Wanting info on 1997 Landcruiser

[Jay Johnson]

I'm looking to buy a 97' Landcruiser. I don't know anything about them do they have any known problems? Anything else I should know.

It drives well everything worked except the radio it has a few scratches in the paint and bumpers. Both running boards need replaced. It has the front and rear lockers. I hope to make this thing my daily driver while I wheel my 4-runner. He wants $5,700 for it.


Jay Johnson

[79coyotefrg]

I'm looking to buy a 97' Landcruiser. I don't know anything about them do they have any known problems? Anything else I should know.

It drives well everything worked except the radio it has a few scratches in the paint and bumpers. Both running boards need replaced. It has the front and rear lockers. I hope to make this thing my daily driver while I wheel my 4-runner. He wants $5,700 for it.


Jay Johnson

DANG thats a sweet price me thinks :D


make sure the radio problem isnt from somebody hacking up the wiring behind the dash

[colsoncj]

ok...

97 is a pretty good year. should have the FF rear. check your normal stuff... drive it, etc. check out this:

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

see if you can get any of the service history. odds are it'll need new bearings depending on mileage... but its no biggie.

on the running boards, speak now, I have a set that is sitting in my scrap pile that i'm hauling off.

also, id wheel it, and DD the cruiser. the cruiser will get 12MPG on a good day. 4runner can beat that. plus the cruiser is already locked, solid front axle, and coil sprung.

[Jay Johnson]

The runner has seen better days. She was a $900 truck to start with and I haven't been nice to her. I only drive a few miles a day so I'm not to worried about the mileage.

Not a bad idea though if the runner wasn't in such bad shape.

JJ

[Jay Johnson]

ok...


on the running boards, speak now, I have a set that is sitting in my scrap pile that i'm hauling off.


I maybe interested if I buy this thing. I'll decide next day or two.

Thanks for the help.

PS. FF = Full Floater?? really!!

JJ

[wanabecruisen]

I like the 97's a lot:)(mine is a 97). There are a few "issues" that are common but really very tough rigs. There is a lot of talk about head gaskets going between 150,000 and 200,000 miles but I have to think that has something to do with proper maintenance and service to the cooling system. Mine hads about 170,000 miles on it and I have been slowly going over the cooling system to keep her from running hot.
A couple of cheap mods will make it more wheelable (diff lock switch and the 7 pin mod). Do some reading on IH8MUD on the PHH (pesky heater hose). Stuff like that.
Honestly, for that price with the lockers that is prolly a very good deal. Is it Gary's truck by chance? I almost bought that one myself but fount my 40th edition instead. Keep us posted...

[Jay Johnson]

Right now it is at a car lot. He told me it was a Dr's in HotSprings. The Dr used it to hunt with which is why it has a few scratch's and such.

JJ

[colsoncj]

yup, full floater.

Mine has 232K on it, still factory head gasket as far as i can tell... another thing to look at, it seems from those i'ved talk to the power steering units like to leak, so look for that. Mine leaks pretty good, I need to change it, just havent gotten around to it.

Id say for the year, assuming fair mileage, its not a bad price at all. FYI: I paid 5100 for mine, its a 94 with lockers, TJM front, good paint, 230K.

[Jordan7118]

Right now it is at a car lot. He told me it was a Dr's in HotSprings. The Dr used it to hunt with which is why it has a few scratch's and such.

JJ

Hmmm... I think I know who's that might be... I will investigate... :dancing:

[Jay Johnson]

Well false alarm they sold it.

Stopped by on my way home from work I was going to offer them $5,500 and take it home I hoped. It wasn't there. When I asked they told me it had already sold.

Moved quick they just got it on the lot Monday.

Jay Johnson

[Jay Johnson]

2nd Chance.

I found a 1996 for $5,900. Loaded with Lockers. My wife drove it last night said all is good her pics look good. BUT-- it is in Boulder CO. My wife just happened to be there on her way back from visiting her mother.

ROAD TRIP.

Jay

[colsoncj]

I meant to ask if you saw this... they've been sitting on it for a while and im pretty sure they're motivated to sell.

http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/1286690892.html

[Arky Tacoma]

Nice lookin 93, and only 130k

[Jay Johnson]

I bought the Landcruiser in CO. Kinda crazy to drive across country to pick up a $6,000 car but my wife and I will drop the kids off at Grandma's and make a mini-vacation out of it. Its been so long since we went anywhere with no kids I think us going is a good idea with or without picking up the truck.

JJ

[duckhunter71]

That'll be a blast, man! I'm thinking of maybe doing the same thing if I find a good deal somewhere.. just make a road trip out of it.

I have family in Longmont just over from Boulder, that's a great area. Have fun and be careful!

[Jay Johnson]

Plane tickets bought (I found some cheapish tickets) coordinated with some friends going to Breckenridge. Were going to stay at a Condo they rented for the week a couple nights and their going to pick us up at the airport and run us over to Boulder.

I can't wait

JJ

[yaker]

Enjoy the cooler temps while you are their. I missed the day I left.