need some imput about landcruiser towing ability.

The only gripe I have with them is the departure angle....

Hi Neil
Firstly, towing a large boat, you will need a large towing vehicle to satisfy weight regulations.
The auto will outperform the manual in ease of towing the weight. Overdrive is out to use, (thats why they play up) as in the manual, 5th can bust if you tow with it . I cant see you wanting to go that fast anyway with the boat on the back.
As far as motor goes diesel will give you better economy and pulling power will be better if it is turbocharged, but the down side is initial cost and filling it up times (look for the oil stain on the garage floor to see where the diesel bowser is) I would probably go the v8 auto and pocket the extra 20k. Have spoken to many who are unhappy with the std t/d 100, and put the dtronics and intercoolers on them.
Andrew wheredayathinkwer mike?

Neil,

Most say you need uprated springs or polyair bags in the back on a 100 series if you tow anything remotely heavy otherwise your arse will get gravel rash. The standard setup is great unladen but bit a little on the soft side for a load. A progressive spring may be good for you rather than straight H/D since your wife will be driving around without the boat on (I assume!). IMHO the Turbo Diesel Auto would offer the best performance for you with the boat on but it is a big ask. I tend to agree with the other poster, the V8 Auto may be the better value option.
Regds

Bill

TD is the best way to go for towing if you can afford the extra initial cost. You will get returns at the pump and in resale value. As for overdrive in auto, I've used it for over 200K with no trouble - I feel the auto changes if the strain is sufficient. I can understand problems with drivers staying in 5th manual but that comes down to driver skill/awareness I think - for example cruising at 100k with a load on a flat road - use 5th - hill appears, change to 4th - easy!!!!!
Good luck!

Neil
TD is the only way to go. I tow a 6.5m Cruise Craft with my 100 series TD and the car doen't even know the boats there. I also use all 5 gears and drive the same way that I drive without the boat and never have a problem and that goes for my last 5 landcruisers.
I was at the Brisbane show today and they are selling new GXL TD's drive away for $65,000 so the are by no means 20k dearer than the V8.

john