maximum overdrive in richmond

[mdrive]

Originally Posted by canucksafari

Glad to hear you have changed your repair practices. But I am going to call BS on the "Lot Boy" claim. Unless the "lot boy" was also the owner, it was you doing body work on a Deli plus a water pump etc in June of 2006.

As for prices, generally speaking when there is high supply and lower demand, then prices should go down.

As for your service package, I am still not impressed if you claim to be offering a higher quality package. You don't detail what you do for each vehicle model. You can't be doing the same for a HDJ81 and CARIB. For instance, any diesel vehicle older than 1994 should as a matter of course have the injector pump seals done and all injectors bench tested. If you are not doing this on all your diesels you can't claim higher quality IMO. Are you doing the BEB on the Cruisers which need them? Again, you can't be saying well, its only got 80,000 kms so it doesn't need to be done yet. Also, are you offering any warranty to back up your servicing claims and claims why people should pay more for your product? For an educated buyer, talk is cheap. As a purchaser, I want to know how you back up your claims? From your web site, this is not clear.

I think you are confusing your self. The lot boy was from Paraguay who was working on the deli. Anyways, we change timing belt, waterpump, seals on ALL cars (except KEI cars and timing chained cars) whether it is a Land Cruiser or Carib. Con rod bearing are extra for 81 which we always do. May be you should stop by at our shop, and we will show you around how things are done.

[canucksafari]

Sorry no go on that try. I can tell the difference between a Spanish accent and a Central Asian one.

Still given the high percentage of JDM diesel injection system failures, I am sure potential customers would like to know what you do to ensure they are not faced with an expensive bill to replace injectors, replace leaky seals or worse an IP rebuild.

[mdrive]

Originally Posted by canucksafari

Sorry no go on that try. I can tell the difference between a Spanish accent and a Central Asian one.

Still given the high percentage of JDM diesel injection system failures, I am sure potential customers would like to know what you do to ensure they are not faced with an expensive bill to replace injectors, replace leaky seals or worse an IP rebuild.

Most injection pump will fail eventually, so we rebuild the one already leaking. The one no leaking has our 6 months after sales warranty, in that period, if IP leaks, we will do it at cost. All vehicles (unless sold as-is) gets full service. Full service includes, New waterpump, timing belt, all new front cam and crank seals, fluids, filters, front hub, etc. I hope it clarifies about our service package. Till date we have no dissatisfied customer. We make sure or customers are fully satisfied.

[canucksafari]

Interesting. I must have missed that warranty part being posted on your web site. What is covered and not covered by the warranty. Is there a claim price limit for any one problem or a claim price limit for a set period of time. Perhaps the warranty info isn't on your web site or not clearly posted. I couldn't find it. As for prepping, do you pull the injectors and spray test them? If not, how do you know if they are good. You know as well as I do that either biodiesel or a good diesel additive will cover up injector problems. Not saying you do that, but some people do. Do you rebuild your own injector pumps? If not, at cost is a whole other ball game. What does at cost mean versus the "retail cost"?

[jcolvin]

BEB on an HDJ need doing for sure. IP seals? That's more of a "luxury" service. I've had my HDJ81 with 200,000 on the clock now for 4 years almost and not a drop leaks out of the IP seals. Delica has 2 years on it now, seals are fine. I'm just going to leave them the way they are, and if they start leaking, *then* I will fix them. When they do fail it is usually not catastropic, AFAIK. More of a slow leak situation. So it is not the sort of failure that will leave you stick in the bush with hungry grizzlies outside the truck.

Jonathan Colvin

[canucksafari]

You are lucky. I have known many who have had IP leaks. On the Safari's a leak on the drive shaft seal can cause major damage faily quickly. It dumps diesel under pressure right into the crank case. The IP is gear driven from gears off the crank and lubed from the engine oil. For my second Safari, I got a seal kit from a friend who ordered in a number of kits and other FI parts. The seal kit only cost $16. Cheap insurance compared to the cost of a rebuild. I can tell you that when the pump on my first safari started to leak it was a dribble on day and spraying the next. Guess it is luck of the draw.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by canucksafari

On the Safari's a leak can cause major damage faily quickly.

That would be why we all drive Landcruisers here

[canucksafari]

Originally Posted by Enigma

That would be why we all drive Landcruisers here

Yes, but when you have the new vitron type seals, you never have to worry about changing an IP belt again. Imagine having to do this on the trail when you blow an IP belt:



As for getting an IP leak, your time is coming if you have a pre-1993 JDM diesel. Just check some of the Cruiser forums Down-under, ask Rosco or even Greg.

[mko72]

I'm thinking of buying a JDM vehicle. The ones here in Vancouver really pale in comparison to what's sitting in the stocks over in Japan. If they're decent, then whoever is selling is usually charging double. Seems like maximum over drive is riding the good-will coat tails of guys like terra2imports or Rising Sun. But then terra2imports prices are SO high.

