Scott Brady
Founder
Thanks for the additional information Pierre. Hope you are enjoying Brisbane! I want to go back.
ExPo Project: 1991 Land Cruiser Prado SX (LJ78)
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
thetanningman
Observer
Nice find. I saw these guys do diesel conversions to Toyota trucks in Bend, Oregon. Their site mentions they stock some maintenence parts as well...
http://www.importperformanceusa.com/toyota-diesel-swaps/
http://www.importperformanceusa.com/toyota-diesel-swaps/
Scott Brady
Founder
Import performance looks like a good resource in the PNW
My project for today was to remove the decals from the doors completely (lots of Goo Gone) and remove the factory side steps. The side steps came off easily with a 10mm socket and wrench. We will likely construct some simple rock sliders in the future for a little insurance.
I like it without the steps - getting cleaner and more simple each day.
The side steps emphasize the truck's domestic nature a bit too much for my taste.
My project for today was to remove the decals from the doors completely (lots of Goo Gone) and remove the factory side steps. The side steps came off easily with a 10mm socket and wrench. We will likely construct some simple rock sliders in the future for a little insurance.
I like it without the steps - getting cleaner and more simple each day.
The side steps emphasize the truck's domestic nature a bit too much for my taste.
Last edited:
Scott Brady
Founder
Having driven the truck for a week now, these are my phase-one goals: There may only be a phase one, as I am pretty committed to keep it simple.
1. Suspension:
The truck really needs a new suspension and I am doing research on available options that will keep it only 1-1.5" over stock. Caster and front driveshaft vibrations are a consideration, as well as the intention to keep the truck low and stable. Old Man Emu mediums look like an option. If I change the shocks, we will lose the fancy two-stage shock capability (you can set the shocks to normal or firm with the switch). Right now, the truck bottoms easily and lacks sufficient clearance for 255/85 R16. I am also going to remove the rear anti-swaybar
2. Rear ARB Locker:
I am going to install the factory switch and a rear air locker. I will use the ARB compressor too, as they are small and reasonably powerful for airing up.
3. 2M Radio:
Our preferred method of communication, we will install a 2M mobile unit
4. Rear Storage Drawer:
I like to keep tools and recovery gear organized and secure. We installed an outback drawer a few days ago
5. Fridge:
We might go with a smaller fridge this time. Either an Engel 35 or similar ARB
6. 255/85 R16 Tires on factory steel wheels.
I am looking for an AT tire in this size, but it looks like the Cooper is the only option.
7. Canvas Seat Covers
8. Factory Floor Mats from a new 76
Undecided:
I like the idea of a winch, and there is a way to install one behind the stock front bumper and very stealth. There is also an ARB bumper option for this truck too, which would give more protection and a more bold appearance. Not sure which way I am leaning, so we will do nothing until the choice feels right.
1. Suspension:
The truck really needs a new suspension and I am doing research on available options that will keep it only 1-1.5" over stock. Caster and front driveshaft vibrations are a consideration, as well as the intention to keep the truck low and stable. Old Man Emu mediums look like an option. If I change the shocks, we will lose the fancy two-stage shock capability (you can set the shocks to normal or firm with the switch). Right now, the truck bottoms easily and lacks sufficient clearance for 255/85 R16. I am also going to remove the rear anti-swaybar
2. Rear ARB Locker:
I am going to install the factory switch and a rear air locker. I will use the ARB compressor too, as they are small and reasonably powerful for airing up.
3. 2M Radio:
Our preferred method of communication, we will install a 2M mobile unit
4. Rear Storage Drawer:
I like to keep tools and recovery gear organized and secure. We installed an outback drawer a few days ago
5. Fridge:
We might go with a smaller fridge this time. Either an Engel 35 or similar ARB
6. 255/85 R16 Tires on factory steel wheels.
I am looking for an AT tire in this size, but it looks like the Cooper is the only option.
7. Canvas Seat Covers
8. Factory Floor Mats from a new 76
Undecided:
I like the idea of a winch, and there is a way to install one behind the stock front bumper and very stealth. There is also an ARB bumper option for this truck too, which would give more protection and a more bold appearance. Not sure which way I am leaning, so we will do nothing until the choice feels right.
samguert
Observer
Yeah, John Voo here has the PTO winch on his, and he wheels it aggressively. He got hung up on his centre crossmember and when trying to extricate himself, pulled one of those huge concrete lock blocks with a wheels locked HDJ81 chained to it effortlessly towards his Prado. It is mounted between the rails behind the stock bumper. I assume yours has the capability to go PTO as well...
Scott Brady
Founder
I do like the idea of the PTO, but they tend to stick way out
The electric winch configuration is as stealthy as possible, but most important, greatly improves approach angle.
The ARB really changes the look of the truck, but I like it.
The electric winch configuration is as stealthy as possible, but most important, greatly improves approach angle.
The ARB really changes the look of the truck, but I like it.
redthies
Renaissance Redneck
I would go ARB bullbar. There are a multitude of reasons why a person should, and only one or two (cost/weight) why you shouldn't. If you are already doing OME suspension, tune it for the weight and only cost comes into play. Sell a couple more subscriptions to the journal and your set! :sombrero: I look forward to the progress, as your phase one list is pretty much perfect for the LJ.
Scott Brady
Founder
That would be sweet
p1michaud
Expedition Leader
Scott,
If you are thinking PTO, keep an eye out on Trading Post (Oz website). Alternatively I've seen them at Queensland Cruisers here in Central Queensland as well.
A Warn M8000 with synthetic would fit the bill as well...
