Landcruiser Experts
Submitted: Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 08:52
ThreadID:
47869
Views:
5240
Replies:
4
FollowUps:
11
This Thread has been Archived
Member - Alastair D (NSW)
Yes I have done some homework but now I want some input from those with first hand experience or knowledge. I have looked at the LC owners site but they seem to be tribal about different models and focussed on detail rather than the big picture.
After looking at all the options I am contemplating buying a 100 series diesel Landcruiser auto GXL wagon. It will be used only for 4wd touring and towing a CT or tandem trailer. The trusty Pajero is at the limit of its comfort zone in what we are now asking it to do. I gather that the 5 speed auto which seems to start about 2002 is to be preferred to the 4 speed. Is this true?
I will probably set the age limit to 2003 onwards. Are there any models to be preferred or avoided in regards to drivetrain or
suspension? I have found it hard to map the differences over these years.
It seems that the later autos are all constant 4wd. True? I know that there are conversions to part time 4wd which I would prefer, but don't really want to start making the vehicle mechanically non-standard.
Comments please.
alastair
Reply By: Member - Karl - Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 10:31
Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 10:31
Constant 4WD is in the GXL models and above for the 80 & 100 Series, regardless of whether they are autos or manuals.
The 'Standard' models are the ones that are non constant 4WD - i.e you need to lock the hubs; however, I believe that 'Standards' only come in manual for both the 80 & 100 Series, therefore if you are after an auto gear box you will have to settle on constant 4WD in a GXL model.
Karl
AnswerID:
253320
Follow Up By: traveller2 - Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 10:53
Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 10:53
Fitting the part time conversion is not economical in the timespan that most people keep the vehicle or even in these days of 5 year lifespan for vehicles, possible.
The 5 speed auto is much better than the 4speed, the only downside is the ifs front end which wouldn't be problem if you are used to a Pajero.
FollowupID:
514413
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 21:25
Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 21:25
Most people are not aware that if you fit the part time kit you WILL NOT HAVE ABS!
as the front sensors are on the outer CV housing.
FollowupID:
514686
Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 15:35
Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 15:35
Alastair
I would look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Common-Rail Diesel for what your going to do with it .
AnswerID:
253349
Reply By: Eric from Eric Christopher Wholesale Vehicles - Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 17:37
Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 17:37
2003 is the later auto, i wouldn't consider the earlier version . Its a night and day difference ,
Ps , In my view , you cannot compare the landcruiser to the jeep(as per reply 2 ) . The jeep isn't in the same league
AnswerID:
253368
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 21:26
Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 21:26
Sept 2002 was the update.
FollowupID:
514687
Reply By: Member - DOZER- Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 21:06
Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 21:06
Gday
A few things to add are...reliability wise, the old 4 speed auto is tried and true...the later 5 speed is not as big as the old 4 speed, so while it shifts better, beware if you tow large things around....everything these days is being built to a budget and Toyota focus on what the majority user requires...and bettering the competition.
The old gxv was the first t/d 100 and ran a 4 speed auto...they preceeded the lexus, so had stabulity, traction, etc etc..and thats what id suggest you buy if reliability is high up on your needs list....
AnswerID:
253419
Follow Up By: Eric from Eric Christopher Wholesale Vehicles - Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 21:18
Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 at 21:18
Hi Andrew , I would agree that the 4 speed is probably a stronger box , but I would think there would be a lot lessstrain on a 5 speed unit. Just my opinion.
had any 5 speeds go yet ? I havent heard of any yet , cheers
FollowupID:
514505
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 21:31
Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 21:31
I have been on the LCOOL (land Cruiser Owners On Line) list for quite a while and have never even seen any sort of problem raised about the A750F (5 speed) or the 4 speed (A445?) for that matter yet.
Mine has 130000km and still changes perfect, as it should though.
After the first few months of production, they dont even bother with a dipstick or filler on the 5 speed. They never need the fluid changing unless cooked or damaged which registers on the ECU. You need only check for leaks.
FollowupID:
514689
Follow Up By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 06:43
Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 06:43
Guys i am hearing you...i have heard of some teething problems on lcool....nothing like a blowup or similar, my post was just data to consider...i have it on good authority from someone high up that i wont disclose on here that the older 442 was twice the box....and it might be that noone has problems with the 5 speed ever...but if i were a gambler.....knowing the front diff on an ifs is smaller than an 80 series....which was smaller than the good old 60....God, why didnt they come out with coils....
FollowupID:
514712
Follow Up By: Eric from Eric Christopher Wholesale Vehicles - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 07:29
Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 07:29
now a 60 with coil's wouls have been a great unit lol . but nuh . love my mod cons to much lol
Andrew , you still doing any work with the boys from Japan , they seam to have dropped off the face of the earth
FollowupID:
514715
Follow Up By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 08:44
Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 08:44
No, havnt had the need to contact them, but if you want me to find out, i will...
FollowupID:
514725
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 17:45
Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 17:45
the lone amateur was a good boat builder, pity he couldnt drive it-- he crashed into a mountain of all things!
FollowupID:
514798
Follow Up By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 17:58
Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 17:58
Yes...if you fly, any landing you walk away from is a good one....and these skippers seem to find all sorts to
park their vessel upon....Passha Bulka was the latest.... anyone wanting to look at the photos from the helm prior to becoming beached, send me your addy's...
FollowupID:
514803
Follow Up By: fisho64 - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 20:51
Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 20:51
If they are the ones that I saw on a prominent website labelled as the Pasha Bulker, they are actually from another ship about 10 years earlier. Still speccie though. Ive seen it like that myself in the Southern Ocean as a tuna fisherman but on a much smaller boat.
FollowupID:
514823