Best year for the 70 series

[Langcaster]

Hey gang,

Going to import another Cruiser from Samurai Land in the next few months.

I would like to get a short wheelbase 70 with the removal hard top. 1HZ diesel. 5spd with lockers if I'm lucky.

Still not in stone a short vs. long wheelbase. If I can find a clean long wheelbase, I'd consider going for it.

I'm curious of opinions - What year was best for the model? Is that even of concern?

I can purchase and import anything up till 2003, but I will be looking from something from the 90s based on budget.

Cheers!

 

[roscoFJ73]

Is that even of concern?

No, but newer is generally better in terms of vehicle conditon and engine types. Personally, I would be looking at MWB. I think the extra 10 inches between the axles is worth it for the interior cabin space and road handling. The FRP top is better than metal roofs that rust. The repaceable fold down windscreen is replaceable if it does rust. Im not sure what the price difference between SWB and MWB is but I would pay more if I had to. LWB is almost unobtainium from Japan unless you want an ex fire truck.
Just reread your post, the MWB has the removeable top (FRP) . The SWB has a fixed steel roof except for the hard to get soft top.
If you want a 1HZ, you will have to get something 1990+

 

[hoser]

I would beg/borrow/steal to get an 8/99 build or newer HZJ74 for the coiled front suspension.

 

[joekatana]

2002 HZJ74 with 5 speed manual lockers and ac would be my holy grail if it was lhd though

Are there any KZJ73's in Japan , those are actually the best daily driver / weekend warriors ever made in the 7x model line to me.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

If I could legally own a 2002 MWB I would consider nothing else.