Finding My Ideal 70 Series; Advice Wanted

[VinylSeats]

Hi! I've owned various US spec Land Cruisers over the years (80, 100, 120, 200) but have long desired a 70 series. Specifically a Troopy, though I am starting to wonder if I should broaden my search to a 77 (or 76 if I wait long enough).

Using my detailed wants and needs below, I'd love for some 70 series vets to help either validate or modify my search.

I am currently building and driving a 2022 MT Tacoma with a GFC camper on the back. It was my pragmatic way of building the 70 series with roof conversion I've dreamed about for years. But the change from Land Cruiser to Tacoma has been... fine. The truck is fine but it's not a Land Cruiser. TacomaWorld is fine but it's not Mud.

Wants
-Manual Transmission
-Diesel engine
-Dual fuel tanks
-Roof conversion eligible

Needs
-82" or shorter (to fit in garage)
-2nd row forward facing bench seat (have 2 young kids who ride with me ~2 times per week)
-AC and Heat

Other details
-Right hand or left hand drive is fine
-Budget is ideally ~$50k though would go higher for the right truck (likely not above $70k)

Questions
-How likely am I to find what I want?
-Should I be seeking a 75 Troopy or a 78 now that they will begin to hit the US?
-2nd row forward facing bench seats seem rare; how rare?
-With a roof conversion (Alucab, Alu Innovations, Headspace, etc), how likely am I going to find a truck that is 82" or under?
-should I continue looking for a Troopy or should I pivot to a 77 or 76 based on my wants/needs?


THANK YOU in advance for any advice. I've been watching 70 series auctions across the internet for years and am now in a place to more seriously seek out this truck.

 

[sodafeld1]

Big difference is if you work on it yourself or pay someone else, big divide really, and can decide accordingly. Those who works on their own often intend keeping it for their life.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Hi! I've owned various US spec Land Cruisers over the years (80, 100, 120, 200) but have long desired a 70 series. Specifically a Troopy, though I am starting to wonder if I should broaden my search to a 77 (or 76 if I wait long enough).

Using my detailed wants and needs below, I'd love for some 70 series vets to help either validate or modify my search.

I am currently building and driving a 2022 MT Tacoma with a GFC camper on the back. It was my pragmatic way of building the 70 series with roof conversion I've dreamed about for years. But the change from Land Cruiser to Tacoma has been... fine. The truck is fine but it's not a Land Cruiser. TacomaWorld is fine but it's not Mud.

Wants
-Manual Transmission
-Diesel engine
-Dual fuel tanks
-Roof conversion eligible

Needs
-82" or shorter (to fit in garage)
-2nd row forward facing bench seat (have 2 young kids who ride with me ~2 times per week)
-AC and Heat

Other details
-Right hand or left hand drive is fine
-Budget is ideally ~$50k though would go higher for the right truck (likely not above $70k)

Questions
-How likely am I to find what I want?
-Should I be seeking a 75 Troopy or a 78 now that they will begin to hit the US?
-2nd row forward facing bench seats seem rare; how rare?
-With a roof conversion (Alucab, Alu Innovations, Headspace, etc), how likely am I going to find a truck that is 82" or under?
-should I continue looking for a Troopy or should I pivot to a 77 or 76 based on my wants/needs?


THANK YOU in advance for any advice. I've been watching 70 series auctions across the internet for years and am now in a place to more seriously seek out this truck.

These guys can probably give you a fairly accurate estimate on height.

[CLOSED] Alu-Innovations Troopy Pop Top Group Buy Interest

Final Payment made: 1. @prwillard2 - West Coast Port (Los Angeles) Local Pickup 2. @theglobb - East Coast Port (Charleston) Local Pickup 3. @JK FW West Coast Port (Los Angeles) Local Pickup 4. @pdxtroopy West Coast Port ((Los Angeles) Pickup/Ship? 5. @bulletsmith East Coast Port (Charleston)...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[hoser]

Just note: a RHD Troopy will have your young kids entering/exiting from the street side all the time.... if that is of consideration. With a 4dr, they can both enter on the sidewalk side. It is also much easier to find a clean JDM 77 series than it is to find a clean Troopy.

