Reliability

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lordVader

lordVader

Joined
Feb 27, 2008
Threads
18
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I'm planning on allocating about 20k-25k for my land cruiser (car + mods) and I am planning on doing a lot of trail riding. Some of these places you have visited are amazing. My question is how do you strike a balance between having a new motor/reliability? and saving money for mods ? I was thinking about once I got my cruiser, to get a full update on all the major parts, get the timing belt checked, make sure the head gaskets are new and other prime components are up to speed.. would really suck to have your pistons or motor seize up in the middle of Alaska or death valley.

Thoughts
 
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lordVader said:
I'm planning on allocating about 20k-35k for my land cruiser (car + mods) and I am planning on doing a lot of trail riding. Some of these places you have visited are amazing. My question is how do you strike a balance between having a new motor/reliability? and saving money for mods ? I was thinking about once I got my cruiser, to get a full update on all the major parts, get the timing belt checked, make sure the head gaskets are new and other prime components are up to speed.. would really suck to have your pistons or motor seize up in the middle of Alaska or death valley.

Thoughts
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I personally do all of my own servicing so I know it is done the way I want it done. It helps that I am a mechanic;). I try to do as many mods myself that I can too. For example I built my rear drawers myself rather than buying an off the shelf item.

Shop around for your parts, don't be afraid of using second hand items like bullbars, rims or spotlights. Do your own labour, not only will you save money but you will know how to fix it in the bush.

Most of the information can be found on MUD but other local cruiserheads are a great help.
 
Mickldo said:
I personally do all of my own servicing so I know it is done the way I want it done. It helps that I am a mechanic;). I try to do as many mods myself that I can too. For example I built my rear drawers myself rather than buying an off the shelf item.

Shop around for your parts, don't be afraid of using second hand items like bullbars, rims or spotlights. Do your own labour, not only will you save money but you will know how to fix it in the bush.

Most of the information can be found on MUD but other local cruiserheads are a great help.
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nice :) Yea, I always buy stuff used usually. Ebay is a great site
 
With your budget. I am assuming you are getting a 100 series or low mile 80 series? If you are leaning towards any of those vehicle or even a 4runner, you do not have to worry about the internal engine failure as long as you keep up with the maintenance assuming the engine is in good shape. Toyota enigine is built to last. I have been to many long trips in my 80 and my 96 4runner in remote area by myself for weeks, no problem at all. I would definatelly check and change the timing belt, water pump, all the hoses, all fluids, every filters in the truck, regrease everything. Then do the mod. I am in Houston as well, probably can give you a hand or so :)
 
If you are considering a new engine, than buy a cheap 80 with high milaege and swap in a 1HZ. Diesel's more money than gas right now but always cheaper in Latin America. It will also always be cheaper than gas in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, diesel is more expensive because of the high demenad for home heating fuel. Diesel is also about 30% more effeicient. It will also ensure that your Cruiser has a great resale value. For the long term you can't beat diesel as your first mod. :)
 
Mickldo said:
I personally do all of my own servicing so I know it is done the way I want it done. It helps that I am a mechanic;). I try to do as many mods myself that I can too. For example I built my rear drawers myself rather than buying an off the shelf item.

Shop around for your parts, don't be afraid of using second hand items like bullbars, rims or spotlights. Do your own labour, not only will you save money but you will know how to fix it in the bush.

Most of the information can be found on MUD but other local cruiserheads are a great help.
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I scrubbed my post before I posted it ,because it was almost the same as Mick's

Doing all the regular maintenance yourself is a good way to familiarize yourself with your own rig.
If its get too hard ,take it to a mechanic,but you will still have a better chance at recognising BS.

Not all of us have heaps of money,we are patient,look for bargains and make sure we get mods/accessories that are really useful and last the distance.

