Hello folks. Been lurking for a bit but first time posting regarding taking the plunge in purchasing my first land cruiser. I originally had my heart set on a late 70's FJ40 due to its simplicity, but given I'm a bit of a stickler for originality vs. modifications; the lack of top speed and lack of ability to fit my family of 5 comfortably and safely in there has turned me away. After seeing both a HZJ77 and a KZJ78 Prado in person around town (Ohio) I've become a bit enamored with the 70 series. While a bit newer than my typical taste, it has the amenities that I'm sure my wife would enjoy and the highway cruising ability with a bit more modern safety features for the young kids fits the bill. Throw in most are RHD for a cool factor too. I'm looking for a manual transmission, reliable cruiser that I can drive multiple times per week that will not be used much if at all on the trails.
My question for the group is mainly around the reliability of the various versions. Based on my research it seems as if the 1HZ mated to the H55 manual transmission is the best combination with the 1KZ with indirect injection being good as well but having weaknesses with cracking heads and injector pump issues. My questions to the group are 1. What should I be looking for in the 1KZ to assess if the head and injector pump are in good condition? 2. What manual transmissions came with the KZJ70's? 3. Is a Prado SX the same as a KZJ?
Thanks in advance!
My question for the group is mainly around the reliability of the various versions. Based on my research it seems as if the 1HZ mated to the H55 manual transmission is the best combination with the 1KZ with indirect injection being good as well but having weaknesses with cracking heads and injector pump issues. My questions to the group are 1. What should I be looking for in the 1KZ to assess if the head and injector pump are in good condition? 2. What manual transmissions came with the KZJ70's? 3. Is a Prado SX the same as a KZJ?
Thanks in advance!