ExPo Project: 1991 Land Cruiser Prado SX (LJ78)

[JSQ]

I was just asking if there was enough clearance to open the fridge in that config without a slider. If so, that is awesome.

I can still get the milk.

I'm not saying the lid opens to a full 90 degrees but it's fine.

The rear cargo are of a 70 series is HUGE even when it's not a Troopy. Not only is the roof to floor height, quite good, but the depth is fantastic. I'm used to Land Rover 110s and the rear of my Prado is almost as good. Also the rear bench seat in a 70 series adjusts front to back which the 110s don't have.

For example, I recently built these welded aluminum dog crates for hunting. I made them specifically to fit on that platform in the back of the Prado. I was able to build crates that measure 22" wide, 24" tall and 32" deep and fit two of them side by side. Those are pretty good size crates. They're considerably roomier than a medium size Vari-Kennel or similar.

​

Keep in mind there's some wasted space because of the angle of the rear bench and curvature in the rear door and D-pillars.

If I leave the fridge in and just run one crate there's tons of space.

​

The lightweight coiler Land Cruisers like the Prado can actually fit far more weight than they can carry, as has been discussed earlier in this thread.

 

[justbecause]

I was going to ask the same fridge question.

I see the rise in the roof line above the rain gutters. It just doesnt appear to be that tall. I love a truck with good head room. One of the numerous things I miss about my old isuzu trooper.

 

[NM-Frontier]

The truck is looking good, I much prefer round head lights but I have always admired this truck! Love the tucked up ARB, those dog crates are slick also.

Keep the updates coming on the Prado!

 

[JSQ]

Feel the love.

 

[justbecause]

looks really good with a steering wheel on the -correct- side.

 

[RhinoRig]

Since it was such a heavy point of debate, how's the engine holding out? I'm considering buying one, but not sure how it will like the 8000ft elevation and steep hills of Colorado.

 

[JSQ]

The 2LTE is still doing fine. I've installed a pyrometer in the exhaust manifold pre-turbo and removed the EGR. The intercooler is going on shortly.

I have to say, I knew the truck was struggling and pushing high EGTs with the factory set-up, but I was positively horrified when I finally got the gauge in. I was breaking 1000 F just pulling onto the freeway.
Luckily everyone at OI has always driven the truck conservatively and that has preserved it. If the truck is stock, it can't be hammered and you must pull over at the first sign of turbo fade.

That said, it hasn't suffered any problems and I'm really looking forward to finally setting it up properly.
John Barron at Radd Cruisers in Duncan, BC has been giving me some advice along the way and recommended a Hallman boost controller for tuning the turbo so I have that on the way.

In addition to generating more power with lower EGT I had to decide how to resolve my the gearing issues on the LJ78. Like nearly all Toyotas the final transfercase low range ratio is far too tall. This means that with the manual gearbox and 1LO selected, the truck can't go slow enough for challenging obstacles.
The roundabout factory fix for this on other LCs has always been a granny 1st gear (4.843:1) in the H55 transmission. With the larger motors like the 2H or 1HZ the truck can get rolling in 2nd gear (2.619:1) for high range road use, but that is simply too tall for the little 2LTE which is fitted with the R150F gearbox and has an appropriate 1st gear of 3.830:1.
After much debate and discussion I finally decided to regear the transfercase using one of the kits from Mark's 4WD in Australia and sourced with the help and generosity of John at Radd again. I've gone with a 3.05:1 low and 1.08:1 high set that will reduce low range by 55% and high range by 8%. This was the combination recommended by John to best match my plans for tuning the engine as well as allow for the fitment of 255/85 tires or larger without altering the differential gear ratio of 4.875:1.

http://www.marks4wd.com/low-range-overdrive-gears/low-range-gears/toyota.html

I think this new transfercase gearset is going to do wonders for the Prado.

 

[Scott Brady]

The intercooler is going on shortly.


I think this new transfercase gearset is going to do wonders for the Prado.

Nice. I look forward to hearing how the intercooler helps both power and EGT numbers.

The 8% reduction in high range is an unexpected bonus. That should greatly assist 1st gear, high-range starts and assist with the larger diameter tires as well.

Just a few weeks until we stretch her legs!

 

[JSQ]

I made a special score for the Prado.

It needs a dedicated mobile radio. Talking on HTs, even with external antennas, is for the birds. Few things are more annoying than spotty comms.
But the 1990s feel of the LJ78 calls for a radio with a little funk. I'm a pretty loyal Yaesu HAM. I have two mobile units and three HTs. My favorite dedicated 2m radio for vehicle to vehicle use is the FT2800M with its blistering 75W output. But after looking things over it really seemed like I was going to need a remote face radio for a clean install. Chris Snell recommended the Yaesue FTM-10R. This radio is just the ticket.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0813.html

But like everything else good, it's discontinued. I watched eBay for about a year and lost a few different auctions on used units.
Then I just happened to check out Ham Radio Outlet's online consignment and BAM! Found one in tip top condition with all the accessories.

This should work out really nicely in the Prado. Since there is no head unit in the truck, I'm actually hoping to replace the factory FM antenna with the 2m whip for the FTM-10R. That would be really clean.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...I've gone with a 3.05:1 low and 1.08:1 high set that will reduce low range by 55% and high range by 8%. This was the combination recommended by John to best match my plans for tuning the engine as well as allow for the fitment of 255/85 tires or larger without altering the differential gear ratio of 4.875:1.

http://www.marks4wd.com/low-range-overdrive-gears/low-range-gears/toyota.html

I think this new transfercase gearset is going to do wonders for the Prado.

Right on, you'll enjoy the Marks set, we've had great luck with them. Did Radd have them in stock? If you're looking to get a set in a hurry I've got a couple of NOS Marks kits here.

 

[rjl]

Oh, man. That's going to be sweet.

I assume this can be registered in the States, now?

 

[JSQ]

Right on, you'll enjoy the Marks set, we've had great luck with them. Did Radd have them in stock? If you're looking to get a set in a hurry I've got a couple of NOS Marks kits here.

Thank you, Kurt. Radd did have one NOS kit themselves so we picked that up.
It landed last week so hopefully I can get it in soon to be able to turn the tires that are on the way...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Thank you, Kurt. Radd did have one NOS kit themselves so we picked that up.
It landed last week so hopefully I can get it in soon to be able to turn the tires that are on the way...

New tires too eh? Cool

 

[JSQ]

New tires too eh? Cool

Indeed. One of the manufacturers has provided a commercial grade tire in just the right size that should provide the long haul durability we want in a 70 series platform and retain the simple styling that's more period appropriate.

But back to the topic of NOS parts... Scott and I were trying to figure out whether or not anyone still has Kaymar rear bumpers for the 70 series here in the US.
Kurt, do you know if these are still around?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Indeed. One of the manufacturers has provided a commercial grade tire in just the right size that should provide the long haul durability we want in a 70 series platform and retain the simple styling that's more period appropriate.

But back to the topic of NOS parts... Scott and I were trying to figure out whether or not anyone still has Kaymar rear bumpers for the 70 series here in the US.
Kurt, do you know if these are still around?

Nope, nothing formally in place but with the USD to AUD conversion, shipping one over isn't prohibitive. We have a really neat option hitting the market soon, updated version of this prototype:

http://expeditionportal.com/featured-vehicle-toyota-land-cruiser-bj74/