SWB vs MWB vs wagon/troopy? 70 series noob here (8 Viewers)

[Onlysixsyllables]

Hey y'all. Looking to get rid of my triple locked 80 and venture into the 70 series with the 1hz. Trying to decide on which one to get. Anybody here driven all 4 types? How is the wagon/troopy compared to the shorter wheelbase options? Is it a drastic difference in handling/"speed" etc? I want a manual but open to auto. How much should I be wanting the manual over auto?

Located in the US so looking at 2000s and below year wise

Anything helps. TIA

 

[joekatana]

I have owned practically every single different model 7x in the past 30 years and the 73/74 mwb remains my favorite as a daily . I never liked a shorty 70/71 because they are lacking interior space and you can’t take the top off . The pickup and troopy have very stiff rear suspension and unloaded they have the comfort of a 1980’s schoolbus . It all depends though on what you’re expectations are and how you will use it . I have a kzj73 for daily use and offroading , a troopy for traveling and I am building a hzj73 to take back to Europe with me as a daily/travel rig there .

 

[Lo2aY]

Hi, I can probably give some feedback here.

The shorter the chassis the more bumpy the ride. They are more fun to drive around town but offroad I prefer a 76 then a 78/75 then a 79 and finally a 71.

The 73/74 are also a great option if you can find one in a decent shape. They are a mid wheelbase application. a good balance between road manners and offroad.

You might not like my opinion, but the 80 that you have would probably drive better, handle better than any 70. I also have one and have a 105. I'd pick them everyday of the week if it's my only off-roader/daily driver.

The 80 was benchmarked by Toyota's engineers for the development of the LC300 chassis. Toyota outdid it's self in the 80s just to bring the 80 to life. I really think it's the greatest SUV of all time. Nothing comes close to it. But It gets old really quick and the interior is really, really boring. So I get the want to change.

If you can find a troopy, i'd probably consider it. It will retain the heights value in a global market. So in a few years when you're ready to move on, the troopy will bring in higher value than an 80 or most 70s.

Not sure if this helps but good luck

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

A slushbox auto and a 1HZ will be a recipe for regret.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

I own an 80 and a Troopy now, and used to own a 73. I think you're discounting how critical engine and transmission choices will be in your satisfaction with your vehicle. It really can't be overstated. And you don't say what you want to do with the truck. Long distance travel? Mall crawling? Weekend wheeler?

I would not get rid of a triple locked 80 for a MWB 70. No way. But these are personal choices. 80's are just peak Land Cruisers and 3x locked...forget it. I needed a camping/long distance travel truck so I got a troopy. If I didn't no way would I drag all that steel around. Decide what you want to do with your truck, then start researching engines and transmissions that are available and the pros and cons. Re-read the post above this one.

 

[hoser]

Looks like OP has two 80's. I would definitely give up one to get a LHD '99+ FZJ74. The 1HZ is just too slow for highway use around here. 1HD swap would be very nice though. Which version 70 depends on usage but with no particular use in mind, my favorite is the 73/74.

 

[Meshal]

The modern Troopy J78 is much, much better in drivability than the shorter ones, even with the whole leaf pack; the front coils and the body weight make it drive better than 79 and for sure 70/71/73/74. It is all about your use. You can fix some of the issues with a suspension choice or if the truck gonna carry the weight of an off-road build. I am not sure how to make the 1HZ fast, but I am sure the 1FZ-fe flies easily on the highways like any other modern vehicle.

But again, the J80's drivability is nothing like it when we talk about Solid Axles.

I was driving this 78 daily, "it is for sale," and I can tell it is much better than SWB or MBW. But the 76 is the king of them all.

 

[joekatana]

The modern Troopy J78 is much, much better in drivability than the shorter ones, even with the whole leaf pack; the front coils and the body weight make it drive better than 79 and for sure 70/71/73/74. It is all about your use. You can fix some of the issues with a suspension choice or if the truck gonna carry the weight of an off-road build. I am not sure how to make the 1HZ fast, but I am sure the 1FZ-fe flies easily on the highways like any other modern vehicle.

But again, the J80's drivability is nothing like it when we talk about Solid Axles.

I was driving this 78 daily, "it is for sale," and I can tell it is much better than SWB or MBW. But the 76 is the king of them all.

