What 70 series should I be looking for in USA? (7 Viewers)

[pavell]

Hey guys, I am located in the USA and I am open to looking for a truck anywhere in USA from California to Florida.

These are the requirements for the 70 series that I want.
1) it needs to be left-hand drive
2) have AC
3) be fuel injected.
4) not a prado I want the heavy duty version

I would prefer a four-door but would settle for a pick up truck or troop carrier.

Which Land cruisers do you recommend looking for? which models with which engines? I would again prefer naturally aspirated, but I would consider a turbo diesel if there is a certain version available for USA import.

Any recommendations on which model to look for ?

There are so many versions and letters that it is a bit confusing to me, and I am looking for a little bit of guidance from the experts.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

LHD, 4 door and fuel injected? I've yet to see one of those FS. Given the 25 year rule for imports you are limited to the year 2000 or older trucks, and most of those found overseas were still using carburetors up until the 21st century, so you may to have to wait awhile. MUD members joekatana and wngrog have imported a few 70 series over the years from Europe and the Middle East. Perhaps you could message them for some assistance.

 

[pavell]

LHD, 4 door and fuel injected? I've yet to see one of those FS. Given the 25 year rule for imports you are limited to the year 2000 or older trucks, and most of those found overseas were still using carburetors up until the 21st century, so you may to have to wait awhile. MUD members joekatana and wngrog have imported a few 70 series over the years from Europe and the Middle East. Perhaps you could message them for some assistance.

what about this motor... No Reserve: 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ75 Pickup 5-Speed - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-toyota-land-cruiser-hzj75-5/

does this motor come in any 4 door variants ?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

what about this motor... No Reserve: 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ75 Pickup 5-Speed - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-toyota-land-cruiser-hzj75-5/

does this motor come in any 4 door variants ?

Yes, but as I recall they're mostly RHD. If your search is open to diesels then you will find many more options for LHD. Here's a thread to read: LHD 4 door long base 7x Series variants - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/lhd-4-door-long-base-7x-series-variants.1177992/

 

[kgrove]

3) be fuel injected.

I'd recommend changing your requirements.
- Skip fuel injected and go diesel. It likely would be the 1hz engine, which is one of the most proven engines in any car (though it is a bit wimpy in it's base, non turbo form)
- add coil springs to your requirements as it greatly improves the drivability

The 70 series got front coil springs in I think 1999, so they are past the 25 yr mark, though I've seen very few in the US so far

 

[joekatana]

The biggest deciding factor is your budget , I would first figure out what you want to spend and then see what is available in that price category . There are 70's for sale starting around 10-15k and there are some where you add a 0 behind that price and to many people they all look the same but unfortunately there are so many different variants that all have there own pro's and cons that translate in a different price .

 

[joekatana]

I'd recommend changing your requirements.
- Skip fuel injected and go diesel. It likely would be the 1hz engine, which is one of the most prove engines in any car (though it is a bit wimpy in it's base, non turbo form)
- add coil springs to your requirements as it greatly improves the drivability

The 70 series got front coil springs in I think 1999, so they are past the 25 yr mark, though I've seen very few in the US so far

The front coil springs do not really add any comfort in the HD 70 series . The front suspension never is the problem but the stiff rear leaf springs are the ones wreaking havoc on your kidneys and lower back . If anyone wants to overpay for a HZJ74 with front coils I just bought one and it will be available at the end of the year

 

[Gun Runner 5]

The front coil springs do not really add any comfort in the HD 70 series . The front suspension never is the problem but the stiff rear leaf springs are the ones wreaking havoc on your kidneys and lower back . If anyone wants to overpay for a HZJ74 with front coils I just bought one and it will be available at the end of the year

@joekatana … “The front coil springs do not really add comfort”
——————————————————————
It’s like watching a horror movie. When you hear the ominous music (the front coils) you start to tense up knowing the bad stuff (the giant leaf pack in the back) is seconds away.

