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HDJ78 TROOPY

Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 17:36

Featherfoot


Hi all,
Am new to this forum though I have been reading posts for a few weeks lots of interesting stuff. I am toying with the idea of buying a HDJ 78 troopy possibly the RV model. Would like to hear from anyone who has information on good or bad points on these vehicles .

Thaks in advance
ThreadID: 26100 Replies: 6
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AnswerID: 128134   Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 18:05

stevesub replied:

Go for it, best vehcile we have ever had and we love it. The only thing that we know that is a possible weakness is that there is a shaft in the gearbox/transfer case that is 2 piece on the 2000 to 2003 models and the splines joining the shaft strip with no warning and the end resuly is no drive. The replacement shaft is a one piece one and is fitted from 2003 onwards. Other than that problem, we are not aware of any other problems so long as the vehicle has been reguarly serviced.

Servicing at Toyota is not cheap, especially the one every 20,000km but we do it anyway to preserve the reliability.

If servicing has not been done, maybe look at the engine. radiator, wheel bearings, etc, etc.

Good luck and enjoy your Troopy if you buy one

Stevesub

2000 78 series Troopy pop-top camper
2001 Freelander - best of British un-reliability
1995 Nissan Terrano II (in NZ)
Reply 1 of 6
FollowupID: 382732   Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 18:26

Featherfoot posted:

Thanks, I'll make sure I go for something later than 2003.
FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 382773   Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 21:45

Billowaggi posted:

Hi stevesub ,Please don't get concerned about gearbox probs with the HDJ 78/79 The 5th gear probs are only in the non turbo 1hz models. I cant remember the gearbox designations but am shure someone on this forum will know.
Regards Ken
FollowUp 2 of 3
FollowupID: 382776   Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 22:15

Member - Phil G (SA) posted:

Ken is correct. The HDJ78/79 have the H150F gearbox which is a lot stronger than the R151F fitted to the non-turbo models and has no issues with that shaft between the gearbox and transfer.

Very few issues with these vehicles at all. If you fit a dual battery tray, make sure the black box that gets moved has a very good earth - can damage the ECU otherwise. But instructions for dual battery installation will spell that out.

They came out with the factory turbo motor in 2002. The 2002 models also would make an engine noise which sounds like a exhaust brake on a truck, especially when crawling in low range. It was due to vibration in the metal fuel line, and is remedied by fitting a fuel dampner - Toyota did mine for free.

Maintenance costs should be the same as any other rigid front axle 4wd. But Toyota are very conservative with their schedule. 20k for wheel bearings and valve clearances is a bit too often if you don't treat it hard. But oil changes are 10k.

Go for it. They are the last of the old fashioned 4wds, with the best motor on the market.

Cheers
Phil
Mt Finke
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LandCruiser HDJ79
FollowUp 3 of 3
AnswerID: 128164   Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 22:25

Member - Phil G (SA) replied:

The RV model gives you cloth bucket seats which are average by car standards, but most will find them much better than the standard double passenger seat. Electric windows, central locking and carpet seem a bit out of place on a Troopie. The electric antenna is nice when offroading, but the Toyota stereos do skip with the CD player. I prefer to use the double DIN slot for MP3 player plus UHF.

Factory diff locks are an option, and were rarely taken up, as they need a special order if buying new.

All troopies even RVs come with split rims. You can fit the 16x8 wheels from a rigid front 105 series - they fit up beautifully and widen the track. Probably should have flares, but I have mates who haven't bothered.

Cheers
Phil
Mt Finke
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LandCruiser HDJ79
Reply 2 of 6
FollowupID: 382806   Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 23:21

Featherfoot posted:

Thanks for all that info. I believe the HDJ 78 also has a steel head so I guess that pretty much makes up my mind. The only other thing I have to make my mind up about is do I go for an air locker style diff lock or the auto types or factory if I buy new. ( I WISH )
Regards Gary
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 382809   Submitted: Saturday, Sep 03, 2005 at 23:33

Member - Phil G (SA) posted:

Gary,

Yeah the 1HD-FTE multivalve TD has a steel cylinder head. That motor's been around since 1995, and the EFI version since 2000, so seems to be well sorted. Max torque's at 1400rpm - very nice.

