Never, ever pay out? It already has.
Think of it the way we did: You have, say, $30,000 to spend on an expedition vehicle that will be subjected to very heavy-duty use. You want it to be reliable, durable, economical, and friendly to the atmosphere. You plan to keep it for at least a decade, if not longer.
You can take your $30,000 and buy a new, loaded V6 auto Tacoma, which will be very comfortable, powerful, superbly reliable, and reasonably durable given IFS, a partially boxed frame, etc. Rear locker. It will return 19 to 20 mpg on the highway if you’re lucky. It will be as distinctive as a refrigerator (we own a Tacoma, so no insult is implied or can be taken).
Or you can take the same $30,000, buy a solid FJ60, rebuild and upgrade all the running gear, drop in a brand new turbodiesel and five-speed transmission, front and rear lockers, etc. You’ll have a classic, heavy-duty, solid-axle expedition vehicle with a brand-new lease on life, vastly reduced emissions compared to its original engine, significantly greater power, and 25 mpg economy. Which would you choose?
Greater power??? Maybe. Definitely greater torque. I own both a Tacoma, and have had turbo diesel pickups from Dodge and Ford, so I know where you're going. Definitely not meaning to dis your project, just putting a little reality spin on it. You can buy a used Ford F350 with power stroke, solid axle, much greater towing ability, nearly as much mileage, and all the camper you can afford. For about 6 grand. There's a little diesel psychosis going around the internet, and most of these rigs end up on ebay. I'd love to have it, don't get me wrong. Lots of people are starting stuff like this with no idea of the eventual cost and lacking the skills to even finish the job correctly. You obviously have done a great job here.
