AuthorTopic: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?  (Read 25776 times)

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Offline beatmasterdave

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Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« on: January 20, 2008, 19:34:23 »
hi!
im looking into landcruisers at the mo for expeditions around UK and Europe, and hopefully taking to South America with me.
my discos great for now, but as everything in this land, rust is starting and ive seen what has happened to other discos. the plan is to rake in pennies and invest in a solid 4x4, diesel, 5+seats, really comfy with A/C, good radio, heating etc, easy to mod, really strong and reliable and doesnt rust that much. looking at even imports. i'd like to have it here, mod with expedition kit. im asking a lot for a truck, but how does the landcruiser fit in here?
what's their common faults?
rust areas?
any major things that you'd recomend fixing, modding, chaning straight away?
how are they with larger tyres?
easy to lift?

these are some trucks with mods i may beleaning towards...


thanks all!
« Last Edit: January 20, 2008, 20:39:25 by beatmasterdave »

Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2008, 20:08:00 »
forgot to say. will need lockers too! :D

Offline paul_humphreys

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2008, 20:37:55 »
Got this from a mate as Iwas looking for one.

Quote
The big ends do seem to occasionally be an issue from about 120K upwards so it pays to change them when a vehicle is new to you. It's a simple job, drop the sump, take conrod end caps off, replace the shells and re-assemble. The hardest part is cleaning the old gasket off the sump!
Apparently european engine oils are very different to Japanese engine oils and the additive packages in our oil eventually can cause a problem. When we did mine 1 shell was quite pitted. Steph's looked like new as did I think all 3 of Ray's when they were done... Bearings are about £40 from Milners, good quality ACL ones at that.

> What are the bits to look out for?

UK models got axle diff locks as standard, most other markets had them as an option. That means imports very rarely have axle lockers. Other than that there's nothing wrong with imports. You can tell an import by 2 main things - they often have a mirror on the passenger front wing and the rear most side windows are a single piece where UK models have a split sliding arrangement.

1990-92 were effectively the MK1 80 series (my terminology, never heard anyone else put them in MK's). MPG 22-25.

1992-95 MK2. Main changes were larger brake discs all round, ABS, 16"
alloys (MK1 had 15" alloys which won't clear the brakes on a MK2). Almost all UK models are auto gearbox but I have seen a few 95 manuals (Ray has one). New improved gearbox. A few hundred other minor changes. MPG 24-26.

1995-98 MK3. Main change was 24 valve version of the engine delivering a little bit more power and economy but all UK models now manual gearbox to meet emmisions regulations. Revised dashboard, air bags (dual I think).
The 4.5l petrol engine became available in the UK market in 1995 as well.
MPG 25-30 (diesel) 14-18 (petrol).

I know a lot of people prefer a manual gearbox but I'm a firm believer that you only get the full Landcruiser experience with an auto. I've never owned a petrol one but if you can afford the fuel bills / gas it they are often a lot cheaper than the diesels.

Ideally go for a 92-95 UK diesel IMHO. The earlier ones the gearbox and brakes are poorer, the newer ones only came in manual gearbox.

If you see one you're interested in and want an opinion send me a link.

Best regards,
Jon.

Crash course in cruiser lockers then:

From the drivers seat, look on the dash to the left of the steering column for a black rotary switch about 2" square. It has 3 positions - off, rear, front & rear.

The axle lockers will only engage if the centre diff is locked.

On a standard UK model the centre diff is locked by putting the transfer box into low range. You can buy a switch from Toyota to get manual control of the centre diff lock, some markets got them as standard. The wiring is all there, just pop the blanking plate and stick the switch in (1st job on a new cruiser).

When the centre diff is locked an orange/yellow light comes on solid in the main instrument cluster (flashes until engaged). When an axle locker is locked a red light comes on solid in the main instrument cluster (one each for front and rear, flash until engaged).

On a hard surface with no wheel slip it can be a challenge to get the axle lockers to engage. Going round in circles sometimes works but just as often doesn't.

It's not uncommon for the axle lockers to have never (or only very rarely) been used so the actuator can become siezed (seems to be more common with the rear because of its more exposed position). The actuator is quite easy to remove and in most cases can be re-built with a little TLC. I have a couple of none functional rear actuators that can be butchered for parts.
Worst case senario would be converting to a home made cable or air actuated mechanism which is what I'll do with mine eventually.

The locking mechanism itself doesn't fail, it's just the little electric motor that gets full of crap.



I picked this one up today.



