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The big ends do seem to occasionally be an issue from about 120K upwards so it pays to change them when a vehicle is new to you. It's a simple job, drop the sump, take conrod end caps off, replace the shells and re-assemble. The hardest part is cleaning the old gasket off the sump!Apparently european engine oils are very different to Japanese engine oils and the additive packages in our oil eventually can cause a problem. When we did mine 1 shell was quite pitted. Steph's looked like new as did I think all 3 of Ray's when they were done... Bearings are about £40 from Milners, good quality ACL ones at that.> What are the bits to look out for?UK models got axle diff locks as standard, most other markets had them as an option. That means imports very rarely have axle lockers. Other than that there's nothing wrong with imports. You can tell an import by 2 main things - they often have a mirror on the passenger front wing and the rear most side windows are a single piece where UK models have a split sliding arrangement.1990-92 were effectively the MK1 80 series (my terminology, never heard anyone else put them in MK's). MPG 22-25.1992-95 MK2. Main changes were larger brake discs all round, ABS, 16"alloys (MK1 had 15" alloys which won't clear the brakes on a MK2). Almost all UK models are auto gearbox but I have seen a few 95 manuals (Ray has one). New improved gearbox. A few hundred other minor changes. MPG 24-26.1995-98 MK3. Main change was 24 valve version of the engine delivering a little bit more power and economy but all UK models now manual gearbox to meet emmisions regulations. Revised dashboard, air bags (dual I think).The 4.5l petrol engine became available in the UK market in 1995 as well.MPG 25-30 (diesel) 14-18 (petrol).I know a lot of people prefer a manual gearbox but I'm a firm believer that you only get the full Landcruiser experience with an auto. I've never owned a petrol one but if you can afford the fuel bills / gas it they are often a lot cheaper than the diesels.Ideally go for a 92-95 UK diesel IMHO. The earlier ones the gearbox and brakes are poorer, the newer ones only came in manual gearbox.If you see one you're interested in and want an opinion send me a link.Best regards,Jon.Crash course in cruiser lockers then:From the drivers seat, look on the dash to the left of the steering column for a black rotary switch about 2" square. It has 3 positions - off, rear, front & rear.The axle lockers will only engage if the centre diff is locked.On a standard UK model the centre diff is locked by putting the transfer box into low range. You can buy a switch from Toyota to get manual control of the centre diff lock, some markets got them as standard. The wiring is all there, just pop the blanking plate and stick the switch in (1st job on a new cruiser).When the centre diff is locked an orange/yellow light comes on solid in the main instrument cluster (flashes until engaged). When an axle locker is locked a red light comes on solid in the main instrument cluster (one each for front and rear, flash until engaged).On a hard surface with no wheel slip it can be a challenge to get the axle lockers to engage. Going round in circles sometimes works but just as often doesn't.It's not uncommon for the axle lockers to have never (or only very rarely) been used so the actuator can become siezed (seems to be more common with the rear because of its more exposed position). The actuator is quite easy to remove and in most cases can be re-built with a little TLC. I have a couple of none functional rear actuators that can be butchered for parts.Worst case senario would be converting to a home made cable or air actuated mechanism which is what I'll do with mine eventually.The locking mechanism itself doesn't fail, it's just the little electric motor that gets full of crap.
how do i split the different models down? idealy im after a big diesel, dont know if i want auto or manual yet, and age wise, pref 1995+ i think. land cruiser 80? is this a better one to look at? what distinguishes each model number, 70 80 95 105 etc?
double bed???? fridge? is it a flat on wheels? :lol:does anyone know any good import websites to find these beauties?
Quote from: beatmasterdave on January 26, 2008, 18:45:35double bed???? fridge? is it a flat on wheels? :lol:does anyone know any good import websites to find these beauties?Howabout thisonehttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Expedition-4x4-Overland-Toyota-Landcruiser_W0QQitemZ140199398777QQihZ004QQcategoryZ18290QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemPaul
does anyone know any good import websites to find these beauties?
hello!!! ok, its been a while. here's the storyi got me an import hilux insted back in april 08. since, ive stuck on roof bars, rack, wheels and tires and now new stereo. big plans. taking it easy with it as ive got loads of distractions etc.heres some pics
