What Are the Most Essential Upgrades for an 80 Series Used in Overlanding?

[LaylaMahmoud]

Hi all! I recently got my hands on a 1996 Land Cruiser 80 Series. I’m planning to build it up for overlanding and extended off-road trips.

I’d love to hear from experienced owners. what are the absolute must-have upgrades for reliability, comfort, and capability? Suspension, dual battery systems, storage solutions… I’m open to any advice. Looking forward to hearing how you’ve set yours up for adventure!

 

[Ben Stratford]

Essential things from my experience:
Firstly to baseline the vehicle which to me means servicing everything and replacing any worn parts to bring it back to spec. This does two things:
Builds reliability back in.
Adds knowledge for the user.
Once done it’s then a case of tailoring the vehicle for what you intend to do and where you are doing it.
For example it’s pointless fitting long range fuel tanks, onboard water tank etc if you never venture far from civilisation.
What will you be doing with it?

 

[Lorin]

Essential things from my experience:
Firstly to baseline the vehicle which to me means servicing everything and replacing any worn parts to bring it back to spec. This does two things:
Builds reliability back in.
Adds knowledge for the user.
Once done it’s then a case of tailoring the vehicle for what you intend to do and where you are doing it.
For example it’s pointless fitting long range fuel tanks, onboard water tank etc if you never venture far from civilisation.
What will you be doing with it?

Yep, this. Baseline service is more important than any mods. Much more than just oil and filters. Consider front axle rebuild, all suspension bushings, check UJs, check cooling system, all new belts and hoses etc….

 

[Grimbo]

^^^^^^ both of above comments but would add ....

Depending what you mean by "overland" ..... replace UJ's , replace CV joints , possibly fit new radiator from a reputable supplier , yes.... strip and rebuild front axle including diff .... replace every flexible hose in brake system , fuel and cooling system . Change BEBs in the engine , fit new timing belt and tensioner , change every fluid , check power steering pipe work for corrosion , Drive it as your daily driver and make sure it performs as it should before you throw heaps of money at modifying it .

How many K's has it done and what's it's previous history ? this may give us more of an idea what you need to do before you modify it .... stock spec and well maintained they are very capable so big suspension lifts and the like maybe counter productive if you don't need them

 

[felix2566]

Was looking through the lists there that people have posted. Have done pretty much everything apart from front axle/diff rebuild. Are they particularly problematic? I've had front wheel bearings and hub swivel bearings done.

 

[Dave_S]

Comments as above (though not sure I would change the BEBs unless is a 12v). I would also consider rebuilding the starter motor as another common fail point.

100% agree on the idea of using it as a DD for a while too - it will help flush out any niggles.

 

[Shayne]

Brand new it could take you for a couple of laps of the globe so "need" would be whatever you might take for an extended camping trip .

Catch 22 of the 80 series being so well built is that parts that would probably be replaced at least 3 times in the last 30 years were it any other vehicle are likely still original , bearings , seals , bushes , starter motor , alternator ............. you can be sure its had new batteries and tyres but thats about it .

Change all the oil , diffs , gearbox , transfer box , engine , flush coolant and replace then just drive it .

I reckon the single most valuable thing to have with you when your many miles from all you know is a familiarity with your truck which lets you know instinctively when something is not right .
Modifications are just wants , though we all tell ourselves , and the bank , and the mrs , that they are absolutely necessary

 

[Dave_S]

I think you've hit the nail on the head Shayne - brand new, these were really well put together. The problems arise from whatever maintenance (or lack thereof) that's happened in the intervening 30 or so years... especially as some people think that well built & reliable = I don't need to service it. Many of the issues we had on our 80 when we got it were down to crappy maintenance and bad workmanship by previous owners prior to purchase... though now it's just getting old and a bit crusty LOL!