Which Troopy?

Ive got a pop top and yes I cant think of really any idea for fitting a rack to carry my kayak without going into serious effort.
the HDJ78 will still be fetching serious money in good nick
a friend of mine looked for a ute of that type and the cheapest were early 30s (discounting the od real rough ones) and they had a fair bit of ks and had seen some work ones with lower ks private use only were from 40k up

Don't know a lot about troopies, Wildman, but have an '02 HDJ79.

I'd try to stretch the budget to get the factory turbo, even if you have to give up beer and food for 12 months. But if you found an immaculate 1HZ in your price range, then wouldn't pass that up either.

And I wouldn't plan on putting too much weight on this roof rack either.

Bob

Wildman,

Our 1987 Troopy FJ75 isn't available, but has asked me to commend your good taste.

He points out that you might be interested in how he himself is set up for living out of, going seriously bush, and generally doing all the heavy lifting. Details here.

Cheers

John

I'd prefer the post 1999 models because they have a coil spring front end and much longer rear leaf springs.
I'd steer clear of the 1999-2006 HZJ78 because they are underpowered, have a considerably weaker gearbox, and don't take kindly to an aftermarket turbo (overheat and cracks in pistons and precombustion chambers). Usually go for around $20k.

As above, the 2001-2006 HDJ78 (factory turbo 6 cyl) was a great vehicle. Won't overheat and has the stronger gearbox. Just need to maintain it properly now its getting older - valve clearances are tricky, timing belt and bearing, as well as the usual things like wheel bearings, swivel hubs and all the oils. Might set you back $35-40k for a good one (rare).

The 2007-current VDJ78 (V8 turbo) has a few teething problems that Toyota has quietly sorted. I'd go for the 2010+ models, but it still has a rear wheel track that is 100mm less than the front. Matters if you're running skinny split rims, less so if you're running wide tyres. There was a substantial upgrade with airbags around 2010 and last year with ABS. Can pick them up for $40k plus

You mentioned roofrack - the Troopies are skinny and the roof is high - any amount of weight up there and it will sway around and there's a reason many troopies reach their end in rollovers.

Thanks for the info guys, keep it coming.

I'm feeling like the HDJ78 might be out of my price range and may have to look for an older, well looked after model when the time is right.

Wildman,
I would avoid any troopy that has had an after market turbo added unless you can get very detailed history. The engines were not designed for turbo and it needs a lot more than just bolting on a turbo to a 1Hz. The factory fitted turbo engines are generally good but as said previously there are particular models that are better than others due to suspension and gearbox.

We have a 1995 1Hz troopy which we bought when it had just under 300K on the clock. It was well used but did not appear to have been abused and the engine ran well. I rebuilt the running gear and installed new springs, shocks, bushes and anything that looked worn. The engine was not touched other than a good clean and tidying up some altered wiring and of course a flush and all new filters etc. I replaced some seals and bearings in the axles and diffs.

We fitted the vehicle out inside for remote travelling and put a few creature comforts in the front. Since then 6 years have passed and we have done some good trips with no problems other than a intermittent short which took ages to find and was due to a bodgy bit of wiring for driving lights which I removed. Our travels have involved one trip of 9 months and 40K through Russia and central Asia.

The point I am making is that if your budget is limited then you can make a very reliable vehicle without spending a fortune. When we are on a decent trip we do not travel fast and the lack of a turbo is not an issue. We prefer to see the sights and relax. We do not tow with it.

We also have a 100 series wagon with the 1HD-FTE engine, which is a totally different vehicle and good to tow, do short trips and generally drives like a car.

Yes I would have liked a troopy with coils up front and the longer rear leaves but for what it was intended for our troopy has been great. If it had to tow or go anywhere in a hurry it would be a disaster. Just make sure you match the vehicle to your needs and expectations.

cheers

70 series- 1HZ with Denco turbo !!

The HZ engine was factory turbo'd right up until 2012.
It was fitted to Coaster busses, which are far heavier, and have a far greater payload than a troupie, so the HZ is certainly built for a turbo according the Toyota engineers. (google HZB51)
My HZ which has 418,000 on the clock just got a turbo for its 21 birthday, and I am not expecting any issues.
Either the std CT26 turbo as used on HD-t engines, or GTurbo Grunter (CT26 based) would be my choice, but the Safari has a great reputation on the HZ too.
As stated, gearbox is probably the biggest concern in certain year/models.
Good luck with whatever you end up with.

What are your thoughts on this Troopy guys?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Toyota-Landcruiser-troopy-4x4-1996-Manual-4x4-4-2L-TURBO-Diesel-EXTRAS-/261636736102?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3ceac3c466

Not factory turbo, so maybe few issues down the track?

The 1HZ is very long lasting in standard form, but lacks in grunt compared to the factory turbo diesels.
Big difference in price though .. and there are a lot of 1HZ that have been turboed and gone on to do a lot more Km without going bang.
Putting a turbo on a 1HZ is still a long way off a 1HD-FTE and you can't run too much boost 10-12 psi max and would want to make sure its tuned right and has a hiflow exhaust.
If the factory turbo 1HD-FTE is too much $ then i would look for a good 1HZ 78 series and then get it turboed yourself if you feel the need.

opinions/advice on either of these? the second one in Taz does look good for the km's

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Toyota-Landcruiser-2001/SSE-AD-3048943/?Cr=2&sdmvc=1

http://www.exploroz.com/Classifieds/Vehicles.aspx?id=22954