Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
If you want a diesel Series 80, contact Back40 Imports, in Kalispell, MT, and have Dave Martin build you one. That's what I did. We started with a clean 1993 truck, which we bought in the PacNW for (I think) $4500, and Dave installed a 1 HD-T after going through it (reseal, rod bearing update, etc) This was not a cheap project, but I got frequent updates with photos and the finished truck has been great. He's a straight shooter and knows LCs very well indeed.
My truck was done a few years ago. I don't know if parts prices etc have gone up. Contact him, he can tell you, mention me and this discussion. Also, you should consider an automatic. I started off wanting a 5 speed manual, but if you ever want to tow anything, the automatic is MUCH better. First gear in the manual is so low it's pretty much wasted.I realize all situations are different, but can you give a very loose approximation of what he might charge to do a 1HD-T/Manual transmission conversion in an 80? I know there are tons of variables. But let's say, in a perfect world where there are no other repairs to be done. Simply converting the 80 to a 1HD-T diesel with a manual transmission. (Not counting the cost of parts. Just the Conversion cost)
My truck was done a few years ago. I don't know if parts prices etc have gone up. Contact him, he can tell you, mention me and this discussion. Also, you should consider an automatic. I started off wanting a 5 speed manual, but if you ever want to tow anything, the automatic is MUCH better. First gear in the manual is so low it's pretty much wasted.
Dave recommended the heavy-duty automatic for my truck. I don't do much towing, either, but the automatic was what he recommended. I also live in an area where we have a lot of traffic, and I drive the LC often, so the automatic is better. Your uses may be different from mine. Nothing against manuals- my Tacoma is a manual, and I've owned quite a few stick-shift cars and trucks.I won't be doing any towing with this 80 greater than the occasional utility trailer. But, my experience with towing, has been that a manual can withstand the greater loads much better. Maybe an 80 is different?
He IS a great guy, and the quality of his work is outstanding.I spoke with Dave. Heck of a nice guy. He gave me some good info, and a few figures of how much I could expect to spend on a conversion like this.
I won't be doing any towing with this 80 greater than the occasional utility trailer. But, my experience with towing, has been that a manual can withstand the greater loads much better. Maybe an 80 is different?
Manual 80series diesel are a great tow rig.
I had a HDJ81, H151F manual. I regularly towed a heavy tool trailer.
JDM and Aussie spec 80s have synchros on high range gears, so you can get rolling in low range, and shift to high range on the fly. (I believe NA spec t-case has no synchros?)
I should mention that the first diesel LC I had was a manual, JDM, RHD truck. This may be a function of my age and lack of adaptability, but I could not get used to RHD, in traffic, etc. It wasn't going to work for me. That truck was a non-turbo 1-HZ, I think it's called, and a five-speed. I would still have it if it had been LHD.
Yeah, it's not a fireball. The turbo version is much better.You are correct. I don't know if it has something to do with the fact that the U.S. spec 80's are all automatics, or if they just figured that drivers in the U.S. wouldn't need to shift out of 4wd on the fly. Either way, I'm sure it saved them a miniscule amount of money anyway.
The 1-HZ is pretty much known as the most reliable out of the straight 6 Toyota Diesels. Unfortunately, that reliability comes at a price. It is also known for having the least power out of this series of engine.
When I've looked at their listings, they are all RHD. Some folks are okay with RHD..I got mine from Japanese Classics in Richmond VA. Very satisfied. JC tends to be on the expensive side though.
maybe not the best place to buy but another option anyway.Japanese Classics – Classic Japanese Car Importing Service
www.japaneseclassics.com
When I've looked at their listings, they are all RHD. Some folks are okay with RHD..