ExPo Project: 1991 Land Cruiser Prado SX (LJ78)

[Scott Brady]

We have a lot of love for the 70 series, a vehicle I consider to be one of the best overland platforms ever constructed. In late2011, our team began searching for a 70 series that would serve as a personnel hauler and adventure vehicle to augment our staff vehicles. There are a few challenges in doing this, principally the rarity of these vehicles in the US. The other challenge is the expansive model line-up that spans 25+ years and dozens of models. We are currently using two 78s for an around-the-world expedition, but I wanted something slightly more civilized for daily transport. This led our search to the first generation Prado Land Cruiser, which was based on both the 70 seriesand HiLux platforms. We selected an LJ78 SX, which is the long-wheelbase variant.

The staff is exited about the new project, which we intend to take slow and with purpose.* This truck is already an excellent exploration platform, so modifications will be limited and hopefully enhance the overall usability and performance. Look for detailed editorial on each step of the process.

A ton more images and more detail on the home page article HERE:

We would also appreciate any insights from current owners of these vehicles. What modifications did you perform? We are aware of the engine issues when overheated, so that is top of mind for us. Fortunately, it only has about 60,000 miles on it.

 

[njtacoma]

Quick question

Will the build out include information on the import process. It seems to be much debated, and would appreciate your perspective/experience with importing and registering this truck in the US.

I really like the truck and look forward to your refinements!

Thanks.

 

[Pedro]

Will the build out include information on the import process. It seems to be much debated, and would appreciate your perspective/experience with importing and registering this truck in the US.

I really like the truck and look forward to your refinements!

Thanks.

I too would be interested in this as well as the cost of importing.

 

[Scott Brady]

The truck is registered to our Canadian office. We will be able to import it to the US in three years.

 

[Pedro]

OK that makes much more sense.

 

[JeffRRC]

I can't wait to see this develop. L-O-V-E these trucks!

 

[Sempertoy]

Looks like fun!

 

[Ryanmb21]

Awesome! Looks ALOT like your old trooper, just better.

 

[Douglas S.]

Has the head already been replaced? If it hasn't, expect to have that done then hope the replacement doesn't develop the same issue.

That motor would really worry me. Decent trucks overall though, and not too expensive.

 

[TangoBlue]

Very nice. I need to get me one of them Canadian offices.

 

[Scott Brady]

Has the head already been replaced? If it hasn't, expect to have that done then hope the replacement doesn't develop the same issue.

That motor would really worry me. Decent trucks overall though, and not too expensive.

The head is original, but the truck has barely 100,000 KMs. Fortunately, the issue is well documented (much like the FZJ head gasket), and there appears to be several things we can do to help preserve it. Crusher from luxury imports has done a few solid lists, primary of which is:

1. EGT gauge
2. 2.5" exhaust
3. Turn up turbo slightly to flow more air
4. Coolant system maintenance
5. Add one more core to radiator

This truck is extremely well maintained and very low miles. This gives us a chance to get ahead of the issues. I also have read most of the failure accounts, and many owners admit to flogging them before they blew. Time will of course tell.

We actually searched this truck's attributes out. 25mpg, turbo diesel, 5-speed, coil sprung, 8-passenger, a/c, Land Cruiser.

 

[1leglance]

I figured I would add some links that were very helpful to me with my Troopy...this way it is a resource for any one else that comes along.

Of course as much as I love Expo the 70 series section of ih8mud.com is super helpful...even a bunch of the Oz guys go there

http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/
There are 2 very cool things about this website.
#1 you enter your VIN and find the part number you need.
#2 you take that part number and go to the cross reference page and see what other vehicle used that part
http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/xref
this is huge for us here in the USA when sourcing something as we can find that an 93 Corolla used the same AC pulley and save a bunch in shipping

http://www.ensindustrial.ca/PartsService.html
This Toyota dealership in Canada deals with the mines and has an amazing selection of 70 series parts. I am pretty sure Mark was the guy but not 100% sure

http://www.4wheelauto.com/index.php?area_id=1006
Don is who I think I dealt with and he was not only a great parts source but also super helpful and very pleasant. Shipping wasn't too bad and the parts were right on target.

http://www.westcoastcruisers.org/bodyparts.php
I never bought from here but heard good things and the guy was nice enough on the phone.

http://japan4x4.com/wp/
Scott you mentioned you already knew about this one but I included it for others.

http://www.lcool.org/technical/80_series/80_series_technical.html
Yeah another forum but also a really good tech section in the main website and very helpful group of people

The last thing I would mention is to spend some search time to find the download info for the EPC cd's. Now you have to download and burn the disk but it is well worth the effort to have all the exploded diagrams for every part on the truck.

http://daemon4x4.org/portal/downloads.php
A bit of time spent looking over the Toyota sections (there are a few) will net you some electronic versions of manuals and tech papers. Very nice thing to have at home and when out in the middle of nowhere.

I hope this helps Scott & the OJ team and anyone else who needs it....very much helped me!
Now if I could just find all this stuff for a 1970 Suburban I would be set

 

[NM-Frontier]

Very nice. I need to get me one of them Canadian offices.

X2!

 

[chet]

very nice! I looked at these before I bought my hj61. I loved the rig but hated the underpowered motor. Lets hope it stays together I know a few people that had under 100,000 kms in surfs and the heads still went. Once they did the 3L head all is better. One friend now has a 4 door 1991 hilux with the 3L and its turboed now. What a sweet rig that is!

 

[Scott Brady]

very nice! I looked at these before I bought my hj61. I loved the rig but hated the underpowered motor. Lets hope it stays together I know a few people that had under 100,000 kms in surfs and the heads still went. Once they did the 3L head all is better. One friend now has a 4 door 1991 hilux with the 3L and its turboed now. What a sweet rig that is!

Thanks for the feedback Chet. This truck is so clean, we are prepared to invest in its longterm reliability. A 3L head is going to be scheduled for later this year, along with new water pump, timing belt, EGR block-off, additional core in the radiator, all new coolant lines, higher pressure cap, etc. It is a bit underpowered, but really not much different from the 1HZ 78 we have on loan. Of course, it is stock now, so once larger tires and other gadgets get installed, I am sure the performance will suffer.

Initially, I am leaning towards an OME medium suspension system with the sport shocks. Remove the rear anti-swaybar, drop the panhard rod angle and install 255/85 R16 tires.