 

[ikarus]

I'm no expert but as far as I know, by limiting your search to heavy duty and LHD, your options are basically:

Troopy, either with 1HZ diesel or 1FZ-F (maybe 1FZ-FE)

For Sale - 1999 FZJ75 Troopy LHD Restored with Alucab, etc

A customer of ours had us build/upgrade/restore this 1999 FZJ75 over the last year... and is now moving overseas. I told him I could help him list it as I probably know more about the truck than he. Everything we installed is brand new. Customer has $50-60k in receipts through us for all the...

forum.ih8mud.com

2 door pickup, either with 1HZ diesel or 1FZ-F (maybe 1FZ-FE)

For Sale - FOR SALE: 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ75 Pickup $60,000 USD

I am selling my personal vehicle, which has been maintained by Toyota Service Center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife during my ownership of approximately 18 months. I purchase the vehicle in June of 2023 from the original owner. It has been garaged indoors since new. It was manufactured in Japan in...

forum.ih8mud.com

4 door pickups weren't made until 2012. The only 4 door pickups around the US are:
- grey market
- custom builds from imported bodies, maybe on 80 series chassis (my personal dream build)
- custom South African builds from back in the day
- custom builds from Japanese fire trucks

SOLD - HZJ75 4x4 Diesel Dual Cab w/ 7k Miles

Almost everything on this truck is brand new, and all the work was professionally done with no expense spared. I’ve only driven it for test drives. I purchased this 1996 HZJ75 a few years ago as a firetruck from Japan. This was going to be my dream truck. These firetrucks are great because they...

forum.ih8mud.com

There are a few other variants that might be available - short, mid and long wheelbase. I know I've seen some mid wheelbase LHDs:

Builds - LHD HZJ73 Refresh

This guy showed up today. Normally a Cruiser getting dropped off at the shop is pretty normal around here but today was on day after me buying a 200 series and my wife thought I had completely lost my mind. Luckily the new owner, @Kaderabek is family and it was quickly confirmed that I had not...

forum.ih8mud.com

I'm not sure if I've seen LHD heavy duty long wheelbase until 2008 and later like this:

Ali, the 2008 HZJ76

It all started with yet another Emirates Auction link sent by my UAE friends. The surprising array of vehicles sold through this auction amazes and shocks, sometimes it makes me a little bit sad or else burst into laughter. I’m always glad to receive them, see a piece of automotive history for...

forum.ih8mud.com

(also another dream build of mine)

Markets to look at would be the Middle East and Europe. The Canary Islands always seem to have clean cruisers.

https://www.instagram.com/canarianlandcruiserexports/

Central and South America, maybe, but it seems like those cruisers are often in rough shape. Africa, probably pass based on things I've seen, like this gem of an ad:

SOLD - Virginia: 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy.

Virginia: 1996 HZJ75 Troopy. Just imported from Rwanda, it was an NGO truck for years (Norwegian Church). Fresh paint, all fluids flushed and changed. Brand new tires and battery. Unique seating model with a second row of forward facing seats. Dual fuel tanks. Engine is original with 215k KMs...

forum.ih8mud.com

Read through a thread like this to get an idea what it's like working with Middle East exporters and vehicles:

Builds - Saudi 75 1 - Tilda Bogue Service Station

This one is fresh off the container. The second Saudi cruiser I’ve imported. 1992, first of the 1FZ trucks. Real.

forum.ih8mud.com

And to recap engines your options are:
1HZ naturally aspirated diesel (slow and reliable)
1FZ-F (want to deal with carburetors?)
1FZ-FE (80 Series gas engine)

No turbo diesels until the Australian market got the 1HD-FTE around 1998, then later in 2007, most markets got the 1VD-FTV.

*one thing to look for as well - I've seen trucks from the middle east that would check your boxes but sometimes didn't come with heaters.
**also I don't know if you care about airbags but I don't think 70 Series got them until 2008
***I'm sure I got something wrong so correct me if so. I don't even own a 70 Series haha. I'm holding out to import an 08+ wide nose 76

 

[RHINO]

Have you spent much time around them or driven one much at all? They are very odd cars, what I mean is, even if you look at late 90's 74 for example you'd assume it would be pretty equivalent to a 4 runner of the same year, but its not, it's totally 1985 time capsule.

