1991-1997 Land Cruiser Buyer's Guide (FJ80 FZJ80 common problems, specs, engines)

FJ80 and FZJ80 Buyer's Guide. Toyota Land Cruiser Common Problems.

The land cruiser history dates all the way back to 1950. Back then, Japan’s National Police Reserve Forces relied heavily on the US military for all its equipment during the post-war establishment period, but it was decided that production should be localized. The United States military deemed that vehicles needed in Asia would continue to be deployed from Japan in the future - so it began to invite Japanese automakers to trial-produce 4-wheel drive small trucks. National Police Reserve Forces in Japan wanted a rugged, Japanese-built all-terrain vehicle with four-wheel-drive and they invited Japanese firms to build a suitable vehicle. Toyota answered the call by developing the Toyota Jeep BJ. At that time, there were a large number of Jeeps driving on the roads in Japan, and Jeeps had become synonymous with 4-wheel drive vehicles. Toyota named the prototype vehicle "Toyota Jeep", and the BJ represents the combination of the B-type engine and the Jeep style chassis. The Toyota BJ had a 3.4-liter straight-six engine making 75 horsepower with lots of low-end torque, exactly what the Japanese National Police Reserve needed to scale any terrain. The Reserve, however, decided to contract the Mitsubishi Jeep (a licensed production version of the North American Willys Jeep) because it had a more extensive track record. Toyota decided to mass-produce The Toyota Jeep BJ and started full-scale manufacturing of the BJ in 1953 because it took two years to negotiate specifications and prices after it was decided that Toyota would start production. In 1953, 298 Toyota Jeep BJs rolled off the assembly line. In June 1954, due to friction caused by trademark rights resulting from the use of the Jeep name which was an established trademark of Willys-Overland Motors, the then director and minister of technology Umehara Banji gave the BJ a new name —Land Cruiser. It was truly a wise decision, as the name was brimming full confidence and spirit. The company utilized the toughness and go-anywhere ability of their rugged Land Cruiser by using it as the basis of Toyota’s export strategy. On October 31, 1957, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. opened in a former Rambler dealership in Hollywood, California. Vehicle sales began in 1958, with just two models, consisting of just one lone Land Cruiser 20 series, and 287 Toyopet Crown sedans.

Exterior:
The 80 series land cruiser was introduced in the United States in the spring of 1990 as a 1991 model. When compared to the previous 60 series Land Cruiser, the 80 series took a softer direction in terms of styling. Gone were the 80s era squarish design, fender vents, and in was the fluid shape of the 90s. The bumpers were now contoured to the body, huge fender flares hugged the wheel arches, big tires indicated its off-road capability, and on early models, the grille gave a nod to the earlier Land Cruiser Models. The overall look of the 80 series was polished and poised with an emphasis on technology and luxury. All USA models came with halogen housed headlights while some lower specs models sold overseas had sealed beam headlights. The body line running down the profile gave the vehicle a strong, hunkered-down look, the large planes of glass gave the driver and passengers great visibility, along with the large side-view mirrors. There was a good amount of ground clearance offered by the factory suspension which helped instill confidence in the vehicle.

Exterior Issues:
Fading Paint
Rust (around wheel arches, fenders, and rear gate)
Sunroof Drains

Engine:
The USA market received the gasoline straight-six engines only. Models made from 1991-1992 offered the tried and true 3F-E 4.0L straight-six engine that produced 155 horsepower and 220 lb. ft. of torque at 3,000 RPM. In 1993, a new engine was offered. The 1FZ-FE was a 4.5L straight-six engine that had dual-overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, producing 57 more horsepower and 55 more pound-feet of torque than the 3F-E.

Transmissions available:
4-speed manual
4-speed A440F automatic (91-92 for USA)
4-speed A442F automatic (93-94 USA)
4-speed A343F automatic (95-97 USA)
5-speed H150F manual
5-speed H151F manual
Engine/Transmission Issues and common problems:
Heater Control Valve - the plastic can become brittle over time and break. Failure of this part can cause coolant leaks and overheating.
PHH - pesky heater hose - outside of hose may look okay, but inside could be completely rotten.
Wire loom burning/melting by EGR - Heat of EGR tube can cause wire harness to melt and or fray.
Oil Pump Gasket - common leak area.
Frame issues / common problems:
Steering knuckles, front rebuild.
Frame common stress areas:
1. Front control arms to the axle housing.
2. Steering gearbox to the frame rail.
3. Panhard to the axle housing and frame rail.
4. Rear panhard.
5. Rear lower control arms to frame and axle housing.

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