@Thecriscokid

Campteq 77/76 series poptop.

Here is a few pics of a 77 series pop top that I have been working on. This truck was built as a rental. I’m working on the 60 series which is very close to this 77.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[VinylSeats]

Just note: a RHD Troopy will have your young kids entering/exiting from the street side all the time.... if that is of consideration. With a 4dr, they can both enter on the sidewalk side. It is also much easier to find a clean JDM 77 series than it is to find a clean Troopy.

@Thecriscokid

Campteq 77/76 series poptop.

Here is a few pics of a 77 series pop top that I have been working on. This truck was built as a rental. I’m working on the 60 series which is very close to this 77.

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks, @hoser

I've definitely been considering Campteq more and more over time. And 77s certainly seem like a nice option.

Honestly, it seems the options available to me (in order of practicality and inverse order of what I want) are:

Keep My Tacoma
-I really like the truck; I don't love it
-I really like the GFC
-I am indifferent to the TacomaWorld community; it does not compare to mud

Domestic Petrol 60 with a Campteq
-lots of good purchase options
-likely easiest access to parts and local expertise to solve issues
-Height not a concern

Foreign Diesel 60 with a Campteq
-Diesel engine but fewer examples easily accessible to buy
-Likely decent access to parts and local expertise
-Height not a concern

77 with Campteq or Alucab Thor
-Seems to check lots of my 70 series boxes beside the larger space (and personal idealized notion) of a Troopy
-I have a little bit of "well, if it's not a Troopy, I may as well go with a more practical option" thinking

Troopy with Undecided Roof Conversion
-Seems both most expensive and hardest to find
-Likely cannot fit in our garage anyway (moving not an option; this is our 20 year home; wife cannot fathom cost of raising garage)

 

[Gun Runner 5]

@VinylSeats ….. “Keep My Tacoma”.
——————————————————————————
Unlike the Tacoma, if you drive a 70 Series, you’ll hear “cool Jeep” everywhere you stop and that’s priceless.

 

[PhillipJFrye]

here's a good vid regarding converting a troopy to a 4 seater:



I couldn't find such nice, ready made seats available in the americas. maybe just an australian deal, which would make it pretty expensive shipping-wise. so i'm sticking with my rustic wooden bench, which works in panama because nobody checks anything in vehicles in the legal sense.

with the kids, I think the 4 door option might be the way to go.

 

[janyyc]

Height - 76/77 naturally gives you more to work with, you can get larger tires and/or a 2” lift with the conversion in place. With the Troopy, you will likely lose that possibility. Headspace Campers (fancy) or Mulgo (budget) are both slimline on the Troopy. I would not recommend the Mulgo from what I’ve heard and seen, and the Headspace is $$$.
Price - I think you could find a decent Troopy and get a conversion for 70K but it would be close, especially as you have to factor in whatever you need to do to fit in the extra row of front facing seats and adjustments to the front seat mechanism. 76/77 you have way more options in Japan, and even some in NA since RHD’s and non-Troopy’s don’t have such a immediate price premium over here. Campteq looks more than fine and you don’t necessarily have to chop off the roof to fit it (bonus points in my books unless you’re 100% convinced).
As an owner of both a 76 and a 78:
Troopy’s are phenomenal for camping. Access to the area between the front seats and the barn doors is a massive PITA unless you have an extra door (as I’m fortunate enough to have). That’s not good news for seating anybody there…
The 76 doesn’t have that problem. Both are true Land Cruisers. Stiff, hard, rough, rugged. It’ll be a shock from a Taco I think. You can dial it in with suspension and so forth but it’ll still be a leaf sprung heavy duty vehicle, no matter what.
I would take a look at Australia classifieds and see if you can find a Troopy with a third door or rear seats. I think you won’t have much luck but you’ll at least have the sense that you tried and made a conscientious decision.
I would also look at ‘MUD classifieds to get a feeling for prices and conditions locally of the 70 series. Big advantage being able to go check out the truck yourself before committing and even more so buying from a trusted community member (hopefully). This’ll likely land you back in 77-land and that’ll probably be the best choice with kids.
Forum-wise, I think the 70-series section on MUD is at the top even on this forum.