Paul
LC 80 series 1993. 285/75/16s Cooper STTs, OME 850s on the front with 25mm packer, 868s on the rear. 4.88 diffs. Winch bumper with 12000lb winch. Factory lockers. HD rear bumper with wheel carrier and winch mount.

http://www.crag-uk.org


Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2008, 20:45:50 »
thanks for your reply, thats great!!
looks like you got a great motor!! :D :D

Offline paul_humphreys

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2008, 21:13:28 »
Imports are easy to spot most only have a one peice glass at the rear sides and most do not have the lockers.

Paul
LC 80 series 1993. 285/75/16s Cooper STTs, OME 850s on the front with 25mm packer, 868s on the rear. 4.88 diffs. Winch bumper with 12000lb winch. Factory lockers. HD rear bumper with wheel carrier and winch mount.

http://www.crag-uk.org


Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2008, 21:25:43 »
how do i split the different models down? idealy im after a big diesel, dont know if i want auto or manual yet, and age wise, pref 1995+ i think. land cruiser 80? is this a better one to look at? what distinguishes each model number, 70 80 95 105 etc? :huh: :huh:

Offline paul_humphreys

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2008, 21:33:12 »
LC80 are the ones to get. But join the Landcruisers owners forum, lots of info. www.tlocuk.co.uk

Paul
LC 80 series 1993. 285/75/16s Cooper STTs, OME 850s on the front with 25mm packer, 868s on the rear. 4.88 diffs. Winch bumper with 12000lb winch. Factory lockers. HD rear bumper with wheel carrier and winch mount.

http://www.crag-uk.org


Offline thermidorthelobster

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2008, 21:36:51 »
I got some good responses in this thread not long ago.

I met a guy in Africa who had a 1989 70-series with a 4.2l NA diesel.  He swore by it - it'd done a few laps of Africa and had been as reliable as you could ever want.  The only thing he could say against it was the economy wasn't brilliant.
David French
Tree-hugging communist
1999 Discovery II TD5 Manual
Patriot roof rack, QT Services diff guards front & rear, DiscoParts steering guard[/url], Autologic ECU upgrade, 2" Old Man Emu lift, 235/85R16 BF Goodrich All Terrains, Safari snorkel, DiscoParts jackable sills, Warn Tabor 9000

Ex Disco 200TDI, P38a 4.6HSE and 101FC 6x6 Camper.  Africa Trip Blog

Offline simondarby

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2008, 12:51:33 »
I sold my 95 300tdi Disco and now run a SWB LJ70 Cruiser.  Biggest difference is refinement and power.

Apart from that, the Cruiser feels more solid and has no rust despite the fact it's a 1990 model.  The main reason I sold the Disco was rust.

80 Series will be more refined and powerful than Disco.  They are big too.  Often referred to as the best overland expedition truck you can get.

I wouldn't go back to a Disco now, but I would like more power...

Si
1994 Toyota Hilux Surf KZN130

Offline wildsmith

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #9 on: January 22, 2008, 19:04:08 »
how do i split the different models down? idealy im after a big diesel, dont know if i want auto or manual yet, and age wise, pref 1995+ i think. land cruiser 80? is this a better one to look at? what distinguishes each model number, 70 80 95 105 etc? :huh: :huh:
The big rounded cruisers with flares like in Paul's picture are the 80 series. They only come in 4.2TD diesel or 4.5EFi petrol. You don't need to look at the other models for what you want to do  ;)

Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2008, 19:21:36 »
thats reat info, pointing me in the right direction. cheers!!!! :D :D :D

Offline carracarra13

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2008, 19:57:19 »
m8 of mine has one she is a buity Id love her, got an amazon import with 2" pro lift 260 bhp perminent 4x4 she got double bed and a fridge in  have found nothing it cant cope with she is a k redg and my m8 is now wanting to swap her for a hilux or disel suzuki, 18 miles to the gallon 4.2 turbo disel and 120000 k on clock kilomiters,  but I will say you realy got ta watch your speed she is dam fast I
v8 3.9 se discovery
pland mod lpg or hydrogen kit ?
allterains
twin battery, and water proofing engin and electrics
imverta

Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2008, 18:45:35 »
double bed???? fridge? is it a flat on wheels? :lol:
does anyone know any good import websites to find these beauties?

Offline paul_humphreys

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2008, 20:10:49 »
double bed???? fridge? is it a flat on wheels? :lol:
does anyone know any good import websites to find these beauties?

