Builds Joe's 1992 LJ78 Build Thread

[jozefwright1]

Hi Guys

I wanted to create a thread for my new 1992 LJ78.
Picked it up 3 weeks ago with 110,000kms on the clock. Really tidy

I am brand new to diesels, landcruisers and working on them.
After reading a lot of your threads there is so much cool stuff I have seen done to LJ78's that I would like to do but don't have a know how or ability lol.

This thread will chronicle my most likely slow progress to improving the engine etc

 

[jozefwright1]

As I am have mechanical experience, I don't trust myself to attempt any type of work on the truck atm. But I am really keen to learn and have been having a look and fiddle around with different parts to figure out what they are.

As far as I can tell the truck has got relatively new fuel and oil filters?

Can anyone tell for sure?

One of the first things I am thinking of doing is trying to install a manual boost controller and then a boost gauge, egt gauge and temp gauge.
Does anyone know a good manual boost controller to buy and then how to install it? I am thinking having the gauges replace the temperature and alimeter gauges in the centre of the dash. Has anyone done this and have designs for it?

I also want to add a 2.5- 3inch mandrel exhaust pipe. Which size would be best and how where do I start with that?

Lastly does anyone know what this is for??

 

[jozefwright1]

At someone of heres recommendation @GTSSportCoupe I think? I removed the random pipe coming from the air filter pipe yesterday and blocked it off.

 

[jozefwright1]

I think the next thing I want to try work on is removing the EGR system. I have no idea how or where to start or even what part of the engine it is on! hahah anyone that could help would be awesome?

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Nice truck, and glad you're willing to learn about it.

Your filters look clean, but it's not a sure way to really know how long it's been since they've been changed. Usually I change the oil right away when I buy a new vehicle. Only way to be sure about things.

The thing you pulled off your ceiling is the interior temperature sensor.

Good plan on moving forward with some gauges. Personally I left my interior/exterior temp sensor and altimeter pod intact because I find the temp sensor part useful. Especially when temps are hovering around freezing, I know to watch out for ice on the road. To each there own. Sure is a nice spot to put gauges.

Removing the EGR system is a good thing. EGR stand for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. What it does is takes some of the exhaust fumes and feeds it back into your intake under certain conditions. It is supposed to reduce emissions. But on the negative side it gunks up the intake manifold and intake ports in the cylinder head. It also clutters up the engine bay. Many of us also have removed the vacuum switching valves that control it, and the throttle butterfly plates. That might be a little much for you if you are just starting to learn about this stuff though.

There are a number of LJ78 owners who have posted photos of the process. Just search through the 70 series and diesel forums. Go here to the Megazip website ( Spare parts for Toyota LAND CRUISER/LAND CRUISER PRADO LJ78 Automobile | Buy high quality spare parts for Automobile at reasonable prices in MegaZip online shop. 6001 ) to see drawings of all the systems on your vehicle. It helps with jobs like this. Also make sure you download the Toyota manuals (linked in the first post of the 'Improving the 2LTE' thread). I learned how to work on cars just buy following the Toyota manuals whenever I did a job. They are well written.

If you can't find the threads about EGR removal, I'll dig around and find them for you.

 

[jozefwright1]

Thanks for the tips @GTSSportCoupe. As I have never done and oil change before (amatuer I know) I will get a mate to show me how it’s done this weekend.

I think I will scrap the altimeter and temperature sensor as I’m in Auckland, NZ and the temps never get to low for it to impact driving conditions.

If I was to get a boost, egt and temp gauge would you have recommendations for the best ones?

Thanks for info on Egr delete. It might seem a bit to complex for me atm but I will do some of that reading and research this afternoon and hopefully I can gain some knowledge!

Cheers

 

[Nas90tdi]

I haven't gotten around to updating my thread in a couple of weeks, but yes. Gauges fit fine in the dash pod.
Watch out fo the depth of the center gauge as there is a metal brace for the back of the Alt/Temp pod that isn't terrible far back. A shallow gauge works just fine.
I am going to use the last spot for trans temp or exterior temp later on, I have just been doing so much lately to mine I decided to wait on the last gauge until I get caught up with the projects already in the works.

 

[AirheadNut]

Sweet looking Prado! It looks just like mine, even has about the same odometer reading (I just turned over 113k), but yours is in better shape. In my last Prado I redid the altimeter pod with gauges, there are photos of it here: 1990 LJ78 in Montana
I also posted some photos of my EGR delete that you might find useful when you go to do that. If nothing else it is really easy to disable the system so that it no longer dumps carbon into your intake.
Also, when you get an EGT gauge I would highly recommend putting it in pre-turbo rather than post-turbo to get a more accurate reading.