 

[VinylSeats]

Height - 76/77 naturally gives you more to work with, you can get larger tires and/or a 2” lift with the conversion in place. With the Troopy, you will likely lose that possibility. Headspace Campers (fancy) or Mulgo (budget) are both slimline on the Troopy. I would not recommend the Mulgo from what I’ve heard and seen, and the Headspace is $$$.
Price - I think you could find a decent Troopy and get a conversion for 70K but it would be close, especially as you have to factor in whatever you need to do to fit in the extra row of front facing seats and adjustments to the front seat mechanism. 76/77 you have way more options in Japan, and even some in NA since RHD’s and non-Troopy’s don’t have such a immediate price premium over here. Campteq looks more than fine and you don’t necessarily have to chop off the roof to fit it (bonus points in my books unless you’re 100% convinced).
As an owner of both a 76 and a 78:
Troopy’s are phenomenal for camping. Access to the area between the front seats and the barn doors is a massive PITA unless you have an extra door (as I’m fortunate enough to have). That’s not good news for seating anybody there…
The 76 doesn’t have that problem. Both are true Land Cruisers. Stiff, hard, rough, rugged. It’ll be a shock from a Taco I think. You can dial it in with suspension and so forth but it’ll still be a leaf sprung heavy duty vehicle, no matter what.
I would take a look at Australia classifieds and see if you can find a Troopy with a third door or rear seats. I think you won’t have much luck but you’ll at least have the sense that you tried and made a conscientious decision.
I would also look at ‘MUD classifieds to get a feeling for prices and conditions locally of the 70 series. Big advantage being able to go check out the truck yourself before committing and even more so buying from a trusted community member (hopefully). This’ll likely land you back in 77-land and that’ll probably be the best choice with kids.
Forum-wise, I think the 70-series section on MUD is at the top even on this forum.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful response. I've wanted a Troopy for many years and I've always just assumed I'd get one some time in the future. Maybe that's still true, but more intense thinking on this over the last year (including hearing from others on this post and beyond) makes me think that if I want a 70 any time in the near future, a 77 seems like the ideal choice.

I love hearing that the 70 forum on Mud is a solid place with solid people. I was really active in the 100 section ~5 years ago and loved that community. I miss it. I'm looking forward to capturing that again.

 

[sodafeld1]

Must admit, my troopy was not an option when my kids were little . But I kept the side facing seats so can carry the whole soccer team still, 11 seater. I made modular boxes same height as seats so excellent for camping. I love how practical they are as a people mover and a workhorse. Very biased though, love her.

 

[gilmorneau]

-Manual Transmission
-Diesel engine
-Dual fuel tanks
-Roof conversion eligible

For Troopies, the equipment they came with was largely market dependent. So, for instance, in hot places, air conditioning was common, while in temperate or cooler climates, not so much. In places where fuel stations were sparse or distances great, they came with dual fuel tanks, while more densely settled areas got single tanks. You get the idea. That said, I never saw a Troopy with an automatic until the new ones (2024) arrived--other than that, they all have manual transmissions. Diesels were common starting with the 3B and 2H in the 1980's, but by far the most common diesel engine in Troopies was the 1HZ. A great engine for doing what it was designed to do (bush travel), but undeniably slow for US Interstate highways. For a short time the 1HD-FTE (turbo diesel, direct injection) was available in Troopies in Australia. Best of the lot IMO, but RHD only, of course. Any Troopy can get a pop-up roof conversion.

