What work should I do on my HZJ77 (1HZ) before I ship it from Japan to the US?

[EngineBlockEggs]

Hi,

I currently live in Japan and I have a 1997 HZJ77 with a 1HZ. There are no obvious issues with it, I've had it for about a year now as a daily driver. I want to replace the exhaust as it is pretty rusted and I assume that will be hard to get in the US. I also plan on replacing the intercooler, ideally with an OEM if possible, since the one in there is old and I want to avoid overheating issues. I would like to replace the shocks and lift kit as well, mostly because I'm not really sure what the previous owner put in there and I'd like to comfort of knowing it's all new and solid. I want to swap the wheels with steelies and throw new tires on 'em but that's obviously not something I need to do here. Lastly, I plan on replacing the engine mounts, exhaust mounts, and maybe the transmission mount too!

Anyone here know what I've listed above will be difficult to do back in the US? Anything else you recommend I get done here in Japan? Thanks!

 

[Fishbulb]

My first thought would be timing belt and water pump maybe and snag any JDM accessories that you might want that you can’t get here.

 

[Guyute]

77 sans sunroof. Dig it.

Had a shop buy/install the missing spare tire mount and swap out the aftermarket rims for OEM while my HZJ73 was still in Japan. Wasn't able to ship it with the interior full of parts and goodies like I waned, but if they were installed we were gold.

Maybe grab floor mats and a dash cover if you don't already. RHD stuff isn't as easy to come by here for obvious reasons.

If you're doing the WP and worried about overheating it's probably easier and cheaper to get an OEM radiator while you're there. Replace the hoses while you're in there if they're 28 years old.

 

[prwillard2]

If you're active duty get all the extra parts boxed or palletized and tell the movers they're professional goods because you're a part time mechanic. They won't count for your weight limit up to 500 pounds.

 

[EngineBlockEggs]

Thanks guys! Some things I didn't think of and some good recommendations!