Jonathan Hanson
Well-known member
Nope: Seattle turned out not to be such a bad place after all.
Need advice & feedback: LC 100 1-3+ year expedition
- Thread starter dhackney
- Start date
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
I'm liking Scott's brand new Tacoma idea
I think this would be the best possible solution on short notice.
:beer:
I think this would be the best possible solution on short notice.
:beer:
gjackson
FRGS
Just for reference, we have a 2.5" lift on a Defender with a roll cage, roof rack and roof top tent and we fit it into a standard 20' container. Had to take the tent off (no problem) and lower tire pressures to get it in, but that was it. And a Defender is taller than either an 80 or 100 before the lift.
A lot of people who run Pinzgauers on overland expeditions just go to a local machine shop and have steel disks made with the lug pattern. Use those for shipping, instead of the wheels, and discard at the other end. There's plenty of space in a container to load the wheels loose. With a little creativity you can get most things into a container. Mogs tend to be a bit big though!
cheers
60seriesguy
Adventurer
Folks, I'm still concerned about the reliability of a US-spec 80/100 series in some areas of South America where fuel quality is suspect. I had to drain the whole tank on the side of the road and clean up carburators, and I had to filter "gasoline" (if it can be called that) from sketchy vendors using multiple coffee filters. You'd be amazed at what stayed on the filter. My 70, 75 and 60 series Land Cruisers ran like ********** on that stuff, I can't imagine subjecting a 100 series to that kind of abuse.
And while I respect that trucks like Doron's are used on very long expeditions in the Southwest, you guys have to see some of the roads out there to understand my concern. The road that connects St. Helena de Guairen in Venezuela's famed "Gran Sabana" area to Brasil is absolutely horrible, it's not uncommon to lose shocks, studs, and suffer loose components from the jarring vibration and the abrasive silica from the "road".
My vote, given the time, is still to source a turbo-diesel 80 or 100 series in Panama, drive it or have it shipped to the US, take it to an outfitter like Christo Slee.
And while I respect that trucks like Doron's are used on very long expeditions in the Southwest, you guys have to see some of the roads out there to understand my concern. The road that connects St. Helena de Guairen in Venezuela's famed "Gran Sabana" area to Brasil is absolutely horrible, it's not uncommon to lose shocks, studs, and suffer loose components from the jarring vibration and the abrasive silica from the "road".
My vote, given the time, is still to source a turbo-diesel 80 or 100 series in Panama, drive it or have it shipped to the US, take it to an outfitter like Christo Slee.
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
Henry,
Fuel quality could potentially be an issue. The 2UZFE does not mind the 87 octane stuff but I don't know how it would react to "bad" gas. A big box of SEAFOAM might be in order!
Once again, in a ideal world, he would have TIME to find the perfect vehicle, but this is not ideal... He's trying to leave almost immediately.
If this person is serious about leaving in a few weeks, then I remain convinced that the best option remains the new Tacoma similar to the one Scott described.
Fuel quality could potentially be an issue. The 2UZFE does not mind the 87 octane stuff but I don't know how it would react to "bad" gas. A big box of SEAFOAM might be in order!
Once again, in a ideal world, he would have TIME to find the perfect vehicle, but this is not ideal... He's trying to leave almost immediately.
If this person is serious about leaving in a few weeks, then I remain convinced that the best option remains the new Tacoma similar to the one Scott described.
dhackney
Expedition Leader
All,
Thanks very much for your input and suggestions. We can't thank you enough for the energy that you are all investing into helping us out. We could never duplicate the amount of knowledge and experience that exists in this community and greatly appreciate your willingness to share and kind offers of assistance.
Calamaridog,
My initial instincts mirrored yours, i.e. buy a new vehicle, load it up with spares and head down the road. Thus the "100" in this thread title. We had good luck with the "buy new" approach with our bike over the last few years, and like most humans, sought to apply a past successful approach to this new challenge.
