Going from an fj80 to possibly a kzj78

[flx]

To transition from previous post, let me introduce another option, the KZJ95.
If I'm not mistaken the firsts KZJ95 are now importable to the US.

• It will feel exotic in the US
• Same engine than KZJ78 but with the head issue fixed
• Better road handling than a 70 or 80 series
• More confortable than a KZJ78
• A lot safer than a 70 series (crashzone, AWD, airbags, etc.)
• More nimble and light than a 80series or 100series.
• One of the cheapest series of Land Cruiser currently
• Available in LHD

 

[coldtaco]

The j95 and it’s siblings is a re-skinned US market 1996-on 4Runner, but available with a diesel and manual or automatic transmission.

 

[flx]

And permanent 4WD, and available in 3-doors, and taller body, and optional 3rd row seats.

Actually I think the 70series light duty, Hilux and 2nd gen 4runner also share a lot in their under body.

 

[flx]

Also, KZJ95 is beating a lot of Defenders and Range rovers in the pursuit in the last James Bond movie

 

[dogfishlake]

I was looking hard at the KZJ78 but am saving my money for al late 100 series or a 200 series. They caught so much crap for being sellout Cruisers until everyone realizes they are only what every new Land Cruiser is, a step forward from the last model. The 100 is great, the late 100 (32 valve, 5 speed) is great squared, and the 200 is great to the 10th power. Someday we may own a 78 but it will be treated as an enjoyable and fun classic truck, not an everyday vehicle.

p.s. Sorry to see the end of your 80 but glad it kept you with us.

p.p.s. I HAD a really nice 100 series but it barrel rolled at interstate speeds on ice (I wasn't driving) and it saved my daughter's life. Scary stuff.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Actually I think the 70series light duty, Hilux and 2nd gen 4runner also share a lot in their under body.

That is a common misconception based on the engine/trans being the same; but that is really where the similarities end. The 70 series light duty is similar enough to the heavy duty 70 that they share the same repair manual for example. Besides engine/trans, anything on the light duty 70 that is different than the heavy duty is actually unique to the light duty 70. And even the trans although shared with hilux, is also used in various heavy duty cruisers (A343F is in FZJ80 and UZJ100 series, R151 in HZJ76).

KZJ95 is definitely very close to Hilux/4Runner though. Great little trucks, but definitely in a different class.

 

[TonyP]

KZJ95 is definitely very close to Hilux/4Runner though. Great little trucks, but definitely in a different class.

This. I've crawled around a VZJ95.
Underpinnings looked nearly identical to a 3rd Gen 4Runner/Surf.
Might be blasphemous to say but I'd take a VZ over a KZ in a 90 Series.

 

[kgrove]

The j95 and it’s siblings is a re-skinned US market 1996-on 4Runner, but available with a diesel and manual or automatic transmission.

Wasn't it actually the Lexus GX series that were siblings of the later Prado models, not the 4Runner? I'm pretty sure that's true today (Prado = GX 460), but maybe the Prado, 4Runner, and GX were all siblings for a bit before the 4Runner got it's own branch on the evolutionary tree.

 

[OGBeno]

Wasn't it actually the Lexus GX series that were siblings of the later Prado models, not the 4Runner? I'm pretty sure that's true today (Prado = GX 460), but maybe the Prado, 4Runner, and GX were all siblings for a bit before the 4Runner got it's own branch on the evolutionary tree.

In the late 1990’s, they all adopted the same platform, same architecture, and were all manufactured at the same plant (Toyota Tahara Assembly) and have pretty much been so ever since. Hino Hamura was introduced into assembly but never into design or production planning.

 

[Njck22]

For whatever it's worth the VSC in the late model 100 series has absolutely saved my ass on the highway before.

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

Also, KZJ95 is beating a lot of Defenders and Range rovers in the pursuit in the last James Bond movie

ha, I noticed that too. Those defenders got schooled by a mom wagon. I too think they'd be cool to own. Haven't seen any LHD ones yet, even better as long as it has the Turbo Diesel. I chose the KZJ78 mostly for the solid axle and I like the boxy look better but I may have to go with a Prado 90 if I wear this one out or crash it.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Well I am officially a kzj78 owner! I purchased it yesterday. To the debate of 80 vrs kzj78 it driving feel and aesthetics to me feel like if you mix an fj60, fzj80, and maybe a Isuzu trooper for size. Also I can confirm its more peppy than the fj80 I had. it had a much easer time keeping up with traffic than the fj80 I had. (I had to drive it 5 hours home) feels more jeep like driving than the fj80 did (downside) It also Is smaller on the inside.I have a few small things to fix on it already but nothing too bad. It has a few rust spots on the front fenders that I want to take care of before they get worse. Needs new windshield wipers. (and I I gotta figure out why there is no windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir. Ill post pictures soon!

