80 vs 70 for overlanding (1 Viewer)

[ntz1111]

Hello all,

My heart is set on an older 76 or 78 troopy to begin an overlanding project. Aside from all the benefits this car brings with it, I wanted the maximum amount of internal space and auto gearbox (which i know the 70 doesn t have) I'm looking to model it on something like this Alu-Cab Africa - Hercules Rooftop Conversion

It's virtually impossible to find 70s in the UK (and i still don't know if the cost of direct Japanese import is worth it) but there are an abundance of 80s (with auto boxes) already in the UK.

So my question is: which 80 series model most closely resembles the 70 in terms of space, load-bearing and overlanding ability?

Or do i just bite the bullet (I've seen manual - auto box conversions for LCs but they;re not cheap)

Phil

 

[cruiserdan]

All 80 Series models have the same physical dimensions.

I own both 80 and 70 Series variants. The 70 has more charm but the 80 is more capable and absolutely more comfortable (in my view).

 

[shermantank55]

I have driven the 70, 80 and 100 series overseas. The 70 series wins in the character department and I appreciated the open space of the cargo area. The 80 series is far and away more comfortable (coil springs all around), as least as capable and the auto gearbox is worth it. If you can get a turbo diesel 80 then that's the direction I would go---Option 3: The 100 series runs a close second in my opinion, and if you could get a 105 (solid axle 100 series) that is what I would go with.

 

[monke south]

All 80 Series models have the same physical dimensions.

I own both 80 and 70 Series variants. The 70 has more charm but the 80 is more capable and absolutely more comfortable (in my view).

I would also agree with this. I have a 75 troope that I love, and is EXTREMELY capable. It's very nostalgic. But the 80 is far more comfortable. It's a privilege to drive.

 

[ALX4X4]

Shudder at the thought of LONG hours behing the wheel in a 70 series compare to an 80 and I've got both LOL.

 

[mudgudgeon]

80's are FAR more comfortable being coil sprung, vs shaking your kidneys out with leaf springs in early 70s. Later models had coil sprung front end.
70's will have greater load carrying capacity, but for your use, I dont think I would sacrifice comfort for the extra load carrying.

80's are far more capable offroad if comparing both with suspension still in standard form.

80's are wider in the body, so potentially more cargo space with 2nd row seats out, Troopy has a higher roof. 70's are very cramped in the drivers compartment if you're anything over 6ft

 

[SHREDwagon]

My heart is set on an older 76 or 78 troopy to begin an overlanding project.

Hey Phil -

You probably know all the obvious pro's and cons: 1HZ vs HD-FT, R151 vs H151, manual vs auto, interior volume, cargo capacity, comfort, parts availability blah blah blah

Question: how much wheeling do you plan on doing and where?

[Between the two, my vote would be for a well maintained year 2000 through 2007 HDJ78 from Oz (HD-FTE / H151 combo) with a Hercules. LCOOL is where I'd recommend shopping if you have the means and patience]

 

[ntz1111]

Many thanks for your replies.

Now i you mention it, i'm not entirely clear re the 1HZ vs HD-FT, R151 vs H151 pros and cons.

The 105 looks very nice but i'm told that it's an extremely thirsty beast (to the point of restricting range) and a bit underpowered (again, perhaps just hearsay) I'd want to carry 180l fuel and probably 100l of water + equipment so i do not know if payload would be an issue here.

 

[mudgudgeon]

If an aussie diesel 105 is on the cards, they only came with 1HZ, and r151 manual 5speed gearbox, or auto.
They are bigger, and heavier than an 80, they have lower diff ratios than an 80, but the r151 has a higher 1st gear ratio.
the r151 gearbox is a real weakness

My HZJ105 averages 14L/100km for general city and highway use.
Off-road in hilly low range conditions, I've used as much as 35L/100km

Aussie 105s have 90litre main rank, and 50litre rear sub tank. There's heaps of room for larger tanks under the rear if the spare wheel is shifted to rear carrier.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Do some searching on lcool.org/forum it's an Aussie based landcruiser forum. Loads of good tech info available, you'll have to sign up. Just leave your sense of humor at the door, it's a very dry forum.

 

[greentruck]

With payloads like that, you're going to need upgrades either way I'd think, depending on what "equipment" ends up weighing in addition to the fluids. You talking about 180 liters plus the OEM tankage or just 180 liters total?

Trailers provide a good way of getting lots of fuel off the truck, but not for every situation.

Never rode in a 70 yet (gotta have something on your bucket list, right?), but always looked like maybe an improvement over the 55 series. The 80 has to be more plush in stock form, but depending n how deep your wallet may be I'd bet some of the 70's faults are correctable. The space inside the 70 series is more long-distance friendly IMO but that's because I'm over 6'. On the other hand, the 80 isn't exactly a commodious seat either, so I shudder to think of squeezing into what in the 70 series sounds a lot like the seating position in my old 55...and I'm not talking 55 Chebby. Pick you poison there. If the day's drives will be short and sweet, a cramped driving posture is bearable. Long distance runs? You're going to favor the 80.