Looking at either HDJ81 or UJZ100 for overland travel

[Alabaster]

I know it's a difficult choice! Hence why I thought (after lurking here for over 2 years!) that I would look for a few opinions on the topic.

I'm looking at finally starting to build a truck for overland to go in the next couple of years. I would love to go from Alaska to Argentina (but maybe just to the Darian Gap). We'll see about how far I make it. So basically keep the truck close to stock with a small lift (1.5"), bumpers (slee more than likely), roof top tent, some interior modifications (fridge, drawers etc) and room for 2 people and our gear.

Choices:

HDJ81 (import of 1997 or earlier RHD JDM being in beautiful British Columbia it's possible to bring it in).
The Good:
Diesel
Solid front axle
Known solid reliability!
The Bad:
RHD (not sure how it would be received the further I go south (ie past Mexico).
BEB (known to cause problems if not taken care of earlier enough)
Older tech (also good as well)

UZJ100 (have access to a 2002 low mileage that whenever I want to buy it it's mine and possibly at a really :elkgrin: good price).
The Good:
Super comfy!
Known solid reliability!
Low mileage stock.
V8 Power!
The Bad:
V8 fuel mileage!
IFS
New tech (could cause problems)
Integrated GPS and air control. (know to be very difficult to replace with normal dials etc).

So at this stage I'm just looking to see some opinions of peoples rides/experiences/thoughts on the better choice. I am in no rush to buy and will wait 'till the right truck/time. I expect could be 2013 before I'm ready. Plus I want something stock so I can do the work and know the truck better.

 

[jfarsang]

Have you considered a Nissan Patrol/Safari ?

They are roomier inside and come in highroof flavor compared to an 80.

I had both and currently have the Patrol for the reliability and inside room.

 

[Alabaster]

Have you considered a Nissan Patrol/Safari ?

They are roomier inside and come in highroof flavor compared to an 80.

I had both and currently have the Patrol for the reliability and inside room.

Thanks for the reply. I have done a couple of searches for them but find them harder to come by than the 80. It is a possibility but I still am a Toy fan! How are parts availability?

 

[PirateMcGee]

I hate you both lol wish my choices were a diesel 80 and a highroof patrol

 

[jfarsang]

Thanks for the reply. I have done a couple of searches for them but find them harder to come by than the 80. It is a possibility but I still am a Toy fan! How are parts availability?

Nissan Patrol (Safari)'s are cheaper than an 80 series. You can have a prime example close to 10k whereas the same condition 80 would be 18-20k here in BC.

Nissan trumps Toyota for parts.

Nissan is global. I can walk into any north american dealer and gets parts for my 91 Nissan Patrol RHD from Japan 24volt version.

There is one other thing to consider. Serviceability and reliability. The only things I plan to 'service' on my Patrol are filters, fluids, brakes and the occasional glowplug.

The TD42 engine in the Patrol is a tractor engine that is the equivalent to the 1HZ 4.2L toyo.

The drivetrain is more stout on the Patrol's. If you look at the axles, cv's and diff's, they dwarf the 80 series cruisers.

With all of that said, there is a cult following on the 80 series because it has been made available in north america whereas the Patrol has not. If you go to the middle east, russia, africa, you'll see a million Patrols out and about in the harshest of environments.

In pure stock form, the 80 series rides a little smoother on road but the Patrol is a tank offroad and is built like a tank as well.

I see you're in Vancouver. If you like, I can show you the difference between the two. It's substantial, especially the interior room. There is 4.5 feet of vertical space and 7 feet of front to back space in the Patrol behind the driver's seat.

 

[ForealBoreal]

Nissan Patrol (Safari)'s are cheaper than an 80 series. You can have a prime example close to 10k whereas the same condition 80 would be 18-20k here in BC.

Nissan trumps Toyota for parts.

Nissan is global. I can walk into any north american dealer and gets parts for my 91 Nissan Patrol RHD from Japan 24volt version.

There is one other thing to consider. Serviceability and reliability. The only things I plan to 'service' on my Patrol are filters, fluids, brakes and the occasional glowplug.

The TD42 engine in the Patrol is a tractor engine that is the equivalent to the 1HZ 4.2L toyo.

The drivetrain is more stout on the Patrol's. If you look at the axles, cv's and diff's, they dwarf the 80 series cruisers.

With all of that said, there is a cult following on the 80 series because it has been made available in north america whereas the Patrol has not. If you go to the middle east, russia, africa, you'll see a million Patrols out and about in the harshest of environments.

In pure stock form, the 80 series rides a little smoother on road but the Patrol is a tank offroad and is built like a tank as well.

I see you're in Vancouver. If you like, I can show you the difference between the two. It's substantial, especially the interior room. There is 4.5 feet of vertical space and 7 feet of front to back space in the Patrol behind the driver's seat.

Either a patrol or cruiser, you shouldn't have issues finding parts world wide for them.
td42s and 1hz parts can be found at any nissan dealership and toyota dealership
I have absolutely no issue finding parts.

Both patrols and cruisers are found world wide.
Cruisers after 1989 got what was said to be a lighter front end. They switched from a 9.5 inch ring and pinion (diff gears) to a 8.5 inch. The birfields did get a hair bigger.
Honestly if your ************* up r&p your doing something wrong...... Rear axles are still 9.5 inch r&p. A lot of the cruisers still come with full floating rear ends. The patrol above does not have one while most 80 series do.

Either truck will kick ***. They are built for it. It boils down to what you like and what creature comforts you want.

I personally ditched the 80 series to get a 70 series because i like the spartan style of the 70. To each their own though. I still like patrols.

 

[Alabaster]

Thanks for all the reply's! I will eventually take you up on looking at your Safari jfarsang! It looks awesome. I've done some reading on the Patrol/Safari route and they do look really nice.

Still would like to hear from some of those who have either used an 80 or 100 for overland travel and why they chose that particular vehicle. Not that I've ruled out the Safari (or a 70 series for that matter).

 

[lowenbrau]

I could really use that UZJ100. Perhaps you should get your hands on it and trade me for our HDJ81 before I pull out the headache rack and drawer system and install a third row of seats.

 

[Christian P.]

El Salvador does not allow RHD.

 

[redthies]

I hate you both lol wish my choices were a diesel 80 and a highroof patrol

Wish my choices were Dutch Bros coffee or Willamette Pinot Noir!:elkgrin:

 

[jfarsang]

El Salvador does not allow RHD.

Good thing Patrols come in both flavors across the ocean and LHD down south of the border. :elkgrin: