New LJ78 Owner, need EBay Lift Kit opinions
- Thread starter GTSSportCoupe
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GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
- Thread starter
- #43
I don't think it's the best option, no. But it is a better option than having too stiff springs in the front. For the rear of your truck you could still upgrade to the OME.
Best option really is just to get the right springs.
These are the spacers I bought for the front: 2 Front Coil Spring 30mm Spacer Landcruiser 78 79 Series HZJ78 HZJ79 FZJ78 FZJ79
But even with the mediums you said is still too stiff, and I don't even have any accessories! I will get the nitrocharger sports, I was just wondering if I can install spacers on all four coils... If not I'll just put them on fronts and get the medium springs for the rears. Thanks for all the help!
GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
- Thread starter
- #45
Yes, that is what I would do too. Good luck!
you have come a long wayzHey Folks, I'm new to the forums here and thought I'd introduce myself and ask a suspension question. I'm new to the Landcruiser scene, but definitely not new to owning and working on Toyotas. I've been in the '80s Toyota sports car scene for years, and have heavily modified a few cars. I've owned a Tercel 4wd station wagon which I drove into some pretty crazy places camping/fishing in the back country of Vancouver Island. I spent a bunch of time in an FJ40 and a BJ60 when I worked for a mineral exploration company years ago, and grew up around 4wd vehicles. So I decided it was time to acquire my own cruiser.
As my family is growing, it was time to let go of my MR2 and get something more practical. I recently got a good deal on an LJ78 Prado (paid $3500), and I just love the vehicle. Yeah, I know all about the 2LTE issues, but for the price I paid I'm willing to deal with them if they surface. I've done all my own work on my vehicles for the last 15 years, so will save a lot of $$ by doing the work myself on this vehicle. The particular vehicle I bought says it has 165,000kms, but I'd say by the looks of it probably has closer to 250,000kms (someone back in J-land rolled the odometer back). The engine runs good and looks like the head has never been replaced. So I guess I'm one of the lucky few to own a Prado without a cracked head issue (yet). The previous owner just rebuilt the turbo and injectors trying to fix a bad engine smoking problem (in vain). They gave up on it which is why I got it cheap. 30 min after getting it home I discovered the problem was just a kinked PCV hose to a pop bottle catch can. I reconnected the PCV hose as per factory setup, and the oil burning problem went away. I feel bad for the seller, but good for the deal I got.They had recently spent a fortune getting the turbo and injectors rebuilt, so took a pretty big loss on the truck.
I have a lot of plans for improving the reliability and output of the motor. I'm basically going to follow pradocruzer's example by modifying the MAP pressure signal to the ECU to run leaner and allow more turbo pressure. I'll also be increasing the boost, installing a front mount intercooler, new down pipe and exhaust. Timing belt, waterpump, thermostat, accessory belts, EGR block off, electric rad fan, etc etc. will also all be done. I've already bought a pyrometer and boost gauge which I'll soon be installing.
The original suspension on my Prado is in sore shape with leaking electronic adjustable shocks and tired springs. I've been reading about suspension options. I want to go with a mild lift (maybe 2"). I've heard the Dobinson setup is good. I've also thought about contacting RADD Cruisers here on Vancouver Island to see what they can get in. However I was wondering what you guys thought of this kit on Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amada-Shocks-Absorbers-50mm-2-raised-KING-SPRING-LandCruiser-70-series-Prado-/260986080641?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AToyota|Model%3ALand+Cruiser&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cc3fb8d81
Thanks for reading if you made it this far!
Nick
GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
- Thread starter
- #48
you have come a long wayz
Haha, reading that was a real step back in time. I've learned so much since then. It's been a fun ride though.
I'm on my fourth (and favorite) suspension setup now.
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I just ordered the Iron man kit i couldn't wait any longer for the OME or Dobinsons i have read some good review i will see how it goes.
What are you currently running?
GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
- Thread starter
- #50
I just ordered the Iron man kit i couldn't wait any longer for the OME or Dobinsons i have read some good review i will see how it goes.
What are you currently running?
Cool, I look forward to your review of the Iron man kit.
I've got a lead on a cheap low km LJ78 that someone kept around as a 'parts truck', but it's in perfect shape besides the engine. I may go for it and try a 15BFTE/A443 (Megacruiser drivetrain) swap. That will be quite a bit more weight than the 2LTE/A343F I imagine. I'll be looking at some heavier suspension if those plans pan out. I think I'll set it up as more of a heavy duty expedition/tow capable truck as opposed to my soft flexible current setup.
Here is what I'm running now:
LJ78 100mm lift on 35s
Been playing around a bit with different tires and suspension this year. Previously I've run both OME and Dobinson ~60mm lifts. Recently I came across a used unknown brand JDM 100mm lift locally for $100. Thought I'd give it a try. The Pro-comp 9000 shocks it came with were far too stiff and...
forum.ih8mud.com
I want to see a build thread if that happens! Sounds like an awesome project.Cool, I look forward to your review of the Iron man kit.
I've got a lead on a cheap low km LJ78 that someone kept around as a 'parts truck', but it's in perfect shape besides the engine. I may go for it and try a 15BFTE/A443 (Megacruiser drivetrain) swap. That will be quite a bit more weight than the 2LTE/A343F I imagine. I'll be looking at some heavier suspension if those plans pan out. I think I'll set it up as more of a heavy duty expedition/tow capable truck as opposed to my soft flexible current setup.
Here is what I'm running now:
LJ78 100mm lift on 35s
Been playing around a bit with different tires and suspension this year. Previously I've run both OME and Dobinson ~60mm lifts. Recently I came across a used unknown brand JDM 100mm lift locally for $100. Thought I'd give it a try. The Pro-comp 9000 shocks it came with were far too stiff and...
GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
- Thread starter
- #52
Will do for sure! It's actually a fairly popular swap in south east asia now, and I've done enough reading to become somewhat comfortable and confident in the idea. 15BFTE is basically the largest most powerful Toyota diesel that fits in the LJ78 engine bay. I've wanted a direct injection diesel for a while now so that I have less heat when towing; that's sort of the main driver. I was looking at importing a VDJ76 for a while; but they're just too expensive for me to justify (probably $70k by the time it's in my driveway). So my next option (to stay in a 70 series) was an engine swap.
JDM Journeys
Moderator
@GTSSportCoupe ...as usually happens, i didn't look at the date before I started reading the first post. Then I saw the poster name. Lol. THEN I looked closely at the date 
Love seeing where these things all started. So fun! As has been said, you've come a long way, and have helped many. Including me
.
Cheers to a great thread!
Edit: megacruiser drivetrain? OMG! Now I have some googling to do...
Love seeing where these things all started. So fun! As has been said, you've come a long way, and have helped many. Including me
.Cheers to a great thread!
Edit: megacruiser drivetrain? OMG! Now I have some googling to do...
Ironman have come a long way , but the other 2 would have been just that much better.
I just ordered the Iron man kit i couldn't wait any longer for the OME or Dobinsons i have read some good review i will see how it goes.
What are you currently running?
