Hello everyone, I've been lurking for some time now, and would like to introduce myself along with my newest build. I recently imported an 1993 LJ71 from Japan for my Dad to have as our latest Father+Son project car.
I had imported an LJ78 last year to get to know the platform and quickly fell in love while I wrenched on it, much of which I could not have executed without the help of the folks here on Mud! My Dad had always wanted a Land Cruiser, and grew fond of the 70 Series Prado during my LJ78 ownership. He ended up wanting a shorter, narrowbody -J71 to have as a longer-term project and enjoy during retirement.
I fully supported the idea, and ended up chasing one particular low-mileage LJ71 at the auctions in Japan. We finally won it at auction last October, and we picked it up at the port when it finally arrived last week. It's a 1993 SX A/T model with 40,000 Km. Upon inspecting the car in person, it's in great condition considering its age. It has no rust, but was repainted last year by the selling dealer prior to being sent back to auction. Thankfully, they did a good job and the respray was only done to repair the badly faded paint. Given its low mileage, I'm still wondering what life this LJ71 had lived prior to us purchasing it.
There are the typical worn items and issues to address that are expected with any 30-year old vehicle, so that's where Dad and I intend to start with this project. The goal is to build a clean, comfortable, "Street Cruiser" that is ready to tackle the rough streets of NYC. First up is changing all the fluids, mounting a set of new tires (and refinishing the wheels at the same time), alarm install, and a complete detail to get a baseline for the build.
After that, a belt service, Pyro/Water Temp/Boost gauges, and an exterior lighting upgrade are planned. To freshen up the interior, I have some leather seat covers I never got to install on my LJ78, along with some plans to install a double DIN head unit with CarPlay, backup camera, upgraded speakers, etc.
We both would have preferred a 1KZ-TE, but the 2L-TE in this LJ71 looks to be in good health so far. After we finish maintenance on the engine, we're going to remove the EGR system, most likely in the spring. New suspension will be going in during that time as well. Was thinking about Dobinson's Height Restoration Kit and was hoping someone here on Mud could chime in about J71 specific kit options.
I have gained heaps of knowledge from you folks here on Mud, so thank you all for that once again! My Dad and I have spent many hours combing through these forums in anticipation of our our own build, and have gotten endless inspiration from other members here.
Enough of me talking, though! Here's the LJ71!
At the auction:
Picking up at Port Newark:
My JNC770 jump pack wasn't enough for the LJ71, so this was the situation at the port:
And again after refueling, next to my "support truck" that couldn't provide any support at all since I forgot jumper cables! Had to call Hagerty Roadside for a jump.
But after this, I actually drove the truck home ~50 Miles and it was a delight to drive. Everything worked, though it was clear the suspension has sagged and the shocks are past their expiration date. The tires are also in need of replacement. Thanks for getting this far! That's it for this post, more to come!
I had imported an LJ78 last year to get to know the platform and quickly fell in love while I wrenched on it, much of which I could not have executed without the help of the folks here on Mud! My Dad had always wanted a Land Cruiser, and grew fond of the 70 Series Prado during my LJ78 ownership. He ended up wanting a shorter, narrowbody -J71 to have as a longer-term project and enjoy during retirement.
I fully supported the idea, and ended up chasing one particular low-mileage LJ71 at the auctions in Japan. We finally won it at auction last October, and we picked it up at the port when it finally arrived last week. It's a 1993 SX A/T model with 40,000 Km. Upon inspecting the car in person, it's in great condition considering its age. It has no rust, but was repainted last year by the selling dealer prior to being sent back to auction. Thankfully, they did a good job and the respray was only done to repair the badly faded paint. Given its low mileage, I'm still wondering what life this LJ71 had lived prior to us purchasing it.
There are the typical worn items and issues to address that are expected with any 30-year old vehicle, so that's where Dad and I intend to start with this project. The goal is to build a clean, comfortable, "Street Cruiser" that is ready to tackle the rough streets of NYC. First up is changing all the fluids, mounting a set of new tires (and refinishing the wheels at the same time), alarm install, and a complete detail to get a baseline for the build.
After that, a belt service, Pyro/Water Temp/Boost gauges, and an exterior lighting upgrade are planned. To freshen up the interior, I have some leather seat covers I never got to install on my LJ78, along with some plans to install a double DIN head unit with CarPlay, backup camera, upgraded speakers, etc.
We both would have preferred a 1KZ-TE, but the 2L-TE in this LJ71 looks to be in good health so far. After we finish maintenance on the engine, we're going to remove the EGR system, most likely in the spring. New suspension will be going in during that time as well. Was thinking about Dobinson's Height Restoration Kit and was hoping someone here on Mud could chime in about J71 specific kit options.
I have gained heaps of knowledge from you folks here on Mud, so thank you all for that once again! My Dad and I have spent many hours combing through these forums in anticipation of our our own build, and have gotten endless inspiration from other members here.
Enough of me talking, though! Here's the LJ71!
At the auction:
Picking up at Port Newark:
My JNC770 jump pack wasn't enough for the LJ71, so this was the situation at the port:
And again after refueling, next to my "support truck" that couldn't provide any support at all since I forgot jumper cables! Had to call Hagerty Roadside for a jump.
But after this, I actually drove the truck home ~50 Miles and it was a delight to drive. Everything worked, though it was clear the suspension has sagged and the shocks are past their expiration date. The tires are also in need of replacement. Thanks for getting this far! That's it for this post, more to come!
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