Vehicle Choice.

Benno,

Probably be good if you mentioned the engine and gearbox to give people that warm fuzzy feeling.
From your mention of turbo lag i am guessing it is a 3litre diesel with a manual box?

Cheers.

I own a 1998 HZJ75 toyota troopy . It was standard when i bought it and i am slowly turning it into a rust bucket . Its been an good truck so far but my back aches from the trips . The approach and ramp over angles at standard hight are pretty good but the departure angle is hopeless so a new rear bumper bar is on the shopping list . Traction is alright, the rear LSD sucks and been too scared to go in the mud even wit A/T tyres. The wife hates it and says she would rather drive the corolla so now i cannot grog on because she refuses to drive it . The naturally exasperated 1HZ lack of power is driving me up the wall . I never tow anything because i would be in second gear up every hill . cheers .

Benno, there are people who have Range Rovers and people who do not.
If you really need a "truck" try a Canter four wheel drive.
All else is second rate.
Kind regards
Brian

Benno,
My first four wheel drive was a short wheel base Land Rover 1949 model. Yes, they told me that there was no such model imported to WA. I sold it to a RAAF bloke for $50. because it would not start. He put in a fuse and drove it away.
Next was a SWB Land Rover followed by a Toyota L.C. then a tray back Toyota. Then a Suzuki LJ50 which would go ANYWHERE but was so small as to be almost useless except for ovenight camping.
Then a 2 door Range Rover with long range tanks.
Then a Patrol.
Next was a Range Rover Vogue SE.
Experience? Opinion? Yes, you are right. Been there done that.
Kind regards
brian

About 20 years ago I bought a 85 Hilux Xtra cab SR5 2.4 petrol.
at the time there was only the two of us plus two Ridge Backs. A great little truck. fantastic on short little runs and day trips.
After a long absence from 4 wheel driving about 5 old years ago we got our second 4by, 91 LC 80 series See my Profile
More pictures of the old girl :)
She does everything I ask of her and more. through the week she is a taxi/work truck and on weekends she is a tug for the horse float and camper or just getting the kids to sport or used for short trips. we're Very happy her :)

Hi Benno

Currently have a 2002 Landcruiser 105 1HZ auto in GLX trim. Bought it new to set up for touring and weekend trips.

Has the usual after market stuff (see my profile ) for the list. Without a doubt the best thing I did was chopping it and turning it into a duel cab. I now have a very capable tourer that can carry the family along with everything needed for a trip away.

Only issue is a shutter that happens in overdrive at around 80km, seem to be a common problem with the 1HZ auto's. Love to hear a fix if anyone has come up with one.

Cheers Scott

Am keen to purchase a 4WD to tow a van around Australia.
Have a friend who is a diesel mechanic and he advises that I seriously consider a Nissan Patrol petrol over a Toyota landcruiser. He doesn't dislike Toyota's but feels that Nissans are better value all round.
I have no particular allegience to either vehicle but my friend says that the Nissans post 2004 are particularly robust in the gearbox and drive train and the petrol engine (4.8L) has more power than the diesals, both Nissan and Toyota.
Also, the extra cost a person would pay for the Toyota is not value for money.
Could anyone with some mechanical knowledge and unbiased views provide me with some advice please. Regards, Rob

1992 Toyota 4Runner 2.8D no turbo, 5 speed.

Good points

Cheap - cost me $6.5K 2 years ago
Hilux running gear - cheap & easy to maintain. Oil change every 5000km is cheap. All up service = 6L oil & filter, about $60. Air filter & fuel filters about $22 each
Comfy car with AC, power steering, long range tank, kaymar wheel carrier
Light, comfy seats, compact but roomy enough for our "older" teenagers
economical
good on tyres
damn good brakes
easy to drive - my daughter drives it to school in the city

Iffy things

A bit under powered so I fitted extractors and big exhaust - better low and mid range power
IFS is a bit weak for serious offroading
limited room for fitting accessories like radios

Bad points

Fuel pump leaks at top (slack mechanic/owner)
Some of the electrics are tricky but easy to fix if you know a good auto sparky

The worst thing that has happened since I've had it is a leaking diff seal on both fron & rear diffs. Both on RHS as well.

I've done the following: Spotties on the front bumper, Fitted UHF, Made a swing out dual jerry can holder, MP3 player. Going to build an overhead console. Stay tuned for that one.

We don't use it much for 4WDing but we've been to Fraser Island, Flinders Ranges, Coorong, Little Dip CP and used it on the back roads around home. It's a very capable 4WD. Planning to go to Googs Track & Gawler Ranges, Border Track, Little Desert, plus a few other places. It won't let me down. There's a pic on my profile page.

Louie

Just put a set of Old Man Emu shocks & springs with 2 inches of lift in the rear of my Patrol. I actually only got half way through installing the full lift kit and got called into work but found that the more agressive stance has changed the geometry of the suspension and the steering is now more responsive on road than before. I'll finish the full lift but if I loose the responsiveness that I gained with only the rear lift I will take the front springs back out because front end clearence has never been an issue I just kept getting hooked up on the tow bar whilst off roading. My accidental finding has made the Patrol a fair bit more pleasnt on the road. Which has never been the Patrols strong point.