If you buy new, then only one choice in my opinion - go the factory lockers, because they work, and you'll have no warranty issues.

If you buy used, then see how you go with the rear LSD. Thats what I've done and after 80,000km, my rear LSD still seems to be pretty tight. ARB lockers would be the go if you wanted them, because you can turn them on and off.

Cheers
Phil
Mt Finke
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LandCruiser HDJ79
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 128180   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 00:42

Richard Kovac replied:

featherfoot
We have had ours for 2 years 55000 kms (new) so far, no problems yet, (maybe one) main battery drop a cel last week we had just conplete a 7600 km trip down the Kidson track and aruond the NW we got an avg of 6.6 km/l with full load and CT,
We still run splits, just started a new set of gripper type F 8 plys, we got around 48000 k's out of them still around 10% tread left.

It's a good truck we will be keeping it for around 10-15 years

We do around 10 major trips a year
Camped under Mt Leisler
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Still Getting There
Reply 3 of 6
FollowupID: 382857   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 12:39

Featherfoot posted:

Thanks Richard,
Had a look at your rig profile lots of goodies, well set up. Nice to be able to get away so often. Do you know anything about front diffs and cv's letting go, also do they tend to get hot at all when worked hard on hot days.

Regards Gary
FollowUp 1 of 7
FollowupID: 382861   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 12:51

Richard Kovac posted:

Gray
I haven't heard any bud reports on the diffs. one person who owners one said the LSD will wear out (he was a Patrol driver before).
As for over heating NO we're done some had stuff (hard enough) and have had no drama's, did the Holland track in Dec. 2nd high all day 2-3000 rpm no problems.

The diffs and axles have been around for a long time on differant Toyotas shouldn't be any problems (if there is I'm sore someone will tall us)

Richard
Camped under Mt Leisler
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Still Getting There
FollowUp 2 of 7
FollowupID: 382872   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 14:22

Featherfoot posted:

Sorry to keep adding questions but do you find the seats comfortable on long trips as I know the older ones were shocking.
Cheers Gary
FollowUp 3 of 7
FollowupID: 382874   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 14:37

Richard Kovac posted:

Gray

thats fine, I had the same problem when we brought it (needed someone to say just buy it you won't be disappointed) and I'm not

No we fined the seats OK, both buckets the left hand side slides forward giving plenty of room to get in the rear.
We have removed the rear seat, have haft roller drawers and a false floor, we sleep in the back.

I've never driven a vehicle with after market seats so I cannot say much (but I have a small ass without much padding and do not get sore, also I have a bad back (chrio once a month) and have had no problems.

The last trip was 7600 km in 12 days again no problems

Richard
Camped under Mt Leisler
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Still Getting There
FollowUp 4 of 7
FollowupID: 382878   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 14:58

Featherfoot posted:

Richard,

At the moment I have a 97 disco dsl which is a good bus with great seats. My wife has a crook back and is quite happy with them so as you have the same prob your recomendation is good enough for me. I want to have a vehicle to sleep in also thats why I will sell the Disco. Also a bit more grunt for towing the boat. Don't soppose you live in Perth at all as I would like to check your Troopy out

Regards Gary
FollowUp 5 of 7
FollowupID: 382880   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 15:04

Richard Kovac posted:

Gary

Yes I live in Perth (cloverdale)

You can call on 0408925606

Richard
Camped under Mt Leisler
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Still Getting There
FollowUp 6 of 7
FollowupID: 382888   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 15:58

Featherfoot posted:

Thanks Richard will give you a call
Cheers Gary
FollowUp 7 of 7
AnswerID: 128204   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 09:43

Member - Luxoluk replied:

Put simply I couldn't be happier. Factory diff locks fitted and would buy again despite the special order. Cheers
Half way across the Anne Beadell
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Reply 4 of 6
FollowupID: 382860   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 12:45

Featherfoot posted:

Luxoluk,
thanks for input, do you find diff locks slow to engage or disengage and can you just order with front lock only.

