Hi. Noob here. I don't remember the nomenclature off-hand at the moment, but rest assured I will study up a lot. That said which is the preferred model (USA) the later 96 or 97 I-6 ones or the later V8. FWIW I like the sixes body more. Please list some pros and cons for me. Please note that I am also a shadetree wrench as well and it may see light off road use from time to time. Thanks.

I'm a noob myself but fwiw I'll share what little I know.

Basically, you were asking about the 80-series and 100-series Land Cruiser. The 80 debuted in 1990 and continued on to 1997. The 100 on the other hand was in production from 98 to 2007. The latest Land Cruiser is called the URJ-200.

The 80-series came in 2 versions: the FJ-80(1990-92) Complaints about the underwhelming power (155 HP from the 4.0 "3F" engine) and insufficient brakes brought about the FZJ-80(1993-97), now equipped with an upgraded 4.5 liter DOHC Inline 6 called the 1FZ-FE. Along with the bigger more powerful engine( 215 HP) and stronger brakes, were a change in the steering and suspension. The old "slow-ratio" recirculating ball type steering was replaced with a quicker ratio Rack & Pinion. Personally, I prefer the old steering better because it supposedly had lighter effort and was impervious to bumps (no "kick-back" bump steer common on the Rack & Pinion type)...ideal for offroad driving. I also prefer the plusher riding springs of the earlier version. In 1995, the dash was upgraded. Front and Rear Lockers was a factory option.

The UZJ-100 was the first V8 powered Cruiser(4.7, 36-valves, 235 HP). From 1998-1999, a rear locker was standard. Gone was the front locker because of the new independent suspension setup. In 2000, the rear locker was removed in place of the more sophisticated and arguably more effective electronic traction control/stability control system(A-TRAC). Sat-Nav and a rear-view camera was added in 2003, along with a horsepower bump to 185.

The 100 undoubtedly rides much better than the 80 mainly because of the front independent suspension. It's also a lot quieter thanks to the V8. In stock form, many would attest to the better offroad performance of the older live axle setup of the 80, though aftermarket upgrades improve the 100 significantly as well.

Id go with the V8. Land Cruisers are heavy and need the power of the V8. The I-6 is a great, reliable engine; but is a tad bit underpowered for the Land Cruiser.
The V8 has proven itself to be just as durable and reliable, but has more power.