So I found a Hilux with these Auto Rec guys in Japan. According to them, $6,800 will get this thing purchased and shipped here. I'm wondering if anything else needs to be done once they get here. I hear a lot of talk about water pumps and timing belts. Also, at the risk of sound like a putz, what's an IP leak? Something to do with the injector system? Is the RORO idea safe? Is it worth spending the extra on a container?

Also, I can't afford my first choice a '81 Landcruiser 4.2L. I'm probably going for the '93 Hilux Surf 3L. I've got a 94 3L gas pickup which just doesn't have the power and neither does the 2.4L Hilux, plus the cracking head issue (I was surprised how much that engine sucks ass).

Does anyone know of any major problems with them, aside from lacking a decent roof rack? Come on Haters, this is your chance to really sound off!!!

[crushers]

do a search and you will find the Toyota diesels 3L and smaller ALL have head cracking problems.
Rising Sun, are you friggin kidding me?

so lets see, you are complaining that a company is charging a profit? drop your pennies and take you chances, there are as many crooks in Japan as there are in Vancouver.

you want peace of mind then buy something landed or go with a reputable importer, if you are inclined to accept risk then import yourself, simple as that.

but stay away from the LN / LJ series Toyota. if you can afford $4000 in a replacement head and another $2000 in cooling system upgrades then go for it.

it amazes me when some bloke that can manipulate his way around a keyboard can now belittle those that have been in the business for years.

rule of tumb:
if you can not afford to loose your investment then don't invest.

rule of thumb 2:
if is it sounds too good to be true, then it is.

i am assuming it is a hilux surf you are looking at and not a hilux pickup for that money. the hilux pickup in Japan sells for double your quoted price.

[mko72]

Take cover, I'm under attack!!! Lighten up bud.

I finished school last year and after a year living off a diet of Tang and Ramen noodles paying off loans I'm finally starting to make a few bucks. Of course I don't have a problem with a company turning a profit. It's how I run my business. I don't pay my bills with pats on the back and free food on set. However as a consumer, this is a free market and I have a right to search for the best deal I can find and consult with like minded individuals who are passionate about the same types of vehicles I'm passionate about, so relax.

Since I'm apparently "kidding you" about Rising Sun, maybe you could specify in a complete sentence if I'm kidding you in a good way or a bad way. They're either great guys or bandits. Fill me in.

Aside from the above comment, I've yet to read about a 3L head cracking problem. I've done a lot of research in local forums, australian forums and british forums, there is a lot of support for the 3L and few, if any, complaints.

If things panned out for jfarsang and he had a good experience with Japan Auto Rec, then we'll know that they are reputable exporters so hopefully he weighs in on this.

When it comes to investing money you're not afraid to lose; this is a 4x4 forum, not a forum for business tycoons. I highly doubt that ANYONE in this forum can simply throw away ten grand on a truck that's going to sit at the docks for a month and get crushed into a cube.

Yes, it's a hilux surf. I've got a pickup and I sold my dirt bike for a road bike, don't need a truck anymore. The runner works a lot better for carrying bikes, boards, dogs and camera gear. I live in Vancouver, traffic is fucking TERRIBLE, I'm sick of MT, it's time for an auto. I also think the 3L gas engine is bad enough in the truck, let alone the heavier runner so I'd like a hilux surf. I agree, a Landcruiser works better, haven't got the cash. I'm looking for something in the 8-9 grand range. Maybe a little higher.

So, which is the LN/LJ series?

How many rigs have you imported?

I know the heads crack and they overheat so I need six grand once it cracks. Assuming the head isn't cracked upon arrival is there anything mechanical that MUST happen upon entry to Canada?

Has anybody out there done the paperwork themselves?

Much appreciated.

[crushers]

i have imported close to 200 highend units over 8 years, i am also one of the original 3 that started this JDM craze. Lost Guide is no more and Mustang is still going the last time i looked.

Rising Sun? if you have to ask you don't want to know.

LN is the hilux, LJ is the land cruiser.

if you are shopping with the 8-9 range then look at a Mits Pajero, i have had excellent luck with the Pajero, Delica and Strada for warranty issues. the LJ head issue damn near broke me.

do yourself a huge favor use a good broker, it costs about $250 more than doing yourself but no headaches.

i can appreciate a person on a budget and my suggestion is go buy a $2000 honda civic, save up a few more grand and buy a JDM that is going to be worth bringing in.

the 3L does have head problems, these are used to "upgrade" the 2LTE when their heads crack and now the 3L heads are cracking.

[crushers]

BTW, a runner and surf are the same truck but different name

[mko72]

You bet your ass I wanna know. What did Rising Sun do that so bad? If it's bad as you say it is, it must be worth hearing. I used to work at a Toyota dealership when I was like 18; me and all the other mechanics ( I was a lot attendant, not a tech) wanted JDM land cruisers and Rising Sun was where people were looking and they were charging like 25-30 grand for 20 year old trucks and NO ONE could afford one. Probably for the better?

