Let me ask you this. If I plan to do a lot of overland stuff and I have a stock US spec 95 cruiser with the gas engine, would I hurt my chances of getting parts if needed if I switch to diesel. I would think I would have better options in South America with a diesel. The engine of choice right now is a 4bt, but I could bounce around on that issue. Next, being built for overland I am not sure how to go. I want 35's and I will have a trailer to carry spares (cdn m101). So do I go slee 4 or OME heavy's and 1.75 spacers. OEM aux tank, roof rack, trailer...you know the drill. I just want to build this right from the start. Thanks for any input.
Engine swap + lift questions....
- Thread starter acon40
- Start date
Grease Cruiser
Adventurer
I don't think you are hurting your chances of getting parts. But, it all depends on where you go. Cummins parts are found throughout the world if you decide to go with the 4BT. Toyota diesels are great but you may be waiting for parts for a few days or so if you are in North America. Central and South America have a plethora of Toyota diesels. But, the same goes true with the Cummins. Parts are very plentiful in North America but you may have to wait a few days while in Central/South America.
I would not go with the OEM auxiliary tank as it is only 13 gallons. Not much bang for the buck. Go with the long range tank.
I am not sure about towing a trailer that far south. It is one less thing you have to worry about. Also, shipping your vehicle to South America will be more expensive as you just added an extra vehicle. Go with a roof rack and carry less spares. Also realize that the world is only getting smaller. If you do need parts that you can't get locally, Fed-Ex or UPS can deliver whatever you may need in just a matter of a few days. Expedition trailers are great but I don't think they are necessary or ideal for driving to South America.
I see that you have been doing your homework on the 4BT. I went with the Slee 4" on mine. I also have a 4BT in mine. You can get away with the OME heavies and some spacers but I prefer the Slee. Can't tell you why, just do. Seems like a cleaner install.
Also, PM sent about the 4BT.
I would not go with the OEM auxiliary tank as it is only 13 gallons. Not much bang for the buck. Go with the long range tank.
I am not sure about towing a trailer that far south. It is one less thing you have to worry about. Also, shipping your vehicle to South America will be more expensive as you just added an extra vehicle. Go with a roof rack and carry less spares. Also realize that the world is only getting smaller. If you do need parts that you can't get locally, Fed-Ex or UPS can deliver whatever you may need in just a matter of a few days. Expedition trailers are great but I don't think they are necessary or ideal for driving to South America.
I see that you have been doing your homework on the 4BT. I went with the Slee 4" on mine. I also have a 4BT in mine. You can get away with the OME heavies and some spacers but I prefer the Slee. Can't tell you why, just do. Seems like a cleaner install.
Also, PM sent about the 4BT.
cruiser guy
Explorer
Acon40, if you are planning on long range travel the best advice is to keep it as stock as possible for ease of repair on the road and if you are not mechanically inclined, ie: you're planning to do ALL your repairs along the way, the mechanics will have an easier time and be able to fix your truck as well. If you do an engine swap consider something that is "standard", ie: a Toyota 1HZ engine in the '80 series. You could do this with a 1/2 cut and it would make parts and servicing easier down south. If you mix manufacturers you now have adaptors that may or may not be easily available plus you need to explain that you need a widgit from a bread truck for instance even though the guy sees the 'Cruiser on the side of the road! Keep a log of what parts you're using and what model and year of vehicle they can be found on.
I fall into the "do all my own work" camp and I do not have a trailer for spares. I wouldn't even consider taking a trailer to Central America or beyond. You want a LOW PROFILE, not showing everyone that you have so much crap that you need a trailer to transport it all!! I have an easier time getting parts for my Canadian spec diesel Land Cruiser here in Guatemala than I do at home! I got a rebuilt altenator over the counter here in Guatemala and that would have been a custom job at home.
I fall into the "do all my own work" camp and I do not have a trailer for spares. I wouldn't even consider taking a trailer to Central America or beyond. You want a LOW PROFILE, not showing everyone that you have so much crap that you need a trailer to transport it all!! I have an easier time getting parts for my Canadian spec diesel Land Cruiser here in Guatemala than I do at home! I got a rebuilt altenator over the counter here in Guatemala and that would have been a custom job at home.
Thanks so much. The trailer is tossed out. That seems to be the word of the wise...to not go with one. For Ferry tolls or the such is a cheaper option too. I am really starting to turn to the toyota diesel. I know for a fact here in the US I want a diesel and I live in a town where I don't drive the truck all that much (Boulder....eco pass...vespa) so down time will not be a issue plus soon enough it will become a third vehicle. Some good food for thought....thanks...
esh
Explorer
Just spent some time around this truck. Very sweet and a really smooth "toyota 6 cyl diesel" sound. It is much less rattle than the 3B or 4BT and noticeably smoother sound than the 12H-T..
http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=159678
http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=159678