I think to successfully own a 70 series you just have to be a nostalgic person in the first place.

I really don't have anything to add that hasn't already been said about which model, but, good luck in the search, I hope you enjoy what you find, and welcome to the madness.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

If you have FB, FWIW I really like the looks of this one. Downside is Canada location. Looks to be EFI Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1000709725203484

 

[ikarus]

If I had a spare $49K I'd be picking this one up asap

For Sale - 1999 LC 76 (HZJ76K) Colorado Springs,CO

1999 HZJ76K Only 105K Miles (170k km) No Rust!!! Original factory undercoat Diesel (1HZ obviously) easily passed El Passo County emissions Triple Locked ZX Trim Brand new OEM Denso cold weather starter JAOS Victron Tribe Wheels (x5) w/bfg KO2 OEM wheels (x5) w/old blizzaks ARB Drawer system...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[gilmorneau]

Let's see--heavy duty (not Prado), fuel injected (presumably you mean petrol), four door, LHD, a/c, legally importable to the USA? I don't think that's happening. You'll need to adapt one or more of your parameters.

4-door HZJ76 (1HZ non-turbo diesel) introduced in 2007, so the first ones will be legal to import in 2032. Available in LHD, some will have a/c. The 76 four door wagon was (and is?) also made with the 1GR-FE V-6 petrol motor (same as some 4Runner/FJ Cruiser/Tacoma) starting in 2009, so not importable before 2034. Here's the 76 body style--this one's a 2020 GRJ76 currently for sale in Germany:

If you can live with a pickup or troop carrier, you'll have much better luck. There are many of both already in the USA that are LHD from Europe, the Middle East, or Central/South America.

There are so many versions and letters that it is a bit confusing

Easy to decode. First letters indicate motor type, so HZJ is 1HZ n/a diesel, HDJ is 1HD turbo diesel, FZJ is 1FZ petrol, GRJ is 1GR V6 petrol, etc. The numbers that follow indicate model/wheelbase, so 70, 71 are short wheelbase; 73, 74 are mid wheelbase; 75 is early long wheelbase troopy and pickup; 76, 77 are four door wagon; 78 is later troopy; 79 is later pickup.

I would consider a turbo diesel

Not sure any LHD market got a heavy-duty 70-series with a turbo diesel. Australia got 'em, but they're all RHD. The VDJ V8 might have shown up in a LHD 70-series somewhere (don't know), but it would be too new to import in any case.

 

[LJRay]

…or add one…

5) Move to Australia

 

[sark]

…or add one…

5) Move to Australia

could be not the most expensive option

 

[Fishbulb]

Been thinking about selling my 73 lately. Auto with factory lockers and tons of other awesome goodies.

 

[joekatana]

If I had a spare $49K I'd be picking this one up asap

For Sale - 1999 LC 76 (HZJ76K) Colorado Springs,CO

1999 HZJ76K Only 105K Miles (170k km) No Rust!!! Original factory undercoat Diesel (1HZ obviously) easily passed El Passo County emissions Triple Locked ZX Trim Brand new OEM Denso cold weather starter JAOS Victron Tribe Wheels (x5) w/bfg KO2 OEM wheels (x5) w/old blizzaks ARB Drawer system...

forum.ih8mud.com

For half that price you pick one up just a few years older , those front coils don't make that much difference . The latest isn't always the greatest .

 

[Gun Runner 5]

@pavell …. I was reluctant to respond based on your criteria …. “I am looking for a little bit of guidance from the experts.”
What do you plan to do with the Cruiser (daily driver, weekend toy, kid hauler etc.)?

 

[Broski]

If you have FB, FWIW I really like the looks of this one. Downside is Canada location. Looks to be EFI Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1000709725203484

Don’t be fooled by the sticker
Those didn’t get EFI tell 2000 year model

 

[Gun Runner 5]

@Fishbulb …. “Been thinking about selling my 73 lately.”
————————————————————————————
Any particular reason?