1992 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ80 in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Vehicle Description

By the time the luxury SUV wars started, Toyota was already one of the most experienced players in the game. This 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser was merely the first volley in a long-running line of luxurious 4x4s that could go anywhere, but did it with style. Better yet, this one packs a strong-running fuel injected GM small block V8 and a nice lift that only improves what was already one of the best ways to get to remote places.

Someone obviously realized that off-roading doesn't get much better than this, and instead of buying something new, they improved one of the greats. This Toyota Land Cruiser wears a relatively recent coat of paint that matches the original color and shines it up quite a bit. After 25 years, it shouldn't be a surprise that it needed some freshening, but the look is very OEM and they resisted the urge to color outside the lines. Instead, it's clean, sleek, and very stock-looking, which is perfect for concealing the late-model V8 living inside. There was a styling update that smoothed out the Land Cruiser's grille and headlights, but there's no mistaking Toyota's full-sized SUV. Running boards, mud flaps, big bumpers, and a roof rack all add to the adventure-read styling, even if you're only running to the store. It's all in good condition, perfect for a truck that's going to get dirty now and then, and thanks to legendary Toyota build quality, it still feels rock solid even after all these years.

Luxury was the name of the game inside, with leather upholstery and all the creature comforts you could think of in 1992. It remains in very good condition thanks to quality materials, with the only notable issues being some scuffing on the driver's outer bolster, which isn't unusual. A fat steering wheel frames a full complement of gauges, and since the engine isn't the original unit, there are a set of auxiliary dials living under the dash. A modern AM/FM/CD stereo from JVC provides a much better entertainment experience than the original radio, and heavy-duty floor mats are ideal for a truck that plays in the mud. The A/C blows cold, the power windows run up and down easily, and the soft parts are in excellent condition. There's lots of room in the back seat for full-sized adults and the cargo bay is massive.

Toyota's inline-6 worked pretty hard to get all this sheetmetal moving, so a late-model GM 350 cubic inch V8 with throttle-body fuel injection was installed in its place. It was professionally installed about 500 miles ago and actually comes with a 3-year, 100,000 mile warranty through the shop that did the work. Service is easy and the extra 100 pounds of torque are very welcome in the heavy Land Cruiser. The fit is almost OEM and most folks won't realize that a swap has taken place because it looks so right. Everything works like it should, including the original gauges, factory brakes, A/C, and electrical system. Just turn the key and go! The Toyota automatic transmission was pulled, cleaned, and serviced to work behind the small block, and there's a fresh custom exhaust system that gives it a nice V8 rumble. The electronic engine controls are GM, so it will be reliable and easy to service and a new gas tank hangs out back. The suspension has a modest 3 inch "Old Man Emu" suspension system and the Toyota 6-lug alloys carry big 31x10.5-15 Michelin radials with plenty of life left in them.

One of the best off-roaders made better with the addition of good old American horsepower. No compromises, a great look, and still very practical, all for a bargain price. Call today!