As noted earlier in this thread, however, the realities of the 3rd world are harsh, in road conditions, fuel quality and repair/parts (or lack thereof). We've seen it first hand now, and cannot deny what awaits us. I wish I could say we were decided on new vs. old, or at least definately leaning one way or another, but I can't yet. We're still reading and learning from you and the others in this forum who have the experience with these vehicles.
I'd personally love to do the temporary import and prep of the diesel 80 option, but we've got the challenge of where to register it while we're in the vehicle over the next few years. I'd like to avoid establishing residency outside the country for that purpose if possible. Plus, as you've noted, our timeline is very aggressive for that type of option.
And along those lines...
Guess where I'll be spending the next few weeks:
I could have weaseled my way out of it considering we're moving out of here one way or another in a few weeks, but I think it's important to fulfill civic duties like this.
I'll use my breaks and downtime to study up on our options.
BTW, we may still be interested in taking you up on your offer of showing us how a 100 performs off-road if we can work out a time before we head out.
thanks,
Doug
Thanks very much for your input and suggestions. We can't thank you enough for the energy that you are all investing into helping us out. We could never duplicate the amount of knowledge and experience that exists in this community and greatly appreciate your willingness to share and kind offers of assistance.
Calamaridog,
My initial instincts mirrored yours, i.e. buy a new vehicle, load it up with spares and head down the road. Thus the "100" in this thread title. We had good luck with the "buy new" approach with our bike over the last few years, and like most humans, sought to apply a past successful approach to this new challenge.
As noted earlier in this thread, however, the realities of the 3rd world are harsh, in road conditions, fuel quality and repair/parts (or lack thereof). We've seen it first hand now, and cannot deny what awaits us. I wish I could say we were decided on new vs. old, or at least definately leaning one way or another, but I can't yet. We're still reading and learning from you and the others in this forum who have the experience with these vehicles.
I'd personally love to do the temporary import and prep of the diesel 80 option, but we've got the challenge of where to register it while we're in the vehicle over the next few years. I'd like to avoid establishing residency outside the country for that purpose if possible. Plus, as you've noted, our timeline is very aggressive for that type of option.
And along those lines...
calamaridog said:
Guess where I'll be spending the next few weeks:
I could have weaseled my way out of it considering we're moving out of here one way or another in a few weeks, but I think it's important to fulfill civic duties like this.
I'll use my breaks and downtime to study up on our options.
BTW, we may still be interested in taking you up on your offer of showing us how a 100 performs off-road if we can work out a time before we head out.
thanks,
Doug
BajaTaco
Swashbuckler
Doug, this is a really fun project that you are undertaking, and I'm sure you have had such a good response here because this is exactly the kind of thing that we all love to discuss. I think we are all excited for you and your wife to have another spectacular adventure. Good luck with jury duty
I haven't said anything up to this point, because I think there are others here that are much more versed on the LandCruisers than I. Now that a Tacoma has been thrown into the mix... I just thought I would add a couple of comments. Scott, even using the 265 tires, I'm not so sure about your MPG estimate - I think 13-16 might be more realistic once a 4-wheel camper and other mods (i.e. weight) are added, and also especially when the mountains are encountered. Except for fuel costs, I do think that would be a great setup to cruise through SA in, especially considering it as a new vehicle. I would be very willing to take the risk on parts availability in exchange for the peace of mind I would have driving a new Taco on the trip. Common spares would be easy to take along and would mitigate the parts risk quite a bit. I think a washable or replaceable pre-filter could be installed for the fuel system (check marine supply).
FWIW, regarding Hilux compatibility:
Most SA countries - their current Hilux will likely share the same suspension/steering parts from what I have seen in photos - although this is a big assumption without closer comparison.
Venezuela - as a petrol option, appears to use the same V6 as the US.
Chile - has a petrol engine avail, but only 4-cyl.
Peru - has a petrol engine avail, but only 4-cyl.
Brazil and Argentina - Diesel engines only
A diesel sure would be nice for this kind of trip.
