80 Series ,What to look for?

Hi there. They are known for chewing out the idler shaft in the transfer case.

Hi steve:

I have a 1991 (non-turbo) Cruiser and it is terrific. I bought it at 160,000km and have jjust clocked up 290,000km. Still going strong. It gets regualar services (every 5000km).

You may need to just check about big end bearings, as there were a few issues with the turbo'd diesels. Not a big job, and piece of mind.

For mine .. headights on the '91 model are a sealed beam affair and very ordinary, but I stuck some driving lights on so it is not a real issue any more.

Brakes on my little 15" rims are not as good as later models, so I just leave extra room.

Gearbox (manual) is a bit notchy, but I have just (last week) had a new Daikin clutch fitted and quite a lot of that seems to have gone. (The clutch they took out was the original unit).

They are a pretty solid unit, and mine has taken everything I have dished out to it in its stride. Many (even on this forum) have said that, having traded their 80 series in on later models, they wished they had their 80 series back again.

Another benefit is that I have managed to kit mine up largely from eBay. Things like steel bullbar, overhead console, OME spring/shockies kit, rear wheel carrier, roof rack, so spares is not problem.

It looks like a truck, it feels like a truck, and it drives like a truck. I love mine !!!

Hope you are happy with yours.

Cheers
jack

Have it inspected by a reputable diesel mech. Much cheaper than even the cheapest repair , or worse still being stuck in a remote location.

You could probably make a list of things to look for as long as your arm
Some early 90s TDs had some issues with engine life , mainly bottom end problems I think
If you like the look of it take it to a good 4WD workshop in your area and get it checked over
Another bit of insurance is to take oil samples from the engine and gear box and have it analysed,Caterpillar or Komatsu earthmoving dealers run good test labs
good luck with it!

Thanks for all the advice. Current owner has had the big end bearings done 70,000km ago and suggested that I get them looked at after our trip(should i get them done before?). Also noticed that he had drained the filter because i notice it on the inside of the left wheel arch.(i mentioned it and his reply was had bad batch of diesel?)
Cheers

Another issue on some of the earlier engines was the harmonic balancer could come loose and damage the key way on the crankshaft. Not sure of the specifics, but some one on the forum most likely would know the finer details. Wokmate had one go, and was a new crankshaft. $7-$9K later !!!!!!!!!. Also CV joints, and splines in this area could be a problem if not service correctly.

Gday Steve O
Take it for a run and do some U turns on full lock both ways. If you here any clicking noises either way you will need new CV joints. Not a drama as they are only about $160.00 each brand new from Repco.
Ensure the timing belt and tensioner has been done. If you can't confirm it put a new one on because when they let go, kaboom in the head department.
Is it after 8/92 or prior. After 8/92 they came with bigger wheels and bigger brakes.
Handbrkes are crap and have to be constantly adjusted properly at the rear wheels.
Have a look at this site.
www.lcool.org
Clutch chatter or rattle is common. You can put a new clutch in and it will be ok for awhile but will return. You can check it by having it idle in neutral and listen for clunking coming from the front of the gearbox. You can also idle along in 1st gear and listen for a distinctive rattle. If you here it the dampers in the clutch a shot. Not a big promlem but could be good for bartering.
Ensure it has a good service record and you probably can't go wrong but take advice from one other contributor and get it proffessionally inspected. It could save you lots of dollars.
Cheers
120scruiser

Steve

The 80 series is probably the most commonly modified tourer in the toyota range, heaps of spare parts and lots of add ons available. I had a 93 80 series great truck loved it heaps. Personally i would really look around and search heaps, i have seen the odd 80 series gxl turbo around with about 200,000 on the clock in mint condition for around 30,000 grand. I guess my point is that if you can afford it buy your cruiser and do it up, it wont let you down. Do the research on the truck and make it your personal goal to fix things up. You can buy a 96 model turbo only a few made but a little better than the 93, brakes etc. If you could buy the turbo for around 20 grand and spend 10 grand on it you would be laughing, you would also have a truck that you could own for the next 10 - 15 years and tour australia, personally if i could find a good turbo 80 series i would buy it over a 100 series. Talk to some engineering places and diesel mechancis for advice. Good luck!