Hey Folks! Introducing myself on this forum - former lurker.
For years, I've wanted a dedicated platform for remote travel, camping, and wheeling. While I had originally done this with my Tacoma, the time and effort required to make it highly capable would also ruin its daily driving ability. That, and if something went wrong off the beaten path, I'd be without a vehicle for quite some time. This inevitably lead me down a rabbit hole, culminating in a decision: an analog wagon/SUV platform, one with plenty of aftermarket/OEM/online support. Plus, something with minimal electronics would allow me to learn more about increasing my mechanical abilities over a long period of time.
These and other reasons confirmed that an 80 would be right for me. However, the US spec 80s have a few draw backs, chiefly their range. Researching engine and drivetrain options allowed me to determine exactly what I wanted to look for, based on import regulations and WI statutes: a 1995 HDJ81 turbodiesel, specifically with the 1HD-FT engine mated to an A442F transmission.
Last year, I found just the thing on BaT, with approximately 74k original miles on the clock and essentially no rust.
My intention is to convert the back into a miniature camper, of sorts, and continue baselining/modifying/learning this year. Following that, assuming all goes well, cross country USA and Canada trips will be made.
There are a few advantages to the JDM 80s that, IMO, should have been optional or standard here in the states. The engine itself aside, spare wheel tire carriers and LSD differentials were never offered, by comparison (at least, not to my knowledge). Other small items would add up too, like the fact that the axles articulate in parallel with one another instead of opposite.
Regardless, I'm happy to join the forum and learn/contribute more!
- Pat
For years, I've wanted a dedicated platform for remote travel, camping, and wheeling. While I had originally done this with my Tacoma, the time and effort required to make it highly capable would also ruin its daily driving ability. That, and if something went wrong off the beaten path, I'd be without a vehicle for quite some time. This inevitably lead me down a rabbit hole, culminating in a decision: an analog wagon/SUV platform, one with plenty of aftermarket/OEM/online support. Plus, something with minimal electronics would allow me to learn more about increasing my mechanical abilities over a long period of time.
These and other reasons confirmed that an 80 would be right for me. However, the US spec 80s have a few draw backs, chiefly their range. Researching engine and drivetrain options allowed me to determine exactly what I wanted to look for, based on import regulations and WI statutes: a 1995 HDJ81 turbodiesel, specifically with the 1HD-FT engine mated to an A442F transmission.
Last year, I found just the thing on BaT, with approximately 74k original miles on the clock and essentially no rust.
My intention is to convert the back into a miniature camper, of sorts, and continue baselining/modifying/learning this year. Following that, assuming all goes well, cross country USA and Canada trips will be made.
There are a few advantages to the JDM 80s that, IMO, should have been optional or standard here in the states. The engine itself aside, spare wheel tire carriers and LSD differentials were never offered, by comparison (at least, not to my knowledge). Other small items would add up too, like the fact that the axles articulate in parallel with one another instead of opposite.
Regardless, I'm happy to join the forum and learn/contribute more!
- Pat
