HDJ78 TROOPY

Thanks, I'll make sure I go for something later than 2003.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gary

Yes I live in Perth (cloverdale)

You can call on 0408925606

Richard

Thanks Richard will give you a call
Cheers Gary

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

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

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

Regards Gary

Thanks John I'll keep that in mind
Cheers Gary

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?

I agree. Thanks John

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.

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