-82" or shorter (to fit in garage)
-2nd row forward facing bench seat (have 2 young kids who ride with me ~2 times per week)
-AC and Heat

Given a Troopy with a pop-top you can probably forget about a lift or larger tires if you need to keep it under 82". You may not be able to do it anyway. They're pretty tall.
Forward facing rear seat was optional in some parts of Europe (I've seen them in Switzerland), and I've seen them in Australia. Not sure where else they were offered.
See above for a/c and heat. Some markets got a/c only, some got heat only, and some had both. Depends on the climate.

-Right hand or left hand drive is fine
-Budget is ideally ~$50k though would go higher for the right truck (likely not above $70k)

If RHD is OK, look in Australia. Heaps of Troopies there. Most (if not all) will have dual tanks and a/c. You're bound to find something. Look here:

https://www.carsales.com.au

or here:

https://www.gumtree.com.au/

-How likely am I to find what I want?

Depends where you look, but Toyota made over 10 million 70's. There's bound to be one out there for you.

-Should I be seeking a 75 Troopy or a 78 now that they will begin to hit the US?

78 with coil springs up front will ride a little better, but all 70-series ride like the proper trucks they are. They do smooth out when carrying weight. 78 might have better resale. Not sure it's a big deal either way. Buy for condition.

-should I continue looking for a Troopy or should I pivot to a 77 or 76 based on my wants/needs?

You don't mention how you'll be using it. If you just want to get two adults and two children from point A to point B, the 77/76 is probably a better option--easier to get in and out of the back seats for sure. If you're planning on camping in it, the Troopy wins hands down, but they're best as one or two person campers. Add two growing children and it might get crowded in there at the campgrounds. FWIW, I sold my Troopy and bought an HDJ80, which I love. The only thing I miss is the cavernous interior of the Troopy.

 

[hoser]

@VinylSeats Have you had a chance to drive the 1HZ? It does okay in a Troopy Camper, in Australia.... where the speed limits are roughly 65mph and the elevations are generally low. Littleton, CO is probably higher than 97% of Australia. I would consider an engine swap.

A 78 series Prado wouldn't be a bad idea either. Cheaper purchase price, toss the engine, upgrade the axles. Already has coiled, radius arm suspension front and rear.

 

[VinylSeats]

Height - 76/77 naturally gives you more to work with, you can get larger tires and/or a 2” lift with the conversion in place. With the Troopy, you will likely lose that possibility. Headspace Campers (fancy) or Mulgo (budget) are both slimline on the Troopy. I would not recommend the Mulgo from what I’ve heard and seen, and the Headspace is $$$.
Price - I think you could find a decent Troopy and get a conversion for 70K but it would be close, especially as you have to factor in whatever you need to do to fit in the extra row of front facing seats and adjustments to the front seat mechanism. 76/77 you have way more options in Japan, and even some in NA since RHD’s and non-Troopy’s don’t have such a immediate price premium over here. Campteq looks more than fine and you don’t necessarily have to chop off the roof to fit it (bonus points in my books unless you’re 100% convinced).
As an owner of both a 76 and a 78:
Troopy’s are phenomenal for camping. Access to the area between the front seats and the barn doors is a massive PITA unless you have an extra door (as I’m fortunate enough to have). That’s not good news for seating anybody there…
The 76 doesn’t have that problem. Both are true Land Cruisers. Stiff, hard, rough, rugged. It’ll be a shock from a Taco I think. You can dial it in with suspension and so forth but it’ll still be a leaf sprung heavy duty vehicle, no matter what.
I would take a look at Australia classifieds and see if you can find a Troopy with a third door or rear seats. I think you won’t have much luck but you’ll at least have the sense that you tried and made a conscientious decision.
I would also look at ‘MUD classifieds to get a feeling for prices and conditions locally of the 70 series. Big advantage being able to go check out the truck yourself before committing and even more so buying from a trusted community member (hopefully). This’ll likely land you back in 77-land and that’ll probably be the best choice with kids.
Forum-wise, I think the 70-series section on MUD is at the top even on this forum.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful response. I've wanted a Troopy for many years and I've always just assumed I'd get one some time in the future. Maybe that's still true, but more intense thinking on this over the last year (including hearing from others on this post and beyond) makes me think that if I want a 70 any time in the near future, a 77 seems like the ideal choice.

