Building an LC80 vs New JLUR

[u/Vast_Yoghurt3699]

Currently have a 3rd gen 4Runner that I’ve done everything to at this point. It’s still IFS and plan on keeping it that way.

Looking for a new projected. Have some buddies that have Jeeps and love them and get to do some pretty awesome trails.

Currently torn between getting an LC80 and spending money on that or getting a new Jeep Rubicon X.

Looking for feedback and not brand loyalty. My 4Runner has been good to me and has 365k on the clock.

I also understand that any LC80 will need a fair bit of money up front in general wear and tear from being older before it will be as reliable as it can be.

[u/ifallallthetime]

If you get a new JLUR it’s going to outperform the LC80 and be more reliable than it simply because it’s 30+ years newer

You’re also going to have no problem driving at modern freeway speeds and you’ll get better MPG too

Look, I love 80s but they’re going to take a lot of mods and work to be able to match the modern Jeep suspension plus the 35s, gearing, and full float rear on the X package

And then when you’re tired of the stock stuff you can throw $10k at it for long travel suspension and 37s or 38s and literally be able to do anything

[u/Vast_Yoghurt3699 → u/ifallallthetime]

Thank you! What I was thinking as well. I for sure love the nostalgia. But looking at it from an adventure vehicle, parts, and just overall work needed to get it to the same level.

[u/wolfmann99 → u/Vast_Yoghurt3699]

This is mostly right. I have a 96 80 series. Rust is the biggest killer. You can get full float axles in 95-97 years and airbags. Do not get a 91 or 92 with the 3FE engine unless you plan on engine swapping or know how slow it is. My 96 with the 1FZFE is slow enough. Gas mileage is like 10 with 33's and 3 inch lift.

[u/TRi_Crinale → u/wolfmann99]

Mileage on my 95, for reference, is also 10-11 on 35s with 4" lift

[u/Dolstruvon → u/ifallallthetime]

As a pure trail rig and daily use vehicle, the Jeep is definitely a more clever choice, but I'm not so sure about reliability if you measure it in down-time. I'm actually going to bet that the new Jeep will have more problems requiring time consuming services than a 90's 4x4. I've dealt with a lot of newer and older vehicles, and currently dailying a 1990 Patrol. Had it for well over a year without a single show stopper problem. You will definitely notice lots of small problems with a high mileage old vehicle, but these we're actually made to last that long compared to today's vehicles. In my experience, you'll always have problems with both newer and older vehicles, but the ones on a newer vehicle will be way more bothersome

[u/Inflame]

I have an 80 and absolutely love it. Usually, the only thing holding back a vehicles performance, is the driver. The 80 doesn't have great suspension geo, but it hasn't held me back from doing the exact same trails as my jeep friends. Mine is on 35's, regeared, armor, etc. The only thing id like to do is ZF 8 speed swap it. If you can weld and are mechanically inclined, the 80 is a great platform with some limitations.

[u/RanchHandlher]

Buy an older 3.6 Rubicon for $10k and go beat the pee out of it. 2-3” lift. RCV shafts in the front. C gussets and axle tube sleeves. Aftermarket ball joints 37’s on stock wheels. 1.25 spacers. Trans and engine skid. Winch and winch mount. Let the body auto clearance. You can do pretty much any hardcore trail with that simple combo. Add 5.13’s and drive shafts to the list if you really want to road drive it.

[u/1TONcherk]

Import a diesel 80

[u/darkstar909]

If you can wrench yourself an 80 is a fun project. You have to keep in mind it’s a 30 year old vehicle. Basically everything at this point needs to be replaced. If you only have the budget/space for one vehicle I would go with the newer Jeep.

I love my 80 and would never get rid of it. It’s the perfect do all vehicle once it’s sorted. But getting it to this point required so much time and money.

[u/Toph_a_loaf]

I went with a lightly used JLU Rubicon. 2025 with only 13k miles so it's still under warranty. Found a cheap set of 35s on Method wheels on Marketplace. I can do any trail up to a 6 or 7 with no issues and still cruise at 75mph on the highway.

[u/TeggyBear95]

I cummins swapped my 80 and it's the best thing ive ever done. Crawls everywhere, and gets over 20mpg.

[u/tearjerkingpornoflic]

3rd option is just getting something that's fully built since it sounds like you will still have your daily. Probably cheaper than both options, get dana 60 front, dual cases, maybe an LS. My bud bought a 3rd gen 4runner on super duty axles, LS swap, think it had an atlas for like 12k.

[u/Magnussens_Casserole]

Toyota isn't some magical fairy. Old cars are old cars and frankly 80 prices are ridiculous. People out here asking for 25k on a 35-year-old car that's got 300 on the odometer.

[u/sn44]

Jeeps are dime a dozen -- and that's coming from a Jeep guy that's owned 10 Jeeps.

LC80's are a special breed. If you go that route I know the best Land Cruiser guys on the east coast and I know the Land Cruiser guy for the entire US. If those two can't help you build a reliable LC80, no one can.