Thinking of a '92 LC78 Prado

[Sted Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sted]

Hi all,

Firstly, apologies if this is in the wrong section, doesn't seem to be a specific section for these earlier models!

Anyhow, been looking at 150 series Prado's and really like them, even here in the UK where they are just called Land Cruisers, much to the amusement of the rest of the world.

I have spied, however, what I believe is a very early Prado based on the old 78 Series, circa 92-93, what I would appreciate is any advice/concerns over this particular model as I know very little about them and doubt that anybody over here does either!

Here is the vehicle:



Looks pretty clean, the garage was shut as it was early on a Sunday but I'll be asking about history, mileage etc, I did bump into a guy who worked there and he said the vehicle has had one owner for the last 11 years and has had an engine re-build in that time but didnt know for what.

More shots:





the aspiration would be something similar to this....



Yum!

Anyhow, any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Don't know how much luck you will have, we never got that model in Australia. There are a few floating around, but I'm sure these are all imports. They looks mean though, they are live axle coil sprung all around aren't they? What motor does it have?

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Mate in Japan had one. Straight six diesel. Seemed pretty robust but wouldn't have had to do any hardcore stuff. Mostly ski ferry. Post up specs, will be interesting.

[Sted Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sted]

Don't know how much luck you will have, we never got that model in Australia. There are a few floating around, but I'm sure these are all imports. They looks mean though, they are live axle coil sprung all around aren't they? What motor does it have?

2.4 Diesel turbo, from limited information they seem to be a modded '78 Cruiser with different engines, not entirely sure how robust they are but there's a good video from Expedition Portal on YT about their build to a similar truck.

[wobbly pete Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close wobbly pete]

Its an LJ78.

Chassis, body, drivetrain all solid.

The 2.4 LT/e engine is a crock though, underpowered and prone to cracking heads for no consistent reason.

Suspension has a 'sport' setting which has generally packed up by now, swapping to iron man or similar is general answer.

Front hubs are selectable via a dash switch, frequently dont work.

The engine work will almost certainly be a new head.

The auto box is bulletproof, but mated to the gutless 2.4 engine its an unexciting drive.

The 94/95 model had the 3.0 kzte engine, different beast altogether and much sought after.

£1500 is cheap enough though, if its a reliable truck then its good value, especially if you are happy at 60mph on the motorway

Cheers

Pete

[Sted Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sted]

Its an LJ78.

Chassis, body, drivetrain all solid.

The 2.4 LT/e engine is a crock though, underpowered and prone to cracking heads for no consistent reason.

Suspension has a 'sport' setting which has generally packed up by now, swapping to iron man or similar is general answer.

Front hubs are selectable via a dash switch, frequently dont work.

The engine work will almost certainly be a new head.

The auto box is bulletproof, but mated to the gutless 2.4 engine its an unexciting drive.

The 94/95 model had the 3.0 kzte engine, different beast altogether and much sought after.

£1500 is cheap enough though, if its a reliable truck then its good value, especially if you are happy at 60mph on the motorway

Cheers

Pete

Cheers Pete!

Yeah, read that about the heads cracking, might see if I can locate a 3l model though I have seen this particular model going for way more than this is advertised for elsewhere , makes me feel there's something amiss, forecourts don't usually offer bargains!
It wouldn't be a daily driver, just something of a project vehicle, V8 maybe? ;-)

Thanks for the reply bud, much appreciated.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Plenty of room to squeeze an LSA under there....

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

One for sale here in Oz with a 1kz under the bonnet http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/landcruis...item418f9394b5

Would be a good platform for a build I reckon.

Cheers Andrew

[wobbly pete Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close wobbly pete]

Sted

plenty of info on the UK site landcruiserclub.net

a few years back folks were putting in lexus v6 engines, would be swift in a straight line!

The last couple of years has seen fewer of them about as the heads crack.

its a jap market car, so import, some have a locking rear diff which is a real plus.

I ran one for 2 years, I liked it for its 1980s styling, but mpg is poor in the 2.4, 18mpg or 22 on a run.

the 3.0 kzte engine is waaaay better, pleasure to drive, but fetching 4k plus..........

parts easy to get.

cheers

pete

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

One for sale here in Oz with a 1kz under the bonnet http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/landcruis...item418f9394b5

Would be a good platform for a build I reckon.

Cheers Andrew

That seems like a ridiculous price to ask for it !

Sted, here's one I saw in Japan last year... looks really nice IMO...

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Yeah price seemed a bit steep to me, but there is no law against asking a high price

Cheers Andrew

[Sted Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sted]

That seems like a ridiculous price to ask for it !

Sted, here's one I saw in Japan last year... looks really nice IMO...

Oooh yes! Very nice, almost G-Wagon like!

I've passed on this one, far too many unknowns but I am certainly still in the market for a Prado, maybe even a new-ish one, I'm test driving next week, looking forward to it!

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Go for a holiday in Norway etc and bring back an Artic truck. Everyone here will be very green!!

[D4Dforme Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4Dforme]

Why not just buy the 76 series?......put a Prado badge on it if you like.........already a V8 4 doors etc.

Dan