Wanted Diesel LC

[JAJI4]

Location

United States

I hope I am posting this in the correct location. If not, let me know and I'll move it ASAP.

I'm interested in a diesel LC and wanted some input on what I could expect to pay. I had my eye on a 1984 HJ60 in south Georgia but it sold before I could make an offer. I'd like a diesel for the better fuel economy.

I could use some help in recommendations of what to look for. Any particular year, etc? What $ should I anticipate for a turn key cruiser? I'm not looking for a rock crawler - I will use it as a DD, run to the hardware store, drive on the beach vehicle.

I should be seriously in the market in the spring. Any tips or leads would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Jim

 

[Gun Runner 5]

First of all where are you located and secondly you mention that you are interested in a diesel Cruiser however your "wish list" includes a 89/90 FJ62 which is a gas burner. There are a few diesel 60 Series already in the States however they may be older than 1989/90 due to import restrictions. "Global Classic Imports" in Thomasville, Georgia may be able to help with your search.
Good luck.........1978HJ45

 

[coldtaco]

Just keep checking the classifieds. There is also a dealer in Tennessee that does Toyota diesel conversions using existing US market Toyota trucks, like pickups and 4Runners, by the pictures it looks like he does a nice job. He's got a 94 4x2 extended cab currently for sale on Ebaymotors, which is also another place to keep an eye on, key words Toyota diesel. If you then find something then maybe post back in the diesel forum section and ask specific questions about that rig. Browse the diesel forum and all the other cruiser forums here.

 

[dkroth]

You could watch this auction and see what it brings. No affiliation:

Toyota : Land Cruiser : eBay Motors (item 190369419784 end time Feb-09-10 11:25:48 PST)

 

[praetorian]

My advice, in addition to watching the classifieds (seems like lots of diesels are coming up these days) is to check out craigslists near you. You can set up an RSS feed to search for exact terms in a few local or semi-local craigslists.

Here's an example that popped up near the Bay Area in CA:

Toyota DIESEL Landcruiser

Expect to pay a premium for a diesel cruiser in the states, although prices have fallen in the last few years thanks to deflation. Good 60's seem to run between 7k and 12k, depending on condition and modifications. You'll get jokers looking to recoup money they've dumped into a 60 priced much higher than that, but I don't think they are typically worth it unless the rig is exactly what you want. I also *highly* recommend you see the cruiser in person before you pay for it: there are a lot of cruisers from up north that look great in some pictures but have serious rust cancer.

Also, be aware that diesels do involve some compromises. In general, they are louder. If waiting while glow plugs to heat up is going to annoy you, or if a bit of black smoke on startup is going to bother you, you might not really want one. It's sacrilege to suggest it, but a 350 swap in a 60 can give pretty good milage and absurd power compared to the diesel power plants. You also may have issues finding the options you want, since a lot of canadian cruisers didn't have AC or Power Steering.

I own a BJ60 with a U.S. 60 body swapped on top of it. That has the 4 cylinder 3b engine in it, which is about the best you are gonna get gas milage-wise out of stock landcruiser engines (25ish US MPG Highway.) It's loud and ratty (especially at low RPM) compared to the standard gas 2F engine in my 40. It's also underpowered, almost demanding an after market turbo. I still love it.

I've only driven the 6 cyl 2H engine once (found in the HJs from canada) and it seemed a lot smoother than the 3b.

Again, I recommend you look at any truck you are considering buying *in person* and in good lighting, or, at a minimum, find a mudder willing to look for you. And sleep on it before you make an offer. I've learned that if you are patient, the right truck (or trucks) will come along.

"The man don't pick the cruiser: the cruiser picks the man."

Cheers,
prat

 

[DieselFumes]

Good luck with your search, email sent... I may be selling my HJ47.

 

[Wayneraintree]

Might I suggest a 2H, 5-speed set-up? I have a US 60 series with a 24V 2H and 5-speed to split case. For a diesel, it is quiet, it vibrates more than a gasser. I get close to 20 MPG average city and highway with 31's and 3.73 gearing.

I really think it is a great, attainable/economical, diesel Toyota.

 

[JAJI4]

Thanks for the tips. Keep 'em coming. I appreciate the advise.

 

[praetorian]

A nice HJ just came up:

jdm Toyota Landcruiser Turbo diesel

I'm not big on the japanese style bumper, but that's a nice looking cruiser with a lot of coveted, rare options.

Cheers,
prat

 

[donny paradise]

At one time I wanted a diesel in a bad way till I witnessed a buddy of mine go through agony trying to obtain parts.

The down time was unbelievable not to mention repair cost

Seems here in the US one is at the mercy of $OR for the most part, and for that I say "NO THANKS"

 

[grant5127]

At one time I wanted a diesel in a bad way till I witnessed a buddy of mine go through agony trying to obtain parts.

The down time was unbelievable not to mention repair cost

Seems here in the US one is at the mercy of $OR for the most part, and for that I say "NO THANKS"

Good point!

 

[Wayneraintree]

Counterpoint: my 24v 2h has the potential to difficult to obtain parts. I kept my eyes open and easiy found on Mud a complete wiring harness with each small motor, switch, relay etc. I got a 24v starter and alternator... I've had things fail, yet I've replace them without issue, even 24v stuff...

It is our primary driver for long stints of time.

Happy Cruisin ... In or out of the comfort zone : )