I love hearing that the 70 forum on Mud is a solid place with solid people. I was really active in the 100 section ~5 years ago and loved that community. I miss it. I'm looking forward to capturing that again

For Troopies, the equipment they came with was largely market dependent. So, for instance, in hot places, air conditioning was common, while in temperate or cooler climates, not so much. In places where fuel stations were sparse or distances great, they came with dual fuel tanks, while more densely settled areas got single tanks. You get the idea. That said, I never saw a Troopy with an automatic until the new ones (2024) arrived--other than that, they all have manual transmissions. Diesels were common starting with the 3B and 2H in the 1980's, but by far the most common diesel engine in Troopies was the 1HZ. A great engine for doing what it was designed to do (bush travel), but undeniably slow for US Interstate highways. For a short time the 1HD-FTE (turbo diesel, direct injection) was available in Troopies in Australia. Best of the lot IMO, but RHD only, of course. Any Troopy can get a pop-up roof conversion.

Given a Troopy with a pop-top you can probably forget about a lift or larger tires if you need to keep it under 82". You may not be able to do it anyway. They're pretty tall.
Forward facing rear seat was optional in some parts of Europe (I've seen them in Switzerland), and I've seen them in Australia. Not sure where else they were offered.
See above for a/c and heat. Some markets got a/c only, some got heat only, and some had both. Depends on the climate.

If RHD is OK, look in Australia. Heaps of Troopies there. Most (if not all) will have dual tanks and a/c. You're bound to find something. Look here:

https://www.carsales.com.au

or here:

https://www.gumtree.com.au/

Depends where you look, but Toyota made over 10 million 70's. There's bound to be one out there for you.

78 with coil springs up front will ride a little better, but all 70-series ride like the proper trucks they are. They do smooth out when carrying weight. 78 might have better resale. Not sure it's a big deal either way. Buy for condition.

You don't mention how you'll be using it. If you just want to get two adults and two children from point A to point B, the 77/76 is probably a better option--easier to get in and out of the back seats for sure. If you're planning on camping in it, the Troopy wins hands down, but they're best as one or two person campers. Add two growing children and it might get crowded in there at the campgrounds. FWIW, I sold my Troopy and bought an HDJ80, which I love. The only thing I miss is the cavernous interior of the Troopy.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Really helpful comments.

Regarding use, I admittedly and knowingly, am threading a needle.

Below are all of my priorities and details:
-I want 1 and only 1 vehicle; I have juggled multiple in the past and I prefer throwing all of my energy into one; also, we store a trailer in the 3rd garage spot (more on that below)
-This 1 vehicle needs to do it all: be my daily driver (I only drive ~100 miles per week) as well as go to remote places camping (moderate off roading, no rock crawling) while towing a light (sub 3000 pound loaded) trailer
-Camping is a very regular activity for us; we pull a trailer that hauls gear and can sleep all 4 of us; we will soon be upgrading to a teardrop with our GFC RTT on top so all 4 of us can sleep in/on the trailer; because of this, my truck does not NEED sleeping quarters; but I like to have the option for trips without kids and the trailer

Frankly, my Tacoma really does a great job checking nearly every box. I meticulously planned moving into this truck (selling my 200 to do it) and it really is a good fit for me.

But god damnit, I don't love it the way I've loved my Land Cruisers. The Tacoma doesn't give me the joy my Cruisers did. And frankly, I just miss the TLC community.

