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Hans,

I am not sure where you are finding your information, however, please refrain from posting incorrect information.
You are really confusing folk here.
You may be referring to Australian Land Cruisers?
Which are not UK or European Land Cruiser.

My 1991 70 series.

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Notice it has no leaf springs, this is because they are coils all round.
Notice how there are 6 wheel bolts and not 5 as you suggest.

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vette

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 :-)

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Cheers,

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