View attachment 3995064

Meshal , the front coils don’t make a big difference vs the front leafs on any heavy duty touota . The weight of the heavy engines is enough to make the front suspension work ok regardless if if is coils or leaves , the rear suspension is the one providing s steady income to chiropractors .

Also troopies are just a modern day version of s short bus . I had many of them and still have one and recommend spending a good amount of time and money on sound deadening as they feel likd driving in a tin can with to many windows .

 

[Meshal]

you know better; you drove them 30 years, I drove them 18 years between deserts, cities and highways.

 

[Onlysixsyllables]

Thanks all for the replies.

Should of given my post more details. My true daily is my 6 speed Miata. And if I want something quick, I have my motorcycles. My land cruiser is my offroad, camping reliable rig. Being in the army im used to hauling way too much gear and equipment which don't fit in the mx5 lol.

I had a 95 HDJ81 which was my first LC. I ended up selling it because I was too afraid to off-road/camp/build it because it was too mint lol. Ended up finding my 93 3x locked 1fz80 with lowish miles for a steal. Built that, and it fits the bill perfectly for what I want....

Buuuuut man do I miss owning a "unique" truck with a diesel. And man the 70 imo is the best looking vehicle out there.. I don't need something super mint like I said, and now that I think about it and after research id obviously want a manual more than an auto, but I'm open to both. The 80 really is perfect but I think my want for something unique and diesel outweighs my satisfaction for the 80 haha. It's been nothing but reliable and it's insanely capable with what I've put it through. But there's just something with the 70 series and the 1hz that I just want.

So the general consensus is for the 76 over the troopy/MWB? Crossed out the 70, the mx5 is small enough and I have frequent use of hauling gear and equipment in the 80 to justify how small it is.

Is there a huge difference between the MWB and the wagon/troopy to have a good sight picture of what I need to chase after?


Like I said earlier it will be the backup/camping offroader. Plan was to sell my 80 for a steep profit, and buy a super slick 70. Or should I just keep the 80, and find a cheaper not as clean 1hz to dick around with


Appreciate all the help and tips.

 

[Onlysixsyllables]

Picture of ol' Lexi

 

[Bblair]

Where are you in NC? I have a HZJ73 5-speed you are more than welcome to check out and see what kind of room it has. I usually ride with the seat flipped and folded (more space for the dogs).

 

[AirheadNut]

I don't have a lot of experience with the various sizes of 70-series, but I'll offer my 2 cents. A 73/74 is a great wheelbase for general driving and off-roading, but can be a bit small if you like to take a lot of gear along when you camp. The 75/78 Troopy is great for building a dedicated long distance tourer/camper, but for a one-size-fits-all rig I really prefer the 77/76 wagon. I have daily driven a 78 Prado (same body as a 77/76) for a few years now and really like the size and utility offered by a 4-door wagon. Slightly shorter wheelbase than an 80, quite a bit narrower so it is very maneuverable on trails. Excellent cargo access through the rear passenger doors with the ability to have people ride along too.

I had a triple locked HDJ81 as well, and while I think that is the ultimate all-round Cruiser I totally agree with the 70-series having the "cool factor."

 

[Indestructible 47]

If you like the wagon style honestly keep the 80. So much better than any 2000 or older 70 series. The 1fz is better than the 1hz unless your bouncing around a farm.

 

[Onlysixsyllables]

Thanks everyone

 

[Bblair]

4 new photos · Sunday, Sep 21 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hv1UCpSfDdeYA5H16

Let me know if you can get to these.

 

[Meshal]

if you wanna consider this for more military looking
FZJ73, LHD

 

[JuanJ]

if you wanna consider this for more military looking
FZJ73, LHD

View attachment 3996115

Hello,

It would be wise to get this one while it is available.






Juan

 

[Meshal]

and I wasn’t cheap with this one, fully done underneath and now we are doing about 80% of the straps with many interior parts

and new door cards

 

[JuanJ]

and I wasn’t cheap with this one, fully done underneath and now we are doing about 80% of the straps with many interior parts
View attachment 3996153

and new door cards
View attachment 3996154

Hello,

Nothing is too expensive for this 73 Series.

If only an FRP top was available to alternate between hard top and soft top.





Juan