Builds 1992 LJ78 build... yes another one (1 Viewer)

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Wow its been awhile since posting! work and home life got in the way.

I was able to pull the engine about a month ago and have been tearing things off. cleaning and inspecting as i go along.

Now ive been cleaning and inspecting and looked at the under side of the cylinder head bock and noticed tiny cracks.... thoughts on it?

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You'll have to replace your cylinder head with the newer improved version. The cracks between the valves are not repairable. That must be the original version on there still. The cracks in the pre-cups are common though and not end of the world. As much expense and work as it is, at least you can rest easier with a new head.
 
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You'll have to replace your cylinder head with the newer improved version. The cracks between the valves are not repairable. That must be the original version on there still. The cracks in the pre-cups are common though and not end of the world. As much expense and work as it is, at least you can rest easier with a new head.
Haha one of my biggest nightmares came true when I flipped it over and started cleaning/inspecting.

had to really sit down the last couple days and decide what to do.... Im really leaning towards going ahead and swapping a 1KZ into the truck. yes its gonna cost more than 2L-TE head but more power and more reliability sounds worth it. if I were to go that route what do I need? other than 1kz engine, trans and ECU... does it mount the same exact place could I even use my existing 2l auto trans?

If I do go down this route ill most likely part out my 2L-TE to get some cash back. i plan on keeping this truck and really exploring the country so I'm thinking long-term here. thanks for all the help so far!
 
Haha one of my biggest nightmares came true when I flipped it over and started cleaning/inspecting.

had to really sit down the last couple days and decide what to do.... Im really leaning towards going ahead and swapping a 1KZ into the truck. yes its gonna cost more than 2L-TE head but more power and more reliability sounds worth it. if I were to go that route what do I need? other than 1kz engine, trans and ECU... does it mount the same exact place could I even use my existing 2l auto trans?

If I do go down this route ill most likely part out my 2L-TE to get some cash back. i plan on keeping this truck and really exploring the country so I'm thinking long-term here. thanks for all the help so far!

There are some 1KZ parts and even a 1KZT motor with auto transmission in the classifieds. There might be some useful information there if you go that route.


When I lived in New Zealand I had a 95 4Runner 5 speed that had the 3L (2.8 liter NA engine) which was really sweet and a joy to drive. I think they came in some LJ's depending on the market, and those motors pop up on ebay every once in awhile.
 
There are some 1KZ parts and even a 1KZT motor with auto transmission in the classifieds. There might be some useful information there if you go that route.


When I lived in New Zealand I had a 95 4Runner 5 speed that had the 3L (2.8 liter NA engine) which was really sweet and a joy to drive. I think they came in some LJ's depending on the market, and those motors pop up on ebay every once in awhile.
thank you for the link! ill look into that ad and see what others are out there.

i wouldn't ming the 2l if I didn't have this problem. but now I'm at the point of fix the 2l or upgrade to the 1kz and I'm leaning towards the 1kz. I would love some of the bigger toyota engines or even a cummins but those prices and work required is a little too much for me. so something somewhat plug and play is the route for me
 
tons of sleepless nights trying to figure out what to do. Luckily I found a 1kzte out of a surf stateside with tranny, ECU, and loom.

The goal is to swap everything in and go from there. Now someone on my 1KZ post noted that someone makes the 45mm plate to mount the engine in but waiting to hear back who I need to message.

here's some photos from the leak down test. they all seem to be around 650ish and 1 looks to be maybe 610 or so. I doubt that'll be a problem seeing as everything else is green. Anyone see anything wrong with that 50 or so difference?

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With all that being said ill be parting out my 2L and anything I got for it once the new engine arrives. (still looking for build treads) I hope I don't run into any big problems

Hoping to have the new engine in the truck and running by the end of the month. kinda on a time crunch seeing as ill be taking her to Korea for 2yrs around summer/fall this year!!!
 
