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Toyota LJ78 advise needed .... Toyota LJ78 advise needed ....
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Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
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  #1  
Old 2 Sep 2009
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Toyota LJ78 advise needed ....
I'm trying to get my head around the Toyota range.. so sorry if its a stupid question, is a 5 door 1992 Toyota LJ78 Diesel auto any good for Overlanding ? I’m looking at Jap imports and a few are filtering through ebay for little money.

It looks like it’s fitted with free wheeling hubs, any good for longer tarmac bias trips. Size wise, its quite square so is the internal size comparable to the 80 series ? I plan on fitting out the back with a bed platform rather than a roof tent.

Does it have Toyota’s reputation for reliability ? and lastly is the 2.5 d a OK engine..

I like the simple looks, if anything it’s a little less expensive looking than the 80 …

Or do I forget it and save up for a 80 ….


Cheers
Matt
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  #2  
Old 3 Sep 2009
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Toyota LJ78
Toyota LJ78 are the 5 door (suv) version of the Troop carrier (75). These are one of the toughnest trucks you can buy and are more than capable for what you want. Here in oz they are everywhere and are used for just about everything. Often used by converted to campers by hire company's. They do a nice little conversion, check out (britz Australia) for inspiration.
I'm not sure about the engine size you quoted, I thought they where all 6 cylinder 4.2 diesel & 4ltr Petrol. I would have to check your exact model out. Like I said not sure.
If it is one of these engines thou, they are great and will easy do 400000kms. They can overheat a bit, so bigger rad or better fans. Also the gearbox can get a bit crunchy with bad driving and abuse. Other than that you can't kill em.

For an overland trip they are great,plenty of room, reliable and not too bad on fuel. Not as good as say a Nissan patrol of road. More than adequate for the most stuff thou. With some tyres on we would be just splitting hairs between the 2 of them.
Have a good trip
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  #3  
Old 3 Sep 2009
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Thanks PHTEST

Typically the one I was looking at on ebay has now been sold, but there is time, it was 2.5 turbo diesel …. I love the conversions Britz do … the bushcamper would be a dream vehicle….

Any idea the km’s per 100 kms they consume ? from what I’ve read, suspension set up is critical and avoiding anything with rust… any other pointers…

I like the square back and split back door opening vertically, ideal for traveling, I think I’ve decided on the model just need to find one and then the fun starts prepping it ….

Kind regards
Matt
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  #4  
Old 3 Sep 2009
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Hi

I don't know anything about the LJ 78 but I am familiar with the troupe carriers (which are identified as HZJ 75 and the newer HZJ 78). - there is also a new version out.

Most 75s and 78s are powered by the 4.2 straight six diesel.

When I bought my HZJ 78 I was warned against the smaller engined 2.5 d

It might be OK but I suggest you do a bit more research before settling for the smaller engined version

Cheers

John
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  #5  
Old 22 Oct 2009
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Location: ULaanbaatar, Mongolia
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I think most of 70 series good but what I have noticed since we use a lot LCruisers here in Mongolia especially on bad road filled with pot holes and washboards 70 series square design can be very shaky because of narrow wheel base compare to 80 series plus the front electric wheel hub cap locking system can be tricky as well. 1 KZ 3.0 Litter engine built in Japanese 5 door model's are much better the previous 2.4l 2LT or 2.7 3LT engines.

Hope this would help a bit.

Chinzo
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  #6  
Old 27 Oct 2009
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I would be very careful of the LJ 78. I believe the LJ78 is what is known as a Prado or LandCrusierII. They are a less rugged version of the 70 series. The HZJ 77 is a 5 door version of the true 70 series. I have also read reports that the 2.5 litre diesel has problems with overheating in the head. (There is one for sale where I live right now where the guy just finished all the top end work only to have the bottom end go). I am no Toyota expert but during my recent search for my HJ61 I came across alot of Prados. I would do some more asking around; perhaps on IH8mud.com.

Cheers and good luck,
Jason
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