This multi year thought experiment, including lots of helpful feedback inside of this thread and outside of it, honestly is making me think more seriously about going back to a 100 and building in the elements I loved about troopies:

-Roof conversion
-Long range fuel tank
-Gullwing doors

Thanks again, everyone, for providing advice and questions and helping me think through this.

 

[VinylSeats]

@VinylSeats Have you had a chance to drive the 1HZ? It does okay in a Troopy Camper, in Australia.... where the speed limits are roughly 65mph and the elevations are generally low. Littleton, CO is probably higher than 97% of Australia. I would consider an engine swap.

A 78 series Prado wouldn't be a bad idea either. Cheaper purchase price, toss the engine, upgrade the axles. Already has coiled, radius arm suspension front and rear.

Good feedback. No, I have not driven a 1HZ, especially here in CO.

We are mostly driving at 5k to 10k feet above sea level.

My 100 (1999 4 speed) and 200 (2013 6 speed?) both performed great at altitude, including up to 80 MPH. Though I typically drive 65 if pulling the trailer. My Tacoma does fine at altitude, though the V6 is a bit of a noisy dog.

 

[hoser]

I don't think you are going to be happy with a 1HZ diesel Troopy as your only vehicle... especially if you are trying to tow too. I would suggest importing a Turbo Diesel 100 series. LHD would be nicer but the Yen to USD exchange rate is very favorable right now. Add a Campteq top and you'll be way under budget and much happier day to day.

 

[VinylSeats]

I don't think you are going to be happy with a 1HZ diesel Troopy as your only vehicle... especially if you are trying to tow too. I would suggest importing a Turbo Diesel 100 series. LHD would be nicer but the Yen to USD exchange rate is very favorable right now. Add a Campteq top and you'll be way under budget and much happier day to day.

Interesting possible direction. Do you have any go-to merchants or services to source a JDM vehicle like that?

 

[hoser]

I don't have a go-to merchant but there are a lot of recent HDJ100 owners in US. I would also check to see if CO is okay with registering imported diesels.

Edit: quick search and perhaps this member in Castle Rock can help you....

Yokohama, Japan to Castle Rock, CO by Way of Seattle - My '98 HDJ100's Journey

Hi everyone... I've been a member of IHM for over ten years but never contributed anything up to this point. I recently purchased a 1998 JDM HDJ100 Land Cruiser with the renowned 1HD-FTE diesel, right-hand drive that originally came from ***ui, Japan. I flew to Seattle where it was imported to...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[VinylSeats]

I don't have a go-to merchant but there are a lot of recent HDJ100 owners in US. I would also check to see if CO is okay with registering imported diesels.

Edit: quick search and perhaps this member in Castle Rock can help you....

Yokohama, Japan to Castle Rock, CO by Way of Seattle - My '98 HDJ100's Journey

Hi everyone... I've been a member of IHM for over ten years but never contributed anything up to this point. I recently purchased a 1998 JDM HDJ100 Land Cruiser with the renowned 1HD-FTE diesel, right-hand drive that originally came from ***ui, Japan. I flew to Seattle where it was imported to...

forum.ih8mud.com

Super helpful. Thank you.

 

[ikarus]

I was in a similar place a year or two ago. I liked my Tacoma but didn't love it. Sold it and bought a diesel 80. I also missed the Mud experience. haha

I was looking at getting a 70 series but ended up with an 80 instead because:

- 1HDFT - I live at 6K and need all the FI I can get.
- Coil springs/radius arms vs leaf springs - my dream build would be a 76 body on an 80 Series chassis.
- Airbags - though who knows how effective 27 yr old safety systems are.
- Condition - difficult to find a 1HZ Troopy for under $40K that's not beat. Easy to find clean JDM 1HDFT 80s for under $40K with low mileage.

