New member introduction... LJ79 Let me hear you thoughts...

[Kcizik]

Well I thought this would be a good time to post up an introduction with my truck.
I'm an American living in Nicaragua and have this '94 land cruiser II as my project/DD.
Up until early this year it was an one owner vehicle, it had been very well cared for. She has 375k km on the clock, but is still running strong.
The 3L is still original, never having been opened. Amazingly it doesn't burn any oil and fires off right away. In Nicaragua it seems all of them came with only the 3L.
Surprisingly for the year and for being in Nicaragua, it has power windows, locks, and mirrors.
The paint, while being original, is starting to show it's age. The good part is besides common dents and dings, everything is still straight and original.
So my plan is to first tackle the paint, then address any details on the interior. Fortunately the interior components are identical to the other 70 series Land cruiser. I am thinking about possibly sourcing a newer dash, just to give it a bit of a refresh.
Any ideas on any useful upgrades or maintenance?

Since I am a resident here, I did think of possibly driving it up to the US and importing it. Do you think it would be worth it? What would a truck like this reasonably sell for?

 

[roscoFJ73]

At 375 000 klms it is getting old for any small diesel. They can go for another 1or2 hundred thousand but most of them dont. I would get a compression test done.
Changing the dashboard sounds like a lot of work that wont make much difference. And buyers often have a preference for originality.
I would have a look behind the fibreglass flares, they often hide serious rust.
Before you paint it, take lots of pics of the body. If you want to sell it potential buyers will be worried about hidden rust.

Is it a 4 or 5sp? The Red Cross bought a lot of LJ79's for developing countries

 

[Kcizik]

At 375 000 klms it is getting old for any small diesel. They can go for another 1or2 hundred thousand but most of them dont. I would get a compression test done.
Changing the dashboard sounds like a lot of work that wont make much difference. And buyers often have a preference for originality.
I would have a look behind the fibreglass flares, they often hide serious rust.
Before you paint it, take lots of pics of the body. If you want to sell it potential buyers will be worried about hidden rust.

Is it a 4 or 5sp? The Red Cross bought a lot of LJ79's for developing countries

I appreciate the suggestions.
It’s a 5 speed.
I’ll eventually do a compression check on it. It’s not my first 3l, I had a hilux with one. This is by all feel is still pulling strong. You’re definitely right though, any engine at some point will need attention.
Since this is my project I plan on posting up any progress, especially the body and paint.

 

[Willis]

A truck like that in the US would go for 20K on a good day, if it was fully restored.

In it's current state, I would say 7500. Mileage and haggard looking body don't help it.

 

[Kcizik]

A truck like that in the US would go for 20K on a good day, if it was fully restored.

In it's current state, I would say 7500. Mileage and haggard looking body don't help it.

I definitely wouldn’t drive it up now as it sits. It’s a nice project for me now, and something to think about bringing up later.
Fortunately the 3l is super common around here, so to do a rebuild with genuine parts is quite easy and not too expensive.

 

[Kcizik]

I've been looking things over and gathering information and starting to put together a plan for this project of mine.
I appreciate the suggestions as they're helping think about what direction to take.
Someone mentioned that a compression test would be a good start.
It just had one done, all 4 cylinders were hitting about 400psi. To me it's a great indication that it was really well cared for, being that it nearly has 400k km.
Still the point of it being only able to take some much, and needing a rebuild eventually is a very valid point. It certainly though is a testament of the quality of these Toyota trucks.
So I definitely have on the list, an engine rebuild. I'm thinking pistons, rings, valves, crank bearings, timing belt and tensioner, and clutch.
Depending on how the cylinder bores are, I may have have to re-sleeve or opt for an oversized option. I'm hoping based on it's good compression that everything is still well in spec and a good honing will suffice.
Fortunately there's a nice machine shop not too far in the capital who can do quality work.

I'm trying to plan this so while it's getting it's body work done, I can have the engine out, send it out to be machined (if need be), assemble it, paint it, and have it ready to go. The paint will be in the original color. Fender flares and the roof rack will go matte black.

The paint and the engine are the major points on the list.
Hopefully this week or the next I'll drop out the rear carrier change those bearings, set the backlash, and change the axle shaft outer bearings. Does anyone have the specs for the backlash or a link? I've read up that the G144 is a pretty common axle.
While I'm in there, I also have new rear brake cylinders to be changed out. Probably U-joints would be in the mix as well.

The tranny is nice and tight, shifts smooth, and doesn't pop out or grind. It's overall pretty quiet.
How good are the G52's? Should I just leave it alone?

As far as the interior goes, it's in really good shape. It had seat covers on, so the fabric is unstained and unfaded. The challenge will be the driver seat. That's just worn through, even the foam is done. The carpet is in good shape, a good shampooing will be all it needs.
I do have new window switches and their trim for the back doors. The steering wheel I can just source from another 70 series.
Does anyone know if it's possible to get ahold of this interior fabric?

Any other suggestions to make this thing sweet again?
Thanks in advance for all the input!