So I am starting to plan ahead for driving South america for two to three months in two years. I am starting to build up the truck and right now I have reached the engine. While the truck has 198k on it overall, I am going to replace MANY components before then. The question I have right now though is do I replace the stock motor with a stock motor again or do a 4bt swap. I wanted to do the swap anyway and am ready to pull the trigger to have it done, but I fear that on the trip something may go wrong and it will be a pain to work/have looked at. I would stop at a Toyota Dealership here and there for check ups along the way so that would be one point for stock. Any thoughts on this topic. Once I figure this part on I can move on to the next part.
Driving South America...Diesel or Stock....
- Thread starter smellz80
- Start date
Seems to me that an overland vehicle should be as stock as possible, for maintainability. Especially for remote travel where Toyota dealerships / mechanics are more available than Cummins mechanics. 
On the other hand, I can see the advantages of Diesels.
I didn't vote, cuz I'm wondering why you can't put a Toyota stock diesel in there??? Even if you have to get one from Canada or something, that would be the direction I would be investigating.
I assume we are talking about an 80-series LandCruiser?
On the other hand, I can see the advantages of Diesels.
I didn't vote, cuz I'm wondering why you can't put a Toyota stock diesel in there??? Even if you have to get one from Canada or something, that would be the direction I would be investigating.
I assume we are talking about an 80-series LandCruiser?
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Sorry, we are now officailly over my head.
It might help the experts who do come along, though, if you let us know what vehicle we're talking about, where you are located, what kind of travel you want to do (i.e. camping with hotel stay once a week, living IN, ON, or BESIDE the vehicle, etc.), where you are planning on going, etc.
Besides, some of us live vicariously, so please tell us everything.
It might help the experts who do come along, though, if you let us know what vehicle we're talking about, where you are located, what kind of travel you want to do (i.e. camping with hotel stay once a week, living IN, ON, or BESIDE the vehicle, etc.), where you are planning on going, etc.
Besides, some of us live vicariously, so please tell us everything.
2 to 3 months to drive to S.A.? where are u starting from?
better not get the diesel if you want to make it in time...
better not get the diesel if you want to make it in time...
cruiser guy
Explorer
I'm with Christian, a 2 or 3 month trip through South America means you're not going to get out of your truck much!
Set your sights a little lower and stick with stock for servicability unless you are mechanically inclined.
Set your sights a little lower and stick with stock for servicability unless you are mechanically inclined.
dmc
Adventurer
it depends on what countries you plan to visit. stay toyota regardless. having watched the feral green guys deal with a bad Ford caliper in Panama i would never bring anything US built with me down here. go read their blog and you'll see the challenges they had sourcing parts. if you can get a toyota 1hz or 1hd from canada (g&s cruiser parts is one place) you may consider going that route. if you stay stock you'll be happy with your options. i rolled into Rio Bamba Ecuador, the guys there knew what i had. I had my front axle repacked and tie rod ends swapped out. i watched the guy do the work. knew exactly what he was doing. in Bolivia the majority of cruisers i saw, and really it's all you will see outside of microtaxis, were 80s or 70s with the 1fz (carbed version) motor. i saw very few diesels. i thought along the same lines you did for economy and simiplicity. either way you'll need to make sure you have all the essential spare parts for Bolivia. really there is nothing south of Oruro at all but other than that you'll be able to find toy parts everywhere. i'll be home in about a month, maybe 3 weeks and will have far more frequent internet time to answer any questions you have. you will LOVE bolivia.
dmc
dmc
The trip will be in 2010. The trip will be 2 to 3 months of bouncing around in South America. I will ship the vehicle to a spot or drive it. I am not that far in the plans yet. My concern is more related to engine right now. If you were going with your truck what would you pick if you had the choice.
Seriously if you're only going for 2-3 months buy a car over there and sell if after the trip. There is no point spending a fortune on shipping back and forth for such a short period of time.
Keep your money to have fun while you're down there.
And if you really want to ship something, then save your money over the next 2 years and buy a newish 4runner/tacoma with low millage and the sell it back when you come back after the trip. The depreciation will be much less than all the upgrades you can do to your 80 and you will spend more time enjoying your trip and less time being a mechanic.
sorry to be plain rational...just looking at it from a logical point of view.
Keep your money to have fun while you're down there.
And if you really want to ship something, then save your money over the next 2 years and buy a newish 4runner/tacoma with low millage and the sell it back when you come back after the trip. The depreciation will be much less than all the upgrades you can do to your 80 and you will spend more time enjoying your trip and less time being a mechanic.
sorry to be plain rational...just looking at it from a logical point of view.
Ducks
Adventurer
2aroundtheworld said:
I don't think that is the rational or logical point of view. He isn't just abandoning the 80 along the side of the road after the trip. Build up your 80 for what you want and it will last you hundreds of thousands of miles taking you on many adventures. That is the logical investment for long term use.
alvarorb
Adventurer
Being from South America and having traveled throughout the continent I can tell you that gasoline is more available than Diesel.
Of course it depends on the country you are visiting. But in remote areas there always be gasoline, not so Diesel. Diesel is awesome, but a luxury in passenger cars in many places.
I've pulled into towns where gas is sold by the 20L can. The gas station is a store with a bunch on 55 gallon drums outside. They'll syphon the gas out of the drums onto a 20 liter can and from there to your gas can.
Regards
Alvaro
Of course it depends on the country you are visiting. But in remote areas there always be gasoline, not so Diesel. Diesel is awesome, but a luxury in passenger cars in many places.
I've pulled into towns where gas is sold by the 20L can. The gas station is a store with a bunch on 55 gallon drums outside. They'll syphon the gas out of the drums onto a 20 liter can and from there to your gas can.
Regards
Alvaro
cruiser guy
Explorer
alvarorb said:
That happens occasionally in Central America too when you are a little off the beaten path. Generally though if you watch your fuel and fill up BEFORE you're out in the middle of nowhere you should be OK.
If you are set on a diesel get it installed ASAP and DO NOT LEAVE until you have a 3-4 month period as a daily driver with NO ISSUES. Keep it as stock as possible and make notes as to what part is from what year.
I have an FJ55 that has a 3B diesel in it and it is all stock Toyota except for the drive shaft lengths and the turbo. THe truck is a '76 FJ55 and some parts are an '81 BJ60 but all is stock!