1992 FJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser - Purchased July 18, 2008
Hello fellow FJ owners! I finally got my own! I've been an FJ fan from long ago and just never thought that I personally would have the opportunity to own an 80-Series. Thought I would have wound up with a 60 or 70 Series. Love those 50/55's TOO!
But before this FJ80 came a few off-road adventures with a '85 Toyota built full desert pre-runner style with widened A-arms, fiberglass, caged, 4:88 gearing, LockRight locker and DAILY DRIVEN.
Then came the 2WFD rally car with welded/locked front end - AWESOME!
Then I built up from salvage a 2002 Subaru WRX Fam'Wagon and that became the family outing car and we took it to the mountains quite a bit! Then the KTM 950ADV and then the real adventure's began! But, I have family and such and my selfish adventures needed to included the family. The wifes vehicle switched from the Subaru WRX wagon to a nice Jeep 2WD Commander and I learned long ago to not mess with the wifes car, so no messing with this new Commander!
Just out of the blue, it was time to get tires for the wifes car and while at the shop I noticed this FJ80 sitting behind the shop and a FOR SALE sign in the window so I inquired about it. The price - RIDICULIOUS!!! Something must be wrong with it! Well, yea, it has minor issues like front axle leak + no lockers. But, I will get over that as according to the bank, I have plenty of additional spending room before I go over the bank value!!! SWEET! This is going to be a worthwhile ADVENTURE!!! And an adventure it will be as we love to get out and the wife, two kids and dog all do not fit on the KTM 950ADV.
So, I get the RIG and first things - get to get it off the tarmac!
Living in Southern California's OC is a bit dirt deprived but we do have this little spot: Trabuco Creek Rd is the quick escape road that goes up to the Holly Jim Hiking Trail. Nothing major at all, but when you got to touch dirt, you have to touch dirt! And our beloved Saddleback is closed!!!
On the first to repair list, this is a big-ticket item to tackle: