As with most vintage Land Cruisers there are two scenarios .....
Spend $ up front ....save later.
Save $ up front ......spend later.
Thoughts on importing a HZJ75?
- Thread starter SkiBum506
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Spend $ up front ....save later.
Save $ up front ......spend later.
- Thread starter
- #22
fair enough, seems very logical to me. What would you look to spend for a reliable Troopy? I think I would like a 1HZ engine, long range fuel tanks, bull bar, roof rack, snorkel, maybe a low compression turbo but I want reliability first. It does seem buying one closer to the way I want it to start will save money in the long run. Thanks
My troopy was an AustoUSA truck. I'm very happy with it so far Has it's fair share of rust in the usual places, but it was in great shape mechanically and I got it for a steal. If you're interested here's my build thread. Also the factory dual tanks give you plenty of capacity.
CA18Sean's HJ75 Troopy - Build & Restore Thread
Has it's fair share of rust in the usual places, but it was in great shape mechanically and I got it for a steal. If you're interested here's my build thread. Also the factory dual tanks give you plenty of capacity.CA18Sean's HJ75 Troopy - Build & Restore Thread
@SkiBum506 ....."What would you look to spend for a reliable Troopy?"
Hard question to answer. Do you have the 3 T's? (Time, tools and talent) . If the answer is yes and you enjoy working on vintage vehicles than you have numerous options. If you're like me and have NO mechanical skills, buying the very best your budget will allow would be prudent. There are I believe a dozen or so Troopy owners in the U.S. and perhaps they'll chime in on pricing.
Hard question to answer. Do you have the 3 T's? (Time, tools and talent) . If the answer is yes and you enjoy working on vintage vehicles than you have numerous options. If you're like me and have NO mechanical skills, buying the very best your budget will allow would be prudent. There are I believe a dozen or so Troopy owners in the U.S. and perhaps they'll chime in on pricing.
Do be aware the import restrictions lift when a vehicle turns 25 years old based on the manufacture date, NOT the year model. IE today (June 24th 2016) you can bring in a vehicle manufactured before July 1991.
- Thread starter
- #26
Thanks for the info. @cruiserdan, thanks I didn't know the 25 year rule went down to the month. @1978HJ45, I am acquiring more tools but lack space to work other than the driveway. Happy to take on as many tasks as I can but getting pro help where needed. I have another vehicle so I will have a standby when I first get the Troopy, that being said I plan on making this my daily driver and will get rid of the other car eventually. @ca18sean, thanks for letting me know about austousa, what was your experience like? Did you get the survey through them? Did you feel the survey was well done and you got what the survey said? Thanks
Secretly wanting to know more about the austousa.com experience as well.
While it does go down to the month, I know that some have had difficulty registering vehicles without being able to "prove" (more than anything stamped on the vehicle) that it is indeed 25 years old. In the state of CO no less, so you should be aware that you're taking at least a little risk that you might have to wait a few months if you buy anything from 1991 right now.
....not that I would let that dissuade me, for the right truck.
The only reason I would consider an HJ75 with a 2H if I were you would because it would be an easy truck to convert to a 12HT.
The 2H will be difficult to start in the winter for you. Cold temperatures and high altitudes both make starting diesel engine harder, and the indirect injection on the 2H (and other engines of the era--like the 3B) will be smoky, and always a *little* iffy to start on cold mountain mornings.
The 1HZ is better at starting than the 2H, but still IDI.
Either way, you need to plan on a turbo. Especially living at altitude, without a turbo you're barely driving half a truck, IMHO.
An HJ75 provides an easy path to a 12HT powered troopy.
An HZJ75 provides an easy path to a turbocharged 1HZ, or a 1HD-T powered troopy.
I can't speak to AUStoUS's survey/inspection, but I am aware of a truck that went through that process and had a catastrophic engine failure pretty much immediately once it arrived in the US. You've always got that risk, and my experience is that Australian vehicles are generally not real well maintained. Australia has slower speeds, doesn't freeze, and has insane prices on oils--all of which lead to maintenance practices that don't hold up so well once they come to the US. I personally look at Australian engines as 50/50. Maybe they are healthy, and maybe they aren't. You might get lucky, and you might have to rebuild or replace the engine anyway soon.
Anecdotally, our Australian Engines are 50/50. One of them (3B) failed after about 10,000 miles (we then rebuilt it), and the other one (12HT) has been great from day 1.
Dan
....not that I would let that dissuade me, for the right truck.
The only reason I would consider an HJ75 with a 2H if I were you would because it would be an easy truck to convert to a 12HT.
The 2H will be difficult to start in the winter for you. Cold temperatures and high altitudes both make starting diesel engine harder, and the indirect injection on the 2H (and other engines of the era--like the 3B) will be smoky, and always a *little* iffy to start on cold mountain mornings.
The 1HZ is better at starting than the 2H, but still IDI.
Either way, you need to plan on a turbo. Especially living at altitude, without a turbo you're barely driving half a truck, IMHO.
An HJ75 provides an easy path to a 12HT powered troopy.
An HZJ75 provides an easy path to a turbocharged 1HZ, or a 1HD-T powered troopy.
I can't speak to AUStoUS's survey/inspection, but I am aware of a truck that went through that process and had a catastrophic engine failure pretty much immediately once it arrived in the US. You've always got that risk, and my experience is that Australian vehicles are generally not real well maintained. Australia has slower speeds, doesn't freeze, and has insane prices on oils--all of which lead to maintenance practices that don't hold up so well once they come to the US. I personally look at Australian engines as 50/50. Maybe they are healthy, and maybe they aren't. You might get lucky, and you might have to rebuild or replace the engine anyway soon.
