Kitting out a TLC
 

I've been looking at the possibility of buying a TLC HDJ80 for overland trips. Being new to things Toyota, I need some ideas:

What improvements to the engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc., need to be done to to make a stock HDJ80 as strong and reliable as possible for long haul trips? As this is a long term project, no effort will be spared if necessary.

Is the front beam axle available as standard in the UK? If not, where?

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Roman (UK)
www.polandrover.com

TLC are pretty reliable from the factory. I would suggest the following in the order given:
. OME suspension lift. Not just for clearance but for more carrying capacity and better ride.
. Extra permanently fixed fuel and water tanks.
. Locker if you’re gonna go off road a lot or deep in the desert.
. Engine mounted air compressor. Beats electric every time.

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A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com

I take it a TLC means Toyota Landcruiser, excuse my ignorance, anywho, if it is, what you need to get is a mod done to the gearbox/transfer case.

What happens is there is a notorious oil leak/transfer between the two, Toyota tried to rectify the problem but couldn't solve it, so what happens (in OZ) is to get a swaged fitted oil transfer line between the two 'cases' (its easy, not a big job, 15 minutes) and that solves the problem.

The oil (being gearbox oil its interchangerable) just transfers between the two boxes and keeps the equal pressure. This saves blowing a oil seal at a inappropriate moment.

This mod is well known in OZ (Australia) and the transfer tube/line is readily available at 4x4 accessory shops, I can't speak about oversea's.

Cheers & beers

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Mark & Lynda

[This message has been edited by Mark & Lynda (edited 25 January 2002).]