Expedition rig : HZJ79 or Tundra 2nd gen ?

[David*BJ70]

Probably the wrong forum to ask this question… but here we go anyway!

As you can see in my signature and under my avatar, I’ve been a Cruiserhead since 2003 (and a member here since 2004). I’m really into expedition travel with my HDJ100, which is very well set up.

I live in Canada, and like many Cruiserheads, I’ve been looking for a Land Cruiser pickup for quite some time. Unfortunately, it’s not available in North America unless you import one. And we all know that importing can be complicated, sometimes risky, and expensive. It’s something I’ve been considering for a long time.

But now, maybe (and I really mean maybe), an opportunity has come up for a HZJ79 that’s already on the continent. It needs a few repairs, but that doesn’t worry me—I’m used to it. I’ve owned a BJ60, a BJ70, restored a BJ42 and an HJ61, and I currently own an HDJ100.

The main reason I want a pickup is to be able to sleep discreetly, and to cook and live inside a camper during heavy rain (home-built or purchased (Alu-Cab or any other setup that allows me to stand upright))

However, more and more people are suggesting to consider a Tundra 2nd gen instead — one that I could build with a flatbed and a camper setup. Basically, something similar to what I could install on an HZJ79.

SO!! What do I do?

Knowing that you’re going to approach this by saying they’re two completely different beasts… do I go with the HZJ79—more rugged, less powerful, but incredibly reliable — or a Tundra — more modern, more powerful, and more comfortable?

Alright! Make me even more confused… or help me decide

I'm +/- 6 feet 2 inches - +/- 190 cm.

 

[ikarus]

Really depends on your style of travel. As someone with an imported HDJ81 and a 2nd gen Tundra, I really enjoy the power and comfort of the Tundra. I added some Kings, bumpstops and a few other things and it rides amazing on freeways at 80 or dirt roads at 40. I get about 400 miles to the tank, at 13-15 mpg.

I'm not 100% qualified to speak on it since I've only driven older, front leaf spring 70s. Haven't tried the 99+ coil spring front. Don't know how much more comfortable that makes it. Have you driven one yet? When I was shopping for my last cruiser, the difference in comfort between the 70 Series pickup I drove and my 80 Series was night and day.

Most Australians I've talked to will laugh at me when I talk about wanting to build a 70 Series for "overland" use (they're all wagon supremacists I guess haha)

I love the HD series of motors, as you know with your 100, but the 1HZ isn't ideal on long high speed North American drives in my opinion. But there's something magic about an older, analog truck like a 79 that the Tundra might not have.

When I take the Tundra out wheeling, I miss the smaller size of the 80 on the trails. I'm always scratching it up. And I love the diesel engine, just too fun. I get more like 17-19mpg and a similar range of 400 miles per tank.

If you're focused on long range trips and not necessarily technical trails, the sweet spot for an expedition rig I think is a Tundra double cab with the longer bed. Enough room for cargo or a decent size camper, and the backseat is still roomy - bigger than a double cab Tacoma.

Oh and the other question is where will you be driving? If staying within US/Canada, Tundra's probably better. If international, a LHD 79 may have better parts availability. And then you'd have to consider fuel sources in foreign countries, gas vs diesel, which I don't know much about.

This is my Tundra:

 

[RHINO]

you say expedition travel so i would just throw out there that the Tundra is not a readily available rig outside north America, parts and people who service them are going to be hard to come by, in that respect the 79 is the obvious answer.

 

[David*BJ70]

Never drive a 79 but test drive a 75 troopy.

I daily drive a 60 since 2013 (except winter time) so I’m used to leaf spring all around (to give you my ability to endure this type of suspension into perspective)

Expedition trip will most likely in North America but South America is on the table anywhere within the next 15 years.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I agree with the poster who mentioned that if you mean real, multi-continent expedition travel, the Tundra is not the right choice.

We own a 93 HZJ75 with which we've traveled on three continents. In the U.S. it has its downsides—65mph freeway travel, 12,000-foot passes with a 1HZ—but they're not fatal.

Honestly my best advice would be to quote Robert Persig (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance):
“The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn't any other test. If the machine produces tranquility it's right. If it disturbs you it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed.”

Every time I park our Troopy and look back at it, it gives me satisfaction and tranquility. Every time. Would the HZJ79 do the same for you?

 

[OGBeno]

I agree with the poster who mentioned that if you mean real, multi-continent expedition travel, the Tundra is not the right choice.

We own a 93 HZJ75 with which we've traveled on three continents. In the U.S. it has its downsides—65mph freeway travel, 12,000-foot passes with a 1HZ—but they're not fatal.

Honestly my best advice would be to quote Robert Persig (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance):
“The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn't any other test. If the machine produces tranquility it's right. If it disturbs you it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed.”

Every time I park our Troopy and look back at it, it gives me satisfaction and tranquility. Every time. Would the HZJ79 do the same for you?

View attachment 4160858

Pretty much one of the only people I would trust on MUD to present a true experience using Toyota vehicles in overland travel.

 

[David*BJ70]

@Jonathan Hanson

A lot of wisdom and sincerity in this message. Yeah, I admit that I love looking at my vehicle feel all the satisfaction...

