This is a 1989 model, not a 1994, right? (1 Viewer)

[Beechwood12]

My recently acquired 70-series came with no paperwork as it was an estate sale. Maine does not require titles on vehicles over 25 years old. My bill of sale said 1986. However the good sources here have decoded it to be a 1989 model.
Firewall plate says vin# JT1VOLJ70...xxxxxxx
And also J70LV - MEXW
The engine is a 2-LT diesel 4-cylinder.
There are no apparent modifications or drive-train changes to the entire vehicle.
The estate seller has just found an additional bill of sale document for me from a previous seller - and that bill of sale says it is a 1994 model. Now I can be better convinced what I have is a 1989. But in order to get the bill of sale corrected I need some clear evidence that my vehicle is neither a 1986 or a 1994.
The 1994's had a different design grille/valance/headlights and slightly different interior design from what I can find online.
Here are some photos - am looking for clues, cues and references to narrow it down to 1989.
Thanks in advance for input.

 

[snapdragon]

Someone once told me to look on the seat belt strap.
Mine does not say, but maybe yours does

 

[Behemoth60]

Put your frame number (i.e the LJ70-xxxx part) into ToyoDIY.com It will tell you everything you wanna know...

 

[SNLC]

Didn’t that front end (grill, valance, ect) end in 1989?

Cheers

 

[joekatana]

LHD LJ70 in VX version that is a nice find . Production for this model was 86-89 and in 90 they changed to the newer 2LTII and square headlights .

 

[Fishbulb]

Someone once told me to look on the seat belt strap.
Mine does not say, but maybe yours does

That is literally the fastest and quickest way. Especially when sifting through a sea of vehicles waiting to be inspected

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

I am late to the party.

As mentioned above, it is a good idea to go to ToyoDIY and enter your VIN number.

LJ70LV-MXEW production ended around 1990. Round headlights and other details give your truck away as a late production example.

The JT1xx VIN number suggests it is a late production model as well.








Juan

 

[Beechwood12]

Thanks for the quick and helpful replies.
I'll have to wait till daylight and dry ground to go searching for the frame number. But I did check the seat belts which was a great suggestion. My driver's side belt says 1988 and the passenger belt says 1989. Earlier I was told my production date was likely January 1989 so the belt dates fit well into that.
I'm gathering all the info/proof I can to get the bill of sale corrected which will then allow me to obtain an affadavit title. The more proof I have the better to go back two sellers and begin the correction process.

I am a little surprised that Toyota made very few major design changes over the course of about 8 years. Reminds me of the old sayings...'If it aint broke don't fix it' and 'Don't mess with success'.

Thanks again, open to more references and cues to positively conclude it is a 1989.
I'll report back here on the frame stamping numbers in a couple days.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

So you don’t have the firewall VIN handy? That will be the same number as the frame. I agree with the above comments, put the VIN into ToyoDIY.

 

[Beechwood12]

So you don’t have the firewall VIN handy? That will be the same number as the frame. I agree with the above comments, put the VIN into ToyoDIY.

I do have the firewall numbers but have heard that the Maine State Police will confirm a vehicle identity on vintage vehicles by examining the frame number(s) in order to issue an affadavit title. So I might as well locate them, clean up the surface and be ready to show the inspector when the time comes with no surprises.
The burden of proof is on me, so the more info I can find to rule out 1986 and 1994 the easier it will be. I'm going the route of 'belt & suspenders' on this.

I'm enjoying this LJ70 and learning more about it. After sitting for 4+ years it now starts easier and faster each time I crank it, with less smoke at start-up too. My young nephew still holds his nose and covers his ears when I fire it up. One day he will realize that is one of the best parts of owning something like this.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I do have the firewall numbers but have heard that the Maine State Police will confirm a vehicle identity on vintage vehicles by examining the frame number(s) in order to issue an affadavit title. So I might as well locate them, clean up the surface and be ready to show the inspector when the time comes with no surprises.
The burden of proof is on me, so the more info I can find to rule out 1986 and 1994 the easier it will be. I'm going the route of 'belt & suspenders' on this.

I'm enjoying this LJ70 and learning more about it. After sitting for 4+ years it now starts easier and faster each time I crank it, with less smoke at start-up too. My young nephew still holds his nose and covers his ears when I fire it up. One day he will realize that is one of the best parts of owning something like this.

lol. No problem but they are the same number. If not then you have other issues. Put that number in the database. It will show you month and year of manufacture.