The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[johnnystrom]

Hi. I've been looking at importing a 70 series Troopy from Oz for an overland trip across Africa next year, but it's all just getting too expensive. So I'm now thinking of modifying  an 80 series.

I'm looking at one on e bay at the moment (item number 120953336579), and would appreciate your thoughts on the mods that have been made to it. While the upgrades on this one seem useful (front and rear winches, roof rack, uprated suspension, snorkel etc) for rough expedition terrain, I don't want to get one that is "overpimped" to the point where it's less reliable than a bog standard one. I'm no expert with mechanics, so have no idea whether eg "larger turbo internals" and "auto diffs instead of manual diffs" are a good thing or just more likely to go wrong.

So, my question is whether you think this is a good starting point, or whether I should be looking for a more standard vehicle that has probably seen less off road action than this beast. Even this one would obviously need quite a few more modifications (like lockable storage drawers, dual electric supply, roof tent, long range fuel tank etc), so I don't want to spend my money on other unnecessary "improvements" if they are not really adding much to suitability for my journey. Having said that, I guess this has great off road ability and looks to have been well looked after. Also the manual box is appealing.

Thanks John

[Google]

[uk_vette]

Hi,

I wouldn't even consider looking at it.

It is old, has the old 15 inch wheels.
Miles is too high for my liking.
Just what he means by "Auto diffs" is beyond me.

Steer clear.
There are plenty more out there.

I would rather spend £4k on a basic 24 valve VX, then base line it.
From there, add your own modifications ( or have one of the many good 4x4 specialists here) do it for you.

£10k,

Silly money.

vette

[johnnystrom]

Thanks Vette, I appreciate the reply.  I think you've convinced me. My gut feeling is to get a less modified one and then build it up from there. At least there are plenty of 80 series in the UK, so finding something suitable shouldn't be too hard.

[uk_vette]

Exactly.

If it just had a snorkel, and a spring lift, then OK, go look at it.

but all the other stuff,,,,,,,,,,,,well who knows how it was fitted.

Look for a base model, or if you can't find one, then a slightly modified one.

vette

[johnnystrom]

Hi Vette. Just one other thing that I can't find a satisfactory answer to. And I'm speaking as a complete novice here, but.... which do you think is a safer bet for a long haul trip, the 4.2 1HZ motor (non turbo I think?), or the 4.2 1HD (turbo?). I'm concerned mainly with simplicity and ease of repair, so is the HZ a safer choice? Another forum I read said you should always go for the HD as it has more power, but they seemed to be more into bhp than reliability! (IH8mud.com)

[aroscow]

you will straggle to find an hz in the uk

the 24v is a good solid motor.
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HDJ80, BFG AT's, grooved discs, OME 850/860's

[uk_vette]

The one listed by geordie boy is ideal.
If I was in the market for a good 80, then that would be on my drive before the day is out.

That would take you to Cape Town without breaking sweat.

vette

[johnnystrom]

Thanks guys. Geordie boy, just out of interest - is yours still available? It does look good. John

[roscoFJ73]

[uk_vette]

The 4,2 with a turbo, or without a turbo are both good.

I would tend to go with one "With" a turbo.

vette

[johnnystrom]

Thanks for the tips guys. I know what I'm looking out for now. I'll keep an eye on the classifieds section too... John

[geordie_boy1978]

My 24v now on e bay
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1996     4.2     24V    In mint condition and it's
staying that way .....

[johnnystrom]

Yes, I saw it - and was very tempted. It's almost too nice for the bush bashing trip I have lined up tho. Although I'm sure it wouldn't let me down... If you were a bit closer I'd def come and have a look

[geordie_boy1978]

Where do you live?
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1996     4.2     24V    In mint condition and it's
staying that way .....

[johnnystrom]

South London