Congratulations Dave on the purchase. The Colorados/Prados are great little trucks.

As you say the chances are you have a LSD at the back - if you can jack up one rear wheel with the transfer case in Neutral, if there is an LSD you should struggle to turn the lift wheel by hand (actually I doubt you will be able to turn it).

If it turns but a little stiffly then it will be an open diff.

If you have the LSD it is essential that you use proper LSD oil in it, they don't last long with straight diff oil.

Other things to look out for...
1. The engines are very prone to overheating. Check the rad, hoses and water pump for leaks or other problems and also check the coolant - if it isn't nice clear red colour, use a chemical flush, following instructions to a "T" and then thoroughly flush before filling up with Toyota Red Coolant.

2. ON standard suspension they are prone to rusting around the rear axle and around the top of the fuel tank - if these areas are relatively ok, steam clean and treat with rust treatment, otherwise if rusty get it checked by a professional mechanic - we have come across rusty diffs leaking and suspension mounting brackets rusting - particularly the top link ones because the drain holes get blocked and so they fill up with salty road water - we always enlarge the drain holes to avoid the problem.

3. You can sometimes get starting/running problems - this is usually down to the fuel pipes on the top of the fuel tank (under the boot) rusting and leaking - the tell tale is the top of the tank being very damp. The only solution is to drop the tank and replace the fuel pick-up in the tank and then rust treat.

4. Depending on where you are going it is worth getting a front bash plate.

5. If an auto, make sure it has a good supply of fresh oil - this is often left out of services.

That covers most things, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to post here.

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Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.