I haven't said anything up to this point, because I think there are others here that are much more versed on the LandCruisers than I. Now that a Tacoma has been thrown into the mix... I just thought I would add a couple of comments. Scott, even using the 265 tires, I'm not so sure about your MPG estimate - I think 13-16 might be more realistic once a 4-wheel camper and other mods (i.e. weight) are added, and also especially when the mountains are encountered. Except for fuel costs, I do think that would be a great setup to cruise through SA in, especially considering it as a new vehicle. I would be very willing to take the risk on parts availability in exchange for the peace of mind I would have driving a new Taco on the trip. Common spares would be easy to take along and would mitigate the parts risk quite a bit. I think a washable or replaceable pre-filter could be installed for the fuel system (check marine supply).
FWIW, regarding Hilux compatibility:
Most SA countries - their current Hilux will likely share the same suspension/steering parts from what I have seen in photos - although this is a big assumption without closer comparison.
Venezuela - as a petrol option, appears to use the same V6 as the US.
Chile - has a petrol engine avail, but only 4-cyl.
Peru - has a petrol engine avail, but only 4-cyl.
Brazil and Argentina - Diesel engines only
A diesel sure would be nice for this kind of trip.
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
Doug,
I still believe in the "buy new" approach due to your timeline.
As Scott pointed out, the best "new" option might be a Tacoma at this point. All the upgrades could be easily sourced, the suspension choices are better, and a truck could be prepared very quickly.
A brand new Tacoma will cost less than an acceptable used Land Cruiser.
When you decide on a vehicle, start a new thread for your "extra parts" list to gather ideas. There are several vendors that forum members use who offer great prices on Toyota OEM parts and can also offer feedback on what spares to take with you.
I still believe in the "buy new" approach due to your timeline.
As Scott pointed out, the best "new" option might be a Tacoma at this point. All the upgrades could be easily sourced, the suspension choices are better, and a truck could be prepared very quickly.
A brand new Tacoma will cost less than an acceptable used Land Cruiser.
When you decide on a vehicle, start a new thread for your "extra parts" list to gather ideas. There are several vendors that forum members use who offer great prices on Toyota OEM parts and can also offer feedback on what spares to take with you.
Doug,
This is a very interesting discussion and as a matter of fact I bought my 100 back in 1999 for the reason you what to get one but, in my case, the plan did not work out.
A couple of points on the 100
So far Henry plan sound the best, if you have the time to execute it. I share his concerns about the quality of the fuel that you might be forced to use.
The v8 can take low octane fuel, but there is a limit. Even though on Occasions I fueled my truck from some shady sources, I suspect that the quality of the fuel in Mexico is comparable to the US. To prevent fuel delivery problem, I always feel the aux tank. And use a smart filtering scheme to transfer the fuel to the main. The disadvantage here is that it does reduce the effective range.
I don’t think that vibration is an issue, especially not on the electronic. I am in a business of making quite sophisticated electromechanical systems and I have never seen the level of design/execution that I see on my truck – Tacoma included. Not to mention Domestic. I don’t begin to have the experience that Henry have, but I took my truck through hours BAD roads inducing the full spectrum of frequency response from the vehicle (including dropping a tire into a pot hole that practically swallow the whole tire) and never experience any issues. BTW never had any warranty issue with this truck
If you have more specific questions about the UZJ, ask away…
Doron.
This is a very interesting discussion and as a matter of fact I bought my 100 back in 1999 for the reason you what to get one but, in my case, the plan did not work out.
A couple of points on the 100
So far Henry plan sound the best, if you have the time to execute it. I share his concerns about the quality of the fuel that you might be forced to use.
The v8 can take low octane fuel, but there is a limit. Even though on Occasions I fueled my truck from some shady sources, I suspect that the quality of the fuel in Mexico is comparable to the US. To prevent fuel delivery problem, I always feel the aux tank. And use a smart filtering scheme to transfer the fuel to the main. The disadvantage here is that it does reduce the effective range.
