80 Series Land Cruiser -

Could this be the ULTIMATE four-wheeling vehicle?

Johnny Lange

Those that know me can attest that I am no stranger to Toyota’s. Aside from a 67 Beetle, I have owned and driven Toyota cars and trucks since the age of 15.  Oops, did that slip, I mean 16 as that is the age required by law in Utah.

To date, I have been four wheeling for about 17 years. All of those years where spent behind the wheel of a Toyota 4x4. There is one thing you cannot change my mind on, that Toyota 4x4's are simply put the most dependable, trail worthy, and comfortable vehicles around. From Trucks, 4Runners, Tundras, Sequoias, and of course Land Cruisers, all in all I have lost count of how many have been in my mits but there has been a few.

Last year, I was faced with a pretty hard decision. The 1985 4Runner I had spent a few years building was a great vehicle. As we in the Toyota world know, the 85's are very popular due to the stout solid axles found in the front end and on most 85's the introduction of Fuel Injection.

As with these older generation trucks and 4runners, one also has a TON of very well designed products to with them. From Crawler gears, to lift kits, to just about anything, someone has built and is selling the parts for these rigs to become just flat out bad-ass on the trails.

But, to look at the down side. Though extremely reliable, I think we can all admit the engine power was always a little lacking with the 22R or 22RE. Yes, one can sink some thousands into a real decent engine if you wish.

Being 6 foot 5, the little trucks tend to become a little uncomfortable after a long day of four wheeling.

So, my hard decision was this. For many many years I had googled over the gorgeous lines of the 80 series Land Cruisers. I heard a rumor that many of these fine utility vehicles came with optional factory locking front and rear differentials. When I became an official member of the Wasatch Cruisers club in Utah, our exposure to these fine rigs increased. The thought entered my mind, and one day I finally pulled the plug. I sold the outdated 4Runner and went for the "fluffy" as the call them, the 80 Series Land Cruiser.

Was it a mistake? Definitely not. In fact, each and every day and wheeling trip I grow to love the 80 series Land Cruisers even more. With this I truly have to ask, could this be the ultimate off road vehicle?

Now, when I ask this I mean as a whole. Could my 4Runner with the dual Marlin T-Cases, 5.29 gearing, Lockers and such out-wheel my 80 series? Probably so. But I will tell you that the 80 series would give it a really valiant shot at it. A lot more than I originally expected and more so, with MUCH more comfort and fluid movement.

Some weeks ago my wife and I attended Cruise Moab 2006 in our 80 series. After running with some of the FJ Cruiser team and their members with some great experience under their belts, I left that weekend very very proud of my 80 series.

If you look at the whole picture of this vehicle, it’s hard to argue with this vehicles fine qualities on and off the road.

-Factory electric locking differentials for the ultimate in traction.

-Coil sprung suspension that is easily lifted (under $800) to fit 35" tires. Coils are COMFORTABLE.

- Perfect road manners. Traveling to and from trails is done with flat out comfort. No need to haul your rig on a trailer, drive it there and be comfortable while doing it.

- A remarkable straight six cylinder engine that is known for longevity. I sport 153K miles on mine this moment and would not hesitate to take it on a road trip this momemt.

- Did I mention factory solid front axle? No need for expensive IFS mods or even more costly solid axle swappings.

- Room for kids, gear, dogs, or family. Yep, they come with third row seating. Mine are removed and with the seats down in the back, one can fit a grundle of gear in the back.

- And last but not least, some updated looks. Don’t get me wrong, I love the other trucks and 4Runners but as with anything older, they become dated. I enjoy the newer look of my 80 series even though it is really 10 years old now.

So what’s the purpose of this writing? I’m not sure other than to say that I really feel as a whole these 80 Series Land Cruisers REALLY have something going for them. They are very impressive both on and off road and for this reason they have my vote as an overall best four wheeling machine.

See on the trails.

Johnny Lange

Wild Yoats Toyota 4x4 Forum