My Strange Addictions - (Diesel Toyotas Episode)

[GreenPump]

So, I haven't posted in a bit. But, I bought a new rig about a month ago. Looking at all you guys with your big boy diesels really got me hooked. So here I am. I bought a 1993 HDJ81.

I'm usually posting about Hiluxes. I love them, and their wimpy little 2.8 engines. There are currently two 2.8 diesel hiluxes at my place - one out front, and my lovely LN106 on blocks in the garage (see other posts - it got totaled). In total, I've owned four, but two have now been re-homed.

I bought this rig from a fellow in Nebraska - relatively high mileage at 400,000km, but has been well looked after. Recent BEBs, timing belt, frequent oil changes, lots of service records, etc. I wanted the automatic A442F auto, which is a great transmission, but I wanted the newer version with ECT and not the hydro. I also wanted the older 12-valve 1HD-T, because of the mechanical fuel pump. I greatly prefer working on the older style pumps, though some people find them to be a nightmare, as they are fiddly little ****ers, I really do prefer that over extra electronics. This only left me a short window of 80 series trucks. Anyway, here she is on the way home from Nebraska to Idaho

So far I love the rig, it its far more comfortable and practical to drive around town and on the highway than the Hilux. At the moment, everything works - previous owners have replaced suspension, new radio/speakers, added an ARB bull bar and steel wheels, rebuilt the A/C system, and put on a new set of BFG KO2s. I won't be doing much until I finish up rebuilding the Hilux.

 

[Gimme a 60]

Is that thing as slow as the hilux?

 

[GreenPump]

Is that thing as slow as the hilux?

By comparison, it is an absolute rocket ship. I drove about 90mph the whole way from Nebraska to Idaho Falls, and it was cooking along perfectly happy in top gear. I think that the 1hd-t could go 80 miles an hour towing a trailer.

 

[Gimme a 60]

By comparison, it is an absolute rocket ship. I drove about 90mph the whole way from Nebraska to Idaho Falls, and it was cooking along perfectly happy in top gear. I think that the 1hd-t could go 80 miles an hour towing a trailer.

Damn. I’d get myself one if I could.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Congratulations! I miss my tricked up 1HD-T very frequently...

Just for the record, the 80 series never had an electronically controlled diesel, the 1HD-FT is a mechanical engine as well.

What's the plan for mods once the luxxy is done?

 

[GreenPump]

What's the plan for mods once the luxxy is done?

The factory turbo is old and tired. And also I am frequently driving the truck at very high altitude. 8000+ feet above sea level. Even in town we are about a mile above sea level. Thin air up here... could use a turbo upgrade, and maybe an intercooler, although I don't think that is really necessary unless I am pushing big boost numbers. If I do go intercooler, I will go air-to-air front mount. Like the one HD auto sells. Turbo upgrade I am thinking of buying a bolt on unit from Kunigawa. Their units are reasonably priced at between $800-1000 usd and there are a variety of options. I don't plan to greatly exceed the stock configuration.

I will also probably do a transmission service. I at some point service my axles/T-case and switch to amsoil severe gear, which I run in all my toyota diffs and t-cases. Typically I replace the breathers and crush washers too. Its cheap, easy and worth the peace of mind. It seems like everybody and his brother are running aftermarket trans coolers - is this really necessary unless you are towing all the time? All my other toyotas are manual 5 speeds, when I buy them I drain out whatever crap is in there and run redline MT-90. Afterwards they shift great and I don't have issues. But the auto A442F, I am a stranger to.

I will also probably rip out the carpet, grind down the floor pan, reseal it, dynamat it, and put in a vinyl floor. It looks like you can order the original vinyl floors from Amayama. Nothing wrong with my carpet, but, no offense, carpet is gross.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

If you're getting a kinugawa/mamba, get something in the order of a TD05H-16G, 10/11/12 blade turbine for decent spool, in my experience they tend to be on the more unresponsive side vs what they should be.
On the intercooler front, PDI any day of the week IMHO.
On the trans cooler, I would recommend, heat is the enemy.
Lastly, does she have a 3" exhaust? Biggest/Best upgrade on a stock truck in my experience.

 

[GreenPump]

Yes, it has been fitted with 3" exhaust- although whoever did it, it looks like it was their first time welding.

If I order a PDI intercooler from HD Auto, I'm tempted to also get the PDI air intake box. Worth it?

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Yes, it has been fitted with 3" exhaust- although whoever did it, it looks like it was their first time welding.

If I order a PDI intercooler from HD Auto, I'm tempted to also get the PDI air intake box. Worth it?

Airbox is worth it if you're planning 20+ psi - if not the factory one isn't a restriction in my experience.

 

[Miloslavich]

Awesome truck!!

as a Hilux driver, I too want a diesel 80. Been on my radar for a long time. Great minds i guess.

how did you find this rig?

 

[ikarus]

Yes, it has been fitted with 3" exhaust- although whoever did it, it looks like it was their first time welding.

If I order a PDI intercooler from HD Auto, I'm tempted to also get the PDI air intake box. Worth it?

I’m a fan of the PDI air box. I like that it uses a 200 Series OEM filter vs a duramax or pod filter like other airboxes. I can tell it’s flowing more than the stock airbox - which is still good on its own as stated above

 

[GreenPump]

how did you find this rig?

Facebook. I keep an eye on Craigslist and FB marketplace. Occasionally stuff turns up for a good price.

Many times people get into one of these rigs and don't properly maintain them. So they'll end up getting resold for cheap.

 

[duece71]

Nice truck OP. What is the paint code on the data plate in the engine room? It looks like the original paint that was one mine, Nightshade something.