Why don't our LJs suffer the same head problems as the JDM models?

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Keep at it Nick. There have been many times I've passed on information to local members of trucks that are unaware of these kind of problems and how to best avoid issues. I'm still trying to convince the local 1hd-T crowd to do their BEB's and delete the ACSD. For the most part it falls on deaf ears. I've also told a number of KZJ owners about your LJ findings and will continue to keep up on your work. Cheers..!
 
I literally created an account just to be a part of this thread.

I just moved to southern Spain(Andalusia) and tonight I am picking up my new truck. The owner says is it a bj70, but the paperwork says LJ70. It is a 1988 2LT. This is the link to his ad http://www.milanuncios.com/todoterreno-de-ocasion/toyota-land-cruiser-bj70-157036227.htm
he doesn't speak English and I am terrible at Spanish but he is a mechanic (his shop name is on the side of the truck) and his post is translated to this:
"Buy bj 70 in very good condition, repatada cylinder head, cam shaft again, oil changes and maintenance per day, snorkeling, two sets of tires one normal and one taco that are in perfect condition, radio, air conditioning, handsfree, etc. well maintained and has a low cosnumo about 8 liters regular driving.White Color"

Now, I don't know much, but it does say he replaced the head. The Vin says it was made in Japan, and there is Japanese writing in the vehicle. He installed the AC, it didn't come with it. I didn't notice the EGR, but I can look when I get it.
Oh! I also noticed old oil on the rear diff when I viewed it, but he said he would fix it before I picked it up.

After reading all these problems I am nervous about buying it tonight, should I be worried? you guys are obviously so much more knowledgeable on this topic than I am. Any help on this or the future of my new baby would be wonderful.
 
Thats a tough one MrsCait. Owners who have a bit of mechnanical nous can get good use out of these. The one you are looking at appears to be a European model (they are all made in Japan but different markets have there varous quirks). It looks well used but cared for.
At the end of the day,it is the price you pay for it. If its cheap ,you will have something left over for the odd repair.
I dont know if 4100E is good or not. Its about right in Australia
Rust would be my main concern,some areas can be difficult to fix.
Does it start up and run smooth from a dead cold start?
Did you want it for regular offroad use?
 
I looked for rust, I didn't see any large spots. There is some in the bottom track around the rear sliding window where the rubber has been off for a while it looks like. And a few tiny spots where rocks have chipped the paint(I'm planning on new paint in the next year) And I didn't see much of anything under, just a few spots about the size of the tip of my finger occasionally around the frame, and the exhast pipe is pretty much all orange but doesn't look weak.
It runs beautifully. Instant start, instant run. The steering is sloppy and pulls a bit to the right when I brake at higher speeds so I will have to fix that. I feel like the price was decent,
Her main job will be short runs around town (max 100km/hr & flat roads & max 40minutes), we have plenty of dirt roads around my house with more potholes than I can count so mostly slow driving. But a few times a year my goal is to head to the mountains (about 1.5hrs away) and have a camping off road weeked.

I was just wondering if the head is going to be a problem later on, since it was already replaced It makes me inclined to think so, especially after reading all of this. The Vin starts with JT1, not sure if you can tell which market it was for from that (whenever I type it in online it says it is invaid 9th digit.. dunno about that) and it's a left-hand drive.

Anyway, I drove her home last night and I'm in love, I feel like I'm driving the short bus, but the short bus of superheros. :p
 
MrsCait said:
I looked for rust, I didn't see any large spots. There is some in the bottom track around the rear sliding window where the rubber has been off for a while it looks like. And a few tiny spots where rocks have chipped the paint(I'm planning on new paint in the next year) And I didn't see much of anything under, just a few spots about the size of the tip of my finger occasionally around the frame, and the exhast pipe is pretty much all orange but doesn't look weak.
It runs beautifully. Instant start, instant run. The steering is sloppy and pulls a bit to the right when I brake at higher speeds so I will have to fix that. I feel like the price was decent,
Her main job will be short runs around town (max 100km/hr & flat roads & max 40minutes), we have plenty of dirt roads around my house with more potholes than I can count so mostly slow driving. But a few times a year my goal is to head to the mountains (about 1.5hrs away) and have a camping off road weeked.

I was just wondering if the head is going to be a problem later on, since it was already replaced It makes me inclined to think so, especially after reading all of this. The Vin starts with JT1, not sure if you can tell which market it was for from that (whenever I type it in online it says it is invaid 9th digit.. dunno about that) and it's a left-hand drive.

Anyway, I drove her home last night and I'm in love, I feel like I'm driving the short bus, but the short bus of superheros. :p
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Congrats. Hope it works out to be a good little truck for you. If you have a picture of the engine/truck, post it up and we can help identify what version you have. You won't have a problem with the head if you don't run the engine too hot. Keep it cool and you'll be just fine. My steering was sloppy too, and it turned out to be two things: kingpin bearings in the knuckles and panhard rod bushings. The panhard rod bushing is a easy fix. The kingpin bearings are usually done during a front axle rebuild, so a lot more work and cost. The pulling could be because the brakes need some work. Likely new or rebuilt calipers.

They are good little trucks. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
 
The intended market will look like this LJ70LV-MEXW or LJ70LV-MNXW.The W on the end is for Europe.
This on the plate on the firewall.
 
the coil suspension is REALLY nice, as is the 4.88 gearing
but
a couple good engines does not make a bad engine design something to desire to own.

i have had these chats with numerous people over the decades and if someone really wants something they will purchase it.
maybe it is the "it is Toyota, they wouldn't make a bad engine" myth.
maybe it is the typical "it won't happen to me"
but in the end, when there is numerous reports and warnings about the short comings of the 2LTE (2LT are noted for dropping valves and valve seats) maybe it is better to spend your money elsewhere.

and, unless you bought your truck new off the lot or knew the guy that did from day one, you don't really know the history.

also, final word of warning, when these POS engines die, they almost never do it in your driveway... so add a tow bill and a room charge to your guesstimate for repair.

2LTE never came with aluminum heads, cast steel only.
 
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