I was thinking about once I got my cruiser, to get a full update on all the major parts, get the timing belt checked, make sure the head gaskets are new and other prime components are up to speed.. would really suck to have your pistons or motor seize up in the middle of Alaska or death valley.
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Having an engine die in the middle of nowhere is everyones nightmare. But I would leave the head in place unless the engine your buying is renown for head gaskets failure etc.
I would look for other symptoms of head problems and if I didnt find any I would leave it.
I would also look for signs of low compression/low power/oil use
 
roscoFJ73 said:
I scrubbed my post before I posted it ,because it was almost the same as Mick's

Doing all the regular maintenance yourself is a good way to familiarize yourself with your own rig.
If its get too hard ,take it to a mechanic,but you will still have a better chance at recognising BS.

Not all of us have heaps of money,we are patient,look for bargains and make sure we get mods/accessories that are really useful and last the distance.



Having an engine die in the middle of nowhere is everyones nightmare. But I would leave the head in place unless the engine your buying is renown for head gaskets failure etc.
I would look for other symptoms of head problems and if I didnt find any I would leave it.
I would also look for signs of low compression/low power/oil use
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sounds like a plan. Already checked out one cruiser so far, still shopping around. I also got the number to a pretty good land cruiser mechanic in the Houston area too.
 
Depends on the cruiser...80 series? do the PHH, and a BIG list of PM to baseline and get it bullet proof ready..Then get on the road and enjoy the scenery.
 
lordVader said:
sounds like a plan. Already checked out one cruiser so far, still shopping around. I also got the number to a pretty good land cruiser mechanic in the Houston area too.
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Lookins cheap so look at plenty to get a good idea of whats around and note common faults.
If you miss a bargain they always pop up again sooner or later
 
roscoFJ73 said:
Lookins cheap so look at plenty to get a good idea of whats around and note common faults.
If you miss a bargain they always pop up again sooner or later
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Yea, I've just been looking around. Ebay, autotrader, forums, craigslist, all sorts of places
 
from a drivetrain standpoint the most reliable vehicle is the one closest to stock. plain and simple.
 
Your in houston. Check with the Lonestar cruiser club( Austin chapter I think) . I was at the event this weekend and one of the members had a profits cruisers 80 with desiel for sale. He was in the mid 20's for a full converted expideition rig. I was told that the profit conversion alone is around 20 k. My experience is you can buy one already finished cheaper than you can build one.

The toyota brand is very reliable. I have gone on many long road trips with 100K and 200k trucks with no worries. As long as you have i a little while before your trip so you can learn its quirks and noises, they are very safe and reliable.
 
Yep, the Toyota's are reliable. I've got over 510,000 kms on my BJ60 and I'll be making the drive again from Guatemala to Canada and back this summer. I do not expect any problems but then I've had this truck since '89 and I know it fairly well.
 
REKCUT said:
Your in houston. Check with the Lonestar cruiser club( Austin chapter I think) . I was at the event this weekend and one of the members had a profits cruisers 80 with desiel for sale. He was in the mid 20's for a full converted expideition rig. I was told that the profit conversion alone is around 20 k. My experience is you can buy one already finished cheaper than you can build one.

The toyota brand is very reliable. I have gone on many long road trips with 100K and 200k trucks with no worries. As long as you have i a little while before your trip so you can learn its quirks and noises, they are very safe and reliable.
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Yea, I checked it out, had some scheduling conflicts so couldn't see it in person .. The vehicle is now on Ebay

eBay Motors: Toyota : Land Cruiser (item 250226716905 end time Mar-24-08 09:18:45 PDT)
 
Let me know if you want to drive up from Houston and check her out. I'll gladly remove her from ebay and sell her to a cruiserhead.
 
davegonz said:
Let me know if you want to drive up from Houston and check her out. I'll gladly remove her from ebay and sell her to a cruiserhead.
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Don't mean to cause trouble for you, but I noticed it says 'sells to Canada' in there. I'm not sure about other provinces, but at least in mine the rules officially say no to importing modified vehicles. I'm not sure if there are ways around that, but you might want to double check with any potential ebay buyers from BC lest you spoil your auction...
Also, I think importing vehicles imported from other countries may be a no go in Canada... I saw that written somewhere.
 
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