So I decided to import my own: Round Two

[ForealBoreal]

Round Two: The HZJ77

I ditched the 81 back in June for something a bit more spartan. I wanted a 70 series but I didn't know what I was going to end up with. A middy or a 77. Whatever one would come up first. 77s are my dream wagon and I know to find them with low kms, good running condition and a overall good interior and body grade is extremely hard to find because they aren't usually a land cruiser people would buy. They are considered a cargo vehicle in Japan.
Being vehicle-less and cruiser-less at that for the past few months is making the anticipation grow considerably. It came up in auction in November and won it. Mark (my exporter) got it and he says it turned out way cleaner than expected. Just passed customs and I am waiting for a fee to go through with the shipping company. I should have it out on monday assuming the transfer goes through and I will report back with photos and a report.

I have exposed its information to a few people on here and I said that I would post it up after it cleared customs.
Here is a spec list of the puppy. I am sure I am missing a few things but I will have more detail on monday

1996 HZJ77
H55F 5 speed
just under 97,000kms
Front & Rear Difflocks
Aisin Manual Hub Conversion
ARB Bullbar with Brush Guards (fender bars will be ripped off for dd use)
Safari Snorkel
Warn XD9000i Winch
Warn Fog lights
~3+ inch lift with Rancho Shocks
Quick disconnect sway-bar

I am sure I forgot a few other things but I am just pumped for it!
I have big plans for this and plan on keeping her for the long run.

 

[ForealBoreal]

Few more shots and a youtube video.

YouTube - Toyota Landcruiser 4.2D ZX

 

[Ratpuke]

Congratulations for publicly revealing your latest baby! It looks like the pimped out younger sibling of mine. I'm very excited for you! Perhaps we'll have to organize a 77 run sometime.


Can I have your shovel holder??

 

[ForealBoreal]

Congratulations for publicly revealing your latest baby! It looks like the pimped out younger sibling of mine. I'm very excited for you! Perhaps we'll have to organize a 77 run sometime.


Can I have your shovel holder??

Thanks Ratpuke. The anticipation is growing like crazy. I am wondering if I am going to get the christmas syndrome effect.... Probably not.
I would like to go on a cruiser run sometime, learn how to wheel a bit too. no dice on the shovel holder I can take some shots of it for you if you like and you could copy it I am sure. It looks odd with the fender flares and missing mudflaps. I have new oem flaps for the flare in the back. I think it will make it look a bit better.
The piece of stainless they call a bumper will be upgraded sometime in the next few months....

 

[Ratpuke]

I knew you wouldn't part with that bling but I thought I'd at least ask. I'd appreciate pics as I'm scheming up some other things I want to fab up.

Tell us about your future mods already. Might they include some wheel spacers and 35" swampers? What suspension does it have?

I notice quite a few differences between the 1992 and 96. For example, love the chrome on the turn signals ha! Also, I'm interested to know if yours has the rear cargo container built into the floor. The black trim mine has under the door and the rear quarters makes a subtle difference in the looks.

 

[Whistler74]

Very nice! I get space envy every time I see a 77. Looks perfect to me.

Congrats.

 

[ForealBoreal]

I knew you wouldn't part with that bling but I thought I'd at least ask. I'd appreciate pics as I'm scheming up some other things I want to fab up.

Tell us about your future mods already. Might they include some wheel spacers and 35" swampers? What suspension does it have?

I notice quite a few differences between the 1992 and 96. For example, love the chrome on the turn signals ha! Also, I'm interested to know if yours has the rear cargo container built into the floor. The black trim mine has under the door and the rear quarters makes a subtle difference in the looks.

Will do on the pictures of the shovel holder.

I would love 35s but I think it might be a bit excessive. I'm thinking 255s will suit it nice. Though if I could find 35x10.5s I would be hard pressed not to go for them. Swampers a too soft for the amount of highway and logging roads I will be traveling. I would burn through them way too quick. I am hoping for toyos but i might end up with bfg muds. I would love to try the good year mtr kevlars but I am limited when it comes to the 255 size.

Suspension wise I am thinking they are Zeal springs. I will have to crawl under it and take a peek. Pretty big shackles on it....

The grill and turn signals are off a post 99 70 series from what I can see. I have the original grill and lights in the back of the truck.
There is a cargo hole in the back floor.

