Replace Tacoma W a Hilux? Questions

[darwink1]

My Tacoma may be one of the units recalled due to frame rot and I may be faced with what to do to replace it.

Since there are no small trucks worth buying on the market right now (the new Tacoma is NOT a small truck), I was thinking of looking into importing a low kilometer, jdm, sfa hilux double cab LN106. This truck would come with the 3L, 2800cc, diesel, manual trans, and 4:30 gears.

I am in the midst of digging up information pertaining to this model lux and specifically the 3L engine.

I use my 00' Taco as a dd, weekend trail machine, and for the occasional road trip. The only modifications the lux would require to meet my needs would be some armour (cut off of the taco and made to fit), a lift, and a set of 33's (already have 33x10.5x15 bfg m/t's on the Tacoma) as far as i can see.

Heres a couple of questions:

-which front axle comes on this model?

-would the front axle be compatible with.....lets say an e-lock
third form a specific Land Cruiser?

-was rear e-lock ever an option on the sfa hilux.

-How does the 3L rate as far as reliability and driveability?

-As far as parts, does the hilux use the same tranny, clutch, and transfer case as north american trucks used (90-95 minis)? It's pretty obvious glass and most body pannels are the same.

I have a lot of other questions, but will limit them to the 50 posted above.

As you can tell, I know next to nothing, so any information would be appreciated. Point me in the right direction if you know of any forums or sites I should be looking at.

Thanks for reading.

D

Want to replace this

With this

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Sounds like Toyota should be replacing the frame for you and you will keep the original Taco. John

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

If you're in the US you're gonna find it's a hard time/impossible to import a truck that new. The cut off is 25 years and older I think.... If you're in Canada you're probably fine..... Jerk! That being said....

I'm 99% sure the SFA is the same axle from the 79-85 trucks and 4Runners we got in the US. Yes you can retrofit the E-locker out of an 80 series cruiser into that front axle. (Check FAQ for link) The Hilux' may have had a rear cable locker option.... Not sure on the E-locker though....

Check out the 2LTE swap link in the FAQ thread here, there's some info on transmissions and the 3L in there.... But I'll let you read You might ask about the 3L in the Diesel section here.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

If you get one in the U.S. (yes, there are a few that have showed up legally--I missed one in an auction by a day--a frikken day!!!) then I officially hate you.

The 3L isn't exactly a powerhouse, but I wouldn't throw one out of the shop either. I'd guess it's similar to the 3.0 V6 in terms of power (but way more torque--especially on the trail at low speed).

The Hilux solid axle is indeed the same axle as was in the US until '86.

The diesels are awesome to the max.

I'll let you read the already referenced bit about the transmissions and whatnot.

Dan

 

[fortysixandtwo]

land cruiser hi pinion third members with elockers will drop right into the solid front housing with only very minor clearancing required.

You are a lucky SOB if you get that 4 door hilux, we dont have those here in the USA.....tacos are a dime a dozen

 

[darwink1]

Hey!
Thanks for the quick replys.

My dealer told me that if my Taco is affected by the "recall" I may have the option of demanding that toyota fix it. From what I've read so far, on other sites (ttora), toyota is offering owners 1.5x the kbb value. If this is the case I think I will take the cash and run. Far far away. I am wondering how long it will take for the 01-04 trucks to get this recall (same frame). They say the trucks involved did not recieve some kind of chemical treatment that leaves the frames prone to salt and whatnot. Check out some of the rot pictures on ttora. If the 01-04 trucks are ok (how would I know for sure?) I would have no problem getting an 04 trd to replace mine.

As for the hilux, I am in Canada so it would be no problem getting one. Outback Imports has an 89 rhd hilux double cab w the 3L, std. trans, and sfa for sale right now w only 89 xxx km on it. They want a little less than 20 g for it, and offer a full ome upgrade fot another 2g. Since an 04 trd Taco still fetches around 24-26g around here, it might be worth looking into. I would end up with the truck of my dreams, outfitted w the sfa and diesel that I've always wanted in my Taco (I was planning an sfa in the future).

This is the truck available now, just as an example:

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Nice lookin HiLux, but 20 grand for a truck that is nearly 20 years old, bone stock, and RHD is a bit much, regardless of whatever the exchange rate is. John

 

[fortysixandtwo]

That is a beautiful Hilux but is the 20G in American dollars? I dont know the currency difference between the USA and Canada, if it is 20G american that is a lot of money for that old of a truck, even if it is a gem like that one seems to be.

 

[darwink1]

its CDN funds, not US. I just sent a paypal the the other day and 670 CDN would have been 698 US. Our dollar is up a bit.

lotsa cash for an old truck but theres nothing on the market id buy right now. at all. and anything like the new tacoma is what like 40+ grand? the way toyota is heading i bet the lux would outlast anything they sell now if i took care of it. especially if i store it for the winter and drive the beater (90 ext cab 4x4 mini).

If the truck I have now were to be bought back I'd want a replacement. The new taco is not anything like it, costs way too much, and I wouldnt go domestic. The way id figure it id be ahead with the lux. less cash spent in the long run and i got what i wanted. not to mention the cash id save getting it trail ready.

Meh we'll see.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Since you're in Canada I'd take the money and run to the nearest Hilux!

Lucky!

Dan