advice on buying an 80 in Ecuador

[ScottMac]

I have bought property in Ecuador and will be moving down there from US next month. I have owned 80 series LC since they first came out, a 1991 that I had for 18 years then a 94 that I just sold because of this move. I would have taken the 94 with me but the goverment down there dosent allow import of used cars because they tax car sales and are highly protective of that revenue. I am aware of the issues with these trucks and will look for a good one.

I have been looking at a couple of the auto sales web sites there and seen 80's made in Venesula, Ecuador , US, and Japan. The South American ones seem to have carburated engines. Is there an advantage to that ? Most have manual transmissions, but lockers must be rare 'cause I haven't found any so far as I can tell on-line. I saw one with ambulance doors and a Japaneese with square headlamps, Some have funky side facing jump seats. Also found a Venesulan made in 2004 with 16K miles which they want an arm and a leg for. (Yes they made them there after the rest of the world stopped production) Prices for 80's are high by US standards, most averaging around 10-16 K and some even up from there.

What is the difference between a VX and a GX designation?

Any Ecuadorians that speak English here on MUD? I think I can get Ironman products there.

Thanks ,
Scott

 

[Tools R Us]

A buddy just bought a Venesula made '80 in Colombia (IIRC 2006?). It is EFI, distributor-less (coil on plug), no lockers, nice rig. He is installing lockers (ARB) and 529's, found that the later diffs/axles are different, ended up swapping earlier axles to get the job done. Not sure of the change date, just something to be aware of?

 

[alvarorb]

Venezuelan 80s were assembled there until very recently. Most of the parts on the truck come from Japan. If you score a truck made less than 5 years ago, you've got a winner.
VX and GX relate to the amount of luxury in the truck.

Regards

Alvaro