If the price is right I might just have to change plans.
part out my 85 and sas the runner, convert it to 5-speed. Oooh this could get pricey <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> .
tough it would be nice to upgrade my DD to have dual air bags. and I like the looks of it........Karl

Whatever Brian. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> I guess that we will never know since no Japanese manufacturer has offered us low geared transfer cases or front lockers, only Japanese strength and reliability like plastic timing chain guides and stapled together headgaskets. Sorry I just get tired of hearing this stuff, like Toyota is the only one who knows how to build a vehicle. If you want a factory wheeler, quit waiting for Toyota and get yourself a Wrangler or Power Wagon.

Ding Ding Ding! We have a thread winner! It's a horrible bastardization of the FJ namesake...

Nope



Nope

Any other questions... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Just nitpicking...FJ80 has front lockers... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Also, in a way the clutch start cancel button is pseudo/poor man's low gear.

I stand corrected. The t-case in the FZJ80 is relatively low geared as well, they are capable vehicles for everywhere they can fit. They are very well built and illustrate Brian's point, but unfortunately they are not very affordable (even now!).

gotta take issue with that last comment, Harry. In MN, FZJ-80's are going for LESS than the same year 4Runners...

Looked at a 97 40th, needed some work. Could have owned it for $8K. Could have owned a 96 in NICE shape for < 9K. Found a 93 w/o lockers that I could have owned for $7k. Friend just bought a 93 W/ lockers for 3K - needs some minor work.

I can't touch Gen-3 4Runners for those prices up here...

Your point stands, Harry. Americans - or Koreans, or South Americans - are just as capable as the Japanese at making tight tolerance, high quality alloy parts, if the manufacturing process and decisionmakers (bean counters) support it. Toyota owns manufacturing process improvement IMHO, and they own it in the US as well as anywhere else - its eminently portable. Just because a part is subbed to Dana does not change its contract tolerances. I cheer the fact that lots of Americans are learning from those who first learned from us.

I just wish they made a dadgum minitruck!

I think Brian's point isn't that japanese build quality is better, but rather, since a truck is built in Japan then they will most likely export it to other parts of the world where they need tougher trucks. American made toyota's aren't exported anywhere, the sole market is the US.

That has actually been his point historically. I would say Japanese build quality IS better (on average, in execution), but it does not follow that if something is made in Japan vs. US that it will be better by default.
One observation is rearward-looking, the other is foreward-looking.