Baselining new '97 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 4.5L

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I just bought a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 series with the 4.5L gas engine at 157,000 miles. I want to baseline all fluids and have NEVER done anything like this before, or even owned a 4WD vehicle before. So to say I need some help and guidance would be an understatement. I know what grades of lubricants are called for in the owners manual but that's about it.

I want this truck to last a LONG time because I love it. I could have bought many other newer trucks, but have wanted an FJ80 since they came out in '93. I found this very good condition, rust free California car in NJ and brought it home to NY about a month ago.

This LC will be used primarily on the beaches of NY and NJ as a surf fishing vehicle. Any info, advice, recommendations or observations are welcome.

'97 LC 4.5L 157k miles, Diff/transfer-case/tranny fluid ages unknown.










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Trusting that your 16 year old vehicle is in good condition, I'd just change all fluids (during a thorough inspection) and enjoy it for a few years.
 
I had a mechanic look at it before I bought it and was told it was mechanically in very good condition. I was given records on it dating to '98 and it was dealer maintained for most of it's life. Oil changes appear to have been done about every 6 to 8k miles. The head gasket (very common) and fuel injectors were changed out around '03 (90-100k) and maybe dif fluids, it's hard to read. And the coolant is green as opposed to Toyota red so that must have been done, if they were using red in '97.

When I look there are so many 80-90 weight lubricants, oils, and tranny fluids I could use a little help. Then if something goes wrong some day at least I can blame someone else.
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Oh, I use Mobile-1 0W-40 Euro in my VW. But I've been thinking of switching to dino due to a small leak. Probably with some ARX in it.
 
Originally Posted By: fjbob
Oh, I use Mobile-1 0W-40 Euro in my VW. But I've been thinking of switching to dino due to a small leak. Probably with some ARX in it.

What kind of VW engine?
Turbocharged ones will fill with varnish if you don't use fully synthetic oil.
 
first off, nice purchase! I love those LC's. My mother has a 97 landcruiser as well that I maintain. These are some of the fluids/parts I use. It currently has 266,000 miles.

ATF : Toyota OEM ATF
Diff : Amsoil (whatever weight is specified in the manual)
Oil : Mobil 1 0w40
Filter : Purolator synthetic PSL20195 (oversized filter)
Coolant : Toyota OEM Red
Brake Fluid : Valvoline DOT-4 synthetic
Spark Plugs : NGK Iridium stock gap
 
Originally Posted By: Umibozu
first off, nice purchase! I love those LC's. My mother has a 97 landcruiser as well that I maintain. These are some of the fluids/parts I use. It currently has 266,000 miles.

ATF : Toyota OEM ATF
Diff : Amsoil (whatever weight is specified in the manual)
Oil : Mobil 1 0w40
Filter : Purolator synthetic PSL20195 (oversized filter)
Coolant : Toyota OEM Red
Brake Fluid : Valvoline DOT-4 synthetic
Spark Plugs : NGK Iridium stock gap






Hey thanks! I thought there was a bigger filter but didn't find any info in a search. The oil filter on that engine is so small it just doesn't even look right!
The PO switched to the green coolant and since I have to do a flush anyway I'm gonna switch it back to Toyota red.

What made you decide on the M1 0w-40 instead of the stock 5w-30?

Your fluids sound like good choices, I think I'll probably do the same.
 
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: fjbob
Oh, I use Mobile-1 0W-40 Euro in my VW. But I've been thinking of switching to dino due to a small leak. Probably with some ARX in it.

What kind of VW engine?
Turbocharged ones will fill with varnish if you don't use fully synthetic oil.



It's the mighty mouse 1.8T - with an APR ECU remap for 200+ HP and 265 ft-lb of torque. I do use synthetic (M1 0w-40), but since ARx works better with regular oil I can certainly do 2000-3000 miles with it once, especially with a bottle of ARx in it!
 
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