Plan wise not in any specific order but there are some that have priority.

roof rack or bars (both in garage)
wire my alpine unit in
10" pre-clearer for the snorkel
Tires probably in June
Drawer system for the back
Cruisin Offroad Skidplate (Jason we will be in contact once I get my stuff together)
24v to 12v converter (if it doesn't have one already. I have a suspicion it might already. I have some clues)
Rear bumper
Sliders
Denco Turbo Kit, 3 inch exhaust, Gauges

I'll see where that takes me. Dream list that probably won't happen would be: transfer case gears and a denco water to air intercooler kit...

I need to complete my parts orders on Monday.....
I plan on keeping this cruiser because I know they are extremely hard to find. Crushers found on for a customer last March and it apparently took 2 years for a nice one to come up. What I can tell you is when a nice one comes up its an absolute fight to win it.... People are looking out for them.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I am officially jealous.....I assume you will post additional photos in the near future.
.....1978HJ45

 

[ForealBoreal]

I am officially jealous.....I assume you will post additional photos in the near future.
.....1978HJ45

yeah for sure I will. I can post shots of the interior that I have right now. I am pumped for the updated seats. I'll be posting my container de stuff on Monday evening.

 

[Ratpuke]

What sort of use will it see? I promised my 77 that I wouldn't offroad it unless I had to but everytime I see the NIB ARB locker sitting as a doorstop in my office I can't help but think BJ70_guy is right - that I should stick it in the 77 and not Orange. Yours is pretty pretty so I'd hate to see something happen to it.

When it comes time to figuring out an intercooler (assuming you haven't got to that yet) let me know and I'll hook you up with a cruiser/mercedes-guy in NZ who makes them if you're at all interested.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

yeah for sure I will. I can post shots of the interior that I have right now. I am pumped for the updated seats. I'll be posting my container de stuff on Monday evening.

Yes....post the interior shots
....1978HJ45

 

[ForealBoreal]

What sort of use will it see? I promised my 77 that I wouldn't offroad it unless I had to but everytime I see the NIB ARB locker sitting as a doorstop in my office I can't help but think BJ70_guy is right - that I should stick it in the 77 and not Orange. Yours is pretty pretty so I'd hate to see something happen to it.

When it comes time to figuring out an intercooler (assuming you haven't got to that yet) let me know and I'll hook you up with a cruiser/mercedes-guy in NZ who makes them if you're at all interested.

Wheel it sensibly. Don't drag it through hell.
Air to air I am assuming for the intercooler.

 

[ForealBoreal]

I have been told the slight worn look on the driver seat is just the way the fabric is sitting. Comparable to when you rub your hand on carpet and it changes its shade slightly just because of the fabric. Its mint in my eyes. Got a dash mat too with it.
Suspension seats too! I'll be ordering seat covers from Australia for it shortly.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

What type of seat covers do you have in mind?
......1978HJ45

 

[ForealBoreal]

Inland Australia

Grey canvas. 76 seats look near identical and the fellow said they would work.
I'll give them a go.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Inland Australia

Grey canvas. 76 seats look near identical and the fellow said they would work.
I'll give them a go.

Nice but to fancy for us rednecks. We would just slip on some neopreme covers with a nice camo print.
.....1978HJ45

 

[Ratpuke]

Air - yes. He does liquid too though.

When are you getting the inspection done? Let me know if they make you get side reflectors put on...

 

[coldtaco]

Congrats Sometimes it is worth it to wait for exactly what you want.

 

[ForealBoreal]

Nice but to fancy for us rednecks. We would just slip on some neopreme covers with a nice camo print.
.....1978HJ45

I want to keep this sort of thing clean. Hoping in and out from going fishing, going in the bush and just being dirty.

Air - yes. He does liquid too though.

When are you getting the inspection done? Let me know if they make you get side reflectors put on...

Cool on the intercoolers. Does he have a website?
reflectors hmmmmm I don't know. I hate DTRLs.....

Congrats Sometimes it is worth it to wait for exactly what you want.

Yeah I think this is going to pay off nicely.
Hows your 70 coming along??

I'm coveting that car right now...congrats!

I figured this was going to happen to a few people. I like my cruisers.

 

[Greg_B]

Looks sweet. You've joined an exclusive crowd. Wonder how many are in Canada.

gb