VZJ95 5-speed/part time 4wd conversion + more!

[GreenPump]

Hello 90 series crowd. I am normally quite active on the diesel tech threads, and typically deal with 80 series 1HDTs and 1HDFTs.

I am in the process of purchasing my first Prado, being a very clean 1999 VZJ95. Since I am in the western U.S., this vehicle is old enough to come in under the 25-year rule.

I have chosen a V6 gas Prado, namely because of my negative opinions towards the 1KZTE engines. I considered a 1KDFTV, which are just now beginning to enter the U.S. import market, as well as the 3RZ-FE, but given my prior experience with the 5VZ platform, ability to supercharge, and hopefully easily compatible with domestic R-series gearboxes, it was the way to go.

As with the rest of my landcruiser fleet, this truck will see lots of mixed dirt/gravel roads, highway miles, and the occasional rutted two-track trail. I am very meticulous about maintenance and it will be treated well in that department.

Now, for some questions for the more experienced forum members:

1. I have owned a 1998 Tacoma with the 5VZFE. It had an R150F trans & part time case. This leads me to believe I can convert the Prado using a Tacoma trans & case. Has anyone attempted this? I much prefer a part time 4wd setup. Obviously a 5 speed is preferable.
2. Is the emissions system different on JDM imported 5VZFE engines? I am hoping some of the useless CARB compliance stuff will be missing.
3. From a quick Google search, VZJ95 Prado seems to outweigh a 4wd 4Runner or Tacoma by 500-700lbs. How does that effect the fuel economy of the 5VZFE?
4. My JDM 80s have a cruise control set limit around 120km/hr. Same deal on Prados?
5. Free wheeling/lockout hubs to go with part-time 4wd?
6. Speedometer conversion to MPH - stealing a Tacoma/4runner dash cluster? Done this with 80s.
7. Supercharger on the 5VZFE in Prado application?

Thanks for any input, look forward to posting more as I get deeper into the 90 series.

 

[GreenPump]

So, the 90 forum is basically dead, huh? Yikes

 

[OGBeno]

Yes, it’s a pretty dead section of MUD due to the lack of enthusiasts actually buying these trucks, mostly.

1. Negative. You can’t use US trans/xfer because of axle drop on driveline. You need LC specific assemblies.

2. All Toyota engines are configured for their specific market.

3. Fuel economy: probably a wash based on all of the other factors.

4. Everything JDM is governed at 120.

5. No idea what you are actually asking. Clarify.

6. Draw lines. DIY this shït

7. Direct fit. Architecture is exactly the same.

 

[cruisermatt]

This is a serious question, what is the point of buying one of these vs a 5-speed USA 4runner if you don’t want the diesel? Aren’t they basically the same vehicle?

 

[GreenPump]

This is a serious question, what is the point of buying one of these vs a 5-speed USA 4runner if you don’t want the diesel? Aren’t they basically the same vehicle?

I'll answer this one first. The real answer: curiosity. I picked one up with 89k miles. For what I paid, at least in my area, 3rd gen 4runners are going for more with 250k and absolutely clapped out.

The only things I've done so far. New tires, oil change, and rebuilt the A/C. Having 8 seats and the rear A/C is very nice. Otherwise, it drives the same, pretty much, and I am getting 18mpg on the highway.

All my other trucks are 80s... I love the 80 platform. It's not going to compare to that. As far as diesel vs gas, I will probably pick up a 1KDFTV truck at some point. But I have zero interest in the 1KZTE.

 

[TheBussman]

Hello 90 series crowd. I am normally quite active on the diesel tech threads, and typically deal with 80 series 1HDTs and 1HDFTs.

I am in the process of purchasing my first Prado, being a very clean 1999 VZJ95. Since I am in the western U.S., this vehicle is old enough to come in under the 25-year rule.

I have chosen a V6 gas Prado, namely because of my negative opinions towards the 1KZTE engines. I considered a 1KDFTV, which are just now beginning to enter the U.S. import market, as well as the 3RZ-FE, but given my prior experience with the 5VZ platform, ability to supercharge, and hopefully easily compatible with domestic R-series gearboxes, it was the way to go.

As with the rest of my landcruiser fleet, this truck will see lots of mixed dirt/gravel roads, highway miles, and the occasional rutted two-track trail. I am very meticulous about maintenance and it will be treated well in that department.

Now, for some questions for the more experienced forum members:

1. I have owned a 1998 Tacoma with the 5VZFE. It had an R150F trans & part time case. This leads me to believe I can convert the Prado using a Tacoma trans & case. Has anyone attempted this? I much prefer a part time 4wd setup. Obviously a 5 speed is preferable.
2. Is the emissions system different on JDM imported 5VZFE engines? I am hoping some of the useless CARB compliance stuff will be missing.
3. From a quick Google search, VZJ95 Prado seems to outweigh a 4wd 4Runner or Tacoma by 500-700lbs. How does that effect the fuel economy of the 5VZFE?
4. My JDM 80s have a cruise control set limit around 120km/hr. Same deal on Prados?
5. Free wheeling/lockout hubs to go with part-time 4wd?
6. Speedometer conversion to MPH - stealing a Tacoma/4runner dash cluster? Done this with 80s.
7. Supercharger on the 5VZFE in Prado application?

Thanks for any input, look forward to posting more as I get deeper into the 90 series.

1. pretty sure this should work. I'm not under your truck right now but it's a center rear output with a passenger's side drop? you would just need to use a 88-94 v6 pickup/4runner/t100 transfer case. are you auto now and trying to go manual? if so a 95+ plus transmission has a longer input shaft and bell housing, should be closer in length to the auto and have the least amount of driveshaft and cross-member changes. the early transmission will also work but it's about 2" shorter. i have a core if you want to build one.

2. only some tacomas had EGR, most everything else in the USA did not. All of the JDM motors I've installed from prado's haven't had EGR either. I'm sure it does have a catalytic converter though the 5vz is great because it has minimal emissions equipment and very simple.

3. don't know but I'm sure it's just a little worse but your do have a slightly better exhaust system maybe that will offset things slightly?

4. maybe a USDM 4runner module will plug right in and work? worth a try. pull up both EWD and have a look.

5. some of the surfs had part time 4x4 but no free wheeling hubs. i'm sure you can put hubs on there if you want them but they are not "needed" unless you want to get that last 0.1mpg or so or be able to drive home when your broken.

6. yes I've done it on a 96 with a 4runner speedo, be sure to replace the capacitors on the board before the leak and damage it.

7. maybe but doubtful they baked that into the software, if you bolt it on and have issues it should take minimal effort to get it running on a USDM ECU, may have to move a few pins around but nothing big.