1996 Toyota Land Cruiser: A True Classic
Meet the 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser that the seller snatched up back in 2020. Since then, they’ve transformed this beast, teaming up with their father to give it a new lease on life—starting with some rugged-looking Raptor Coatings textured liners applied to both the body and chassis. They didn’t stop there; the seats got a stylish revamp with black marine vinyl, plus a full overhaul on the four-wheel disc brakes.
But wait, there’s more! The truck now sports an ARB front bumper for those tough rides, a roof rack for extra cargo—because who doesn’t love more storage?—and a Safari snorkel to help tackle any water challenges. And for that added level of off-road capability, a Bump It Offroad rear bumper, rock sliders, a Warn Zeon 10-S winch, and an Old Man Emu 2” suspension lift have all made the list of upgrades.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, you’ll find a 4.5L 1FZ-FE inline-six engine, linked up to a four-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a locking center differential. When you hop in, you’ll immediately appreciate:
- Black 16″ five-spoke alloy wheels
- A sunroof to enjoy those lovely days
- Power-adjustable front seats for that perfect position
- Automatic climate control to keep you comfortable
- A Kenwood touchscreen head unit for all your ideal playlists
- Twin ARB air compressors
- A Borla catback exhaust paired with a MagnaFlow muffler
This FZJ80 is offered up with spare parts and an accident-free Carfax report, plus a California title proudly sitting in the seller’s name.
Eye-Catching Exterior
When it left the factory, it was dressed up in an eye-catching Dark Emerald Pearl (6M1). The seller added a gray Raptor Coatings textured liner before swapping out the headlights and rubber seals to give it that extra sparkle under the sun. On top of that, the ride now features:
- An ARB front bumper
- A Safari snorkel
- Solis LED driving lights
- A Bump It Offroad rear bumper
- Rock sliders to navigate rugged terrain
- LED taillights
And not just that, Maxtrax MKII Gunmetal Grey recovery boards have been added for those “just in case” moments, along with a ladder and RotopaX fuel and water containers secured onto a swing-away rear carrier.
Tires and Brakes
Those 16″ five-spoke alloy wheels? They’ve been powder-coated black and mounted on with 315/75 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires—an absolute must for an off-road champion. Don’t forget the matching spare tire nestled in a swing-away rear carrier, plus the addition of an Old Man Emu steering stabilizer and that sweet 2” suspension lift. Braking is taken care of with four-wheel discs boasting ABS, and as the seller assures, the calipers were rebuilt along with new pads and rotors during the overhaul.
Interior Comfort and Style
Hop inside, and you’ll find that the power-adjustable front bucket seats and second-row bench have been freshened up with that appealing black marine vinyl. Comfort features include:
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control for those long journeys
- A Kenwood touchscreen head unit
- A Delta Vehicle Systems locking center console for security
- WeatherTech floor liners to catch all the dirt
- ARB twin air compressors for that extra utility
Just a heads-up, though: the power windows operate on the slower side, and the aftermarket backup camera isn’t winning any clarity awards.
Dashboard Details
The leather-wrapped steering wheel commands the cockpit, featuring a 130-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges that keep you in the know about oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level. The six-digit odometer reads 140k miles, with around 5k of those racked up during the current owner’s time with the truck.
Now here’s the kicker: the Carfax report does mention a November 2002 entry noting the issuance of an “Exceeds Mechanical Limits” Ohio title, and for those curious folks, an October 2003 entry reveals a mileage inconsistency. So, still, total mileage? Who knows?
Engine Specifications
Now, let’s talk about what’s really pumping life into this machine: the 4.5L 1FZ-FE inline-six engine, a workhorse that’s factory rated at 212 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The seller has been quite busy, reporting that they replaced crucial components like:
- Gaskets
- Spark plugs and ignition wires
- The distributor, fuel pump, and starter
- Alternator, radiator, and air conditioning condenser
As if that wasn’t enough, an auxiliary battery tray was added courtesy of Slee Off Road along with an OPTIMA AGM battery and a REDARC Electronics 25-amp dual battery charger to keep the power flowing strong.
Conclusion
In conclusion, power is sent to all four wheels through that reliable four-speed automatic transmission, with a dual-range transfer case and a locking center differential. The work they have put into this beauty stands as a testament to the dedication of the seller and their father. Interested in making this rugged classic part of your life? The potential is there just waiting for the next adventure.
The Carfax report does show a mileage inconsistency and the earlier title issue, but that’s just part of the character of this Toyota Land Cruiser.