Looking to import an 80

[SirLR]

I'm new to the world of 80-series cruisers, but I've wanted one ever since I got my 3rd-gen 4Runner in 2002. So, I have always wanted to import a vehicle, and I thought, why not get a diesel 80? I was looking at dealer inventory in Japan and planning on importing through B-Pro JDM. The question I had is, I saw that most 95-97 cruisers are not triple locked if I was looking at diesels. So I was debating is it's better to get a 90-94 cruiser with the 1hd-t and triple lock or get the 95-97, spend more and lose triple lock. The reason I want a 95-97 is cause I heard the engine is more reliable than the 1HD-t since there are no BEB issues.. My use for the truck is gonna be e daily driver, weekend warrior type.
Thanks for all the info

 

[Izeloz]

You also might want to consider importing from the Middle East or Europe. I don't know if it's an issue for your use case, but left hand drive is much more handy at drive-thrus and checking if it's safe to pass on the highway. Additionally, if you ever have aspirations of touring into Central or South America, be aware that some countries will not allow RHD vehicles.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

So, I have always wanted to import a vehicle, and I thought, why not get a diesel 80?

Because they are typically more expensive? I guess the relative value and your willingness to pay a premium depends on how much more desirable a diesel 80 is to you. For me, they're less desirable so this consideration wouldn't be on my radar.
Your best bet would probably be to find one close by in the US, so the inspection and importing process would be more convenient and less expensive. JDM Cruisers come up for sale in the US regularly. You might even be able to find one in Canada for sale.
If the later engine is more desirable I'd definitely go with the 95-97 because they have other improvements over the earlier models besides that one.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

A triple locked 80 in good shape with an HDT is pretty much the zenith, but there are so many minor pros and cons one way or the other and opinions are what they are. The 1HDT is a fantastically reliable engine so long as it's been cared for and not beat to snot. Turbos give people sick ideas. Canada got diesels so there will be more expertise up there, also more rust. My first requirement would be as little rust as possible, then work from there (mileage, engine, etc.) Triple lock is somewhat overrated, and slapping in an ARB will cover the same ground. Very few people will ever wheel their rigs to the point where lack of 3x lock is holding them back. There is no particular excitement associated with importing. Look for what's already in Canada and save yourself some trouble. Importing is about as much fun as doing your taxes plus you're buying a "pig in a poke" as we say. You don't really know what you have until it's there in front of you, then it's yours, warts and all.

 

[ToyotaDyna]

Generally my customers ask me for the 24 Valve 1HDFT HD80´s, triple locked, early 1995 to late 1997, the pre 1995´s have the 1HDFT motor and most are not triple locked, some are. Over here on the Canary Islands rust is very rare too.

I have found from personal experience driving both often that the 1HDT has more go, but this is because of the lack of EGR equipment, Toyota had to produce the 1HDFT to meet newer EURO emission standards at the time. You can always delete the EGR, there is a new tread recently about that and a few more.

ToyotaDyna

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[efjayatee]

You can always add the lockers to make it 3x lock.

 

[TheBussman]

Condition is far more important then anything. 1hdt 1hdft power difference is minor (if stock). From what your saying your might not need lockers, if you keep getting stuck you can added the eaton lockers with a factory switch/lights and probably better anyway. The bearing issue is pretty small especially if you get a 93-94 with the updated pistons, very cheap to change the bearings out. If there were the same condition I would get a 93-94 1hdt, I'm a fan of glow plugs, no EGR, no heater screen, exposed injectors, better parts availability. 93-94 has slightly more common suspension parts brake parts, flares, others, slightly bigger brakes, electronic transmission (if auto).

 

[TRPLLKD]

I've owned a bunch of 4x4s. My current is a triple locked 80. If I hadn't stumbled across this one on accident, I wouldn't have stressed the locker situation. I've done all of the moderate and most of the hard trails in the southwest in a Discovery II without front or rear lockers (I did have a center locker); though I did wish I had a at least the rear on a few occasions. If you're not doing serious trails, you won't need the lockers. Front locker is a pretty special case item anyway. As others have said, find a very clean, no rust, unit with the lowest miles possible and add aftermarket lockers if you find yourself getting stuck. Or, just git gud at driving which is a lot cheaper.