To echo the previous replies, I think an 80 or 100 might fit your needs well if you're open to switching models. I do feel you on the idealized experience of owning/driving a troopy but I bet your family would be just as happy in an 80/100. Plus unlike Troopies, all JDM 80s all come with heat/AC (unless it's a saudi import IDK much about them)

And based on some of the build threads I've seen on Troopies there's just a lot that needs to be done to get them ready. I've seen a lot of rust repairs too. So the question is, do you want to get out with your kids now or do you want to give it a couple years while you work in the garage to get it ready?

Something purpose-built and ready to go like this would be amazing:

SOLD - 1985 Troopy - Fully upgraded, built and restored. Alu-cab, 1HDFT, etc

1985 Landcruiser FJ75 - the first year of the 70 series. 541-420-0049 text or call Build Thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/troopy-trial-no-2.1156739/ Brought in from Australia 5-6 years ago and slowly built out as my personal and shop show truck. I have loved building it and camping...

forum.ih8mud.com

Also I don't know about towing a trailer with a 1HZ. Or even a 1HDFT for that matter. I think you could but it would be slooooow. But I'm used to towing with a 200 and Tundra so anything less than a 3UR would feel slow to me.

Having said all that I still want a 70 Series. I'm planning to buy an '08 and up, I love the wide nose look.

 

[VinylSeats]

I was in a similar place a year or two ago. I liked my Tacoma but didn't love it. Sold it and bought a diesel 80. I also missed the Mud experience. haha

I was looking at getting a 70 series but ended up with an 80 instead because:

- 1HDFT - I live at 6K and need all the FI I can get.
- Coil springs/radius arms vs leaf springs - my dream build would be a 76 body on an 80 Series chassis.
- Airbags - though who knows how effective 27 yr old safety systems are.
- Condition - difficult to find a 1HZ Troopy for under $40K that's not beat. Easy to find clean JDM 1HDFT 80s for under $40K with low mileage.

To echo the previous replies, I think an 80 or 100 might fit your needs well if you're open to switching models. I do feel you on the idealized experience of owning/driving a troopy but I bet your family would be just as happy in an 80/100. Plus unlike Troopies, all JDM 80s all come with heat/AC (unless it's a saudi import IDK much about them)

And based on some of the build threads I've seen on Troopies there's just a lot that needs to be done to get them ready. I've seen a lot of rust repairs too. So the question is, do you want to get out with your kids now or do you want to give it a couple years while you work in the garage to get it ready?

Something purpose-built and ready to go like this would be amazing:

SOLD - 1985 Troopy - Fully upgraded, built and restored. Alu-cab, 1HDFT, etc

1985 Landcruiser FJ75 - the first year of the 70 series. 541-420-0049 text or call Build Thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/troopy-trial-no-2.1156739/ Brought in from Australia 5-6 years ago and slowly built out as my personal and shop show truck. I have loved building it and camping...

forum.ih8mud.com

Also I don't know about towing a trailer with a 1HZ. Or even a 1HDFT for that matter. I think you could but it would be slooooow. But I'm used to towing with a 200 and Tundra so anything less than a 3UR would feel slow to me.

Having said all that I still want a 70 Series. I'm planning to buy an '08 and up, I love the wide nose look.

Thanks so much for the reply.

Yeah, it's funny to find myself now actually considering a 100 series again. Especially as a result of more focused research on a 70.

I sold my 100 a few years ago as we got ready to turn our son forward facing in his car seat. My 1999 did not have anchors for forward facing (came in early 2000s) and it was a hard line for my wife. My truck had to have them. To this day, that 1999 100 series is still my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. I loved my 80. I loved my 200. But neither of them produced that same indescribable feeling that my 100 did.

Now that the kids are getting older, we're not too far from car seats being just a memory and that opens up a lot more options.

I bet I could get ~$45k for my Tacoma. It seems I could get a nice 100 for under $20k. That leaves a LOT of funds for upgrades (long range tank, roof conversion, etc.)