South American 70

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Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Threads
2
Messages
13
Location
Quito, Ecuador
Website
www.esteecuador.blogspot.com
Hi 70ers, is that what you would be called :confused:

I´m an American teacher living in Ecuador, and shopping for a Toyota to drive to remote areas for climbing, paddling, and such.

I originally was pursuing a 40, but, given the feedback I got from that forum on some rust issues, I´m now considering a 1986 70.

What do you all know about these trucks in South America? The 40 forum had a list of known issues to look out for, and the best series and years....

I´m a rookie, and can´t post more pictures, but the truck is posted at: What do you all think?

MercadoLibre: TOYOTA LAND CRUISER CORTO JAPONES 1986 HERMOSO - U$S 8000.00
1986 Front.webp
img.webp
IMG_0156.webp
 
Last edited:
Hi 70ers, is that what you would be called :confused:

I´m an American teacher living in Ecuador, and shopping for a Toyota to drive to remote areas for climbing, paddling, and such.

I originally was pursuing a 40, but, given the feedback I got from that forum on some rust issues, I´m now considering a 1986 70.

What do you all know about these trucks in South America? The 40 forum had a list of known issues to look out for, and the best series and years....

I´m a rookie, and can´t post more pictures, but the truck is posted at: What do you all think?

MercadoLibre: TOYOTA LAND CRUISER CORTO JAPONES 1986 HERMOSO - U$S 8000.00

The truck looks nice from the picture, but no one can offer advise based on the 'cover of the book'. You will need to make your own inspection and ask specific questions if you identify issues. However, if the 40s in that region are known for rust, a 70 in the same environment will probably also be prone to rust so you may want to look for those types of signs too.

Also, you did not define your long term goals for a 70 purchase. For example, would you want to bring it back to the states with you are resell it before leaving. Bringing it back could lead to importation issues/challenges, but I don't know that for sure so your goals may drive your research too.

Good luck.
 
Of Course...

Thanks Larry,
I guess I was just wondering if there was anything glaring, and of general impressions about the 1986 model year. How much would an 86 with 140K miles, and, assuming good condition go for in the states?
I don't think we'll be importing this back, though i was told trucks older than 25 years are pretty easy to import. We may, however, move it on to another South American country, time will tell.
I hope my rookie status will be upgraded soon so I can post more pictures! I went out today and took some pictures of some amazing trucks!
 
Thanks Larry,
I guess I was just wondering if there was anything glaring, and of general impressions about the 1986 model year. How much would an 86 with 140K miles, and, assuming good condition go for in the states?
I don't think we'll be importing this back, though i was told trucks older than 25 years are pretty easy to import. We may, however, move it on to another South American country, time will tell.
I hope my rookie status will be upgraded soon so I can post more pictures! I went out today and took some pictures of some amazing trucks!

Yes, the rule is 25 years old. This can be the date of manufacture and the data plate in Land Cruisers has the month & year of manufacture. This should be beneficial because this data plate is in the truck, you don't have to go by the registration (title) which will save you a few months.

Is this a BJ70? The model tag inside the truck states "FJ70LV-MR" Engine is a 3F

"FJ" indicates the engine is from the F series gas engines and in this truck it is a 3F engine. The B series of diesel engines leads to the similar designation for this body type with the 3B engine (consequently the BJ70).
 
Thanks Larry,
I guess I was just wondering if there was anything glaring, and of general impressions about the 1986 model year. How much would an 86 with 140K miles, and, assuming good condition go for in the states?
I don't think we'll be importing this back, though i was told trucks older than 25 years are pretty easy to import. We may, however, move it on to another South American country, time will tell.
I hope my rookie status will be upgraded soon so I can post more pictures! I went out today and took some pictures of some amazing trucks!


Nothing glaringley wrong with these at all,in fact they are probably the fastest landcruiser made until the early 90s,having the lightest body and factory unsmogged petrol engine:D

Look for rust under those f/glass flares esp the rear ones and in the roof around the gutter.
The paint looks new to me,possibly obcuring the real condition of the body.
Check the rear of the engine for rear main oil seal leaks.
The 5 sp maybe a little rough when cold but should be alright after 5-10 mins of driving.
The carbs in these usually need a rebuild before the engine wears out.
Look behind the front wheels for grease and oil leakage. If its there, it means a front axle strip down which is normal every 4-5 years.
Brakes are never fantastic on these and require some work to keep them in top shape.

If you pass on this one,look for a 73 /74 series,same thing but 10 inches longer between the axles, much more room and better ride.
These have the FRP plastic top .
 
thanks, that was exactly what I was looking for. I have seen some of the longer wheelbase FJ's, but none for sale now. I know, I know, wait until you find the one you want, but we may only be here for a year or two, and the public busses are killing me!


When you see something you like take lots of pics and note the aluminium plate on the firewall with all the details.
THe SWB is a formidable beast offroad,but if your doing daily trips on rough roads,then something with some length is a better ride.
With some suspension tuning it may be made more comfortable.

Have you considered a 60 series?. Same quality and components as the 7* series in a shoe box shape:D
 
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