80 series 'cruiser auto

[Go Gecko]

Hey Everyone, a couple of weeks back I put in a thread about buying a mitsi triton around the 1995 era and if there were any problems with them. Well after reading your replies and doing a bit more research I have shelved that idea. what I am looking at now is a 80 series landcruiser - petrol - and the particular vehicle I am looking at is has an auto transmission instead of a manual gearbox. Now, I have a couple of questions to put to all you people who know about these things, are there any particular problem area's to look out for with the 80 series and also how well do the auto's perform off road? I imagine they tow well and would be good in your 'normal' off road situation, but how well do they handle steep hills is the control similar to that of a vehicle with a manual gearbox? I would not be doing any extensive off road work - just a bit of fishing, camping, getting to a few out of the way places - that sort of thing. Again - any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to reading your comments. Thanks.:)

[FrankFWM]

try offroad80's.com - that's all they do...

[luckyone]

I Had One Great Vechile But They Are Thirsty Suckers

[BenDover]

The truth is auto's are much better than manuals for beach, bush and general offroad. But they are not as fun. And chew a bit more gas as they spin the front axles all the time (in free spool mode). Just if your towing alot of weight dont let it go into overdrive and keep it in 3rd gear for hills or youll strech your bands and it will sound and change like an old taxi cab. Have fun :)

[Fishin_Dan]

Google search "80 big end bearing" or similar. They had a problem with a run of them where the big end bearing went on them. I believe there is a site you can enter the motor serial number and it will tell you if it's been fixed...

There was a thread on here about it ages ago. Should be able to find it in a search

[GBC]

big ends were an issue for the t.d. motor. the 4.5 l is a bit thirsty but goes good and is reliable.
The auto's stand up well, just don't allow toyota to service them (they don't have a maintenance sched that involves any more than oil changes).
I used the combo you're asking about for work towing trailers up beaches etc. We gave the thing a very hard time and it did 160k with servicing only prior to going to auction.

Engine braking is only o.k. downhill, however a couple of clicks on the handbrake fixes the the issue straight up.

[Go Gecko]

Thanks for all your replies, we are currently in the process of selling our house and buying a new home to live in, once that is all complete I will be the proud new owner of a 80 series 'cruiser - I can not wait to get back into a 4x4 and just escaping!! Once again thanks for your comments.