I don’t think that vibration is an issue, especially not on the electronic. I am in a business of making quite sophisticated electromechanical systems and I have never seen the level of design/execution that I see on my truck – Tacoma included. Not to mention Domestic. I don’t begin to have the experience that Henry have, but I took my truck through hours BAD roads inducing the full spectrum of frequency response from the vehicle (including dropping a tire into a pot hole that practically swallow the whole tire) and never experience any issues. BTW never had any warranty issue with this truck
If you have more specific questions about the UZJ, ask away…
Doron.
dhackney
Expedition Leader
60seriesguy said:
All,
If we pursue this route of sourcing a foreign market diesel 80, we face the challenge of registering & liscensing the vehicle during our travels. We have experience with Carnets, so bringing it into the country for the build-up and getting it back out is not the issue. The challenge is: Where do we register/liscense the vehicle while we are traveling? It will not have a DOT valid VIN, so we don't know of a way to register / liscense it here in the U.S.
Anyone with experience / knowledge on this issue?
Doug
Pskhaat
2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
You'd have to go through a registered importer (RI) (as you most likely know). They're the ones who need to certify that compliance work has been done and get your properly regsistered in any US State, but due to the ``full faith and credit'' clause in the Constitution Article IV legal in one state means for the most part legal in another (minus California where they're their own country and thrwart other legal means... ).
This costs big $ as I understand. There was a time when I was very much considering starting an RI business in Galveston for foreign Toyotas; I was amazed at the fees.
). This costs big $ as I understand. There was a time when I was very much considering starting an RI business in Galveston for foreign Toyotas; I was amazed at the fees.
dhackney
Expedition Leader
pskhaat said:
Scott,
Our goal is not to get the vehicle registered in the US, but to have a valid registration on the vehicle while we are using it the 2-3 years of the overseas international expedition. While the vehicle was in the US getting outfitted, I would bring it into the US under a Carnet, full name: Carnet de Passages en Douane, which is conceptually a passport for a vehicle. (learn more about getting a Carnet at: Canadian Auto Club Carnet Info)
I do not plan to use the vehicle in the US beyond break-in, testing, final systems check-out, etc. Once we leave the country with it, it will never come back to the U.S. When we are done with the expedition, we will sell it in its country of origin we establish with the Carnet.
My challenge is to have valid title, registration and liscense plates for it while we are overseas. I'd rather not establish residency in another country for that purpose.
Doug
gjackson
FRGS
Going through an RI will cost you plenty. I was quoted $10,000 for just the service, independant of what it cost to modify the car to get it to US standards. To get plates over here, you will have to register it, and I don't believe there is any way to do that on a temporary basis for a non-US car. Talk to an import/export lawyer. That is what I did.
cheers
cheers
Pskhaat
2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
Please excuse me if I missed a post where you said this, but are you expecting/wanting US registration? Canadian/Mexican/Etc registration would not be easier?
If US residency is an issue, can you establish a foreign corporation in the US (like Nevada) and have the corporation own the vehicle. A statutory agent for the corporation in a state should establish a proper and legal address, all transactions would go through said corporation which would have you as sole member.
If US residency is an issue, can you establish a foreign corporation in the US (like Nevada) and have the corporation own the vehicle. A statutory agent for the corporation in a state should establish a proper and legal address, all transactions would go through said corporation which would have you as sole member.
dhackney
Expedition Leader
Scott,
Goals:
1) Use of foreign market 80 series diesel LC in non-USA countries
2) Temporary import of foreign market 80 series diesel into USA for build-up and testing (can use Carnet to achieve this)
3) Valid title, registration and license on foreign market 80 series diesel LC while in use in non-USA countries (don't have a solution for this, need help)
We are US citizens.
We DO NOT seek to register this vehicle in the US.
Doug
Goals:
1) Use of foreign market 80 series diesel LC in non-USA countries
2) Temporary import of foreign market 80 series diesel into USA for build-up and testing (can use Carnet to achieve this)
3) Valid title, registration and license on foreign market 80 series diesel LC while in use in non-USA countries (don't have a solution for this, need help)
We are US citizens.
We DO NOT seek to register this vehicle in the US.
Doug