One thing to note about the Surf transmission, the transfer case is different and won't work in a Prado setup. You'll need to either use the Prado trans or see if you can swap the rear portion of the transmission to run the Prado transfer case.
 
One thing to note about the Surf transmission, the transfer case is different and won't work in a Prado setup. You'll need to either use the Prado trans or see if you can swap the rear portion of the transmission to run the Prado transfer case.
okay thank you for that. luckily my 2L trans is in good condition so ill gladly mount that to the 1KZ. will I run into a weirdness with a 1kz engine and 2l trans?
 
Not sure what the differences are between the 1KZ and 2LTE transmissions are, but I would think they would be pretty similar. Some of the wiring connections may be different, so you may have to cut and splice the correct plugs onto the harness or re-pin the ones already there. I can't remember if the bell housing bolt pattern is the same between the two engines.
 
Another thing to note, is I don't think the 1kz surf oil pan clears 70 series solid axle properly.
 
Would the surf and prado share the same oil pan mounting setup? just a difference when it comes to the shape?

Pretty sure the blocks are identical. Your best bet is to go on Megazip, and compare the KZJ78 to a KZN130/KZN185 or whatever your motor came out of. Look at the differing parts between the models.
 
Join the Toyota Bundera Australia facebook group and message Ben. He makes the plates you need to move the motor mounts back on the frame. This conversion is very straightforward, been done many many times, and you will find all the relevant information to do it there.
 
I’m alive!!! But the land cruiser isn’t lol

Long story short life got in the way and slowed me down on the build. Currently sourcing a head for my 2L so I should be that soon.

I have the 1kz sitting in garage and have no use for it at all. So if you’re looking for one let me know!! I was planning to do the swap but I just don’t have that kinda time and energy with 20 other things going on haha

$2500 obo for an 1KZ with tranny and ecu

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I’m alive!!! But the land cruiser isn’t lol

Long story short life got in the way and slowed me down on the build. Currently sourcing a head for my 2L so I should be that soon.

I have the 1kz sitting in garage and have no use for it at all. So if you’re looking for one let me know!! I was planning to do the swap but I just don’t have that kinda time and energy with 20 other things going on haha

$2500 obo for an 1KZ with tranny and ecu

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Auto or manual?
 
IM ALIVE!

Been some time but I'm finally making moves on the LJ. Learned how to ride a motorcycle and got hooked lol. But anyways! New head installed on the LJ plus other bits and bobs.

While the engine is pulled I've ordered some new belts and bolts which I'm waiting to come in the mail from PARTSOUQ (love them).

So what about the bad news? While the engine was on the stand of the brackets cracked clean in half... so currently looking for someone local to fab up the part. I looked high and low for a replacement but unfortunately nothing came up.

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Goal is to have the LJ on the road in 2-3 weeks

*** 1KZ still for sale im open to offers seeing as i need it gone asap! unfortunately don't have room to take it with me to korea lol
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IM ALIVE!

Been some time but I'm finally making moves on the LJ. Learned how to ride a motorcycle and got hooked lol. But anyways! New head installed on the LJ plus other bits and bobs.

While the engine is pulled I've ordered some new belts and bolts which I'm waiting to come in the mail from PARTSOUQ (love them).

So what about the bad news? While the engine was on the stand of the brackets cracked clean in half... so currently looking for someone local to fab up the part. I looked high and low for a replacement but unfortunately nothing came up.

3311925020​


Goal is to have the LJ on the road in 2-3 weeks

*** 1KZ still for sale im open to offers seeing as i need it gone asap! unfortunately don't have room to take it with me to korea lol
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Nice work! Any more pictures of that cylinder head before you put it on? Where did you get it again? Looks interesting.

I'll keep my eyes out for the part you broke to see if I can locate one locally. I could ship it to you.

I'd buy your 1KZ if you weren't on the other side of the continent. Maybe I should look into shipping options, lol.
 

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