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Guest post by MadMatt 4WD. Follow him for great 4wd tips and tricks on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or Website

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If you’re one of those fortunate people who own a Toyota Landcruiser 80 series (any models such FJ80 FZJ80 HZJ80 HDJ80 etc), there is a slight possibility it needs a little bit of COVID-19 love from you. (If you land here from the future: this post was written in May 2020 during the Coronavirus lockdown)

In this article, we’re going to cover off a few simple tasks you can complete at home with a basic set of skills and tools.

Your 80 Series Land Cruiser service and maintenance will vary depending on how you have set it up and how you use it. The service requirements will vary slightly so with this in mind lets touch on some of the items you can look at for your vehicle.

Starting at the front end:

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Task #1: Check the steering system

Check all bolts on the steering linkages and associated components. Check the steering system for play and adjust as required.

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Task #2: Inspect the lower kingpin studs

The lower kingpin studs are known to come loose and should be checked with a torque wrench. (71Ft-Lbs/96NM) If they look as though they have been loose for some time it would be advisable to strip the knuckle down and investigate for any damage. Look for burrs and wear around the holes, studs and where the steering arm joins the knuckle. Check our Swivel Stud Kits in stock

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Task #3: Inspect the steering box and upper panhard chassis mount

for fatigue cracks. These can be repaired with one of the many welds in repair kits available.

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Task #4: Inspect the power steering hoses, pump and reservoir for leaks and weeps

The power steering reservoirs are renowned for weeping around the top crimp.

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Task #5: Inspect all tyre pressures

and look for feathering, scalloping, cuts and uneven wear patterns and tread wear indicators.

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Task #6: Inspect the wheel bearings

Jack up each wheel and by holding the top and bottom of the tyre feel for any play in the wheel bearings. Rotate the wheels feeling and listening for abnormalities like rumbling or scraping sounds. Be aware that the brake pads may make a slight rubbing noise which is ok. The rear bearings are a little harder to feel because the axle is connected to the wheel hub. In an ideal world, you should remove the axle to check the rear bearings. Our range of: Wheel Bearing Hub Kits

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Task #7: More checks around the wheels

While you are at each wheel look for oil leaks around the knuckles and hubs. I also inspect the shock absorber and sway bar bushes at this time.

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Task #8: Check the rear control arm bushes

Using a pry bar check all the front and rear control arm bushes for cracks and failures.

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Task #9: Check the rear axle drive hub studs and nuts

for signs of flogging, fretting and oil leaks. Check our 80 Series Rear Axle Hub Studs

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Task #10: Check for worn seals

If you decide to repack the wheel bearings it’s worth considering the use of the Terrain Tamer Heavy Duty bearing kit. This comes with a cassette seal which resolves issues with worn seal surfaces.

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Task #11: Check all fluid levels

and condition making sure the differential, gearbox and transfer case oils are not water contaminated. If the oil looks grey there’s water present and the component needs to be drained and flushed.

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Task #12: Check the air filter

for dust and blow it out from the inside with compressed air. Clean out the dust trap under the air filter box.

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Task #13: Check the condition and tension of all fan belts

There should be no signs of cracks or fraying. The correct tension is about 15mm of play in the longest run of the belt.

Check our 80 Series Fan Belt Kits