91 that had the problems. The aged of your vehicle compared to Kms seems to be good and your motor & gearbox should be okay, regardless of what it towed as long as it was looked after and serviced regulary.

Get it checked out / inspected by a person who knows Landcruisers before you buy and you should be okay. They are a good truck.

Hi Stewbag
I agree with all the previous posts.
The early 80 series had the big end bearing problems.
The full story is that Toyota had 2 suppliers of bearings, 1 supplier was OK and the other bearings delaminated. The only problem was that Toyota never kept track of which bearings went into what vehicle. The cruiser you are looking at is the update model with the newer style dash lay out and will be OK.
Like everybody else says, "THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A GOOD SERVICE RECORD"
Best of luck

G'day Stewart,

For into on the bearings check out 'www.lcool.org. As far as i know all the 80 series TD's had problems with the big ends which occurs with all genuine bearings. I replaced mine about a month ago and five were pitted and the sixth almost ready to let go. Engine had done 120 000kms since complete rebuild.

Gearboxes - check out syncro's in 2nd and 3rd (if driven around town), and also 'popping' out of 5th gear (if its done lots of distance trips). Check the play for an indication of diff conditions - and if possible check diff oil in front for remance of grease (CV's).

Be very weary of kms on the odo. I have heard of many, and an certain of at least one case where they have been 'wound back'. It must be easy to do on this model, and would significantly increase the selling value. I personally would only believe the kms along with service reciepts etc.

Hope this helps.

Stewart,
This model won't have the big end bearing probs associated with the earlier models. Check the inside of the front wheels (swivel hubs) for diff oil leaks, and the bottom corners of the front windscreen for any signs of water leaks. Check Power steering pump, Injector pump, Gearbox/Transfer case and the Engine for leaks. Also during a test run, do a tight U turn with steering wheel on full lock and listen for a clicking sound if CV joints are stuffed. How much do they want for it???
Mark.

Thanks for tips ppl.
It is a wholesale deal so it`s cheap(i think?)is around the $25k mark.
Just unsure how much time i will have to suss it all out.
From what i can tell it`s the first person that hands over the cash gets it deal.

Stewart