1992 Land Cruiser FZJ80

et off by oversized fender flares, a JAOS brushguard, WEDS Keeler alloys, aftermarket tail lamps, a stylish rear spoiler, and front rainguards. Aside from a few light dings, chips and scuffs the body is in good shape and this Toyota stands tall thanks to a 3′′ lift. Reliable, affordable, and stylish, what’s not to like? This Japanese Classic will always answer the call, and is perfect as a trusty year-round steed, unique family hauler, or capable campsite companion! The cabin is massive, simply put. With space for five and all their cargo, these 80’s make for wonderful long-distance haulers. The dashboard is in good shape and lacks any cracking or fading, and the center stack is close by and within arms reach. The automatic climate control system is intuitive to operate and blasts piping hot heat and cool A/C for those living in more seasonal climates. This 80 series is set up nicely to pump out the tunes, with an upgraded Eclipse headunit and door speakers doling out music on command. The cabin assumes an upmarket feel thanks to premium factory cloth upholstery which is in good shape. The headliner is also tidy, as is the thick pile carpet which holds up extraordinarily well to every day use and abuse. Daily duty is easy, thanks to power windows, locks, and side mirrors. An optional power moonroof is also at hand and easy to unfurl if you need to catch some rays. An aftermarket woodgrain steering wheel gives the cabin a decidedly upmarket feel and can be tilted to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes. To maximize cargo space, the rear seats can easily flip forward to expand the trunk. If passenger comfort is a priority, they can also recline the bench slightly to catch some Z’s on the road. It even has an OEM coolBox, which keeps drinks chilled on your road trip. It also includes an integrated backup camera so you can avoid smashing the Fiat parked behind you. Overall, this is a cabin that does everything right and is a highlight of this VX Limited. The power folding feature of the side view mirrors has given up the ghost, but otherwise, it’s in far above-average shape for our typical 80 series! Body on frame and built to last, these Cruisers have a reputation for dishing out and taking abuse. The same can be said for the engine, the legendary 1FZ-FE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 4.5L churns to life care of a new 12 battery. It sounds a bit throatier than stock as a larger Ganador exhaust frees up a couple ponies. A new fuel pump and fuel filter keeps the petrol flowing, and a new radiator hose works to maintain proper thermal management. The 1FZ is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. Shifts are effortless, thanks to new shift solenoids and the auto box is linked to a FullTime 4WD system. The transfercase benefits from a fresh fluid exchange and has the ability to engage low range gearing when grip becomes an issue. Additionally, a center locker can be utilized, fixing torque 50/50 front and rear, which is ideal for beach cruises or for muddy trips up the trailhead. Acceleration is just fine for getting up to interstate speeds and around town this Land Cruiser has all the pep you’ll ever need. We rebuilt both hubs up front with new bearings and seals, so the next owner need not worry about this labor intensive service, and can go hit the trails instead! For slowing down, the front brakes are bolstered by new front brake pads. The power steering is light yet on point and benefits from a new steering stabilizer. A fresh alignment keeps the new 35′′ Falken tires wearing properly and the aggressive rubber will last for tens of thousands of miles to come. The rancho shocks and lifted suspension can handle to rigors of daily use and deliver that serious off-roading aesthetic that everyone seems to desire.