Question about getting the right 70 series

[KiwiKurt]

Hey all, Ive done some searching around with no luck, so I figured Id come here for some education.

Ill be in the market for a 70 series in the forseeable future, and im trying to determine which of the features i want can be had.

My non negotiable criteria is a turbo diesel motor and a 5 spd. I also really want the cable lockers front/rear.

So the question: if i can get it, id like to have all of that with either a soft top or a removable top. Is that possible? Or would it be possible in the 4door/prado variant? If i find the right truck without the lockers, are there easy options for adding them?

Thanks all

-Kurt

 

[toylandcruiser]

If you import one it'll have a 5 speed. Guaranteed. A 12ht is easy to find. Just has to be 25 years or older. As far as the factory lockers, that may be a bit harder to find.

 

[Dances with Wolves]

try here. http://www.landcruisersdirect.com

 

[toylandcruiser]

Or here. Way cheaper
Austousa.com

 

[Clintnz]

You must have been out of NZ for a while...

The thing that would tick most of your boxes would be a BJ74 - 3.4 turbo, removable FRP top, plenty around in 5spd. A few with lockers. Heaps of them in NZ, used imports from Japan. The 4 cyl 3.4 isn't Toyota's most inspiring turbo diesel but they're quite reliable. There are plenty of easy options for aftermarket lockers, ARB is the most popular, just add $$$$.

You do not want the 2.4 turbo diesel Prado motor. The 3.0 1KZ-TE in the 1993+ Prados is not so bad but you can only import 25+ yr old rigs into the States right? Never seen a soft top Prado here but there are a lot of weird 70 variants around the world so they may exist.

Cheers
Clint

 

[KiwiKurt]

Ok....so what are the reliable motors to get? Im more concerned with getting a 'tank' than i am 'inspiring'...... Although a reliable turbo motor is preferred....

 

[redthies]

The 13BT (the one Clint referred to) is a great motor. I've driven it in a 60 series with a spring-over and 35s. Not really lacking in power, (by yesteryears standards) and very reliable. I'll get a BJ74 some day. There are some nice JDM models here in BC.

 

[cruiserpilot]

BJ74 - 13B-T good reliable motor, strong internals.
Troop's are of course the desirable body style, hands down. Non removable top though.
But I can't keep up to all the engine designators but I think they come with 1-Hz non-turbo motors.
That motor is not desirable to be turbo'd either from what I understand.
Bj74 is the only removable roof with a turbo that I can think of. I have one, but still in building stage.

One thing I can add, there is only 4" or less of wheel base from a Bj74 compared to a 60 Series wagon, meaning a very good long wheelbase for a 'short'
2 door. About 18" shorter inside. They really do seem to be the perfect compromise between agile off road, and ability to take enough stuff for longer trips.
I have both, and if I can get the BJ74 to where I want it, then the I'll sell my 60. My 60 has a 12H-T which in my opinion is a way better motor, but not available
factory in any 70 series unless I'm mistaken. I'm sure I'll be corrected if wrong.

 

[KiwiKurt]

Thanks all!

What are things most prone to fail that i should look at replacing/upgrading early on?

 

[Clintnz]

Thanks all!

What are things most prone to fail that i should look at replacing/upgrading early on?

Check for rust under the tail lights- standard feature on most 70 series. I actually chopped out most of that section as it made it easier to mount my custom rear bumper. Budget on replacing springs & shocks, it seems to be a bit of a lottery with suspension on some Japanese market 70 series, my old BJ74 as delivered as a used jap import had really saggy soft suspension, road handling was terrible, but I've driven others that arrived pretty nicely suspended.

Cheers
Clint

 

[Arktikos]

There is a Land Cruiser Forum called IH8MUD with a 70 series sub section that you may want to check out. Neat looking heavy duty vehicles for sure, but I hear they are prone to rust and that parts are difficult to find.

 

[REDrum]

There are about 3 dozen Series 70 SWB Land Cruisers for sale in Costa Rica right now. All >25 years old, all around $10K and all diesel. In the decade I've been looking and buying trucks down there, I've seen VERY few with factory cable lockers. Mostly on LWB ambulance versions