76 Series Landcruiser info please.

Will have to buy that dvd and watch it probably over and over like the other one.

Bugger big time. So much for warranty. We were thinking of the work mate because kids and carpet doesn't work well, so over sand and mud that I have to scrub out after every trip. We do a lot of off the beaten track stuff. All our cars get done over by ARB with after market goodies before we use them any how. Will buy flairs because we don't like split rims and skinny tyres. Doing all that is still cheaper than the GXL. Just hope there isn't engine and electrical problems with every one that came off the line.

Hi Guys

You know reading this and couple of other current threads isn't encouraging , a 76 series was a car we considered, and the last one we drove before deciding on our new petrol Patrol - from towing to comfort the Patrol was better everywhere except fuel consumption - and then it was only $50k new - and its a car without a single known bug !

Robin We nearly went there. The 80 has a Nissan tow tongue to warn it. Seriously now, we want to be able to tow 3t and feel that the V8 might withstand that weight for a longer period. Its hard to tell at this point as they have only been around for 3 years. We have a blow up Nissan with a V8 Chev in. Comfort is way better than the old girl even but I don't trust conversions its just a very expensive toy. We have been thinking of relocating over to the west to travel the state for a couple of years. Want to tow family van (home base) with 76 and tow camper with 80,then retire the 80 as a go to work vehicle. I understand there isnt any bells and whistels in the 76 but the $$ talk too. Ive seen one go for 38k so far. My main consern is the oil thing. Is it just running in or there for life?

Hi Old Girl

I think I could give you some comfort on the oil issue - certainly from my brother an automotive engineer who has run a toyo workshop - his feeling is that the oil issue is now effectivily solved , despite the odd lemon.

For you , you would need to be sure that a 2nd hand one wasn't dumped for that reason.

I would be more concerned about wether the comments we hear such as - "these cars need new injectors at $8000 every 200k " is real or not if the car your looking has done a 100k already.

A mate of mine has the tray version 6 months old- zero issues - but replaced the seats because of back issues.

Thanks Robin.

An advantage of a GXL over a Workmate is that it is easier to fit after market seats for driver and passenger. These are pretty well essential. Recaros, Stratos and other brands have been mentioned by Exploroz members in earlier threads. I have a Stratos suspension seat and find that it makes the cruiser a very comfortable vehicle for me. It was a merciless back killer with the original seat. GXLs also come with the wider alloy wheels that are very expensive to get from Toyota. I was quoted $1,045 each recently. Just as well there are other suppliers of wheels.

I have a GXL cab chassis with 50,000 k on it in 18 months. The motor has been good. No excessive oil consumption. No need to top up oil, if changed every 5,000 k (recommended). Fuel consumption quite good. I notice some recent posts have indicated heavy fuel consumption from the V8 and that is the first I have heard of that. My long term average is just under 12.5 litres per 100k. Best figures in the low 11s and worst, across Simpson Desert this year, 16.78.

There are now quite a few of the V8 79 series traybacks where I live and no reports of high oil consumption. Some are older but most newer than mine.

Only mechanical thing I have done was to fit Koni shocks. There is very little difference I can tell between them and the originals so I reckon the suspension could be left alone, depending on your needs.

Issues with the vehicle have so far been limited to a recent $1,000 plus rebuild of the rear brakes. The rear brakes have an unfortunate habit of self destructing if exposed to sand, mud and dirt. Yeah well, that's what I got it for!

The 76 lacks the second fuel tank and for some this may be important. Also the rear springs are a bit shorter than on the Troopy and cab chassis. Don't know if this means anything in practise.

The V8s are not the vehicle to take through deep water.

Buying second hand? It could be more important than usual to know the vehicles history. The turbo V8 is an easy motor to thrash. How many former owners/drivers have allowed the turbo to spin down before turning off? How many crash start the engine? The driving style may have a bigger effect on the V8 than usual.

This follow up got a bit longer than I first intended.

Flynnie

Hi Flynnie, We have a contact for affordable GXL look alike rims. Certainly going to chase them up. With Flares to make it legal a standard should look pretty good.
Cheers