3rd row seat mod in 70 series LX?

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T

TrophyRanger

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Jan 30, 2019
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Hi,

My family and I will be moving to Africa next month so I'm in the process of deciding what vehicle to buy. I'm considering a 15-20 year old Prado but have my eyes on a 2000 70 series LX 4 door with a diesel (which personally, I'd prefer). My main question is: Is there any way to put a 3rd row seat in this vehicle? I realize that they didn't come factory but we have 4 kids so my only hope of talking my wife into a 70 series is if the vehicle is safe and we can professionally figure out a way to install a 3rd row seat. Has anyone ever seen this done?

Also, any general info I should know about the vehicle would be appreciated- reliability, concerns, weak links, etc. Auto parts are few and far between in Africa so reliability is important. I'm from the US so it's been difficult to get good information on the 70 series.

Thanks so much!!!
Matt
 
I know the lj-78 comes from the factory with fold up seats in the way back. I am not sure if the HZJ-77 has the mounting points for those seats or not, or if they also had these seats from the factory. Don’t know if any you look at will still have these seats or not but you probably could buy some used ones, but you might have to import them.
 
Just tagged you in a third row for sale. It’s from an lj78. No idea if it’s a direct fit but worth looking into.
 
Hello,

Four door LJ7x/KZJ7x Prados came with a third row seat. I have not seen it on 77s/76s.

However, chances are captive nuts and anchoring points are there.

If the truck's model year is 2000, quite likely it is an HZJ76.

Regarding reliability, I would choose an HZJ7x. The 1HZ engine is bulletproof and will last a lifetime if maintained properly. There are lots of 1HZ-powered 70 Series in Africa, so engine parts are available, especially if you know where to look.

If the truck has an R151F transmission, it is wise not to abuse it. It can take a lot of punishment, though.

Rust is a concern, but proper washing and greasing help.

You may want to install an aftermarket suspension for a better ride.

Get yourself copies of engine and repair manuals.





Juan
 
Where in Africa are you heading to ?
Do not decide before you actually get there and have a better understanding of all the options available to you ... there are many 7 seater Cruiser options out there.
 
Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated. Is there a good site that runs through all the different models with pictures and explains the differences? Being a newbie, the various model nomenclature is killing me. Wikipedia and toyota-global.com aren't a great help.

The current owner lists it having a 4.6l diesel but by the pictures it appears to be a 4.2. As best as I can tell, it's the same model as this one: TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 70 LX | 2004 | GOLD | 144,800 km | details.- Japanese used cars.Goo-net Exchange

Also, divemedic- Thanks for the tag, I'll check the seats out.
 
TrophyRanger said:
my only hope of talking my wife into a 70 series is if the vehicle is safe and we can professionally figure out a way to install a 3rd row seat.
Click to expand...

You maybe able to get an engineer to give you a diagram on how it can be done safely and legally. I wouldnt consider a side facing seat of you want the best safety.
 
I second waiting to arrive in country. You may have options like diesel 100/105 which would offer significant safety and comfort.
 
76 series trucks have optional factory third row folding seats. I will try and post a photo later today.
 
My 91 LJ77 has the 3rd row seats.

It was originally from Spain.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, I really appreciate it. A little off topic so maybe I should consider a separate thread but in terms of a good balance between safety (priority) and a good off road worthy vehicle, which models would you recommend?

Divemedic- You recommended a 100/105 series. Obviously a newer, more comfortable and likely safer model in terms of airbags, crumple zones, etc but my understanding is that these were more targeted to the luxury owner and are not nearly as off-road worthy. Are my assumptions accurate?
 
TrophyRanger said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, I really appreciate it. A little off topic so maybe I should consider a separate thread but in terms of a good balance between safety (priority) and a good off road worthy vehicle, which models would you recommend?

Divemedic- You recommended a 100/105 series. Obviously a newer, more comfortable and likely safer model in terms of airbags, crumple zones, etc but my understanding is that these were more targeted to the luxury owner and are not nearly as off-road worthy. Are my assumptions accurate?
Click to expand...

My understanding is the 100 model is the luxury one and the 105 is the utilitarian one. The 105 came with the 1HZ and a solid front axle.
 
Here is a photo of a 76 series third row

11D4D766-3824-42EE-A006-553C14FF2EB3.webp
 
TrophyRanger said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, I really appreciate it. A little off topic so maybe I should consider a separate thread but in terms of a good balance between safety (priority) and a good off road worthy vehicle, which models would you recommend?

Divemedic- You recommended a 100/105 series. Obviously a newer, more comfortable and likely safer model in terms of airbags, crumple zones, etc but my understanding is that these were more targeted to the luxury owner and are not nearly as off-road worthy. Are my assumptions accurate?
Click to expand...

Hello,

A 100/105 Series is very good off road. It is more comfortable than a 70 Series.

The 100 has an IFS while the 105 has a live axle. The latter is based on the 80 Series if I remember correctly.

A 70 Series is intended to operate reliably on- and off-road under severe condition and with little maintenance. A 100/105 may require some more maintenance than a 70 Series: I am thinking of the IFS front axle and the electronics, among other things.







Juan
 
TrophyRanger said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, I really appreciate it. A little off topic so maybe I should consider a separate thread but in terms of a good balance between safety (priority) and a good off road worthy vehicle, which models would you recommend?

Divemedic- You recommended a 100/105 series. Obviously a newer, more comfortable and likely safer model in terms of airbags, crumple zones, etc but my understanding is that these were more targeted to the luxury owner and are not nearly as off-road worthy. Are my assumptions accurate?
Click to expand...

If it where me, and I could afford it, my family would be driving a 200 gx-r (think poverty package 200 series with modern lighting and safety) and I’d drive a 79 or 76. If I could only chose one vehicle, in Africa, I’d take the 200 every time.
 
I guess you can see if there are any captive nuts in the rear on the sides that look like they might be for these seats, then you would know that yours is ready for some if/when you find some. Maybe a parts manual will give you a rough idea of where to look. I know the LJ-78's from Japan came with them, but like all things Toyota they may only come on specific trim?
 
I will have a look today. Will the captive nuts be visible from inside the cabin or will they be from the underside of the vehicle?
 
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