Regards Gary
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AnswerID: 128231   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 14:33

Member - John (Vic) replied:

Featherfoot I agree with all above sentiments.
I have ARB lockers front and rear and will be ordering factory lockers on the next one (Next Year).

I have also had to replace the front diff as it stripped 5 teeth of the crown.
this is a problem that has occurred on yotas for quite a while.

The comments on the 4.2 TD are spot on, one of the best motors on the market in all conditions, flys down the black top and goes all day in low range in the high country.
All in all a brilliant vehicle.
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Reply 5 of 6
FollowupID: 382873   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 14:35

Member - John (Vic) posted:

Forgot to add that mine will be up for sale after Xmas as I change vehicles every 3 years. (Company car) if your interested in a good used one in a few more months.

Cheers
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FollowUp 1 of 5
FollowupID: 382876   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 14:50

Featherfoot posted:

Hi John,
Thanks for helping. Question= Why factory as opposed to arb lockers. Does that mean diffs with factory lockers are stronger?

Regards Gary
FollowUp 2 of 5
FollowupID: 382879   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 15:01

Featherfoot posted:

Thanks John I'll keep that in mind
Cheers Gary
FollowUp 3 of 5
FollowupID: 382886   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 15:43

Member - John (Vic) posted:

Gary factory lockers will keep you in warranty from new.
If you buy second hand then you will have to fit Air Lockers. If not already fitted.

I did not have time to wait for the factory lockers when I bought this current vehicle, my fault did not allow enough time.
Nothing at all wrong with the Air Lockers except for the loss of warranty on the diffs due to the fitment of aftermarket gear.

There is an argument about increased strength of the diff assembly with the fitment of lockers, Its been posted on this forum a few times if you do a search then you should find the info.
I am somewhat unconvinced at this time that the lockers would increase the strength of the diff assembly as the issue has been stripping teeth off the crown wheel, So how would a locker cure that problem?
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FollowupID: 382887   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 15:56

Featherfoot posted:

I agree. Thanks John
FollowUp 5 of 5
AnswerID: 128245   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 17:46

Pterosaur replied:

G'day featherfoot,

have just spent a month prowling around Cape York with my HZJ78 troopy (2003), after driving up from Tasmania, (that first creek crossing was a bit of a bugger though!) and couldn't have asked for a more capable bus on or off road - fitted with a rear air locker, has so far proved unstoppable. Original seats aren't too bad for the driver, but the one and a half setup for passenger(s) leaves a bit to be desired.

BTW, may have nuked Toyota warranty on rear diff. by fitting the air locker, but that is under warranty from ARB, so I don't see any loss in overall warranty. Go for it !

regards
Terry
HZJ78 2003 Camper
Reply 6 of 6
FollowupID: 382901   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 18:11

Member - John (Vic) posted:

Terry if you strip the teeth on the crown wheel then Toyota will say sorry diff has been tampered with by fitting aftermarket locker go talk to ARB. (Backlash was not set correct, bearing was damaged by non authorised technician etc etc etc)

ARB will say sorry not our problem Toyota has issues with stripping teeth on the crown wheel go talk to Toyota.

You will not win that one with each blaming the other.

On the positive side, There appears no issue with the rear Crown Wheel only the front.
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FollowupID: 382904   Submitted: Sunday, Sep 04, 2005 at 19:10

Featherfoot posted:

Hi Terry,
did that trip a couple of years ago in my Discovery, best trip I have done so far. Had airlockers front and back, used them about 3 times. Land Rover did not have a problem with me fitting them and still warranted drive line so was quite pleased about that. Thanks for your input

Regards Gary
FollowUp 2 of 2