THE IDEAL 70 SERIES

[MUDMV]

Hello, I am new to the forum and first of all I want to congratulate you for the great work you do every day building this site by sharing your TLC experiences and knowledge.
Having said that, I would like to request your collaboration in trying to define which is the ideal model of the 70 series.
Particularly I like the body of the BJ70 - BJ71, but I have noticed that there is also something very similar as is the PZJ70, then, apart Come the combinations of different EZ1 engines or something similar.
The truth is that I have a lot of information that does not allow me to define exactly what I am looking for
I just know that I like it:
Hard Top,
LHD,
(LX means some luxury? Power windows and locks, some chrome?)
In a nutshell and as seen here, I think I'm looking for the "Holy Grail of 70" but maybe Luck is on my side
I've consulted hundreds of pages and most are old publications or tricks, I do not even know where to trust; I would also like to know if you know of a good repair shop and adaptations specialized in Toyota in the Houston TX area.
Thank you for your attention.

 

[coldtaco]

There is also the HZj-70, LJ-70 and gas models. There are some nice HZJ-70's for sale in Italy if you have any way of doing overseas shopping. Everyone has their own definition of what their "holy grail" for a 70 series is. So, I guess you need to decide on what is your definition.

 

[cruiserdan]

Except they are not importable for another ~20 years....

 

[cruiserdan]

A left hand drive FZJ73 would be cool. Carbureted however.

 

[roscoFJ73]

I think the ultimate models were the HDJ78/79 series, but they are virtually unobtainable in the US and only sold in Australia.
Rather than look for the best optioned model, I would be looking at the best looked after example you can find.
You need to think about parts, maintenance ect as well.
They come in 4 different lengths, so that is really the decision you need to make. All sorts of engine upgrades are possible.
The mid wheel base 73/74 series are a little more useful than the SWB 70/71 series, but that's my opinion.
It is the 1HZ engine you are thinking of. Other engine are the 3B, 13BT,2H 1PZ 3F 1FZ FE(petrol)
The letters at the front indicate the engine fitted HZJ75=1HZ PZJ70=1PZ
There are also light duty versions in 3 lengths and they share engines with the 4Runners/Hilux , 22R 2LT 3L 1KZ T .
I think ZX is the highest grade.

Have a look here Foreign Toyota 4x4s

 

[cruiserdan]

My mistake. Didn't realise he meant which is the holy grail of importable 70 series.

I think it's a toss-up between that and a VDJ76.

I didn't want you to get the new fellow's hopes up too high...

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

LandCruiser 70 GXL Wagon Specifications

Roughly $70,000 Australian dollars. You'll have to move there to buy one though.

 

[roscoFJ73]

This is also a contender

 

[divemedic]

Except they are not importable for another ~20 years....

I was so tempted to buy a 30th anniversary while in Japan. There was one sitting at a dealer for roughly $36k. But a 20 year wait isn't financially responsible.

 

[cruiserdan]

Correct. The museum has a 5 speed GRJ76 and a 5 speed GRJ79.

 

[PNWScooby]

Opening up a seriously deep can of worms asking what the ideal model is. Mainly because "ideal" is a personal opinion and no one can tell you what your ideal model is. One will be best for off road but suck for overland travel. Another will be the opposite and then every variation in between...... blah blah blah. Your head may explode trying to find the perfect one!

 

[cruiserdan]

Never saw the 76 when I went to the museum but definitely drooled over the 79 series they've there.

That's odd. We have them parked next to each other.

 

[cruiserdan]

This is also a contenderView attachment 1385109

I would SO own one if I could......

How much more offset is run on the rear wheels to correct the track?

 

[cruiserdan]

That is an older visit. Both of those have been moved back a row and south.

 

[OGBeno]

That is an older visit. Both of those have been moved back a row and south.

Did you lock the hubs? You know, just to make sure the grease was being thrown around appropriately in the knuckle? Per the Owners Manual?

 

[cruiserdan]

That makes them too hard to push.........

 

[Grench]

That's odd. We have them parked next to each other. View attachment 1385128

You guys have a Unicorn at the museum? Now I have to find a friendly reason to visit Salt Lake City.

 

[MUDMV]

The name for this topic should have been: "Can Of Worms" LOL ... it's very true, I think I should give a twist on my search and start defining more options that I like for when it appears the indicated know that IS IT!.
Really, THANK YOU for the avalanche of answers, I knew they were good, but they managed to surprise me.
You are right, maybe I mispronounced my question:
"Of the models of engines already available in the North American market, which would be the lowest performance or the least advisable not to take it into account, due to low power, failures, lack of spare parts, Etc ..."
Maybe I lean a little more towards gasoline engines, perhaps because they are better known than a diesel engine. Now, with the explanation I have just seen of "roscoFJ73", I begin to better understand the differences between one and the other. I have never had a Diesel vehicle and I do not know if I should have a special treatment in particular.
The problem when you really like a series is that you can be flexible in the options.
The bodywork and front grille I am very clear that I like the hard top like the BJ70, LHD, I prefer something already in the country, legal and registered, to avoid the stress of customs and inspection.
Obviously around the world there are models dreamed, Arabia, Venezuela, etc, etc ... many countries with fascinating models that we will not see until a few years here.
For now I will continue in the search in some of the sites that I have already seen and that look more serious ... I accept suggestions ...
What do you think of this engine? I see that it is a 2L-T non A / C so I asked for good car workshops specialized in Toyota in the Houston area.
Thank you.

 

[roscoFJ73]

The 2LT engines ,are by their name,based on the 2L non turbo engines. They are probably the least desirable because of the over heating issues and small HP. That's not too say all owners have had a bad run or don't like them. Other notable members have found workarounds for the 2LT.
Americans can legally import landcruisers that are 25+ years old.
So you could legally import a RHD HZJ73 which in my honest opinion is the best available option for an American.

But there is something else you need to know. In your country you have a 60 series landcruiser. It basically sits on a widened version of a 70 series chassis and suspension. Its also shares many other components.The build quality is identical and so are its capabilities. Unfortunately they are hamstrung by the F petrol engines.
So my advice would be to buy a nice 60 and spend $10-15k on a factory turbo diesel upgrade.
I live in a country where 70 series are as common as Ford Trucks are in your country and while I recognise their abilities and qualities, I don't feel special in one.
Once you lose the rose coloured glasses ,you can think straight.

 

[joekatana]

If you want short wheel base lhd hardtop you automaticly limit yourself to 2 markets

Latin American one with only a few FJ70 and LJ70 models available as most are 73 mid wheel base.

Europen market with LJ70 (coil springs makes this the most comfortable daily driver and some VX models have ac) BJ70 which is most of the time base entry level with no options,BJ71 same as BJ70 but with 13BT turbo diesel and more options or one of the fewer available PZJ70 and HZJ70......3 years from now the KZJ70 will become available and that is the best daily driver (KZJ73 in my case )

Just my 2 cents