I should have been more precise there. I was referring to J7 light duties.

What you're showing is a J7 light duty, not a heavy duty.

But still I know a few of them here in Germany and I've seen some of them in northern Africa.

This mystery could have been solved by following the links in my signature.

Pointless this discussion has become. After all this not a pissing contest, right? It has wandered too far from the original question, so I'll leave it at that.

Hans

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Seen whilst travelling - Fernwehstammtisch Karlsruhe - Relief action Togo Togoville e.V.

Too true, as has already been pointed out the models, specs and availability of the various Land Cruisers vary considerably around the world.

On the subject of diffs, I have yet to come across a Land Cruiser that doesn't have a Centre Diff Lock, and that is based on working on 60s, 70s, 75s, 78s, 79s, 80s, 90s, 95s, 100s, 105s and 120s in the UK.

Most will either have a rear diff lock or an LSD in the rear axle, I have never come across both in the same axle.

Most 80/105s (except some basic spec and Aus/NZ spec) will also have a front diff locks and most non UK/European/North America models will have part time 4wd with locking front hubs.

THe 90s, 95s, 100s and 120s with the independent front suspension will get you to 98% of the off road routes that a fully articulating 70, 80 or 105 will take you - for overlanding purposes you generally wouldn't want to go to the extra 2% anyway.

One thing with the independent front suspension, whilst articulating trucks can step over things, the independent front suspension doesn't give you that advantage so it is usually worth considering underbody protection for under the engine.

As a guide for Ovelanders from the UK we suggest that if on a budget start to look at the 90/95 Colorados as a starting point, they are perfectly capable of taking you around the world.

If you have deeper pockets or there are more than a couple of you travelling then I would suggest going for a larger 80/100/105 - they are bigger in side making it more comfortable and providing more storage space.


At the other end the Hilux/4Runner/Surfs are gaining popularity and are also extremely capable. In reality they are probably better supported globally than any other model and would be great for bried forays into North Africa however I wouldn't necessarily get one for a round the world trip....

The 80s, 100s and 105s are bigger and less fuel efficient, but due to their size and weight they do chew up the miles off road in a lot more comfort. I regularly test Land Cruisers down a track that is a reasonable example of the sort of road you will find out in Africa or Asia and the larger models always feel a lot more planted and reassuring where as the 90s and 120s are more skittish and suffer from more scuttle shake.

Don't get me wrong I would happily pick any of the models over a LR Defender - living in 1950s discomfort doesn't appeal to me :-)

__________________
Cheers,

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

Just as a completely personal view, this thread is certainly not pointless for me; on the contrary, it contains information that serves to inform me about the models of Landcruisers that are available in various parts of the world - it is that simple.
It's an international forum - that's been said elsewhere recently in discussion about motorcycles - so it should be borne in mind when reading any individual posting.
I suppose an alternative to this current thread could be:-
1. Thread for RHD LCs sold in the UK
2. Thread for "grey import" LCs brought into the UK
3. Thread for LCs sold in continental Europe
4. Thread for LCs imported into Europe
5. Thread for LCs sold in Australia

etc etc

Sure, along the way there are some opinions expressed also, but that's not a problem to me and hopefully not to the OP (but I was concerned in my last post that he hasn't got information that he might want about, for instance, the Hilux).

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Dave

Unfortunately this is a bit of an urban myth from the Land Cruiser forums.

Most Land Cruisers will have centre diff locks, either electrically or mechanically engaged.

They will then have either an open rear diff, a Limited Slip Diff or fully locking rear diff - you never get an LSD and diff lock.

__________________
Cheers,

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

Thanks for that!
I couldn't understand why any car would be fitted with 2 technologies on the same part of the vehicle that serve such similar purpose.

So, as far as the UK is concerned and as I understand it, there are LSDs fitted to the rear differentials of "grey" imported models of the 90 series (which all UK car dealers seem to refer to as "Prados") and locking diffs fitted to those which are genuine UK models (the "Colorados").

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Dave

Some people repeat with great authority information they have just read on the net from others with no first hand experiences and so the misinformation goes on, from my experiences of meeting real people on the road, you cannot say for sure what options will be fitted to a Japanese imported Toyota, the great myth of imported 80 series not having rear and front diff locks was blown away when I travelled with a guy for a few weeks with a Jap import with the Toyota diff locks fitted as imported.

Mine is a UK model and does have a Toyota rear diff lock.

That's part of the reason I've backed away from the Land Cruiser forums.

True, there are no set rules.

Also to complicate things further when looking to buy a Land Cruiser from a second hand car dealer or even a private individual, most won't know the difference between a Prado/Colorado/Amazon, etc and also in most cases none of them would know if there were diff locks or not so you usually have to ask if there is a rotary switch beside the steering column.

__________________
Cheers,

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

I just remembered that the owner of the german site Buschtaxi made a poster of most of the variations of the Landcruisers. Available as JPG (ca. 1MB) here: http://www.buschtaxi.de/fileadmin/da...lc_history.jpg.

Hans

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Seen whilst travelling - Fernwehstammtisch Karlsruhe - Relief action Togo Togoville e.V.

Well that turned into a beast of a thread. :P

In the end I couldnt find a Toyota suitable for me sadly.

I instead have bought a 2003 Nissan Terrano 2.7Diesel. Get it on friday

Well, I am grateful that you have stuck it out in this forum.

And I thought motorcycles have a wide range of model numbers/designations and optional extras.
I can imagine that poster on the garage wall of any LC enthusiast.

Damn, after all that, buying a non-Toyota!!
The Surf experience turned you off maybe?

When you have some experience with it, you could contribute to this thread which turned into one that is more enthusiastic for the Terrano than the OP.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-x-trail-61322

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Dave

So, to continue the story, I've now invested my hard-earned in one of these:-
http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/to...o/1996_5/8905/

As far as I can tell it is that model; the English language handbook that came with this 17 year old vehicle (Prado 1996-2002, various engines) talks about things that are not on this car and the specification given in that link above is not totally the same.
I guess there were a few variations.

It's running on Bridgestone tyres fitted to alloy wheels right now, and the tyres have very mixed reviews in this link:-
Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport | the Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport reviewed and rated | Page2 | the online tyre guide

Very early days, but so far.

Ooops, it's a LWB, so that's the 95 series going by everything above (Prado to the sales people still).

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Dave

.
Hi Dave,

Read every thing and all on this forum here.

Land Cruiser Club

Roll down to see the "90 series" which covers yours

Looking forward to seeing you join.

Vette

As for my newly purchased 95, it certainly does not have a fully locking rear differential, and I hope it is not an open rear diff on such a quality vehicle so this means it must be a LSD on the back (I am assuming that there is no way of telling from a cursory glance underneath, but I do know that there is no locking diff actuator down there and there is no such control on the dash either).

Mais oui, it does have the central locking diff but I have yet to try it out.

And, I'll take it as a given that the front diff is "open" in its' design.

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Dave

Well done on your purchase Dave, all you need to buy is a GPS now

I've owned mine for six or so years and have done around 50,000 miles on and off road in it.

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.

__________________
Cheers,

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