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Well I am officially a kzj78 owner! I purchased it yesterday. To the debate of 80 vrs kzj78 it driving feel and aesthetics to me feel like if you mix an fj60, fzj80, and maybe a Isuzu trooper for size. Also I can confirm its more peppy than the fj80 I had. it had a much easer time keeping up with traffic than the fj80 I had. (I had to drive it 5 hours home) feels more jeep like driving than the fj80 did (downside) It also Is smaller on the inside.I have a few small things to fix on it already but nothing too bad. It has a few rust spots on the front fenders that I want to take care of before they get worse. Needs new windshield wipers. (and I I gotta figure out why there is no windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir. Ill post pictures soon!

 

[kgrove]

That's a damn fine looking car. Keep those license plates if you can. I would think it would be illegal to still display them on the car after you've registered it in your home, but maybe you can figure out a way to still use them to display the car's heritage. If anything I'm surprised they stayed on the vehicle through the import process. I think Japan takes the license plates back as part of their "de-registration" process to create the export certificate before it ever gets on the boat.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

That's a damn fine looking car. Keep those license plates if you can. I would think it would be illegal to still display them on the car after you've registered it in your home, but maybe you can figure out a way to still use them to display the car's heritage. If anything I'm surprised they stayed on the vehicle through the import process. I think Japan takes the license plates back as part of their "de-registration" process to create the export certificate before it ever gets on the boat.

yeah the guy I got it from was in the navy stationed over in Japan and he imported the vehicle to the United States . I beleive he said he drove the vehicle over in Osaka.. I could be wrong on the city but I think it was his car over in Japan. He said I could have the plates. He was a really nice guy and seemed honest. that made the sale go better. I didn't really think about having the front plate on it being an issue over here. I might take it off it somebody says somthing.

random but I never realized until I got the kzj78 but it looks an a lot like the fj55 land cruiser. I feel like Toyota defiantly looked into their back catalogue to take some design cues.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I figured this could be the place I post about what I do to my kzj78. The build / repair thread if you will.

Since I posted last here I have done a plethora of things. One of the first things I did was take the ugly front bumper off and put a better looking factory bumper on. Luckily @FJ40 that green thing was awesome and sold me his. I will be probably going the way he did with a off road winch bumper in the future but for now the factory one looks better to me.

I also added manual locking hubs. the first or second time I tried to drive on the beach here I got stuck. The 4x4 worked some of the time but when you needed it most it would disengage. So I purchased a manual locking hub adaptor from @Radd Cruisers and I used some hubs I bought from @cruiseroutfit I had manual locking hubs on my 1st gen 4runner and 1st gen tacoma and I actually kinda missed them when I got my fj80.

I did recently a Land Cruiser right of passage: the Front axle Birf and bearings rebuild. I was happy to report that the 70 series is not all that different from the 80 series front axle and just as messy! (in terms of taking it apart and re assembly) Also bought the kit from @cruiseroutfit

I will also mention I have met some awesome people that also have cool 70 series cruisers since I purchased mine. @Shyrock came down earlier in the winter and I met @LuckyDevil who has an epic BJ74. I am happy there is a good crowed of people in NC that have these land cruisers.

I have a lot planned for the KZJ78 in the next few weekends. I ordered some egr block off plates that I am hopping will be in before this weekend. I have ordered factory 70 series rims (Toyota part number 42601-60262-03) I also ordered last month some 235 85 16 radar renegade R7 mt tires. I saw another prado somewhere with a similar lift and that same tire and thought it looked amazing. if anybody has tried these let me know what they think.

I also put the plastic bumper ends back on yesterday. they are a little scuffed but make the vehicle look more complete. Today I just got a radio that will work on American fm stations. The one thats in the land cruiser only picks up the Japanese frequency's (correct me if I am wrong they seem to end at 89.9). I am also really close to purchasing a factory snorkel. I believe the part numbers are 53285-60090, 52831-60050, 53772-60030/53773-60010, and 53299-60190. Along with various other parts. If anyone knows where to find the corner lights in the factory orange color that would be awesome. trying to get it back to more stock looking! (witch also means fixing that stupid muffler on it!) One last thing if anyone out there wants to sell their side steps let me know. I think the part numbers are 51770-60440, 51770-60420. View attachment 3000310

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

I figured this could be the place I post about what I do to my kzj78. The build / repair thread if you will.

Following. Looking good.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Finally got my factory 70 series rims in yesterday after lots of weather delays. Toyota part 42601-60262-03 I am excited to get some rubber mounted to them and get them on the truck. The tires/mounting are a birthday gift from my fiancé so I need to wait till that day comes in on June 5th. I am thinking the kzj78 is going to look perfect with the 235 85 16 tires I picked out. witch are radar renegade r7 tires (not the nicest tires ever but I wanted to try somthing other than BFgoodrich all trains that I have had for years)

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Here is a photo from last month of a little exploring with my fiancé

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I installed a new radio recently that I purchase from Shopcruiserparts.net for I think around 70$. It was used but in pretty much new condition. because it was a single din radio I had to install one of the pocket things . I found an oem one for a first gen tacoma that seemed to fit pretty well. (slight gap under the radio) Its nice to be able to get all the stations now and not just the Japanese frequencies. And this one has bluetooth and all the modern stuff!