automatic trannys and diesel motors.. good for coffee or bad headache?

[islando]

Hi.
I am looking at a decent deal on a HJ60 diesel with an automatic tranny.. I have never really liked AT's but thought I could get an experienced opinion..

so..
Is the toyota automatic any good?? breaks alot?? much less fuel economy??
Has anyone here done the switch from auto to 5 speed.. How hard is it?/

Also, while I am at it I also wanted to ask if anyone really knows: which is the best diesel motor that toyota ever made? Is the 6 cylinder as good as the 3b?? I am not crazy about super power.. but I am crazy about durability.. I like small efficient motors that work super hard and go forever..

Thanks again.
Islando

 

[euclid]

Islando,

There is a TON of info on the forum about all of your questions. Use A440F to search about the automatic transmission.

Lots of info diesel stuff too.

Quick version is this: It will cost you a LOT to do what you want to do.

Might want to look at this option. It will be a little cheaper:
http://home.earthlink.net/~joemama1/LC.html

 

[DieselROCKS]

In regards to the engine question, the 2H that is in your HJ is a solid motor, it has the highest HP in North American spec diesels. But they aren't good at turbo'ing. The 3B, which is the 4 cyl found the the BJs is what most LCs have in North America. They are excellent for turbo'ing, because they have piston cooling and generally built more heavy. But if you're looking to pull trailers and such through mountains you're gonna want to look for a non-NA spec.

Search, even check out the diesel section here and you'll find a wealth of info. But when you start talking Toyota diesels, you're talking money to get a hold of one. 3Bs can go for 2 to 4 grand, non NA spec run up to 10 grand canadian

Cheers
Geoff