Anecdotally, our Australian Engines are 50/50. One of them (3B) failed after about 10,000 miles (we then rebuilt it), and the other one (12HT) has been great from day 1.
Dan
- Thread starter
- #29
Thanks @DanS HJ-45, I agree with your logic and do like everything I read about the 12HT except how long it was made. I feel the 1HZ is the smarter choice going forward, as parts for the 1HZ seem to be more readily available. But I am open to input, If you could have a Troopy with a 1HZ (that you will turbo) or 12HT what would you choose? With in mind that I plan on this Troopy being a daily driver and owning it for decades. Thanks
Last edited:
Whichever I got the better deal on.
We have both in our 60 series trucks. An HJ61 and a 1HZ with a turbo. You can't go wrong with either, really. Pros and cons to both. But the part supply chain for the 1HZ and 1HD-T would give that the nod if they were the same price (not that you can put such a price on beasts that never existed).
My Dad DDs his HJ61, and I will DD my 1HZ/Turbo. No worries for either.
Dan
Not sure if these vehicles are eligible ? and doubt it would be easy to import these vehicles into the US as a personal import, their not that thick on the ground either...... only 2.
1987 Toyota Landcruiser Troopcarrier Manual 4x4
*******Don't forget the 50/50 rule*******
1988 Toyota Landcruiser Manual 4x4
1987 Toyota Landcruiser Troopcarrier Manual 4x4
*******Don't forget the 50/50 rule*******
1988 Toyota Landcruiser Manual 4x4
- Thread starter
- #32
Okay I'm trying to figure out this forum fully, and attempting to use the quote function
Why are you not sure if these would be importable? They both meet the 25 year mark, is it because they are not listed on an importation site? If they could be imported why do you say it would be difficult as a personal import? Thanks
Why are you not sure if these would be importable? They both meet the 25 year mark, is it because they are not listed on an importation site? If they could be imported why do you say it would be difficult as a personal import? Thanks
Not sure because the 12HT configuration was not mentioned by others more knowledgeable so there may be more to it.?? emissions??
I have never imported or exported a vehicle before but I do know if it is was that easy a lot more people would be doing it.
As usual with things like this the devils in the detail. If your used to dealing with red tape and bureaucratic systems you could save a lot of money. Just trying to give you some more options.
- Thread starter
- #34
More options are always appreciated, I am here to learn.
Mine was sort of an odd ball experience with AusToUSA. It was a truck that the owner of AusToUSA purchased personally to fill a container with another troopy that a customer had purchased, I believe he called it a container buddy. Lol. So while I did buy from them it wasn't one I picked out off their website. As such I got a pretty great deal on it, and they did provide me with lots of pics in advance so I knew what I was getting into. I believe they will help with importation from anywhere, not just trucks on their website so if you found one you loved that met the importation rules on another for sale site, I imagine they'd be willing to offer their services to help. They do a cost breakdown on each of the trucks on their site so you can see their fees, etc.
Mine is a 2H diesel with an aftermarket turbo. Haven't had any mechanical issues with it so far, it starts every time I crank the key without hesitation. I haven't really put very many miles on it though to be honest. They were great at providing the proper paperwork and registration was smooth and I was always able to get someone on the phone if I had questions.
Mine is a 2H diesel with an aftermarket turbo. Haven't had any mechanical issues with it so far, it starts every time I crank the key without hesitation. I haven't really put very many miles on it though to be honest. They were great at providing the proper paperwork and registration was smooth and I was always able to get someone on the phone if I had questions.
- Thread starter
- #36
@ca18sean, glad to hear of your experience and how they treated you. I think I am figuring out what I really want. I think a 1HZ Troopy with as little to no rust as possible and factory duel tanks is the base of what I'm after. Lower miles, nice bull bar, winch, rear bumper with spare carrier, roof rack, snorkel, and I'm sure a few other things would be great but I'm more concerned with getting a good foundation. So anyone with leads on a 1HZ, "rust free" , duel tank, Troopy please let me know.
On another note its been very addicting reading other build threads now that I am finally searching for mine. Some really amazing work and inspiration on here!
On another note its been very addicting reading other build threads now that I am finally searching for mine. Some really amazing work and inspiration on here!
How many dollars do you want to spend
1991 Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier - Trovit Cars
Toyota landcruiser troop carrier second hand - Trovit
1991 Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier - Trovit Cars
Toyota landcruiser troop carrier second hand - Trovit
Yeh, but with your skills you could buy a cheapy and rebuild it with heaps of available parts locally, in the US their as scarce as a NSW state of origin win. We always want what we can't have or we will at least pay more.
I think Charles got it right...
As with most vintage Land Cruisers there are two scenarios .....
Spend $ up front ....save later.
Save $ up front ......spend later.
There's not many newer 4WDs for $20g that will hold their value and be capable off road.
Plus with the way the Aussie dollars going you could soon buy them with a few green backs and some shiny beads.
- Thread starter
- #40
@ozcrusier, Thanks for the link and that is one sweet Troopy. So thats $16,367.01 at the current exchange rate, more than I want to spend but it says negotiable. I tried hitting the contact seller link but it wouldn't work for me, not sure how to go about contacting the seller. Im interested in what austousa.com or another experienced import service would cost all said and done. Think I will send a little email off now...