Guide to choosing an Expedition Vehicle: Part II
 

Finally got around to posting Part II to our layman's guide to choosing an expedition vehicle:

Choosing a 4WD Expedition Vehicle Part II: What car, truck, or SUV?

If you have a chance, take a peek and post a reply.

Why did you, in the reviews of the 80 series and Patrol, use the word "heft"?

To be honest I think you have to differentiate - the 70 series I am talking about here. There have been a lot of very different 70 series vehicles over the years. And they are not all perfect... The current 1HZ engined 78 and 79 have quite weak gearboxes (from the Prado) for some stupid reason. We had a (okay, much abused) 79 g/box fail two weeks ago. Car has only done abt 50,000kms (although VERY loaded). Okay I can't think of many other issues... But all in all your article is pretty much spot on!
Gil

Excellent points both; and thanks!

I was originally going to include several lighter weight vehicles, and the Patrol and 80 would have been 'hefty' in comparison. But since I didn't I'll take that critique out.

And yes, it's critical to distinguish between the 70 series as I wouldn't want anyone to think I was referring to a 2.4 Prado...

Thanks again,
Dan

Why they switched away from the venerable H55F, with 4.843 1st gear, is beyond my understanding.

Charlie

100% agree Charlie. I know it's a bit off the topic, and indeed belongs in 4x4 Tech, but yesterday we just had the same failure on a second HZJ79 (mileage not even 50,000kms). Part is 33346-71010(33346-35020) - 5th Gear Thrust Washer. Not that impressed. On the other hand:

In the shop next to it we have a HZJ75 that I got new 12 years ago as a company car and has spent it's ENTIRE life off pavement since then with forest managers or mechanics. We decided to stop all the engine leaks (only reason we stopped the vehicle) and for fun I pulled the service records:
over half a million kilometers and the engine/gearbox and transfer has NEVER been touched. It blew a rear diff, but that has been the only major issue in those 12 years of African bush punishment. There is a three year old Nissan D22 next to it in the shop and guess which vehicle is in better condition!

When the head was pulled of the 1HZ there was about an inch of carbon on the valves!!! The cylinder bore, crank and bearings looked brand new. I wish the workshop had taken some pictures as I was frankly astonished.
Gil

Hi, that's a nice start!

Would be nice if you could include the 60-series too.

Furthermore, it would be nice if you could go into some detail.
Like real off-road capacities, the relation of heavy duty and comfort, the various kind of axles, differentials, locks, etc.

But again, very nice to read and thank you, this can become a good guide I think.

Jurgen