No need to buy a honda civic, I've got a truck, I want an SUV. You can't carry a bike, a dog and an ENG kit in a civic at the same time. Also, no four wheel drive.

Do you know anyone you would consider to be a "good broker" in Vancouver? What does a broker do that costs $250 compared to terra2's $1000 service fee?

Is this 3L heads on 2.4L engines that are cracking, or are you suggesting that 3L heads on 3L engines are cracking? Could you point me in the direction of an article, magazine, wikipedia page or otherwise; not that I'm questioning YOUR credibility, there's just a lot of here-say in these forums with little facts to back it up.

By avoiding the LN/LJ series, are you suggesting that everyone, everywhere not buy any land cruisers or hilux surfs?

What do you drive?

cheers

[crushers]

what do i drive?
1991 PZJ70 hard top
1991 PZJ70 soft top
1987 BJ70 soft top
1992 Mits Chariot
and
a 1993 Isuzu Elf.

i have owned and driven, both on road and off, almost all versions of Land Cruisers to hit Canadian soil over the last 30 years.

i spent nearly 2 years with a pair of really clean LJ78s that got DD and wheeled and i spent well over $6K in head and cooling upgrades on one to try and stop the catrostophic head failures. the 3L head cracked roughly 4 months later.

and, yes, that is EXACTLY what i am suggesting... if you don't want to hear it just say so and i will butt out.

the 3L is underpowered (even worse than the V6 gasser), thirsty and has a poorly designed cooling system. if you wish to be another test case go right ahead. i really do not care one way or the other... it isn't my money.

you want your ears tickled or the truth, sounds like you want someone to say "frigg'n A, best deal ever... go for it". you have extensively searched the Toyota forums around the world you have already heard that.

Brittiany at A&A customs is not cheap but she is excellent.

i am through with this discussion.

[canucksafari]

MKO72, Crushers table manners may be a little unpolished but he does know his stuff better than most pros when it comes to Toyota and a few other JDM makes also. He's just trying to save you from wasting your money. If you want a cheaper diesel SUV with an auto then the Pajero is your best bet. If you want a diesel SUV with a solid front axle, then your only choices are the landcrusier or the Nissan Safari. Neither of them in good condition from Japan are in your price range. Your other option is to forget a diesel and buy an 80 series from the US. Decent ones can be had for $5,000. I even found one with 126,000 kand with lockers front and back for under $7,000. A number of guys in our club have gone this route and are quite happy. Your other option is to forget importing a diesel yourself and buy one from a private seller. If you are patient and are not looking for very low km mall princess, their are deals to be had, especially with the RHD 60 series. The other advantage of buying local is you have the opportunity to have a professional inspect it first. This can save you some major coin. I wish you good luck but remember you get a lot more valuable info from people if your a good listener.

[mko72]

I'd still like to know this Rising Sun story.

What are your guys thoughts on Tyee Imports?

[canucksafari]

Originally Posted by mko72

I'd still like to know this Rising Sun story.

What are your guys thoughts on Tyee Imports?

I don't know the Rising Sun story but IMO Tyee Imports is right up their with

If you really want to to hear from a wide selection of people, why don't your ask your questions about importers/exporters over on IVOAC.CA?

[mko72]

Hahaha thanks. I'll check out IVOAC.ca

That's a sweet photo. Looks like it came from an 8-bit Nintendo Game to tie into the film.

Is there anywhere to find more specific specs on these older vehicles, like towing capacity, cargo space in cubic feet etc.?

Have you imported a rig on your own canucksafari?

[canucksafari]

No. I have not yet imported a rig on my own yet. The first Safari I bought from a dealer in Surrey (Silk Road Autos). I got lucky. The price was good and my only major problem after the sale was a injector pump which started leaking 6 months later. It wasn't something they could have know even if they did understand the mechanics of the truck - which they didn't. Other items that were a condition of the sale were taken care of by them. Its always a good idea to have the vehicle professionally inspected. The other Safari I bought from a friend who had discovered it had been abandoned by an exporter with a shipment of cars on the docks here. I still have to get around to finish prepping it for registration and maybe sale - but I am in no big rush. That one I got lucky on as it was an as is situation and no one really knew what the mechanical condition was. We spent the better part of the day trying to start the other vehicles. Only the Soarer and the Safari started right away. A Surf with the usual head problem was sold for parts and another one need a tranny rebuild. If you can't do your own mechanical work and can't afford to gamble with getting crap, then spend some extra money, buy local, and get a qualified independent inspection.

Japanese owners manauls translated into English can be purchased here: [url=http://www.manuals.co.nz/?page=shop/browse&category_id=740&CLSN_728=1233763618728e5a77 789cfe3c792d73[/url]. I also recommend you get a factory service manaul FSM after you purchase a rig. Specs of JDM vehicls can be found here: Japanese cars catalog - specs, features & pics - AMAYAMA.COM.

G'd luck.

[mko72]

Thanks. I joined up at IVOAC too. Not ready to buy but I'm keeping my ear to the ground now.