Ok, I'm a newb on the 70 series but a cruiser veteran, have a 40,60 and 80 currently. I came across an opportunity to get a 1992 Prado EX diesel and have some questions
1. Read horror stories about the 2.4 TD being junk, underpowered and prone to popping head gaskets, and more bad new about the electronic injection stuff. Fact or fiction?
2. Potential vehicle had the head replaced with the 3L variant. I guess that is a common replacement solution? Fact or fiction? Does that upgrade make the power plant great or still junk?
3. Vehicle has roughly 110k miles, is clean, all there and functional less a window motor and a crack in the windshield.
4. Fresh timing belt service
5. Is RHD and Canadian import.
Is $11k too much, good deal, or right on the money?
Thanks for guidance!!!!
I'll throw my two cents in here.
LJ78's are selling in Canada right now for about $4000-$6000 CAD in similar shape to the one you are looking at. So I feel the one you are looking at is over priced.
I've owned an LJ78 for a couple years now, and have gained a lot of insight during that time. Basically they are really solid well built capable vehicles, with the single exception of the stock configuration 2lte engine. The potential engine problems are enough to turn most people away from the vehicles, despite the rest of the truck being great. As mentioned above, an HZJ77 will be a much better option for most people, with the reliable 1HZ. However, the HZJ77 is a rare beast, and generally far more expensive to purchase. I think you'd be looking at $20,000-30,000 for one in the US.
So, I guess if you really want an LWB 70 series, you have the choice of dropping the big money on an HZJ77, or going for the LJ78 and making the best of the engine. If you are a capable mechanic and used to wrenching on your own Toyota's, then you could improve the 2lte yourself. If you have to pay someone to do this work, then stick with the HZJ77 as it will be cheaper in the end.
I picked the LJ78 (paid $3500 for mine in neglected shape). I've been very happy with it. Mine has no history of head problems, and has been perfectly reliable for me. I found the stock power level to be way on the low end, and the economy poor. The EGT's were very high in stock form. I decided to invest in the engine to prevent any future issues. I greatly improved power (by 50% or more), economy, and dropped the EGT's by a huge amount. At the end of the day, I'm really happy with the engine.
In my opinion, the 2lte is a fine engine when a few basic items are addressed. The bottom end of the 2lte is known to be very tough/long lasting and is generally not an issue. In fact, people love the tough long lasting non-turbo versions of this engine. The problem that everyone refers to with the 2lte is the head cracking if/when the engine is overheated. There are a number of items that contribute to overheating and I won't get into it here. Just know that Toyota inadvertently created a perfect storm.
I've found the recipe to success with this engine is:
- Perform full maintenance; ensure everything is working well, especially the cooling system
- Install good aftermarket temp and EGT gauge so you can monitor the engine
- Remove the EGR system and vent the PCV to a catch can to prevent clogging of the intake manifold
- Clean the past gunk out of the intake manifold and head intake ports
- Remove the throttle plate from the intake manifold (only there for emissions purposes)
- 2.5" exhaust and dump pipe - important!
- Efficient front mount intercooler - VERY important!
- Run 15-16psi boost (boost controller)
- Turn the fuel up 3/4 turn
- Install transmission cooler if auto trans
- Enjoy!
Really, most of those items are things you'd do to a Toyota turbo diesel anyhow. But with this engine they are critical and make all the difference.
Some scrap the 2lte in favor of a different engine so they don't have to worry about anything. If you have the skill set, that might be a good option for you.