Cheers,
P
If you are thinking PTO, keep an eye out on Trading Post (Oz website). Alternatively I've seen them at Queensland Cruisers here in Central Queensland as well.
A Warn M8000 with synthetic would fit the bill as well...
Cheers,
P
Scott Brady
Founder
That is the direction I am leaning.
Going to take it out on the trail again today. More photos soon.
davelish
New member
Great build so far. I almost bought the same truck before my tacoma. This makes me wish I went for the Prado. How do you find the right hand drive around the city? I figured it would make no difference on the trail, but might be annoying passing on the highway, merging, etc. The cooling issues also turned me away, but it looks like you have those figured out. Good luck with the build and I can't wait to see it completed.
Cheers
Cheers
Scott Brady
Founder
Fuel economy:
The thing I am most impressed with on this truck is the fuel economy and range. It is still on the original tank of gas from when it arrived at the office and that tank-full was filled up in Kingman. So, the Land Cruiser was filled up in Kingman, driven to Prescott 150 miles and now I have been driving it for nearly two weeks, commuting around Prescott, etc. Then I took it on a trail run this Sunday to Sedona, drove on the dirt for about six hours and then drove all the way home. I still have 1/8 tank remaining! I have never owned a 4wd that got this kind of economy.
First real trail run:
On Sunday, a bunch of us from the office went out to play in Sedona. I loaded up some recovery gear in the 78 and off we went. Climbing the hill over to Jerome was better than expected, although I really watched the water temp and kept the speeds down. This engine has fair performance when the turbo is spooled up. Otherwise, it is a bit of a dog (advantage fuel economy above). We started on some gravel roads, which felt fine and pretty relaxed in the Cruiser. Much more comfortable than the other leaf-sprung variants we have driven. Turning on to the two-track, I pushed the button for the hubs to engage, which worked fine, but is completely unnecessary. I will likely install manual hubs at the first opportunity. Next, pull the shifter back into low range and we immediately encountered a loose dirt climb. I expected the LJ78 to really struggle, but it did well and made the climb. The rear axle has a limited slip differential which I can modulate with the e-brake, a balance of improving the LSD effectiveness and stalling the motor. Articulate is adequate, but can easily be improved with removing the rear anti-swaybar. The rest of the trail was pretty easy, with only a few sections that brought out some wheel spin. Again, the LSD helped just enough to make the climb.
Once closer to Sedona we played around on the Soldier Pass trail, which has a few small ledges and slab climbs. It was raining, so traction was limited. The LJ struggled more here and needed a few attempts. The low range gearing and torque are nicely matched, allowing a slow and controlled crawl speed. The engine seemed happy doing this all day long.
The trail confirmed some of my suspicions and reinforced the limited modification plan: 1. Suspension really needs work. 2. It needs a rear locker.
The one new item is the rear bumper. It is a major bumper dragger on even mild obstacles. I am considering an attempt to make my own rear bumper. The challenge is making it clean and factory looking. Should be fun to try though.
More updates soon. We are really loving this Cruiser.
The thing I am most impressed with on this truck is the fuel economy and range. It is still on the original tank of gas from when it arrived at the office and that tank-full was filled up in Kingman. So, the Land Cruiser was filled up in Kingman, driven to Prescott 150 miles and now I have been driving it for nearly two weeks, commuting around Prescott, etc. Then I took it on a trail run this Sunday to Sedona, drove on the dirt for about six hours and then drove all the way home. I still have 1/8 tank remaining! I have never owned a 4wd that got this kind of economy.
First real trail run:
On Sunday, a bunch of us from the office went out to play in Sedona. I loaded up some recovery gear in the 78 and off we went. Climbing the hill over to Jerome was better than expected, although I really watched the water temp and kept the speeds down. This engine has fair performance when the turbo is spooled up. Otherwise, it is a bit of a dog (advantage fuel economy above). We started on some gravel roads, which felt fine and pretty relaxed in the Cruiser. Much more comfortable than the other leaf-sprung variants we have driven. Turning on to the two-track, I pushed the button for the hubs to engage, which worked fine, but is completely unnecessary. I will likely install manual hubs at the first opportunity. Next, pull the shifter back into low range and we immediately encountered a loose dirt climb. I expected the LJ78 to really struggle, but it did well and made the climb. The rear axle has a limited slip differential which I can modulate with the e-brake, a balance of improving the LSD effectiveness and stalling the motor. Articulate is adequate, but can easily be improved with removing the rear anti-swaybar. The rest of the trail was pretty easy, with only a few sections that brought out some wheel spin. Again, the LSD helped just enough to make the climb.
Once closer to Sedona we played around on the Soldier Pass trail, which has a few small ledges and slab climbs. It was raining, so traction was limited. The LJ struggled more here and needed a few attempts. The low range gearing and torque are nicely matched, allowing a slow and controlled crawl speed. The engine seemed happy doing this all day long.
The trail confirmed some of my suspicions and reinforced the limited modification plan: 1. Suspension really needs work. 2. It needs a rear locker.
The one new item is the rear bumper. It is a major bumper dragger on even mild obstacles. I am considering an attempt to make my own rear bumper. The challenge is making it clean and factory looking. Should be fun to try though.
More updates soon. We are really loving this Cruiser.
Scott Brady
Founder
Tacomas are awesome. You made the right choice.
I don't really notice the RHD anymore. Our Jeep J8 is RHD. The RHD + Left hand shifting takes a little more adjustment. I think it helps that I am ambidextrous.
RHD is only a pain when passing on a two-lane highway and when going through a drive-through. Otherwise, it is no problema.