Howabout thisone
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Expedition-4x4-Overland-Toyota-Landcruiser_W0QQitemZ140199398777QQihZ004QQcategoryZ18290QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Paul
LC 80 series 1993. 285/75/16s Cooper STTs, OME 850s on the front with 25mm packer, 868s on the rear. 4.88 diffs. Winch bumper with 12000lb winch. Factory lockers. HD rear bumper with wheel carrier and winch mount.

http://www.crag-uk.org


Offline wildsmith

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #14 on: January 26, 2008, 20:29:07 »
double bed???? fridge? is it a flat on wheels? :lol:
does anyone know any good import websites to find these beauties?

Howabout thisone
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Expedition-4x4-Overland-Toyota-Landcruiser_W0QQitemZ140199398777QQihZ004QQcategoryZ18290QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Paul
  :doh: "Will accept a £7,000 loss" . Something tells me someone's spent freely at a cirtain 4x4 establishment and needs to refill the piggy bank  :shock:  Think that 7 needs a 2 in front of it!

Offline wildsmith

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #15 on: January 26, 2008, 20:30:48 »
does anyone know any good import websites to find these beauties?
Why an import? Very few imports have axle lockers so check carefully if those are important to you.

Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2008, 18:34:37 »
thats a very nice truck, not a very nice price though :(
yeah will want lockers. some imports have lockers i think. just thinking an imported one may be cheaper and i may want it left hand drive. i dont need to use a vehicle much now, but the plan is to take it with me abroad, hopefully to the americas where i would use it a lot and it would stay. its just an option really. these trucks seem ideal!!! :D

Offline Minotaur

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #17 on: January 23, 2009, 13:36:51 »
Did you ever get sorted?

Chris

Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #18 on: May 11, 2009, 20:12:51 »
hello!!! ok, its been a while. here's the story
i got me an import hilux insted back in april 08. since, ive stuck on roof bars, rack, wheels and tires and now new stereo. big plans. taking it easy with it as ive got loads of distractions etc.
heres some pics










Offline paul_humphreys

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #19 on: May 11, 2009, 21:57:25 »
Looks nice. Mine ended up like this



and I have some lights



Lots of changes from the picture up the thread when I got it!!

Paul
LC 80 series 1993. 285/75/16s Cooper STTs, OME 850s on the front with 25mm packer, 868s on the rear. 4.88 diffs. Winch bumper with 12000lb winch. Factory lockers. HD rear bumper with wheel carrier and winch mount.

http://www.crag-uk.org


Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #20 on: May 12, 2009, 15:25:55 »
wow cool!!!! nice bumper!! did you get that from an outlet, or second hand?

im in the works of ordering stuff for mine from the states and south africa. its a long plan, need money first. getting heavy duty bullbars and rear bumper with swing away wheel carrier from south africa, and a rack for pickup and over cab from the states hopefully. settling for an ifor williams canopy, but will be painting it black.

Offline simondarby

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #21 on: May 12, 2009, 20:19:00 »
hello!!! ok, its been a while. here's the story
i got me an import hilux insted back in april 08. since, ive stuck on roof bars, rack, wheels and tires and now new stereo. big plans. taking it easy with it as ive got loads of distractions etc.
heres some pics











I like the truck!!

Where did you get the roof rack and bars?  I now have a Surf and have been on the look out for such a set up...

Si

1994 Toyota Hilux Surf KZN130

Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #22 on: May 13, 2009, 10:41:21 »
bars were from roughtrax and the rack was i think around £40 from 4x4at.com but it's not there anymore. i got it in december. it's light, but does bend if someone jumps up there goofing around :angry: (easy to bend back with hand). strong enough for most kit. i use it for touring kayaks, bikes, and random kit.
best send them an email asking about the basket they used to have around £40 that attatches to roof bars.

Offline simondarby

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #23 on: May 13, 2009, 13:12:50 »
Cheers!
1994 Toyota Hilux Surf KZN130

Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #24 on: May 16, 2009, 15:58:14 »
simon
in a little while im changing the set up and wont need the basket. i'll let you know when its up for sale.

Offline paul_humphreys

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #25 on: May 16, 2009, 18:01:58 »
My front bumper came from Frogs Island.

Paul
LC 80 series 1993. 285/75/16s Cooper STTs, OME 850s on the front with 25mm packer, 868s on the rear. 4.88 diffs. Winch bumper with 12000lb winch. Factory lockers. HD rear bumper with wheel carrier and winch mount.

http://www.crag-uk.org


Offline beatmasterdave

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #26 on: May 21, 2009, 17:38:05 »
PICS!!!!! :D :D :D :D
i think i'll be getting a WARN one from the states

Offline bravo669

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Re: Buying Land Cruiser for expeditions, any tips?
« Reply #27 on: June 21, 2009, 21:01:18 »
i want a hilux. :(
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