help with buying a diesel cruiser?

[Rusted]

hey folks!! i'm new here and am looking for some advice on buying a diesel cruiser. i've always wanted a BJ60 and am considering trading in my 90 4runner before i spend too much more on it. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2161506 - notice my FJ40 on page 2

anybody here own(ed) a 1st or 2nd gen 4runner/Surf and an 80's 60/62? how do they compare? performance, reliability, maintenance, parts.. any opinions would be greatly appriciated. i know nothing about diesels.

is there an average milage that the Toyota diesels usually need to be overhauled at?? and are they pretty much trouble free or do they need a lot of attention? weak points to look for when buying..

any advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated. i've got a lot of research to do before deciding on what year/series will serve me best.. thought i'd go right to the source.

 

[Rusted]

ok, its definately the 60 that i'm after, but 4 or 6 cylinder?

 

[denis]

Depending on the year, the 60 was offer either with the 4cyl 3B engine, or the 6cyl 2H engine. Neither are big powerhorses, and both are somewhat reliable depending on servicing and (ab)use. Coming from a 4runner you will feel a lot more like in a tractor in a 60 : slow, noisy and not incredibly comfortable. The 3B might be esaier to get parts for, but I will let the Canadians chime in with more in-depth answers
What to look for should be easy to figure out when shopping : healthy engine, good transmission, body condition rust-wise, watch out if the frame is not about to fall into pieces from rot...

good luck and welcome

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hi Rusted. An old GF of mine had the 1st generation 4Runner/Surf thing with
22R and from memory it was no powerhouse. I think on big hills we used to turn the aircon off for more power

Both the B and H diesels are capable of extremely high miles with regular oil changes but with most of them about 20 years old and probably have had 3-4 owners it will be hard to find one that isnt nearing the end of its life.
Most of the aussie B and H motors crap out around 400000klms.

There is also a turbo version of the H motor called the 12HT but its both hard to obtain and not cheap.
The 3B is more suited to turbocharging. There is also a factory 4cyl turbo called the 13BT which maybe easier to procure

If its going to be a long term ownership,start with the best body you can find and rebuild the mechanicals

 

[Tapage]

is there an average milage that the Toyota diesels usually need to be overhauled at?? and are they pretty much trouble free or do they need a lot of attention? weak points to look for when buying..

Mine ( 2H engine ) gave me 447,000 km before overhaul .. with good maintenance, maybe much more.

A diesel engine, with good condition diesel pump, good oil, proper maintenate is in fact problems free .. those engines are really good.

Maybe some minos changes as front diff bearins, alternator, vaccum pump .. but the engine .. not.

 

[Greg_B]

Hi Rusted. An old GF of mine had the 1st generation 4Runner/Surf thing with
22R and from memory it was no powerhouse. I think on big hills we used to turn the aircon off for more power

Both the B and H diesels are capable of extremely high miles with regular oil changes but with most of them about 20 years old and probably have had 3-4 owners it will be hard to find one that isnt nearing the end of its life.
Most of the aussie B and H motors crap out around 400000klms.

There is also a turbo version of the H motor called the 12HT but its both hard to obtain and not cheap.
The 3B is more suited to turbocharging. There is also a factory 4cyl turbo called the 13BT which maybe easier to procure

If its going to be a long term ownership,start with the best body you can find and rebuild the mechanicals

Nice synopsis. My personal druthers would be a 3B equipped, or 12HT. Oil piston skirt cooling goes a long way imo.

I agree...if you are staying Cdn get a truck with a good frame and body. The mechanicals can be looked after, but if the body mounts and hidden cavities are rust filled and layered...

They are out there....if you are patient.

This is one reason Cdn folks who are open to RHD have started looking to JDM trucks. If you really like the 60 series, a rust free HJ61 is a very nice truck. There are rusty JDM trucks as well, so beware.

Whatever you get...spray the crap out of it at least once a year with rust proofing...

Read this FAQ all the way through. It may answer many questions.

http://www.birfield.com/modules.php?name=TLCFAQ

Whatever you buy, at a minimum make sure you get the cold/hot oil pressure, and compression numbers.

Good luck in your search!

hth's

gb

 

[Diescipel]

Hook up with a reputable, knowledgeable cruiserhead professional for a pre-purchase inspection. I believe the man in B.C. would be Robb Milson (Landcruiser Industries in Richmond) (a search of this board will probably turn up more contact info). If you find one on the island, take it to Rob at RADD cruisers.

HTH
B

 

[Eric Winkworth]

I would just get a truck from one of the few importers on the fourm, not only will they have a newer, low km's rust free truck, but they will stand behind it!

 

[denis]

the downfall is RHD, which may or may not be an issue...

 

[Urbancarrot]

Hello Rusted

Look into the HJ61....

Really a great motor..... Wonderful power..... and tons of space....

There are a few Canadian importers that bring them in and they are in tip top shape....

Have fun shopping....

Todd

 

[dieseldog]

Anyone afraid of RHD is simply a pussy. It's the shizznit.

 

[Eric Winkworth]

I've yet to drive one, but I think it would be kinda cool.

I like the hardtop style LC's the best, the wagon one just don't appeal to me, I think a wagon would be the perfect family truck though or if you like to carry tons of gear . I have seen some on this fourm I would love to have.

cheers