That’s probably where I’ll realize that an HZJ79 might be the best option… especially since I’m a die-hard Cruiserhead, and that’s where I’ll always find my little inner pleasure.

 

[Meshal]

This FZJ79 is ready to be exported:
visit the link for more

Thread 'Available Land Cruisers for Import'

Jun 12, 2026

Meshal is going to share vehicles in this thread that he or one of his close associates has readily available.

We will be listing them with a few photos, condition and mileage.

If you are interested in any of the vehicles listed below please message us for pricing.

• wngrog
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Tilda Bogue Service Station

• 

 

[David*BJ70]

@Meshal

Thank but no thank. It will be a diesel LC otherwise, it's a 1UR powered Tundra.

 

[Meshal]

I do have one 2004, but with about 400k km. If you want something like that, let me know, more on the patina side.

Also, I am keeping my eyes on rare Hzj79, but it's cleaner than this one, but I need time to get my hand on it

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

Something the size of a Tundra looks pretty ridiculous on European or Asian roads, plus the fuel consumption will hurt in countries where fuel is heavily taxed. But if you are just in North America, it seems the sensible choice.

But just the same as I chose a 60 Series over the technically superior 80 Series, I think you want a 70 just for what it is, flaws and all.

 

[renago]

From my point of view , the best solution for your long term overlanding project would be Toyota 78 !
If you can with a HD-T motor in .
And of course a pop up roof for confort camping

 

[David*BJ70]

From my point of view , the best solution for your long term overlanding project would be Toyota 78 !
If you can with a HD-T motor in .
And of course a pop up roof for confort camping

Well, I recently sat in the back of a Troopy with a pop-up conversion. I definitely felt too cramped. With regret, I gave up this option, even though I had cherished it for a long time.

Having owned a 12HT and a 1HD-FTE for some time, I may not be ready for a 1HZ… One thing is certain: I won’t be installing a turbo on it. I’d rather hunt for a 1HD.

 

[sr5pickup]

You mention you’re 6’2” you might find the 79 cramped, especially if you’re considering extended traveling. I’m 5’11” and find the leg room to be ok. I imagine anyone taller it might become an issue. There’s also not much room to scoot the seat back in a single cab.

 

[bcsteel]

You could run the 1hz until you are tired of it and slowly collect 1hd variant parts of your choice with an H15* series transmission. Take your time and build it slowly to offset initial cost. Flog the 1hz later for a bit of a return.

I have 2 buddies that have beaten the absolute crap out of their tundras. Hard on fuel and the suspension is bit expensive to
Upgrade. Both are excellent choices just a bit different and comes down to personal preference and budget.

 

[renago]

I am 6 feet , and find the cabin ok , plenty of room .
Driving the 78 with 1HZ motor is not very emontional , but long lasting with little ,cheap and simple maintenance.
I was suggesting to run it with a HD-T , or 24 v diesel engine ,very nice to drive .
But the big vantage of the 78 with popup roof is the living space inside . If properly organized .

 

[David*BJ70]

I had drive a BJ70 for about 100 000km (3.70 gear ratio and 32 tires). I know what is a sloooooow Landcruiser.


Thank you all. Keep posting relevant comments and opinions

 

[NOSAJ]

I’m following along. My wife and I are trying to decide on our next camp vehicle. I’m 6’3. I have been looking at built pop top troopys. Or continue building out our already built lx470 with a pop top. I’m a diesel guy too so thought about a 1hdfte in the Lexus with a 5 speed. But then I also have my f250 with the slide in truck camper with shower and toilet, queen size thick mattress etc… but it’s not a cruiser and agree with Zen it doesn’t “give me the satisfaction.” For me I wouldn’t even consider the Tundra. I hate new stuff more to break more electrical gizmos. When I think about a trip to Alaska I trust my lx470 with 340,000 on it and don’t really trust the f250 with 100,000 less miles Anyway hope this wasn’t too much of a hi jack. I’m enjoying the comments.

Jason

 

[Meshal]

I’m following along. My wife and I are trying to decide on our next camp vehicle. I’m 6’3. I have been looking at built pop top troopys. Or continue building out our already built lx470 with a pop top. I’m a diesel guy too so thought about a 1hdfte in the Lexus with a 5 speed. But then I also have my f250 with the slide in truck camper with shower and toilet, queen size thick mattress etc… but it’s not a cruiser and agree with Zen it doesn’t “give me the satisfaction.” For me I wouldn’t even consider the Tundra. I hate new stuff more to break more electrical gizmos. When I think about a trip to Alaska I trust my lx470 with 340,000 on it and don’t really trust the f250 with 100,000 less miles Anyway hope this wasn’t too much of a hi jack. I’m enjoying the comments.

Jason

The troop is a cool canvas to build. I would say go 70 series because you can find the modern 70s series with the coil spring in the front.

79 is cool especially if you have enough space to store the cab

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

I am late to the party.

If the 79 Series is within reach, you should get it. Provided the 1HZ engine is in good shape, it is as reliable as it gets.

Down the road you can either turbo it or swap another engine in.

Regarding the Tundra, it is mostly unknown south of the border (or elsewhere, for that matter) and finding proper service can be difficult.






Juan