LWB 1991 Prado - Buying Advice

[mytronic]

Hi forum members, did a search and could not find anything , but suspect I may have used wrong search phrase . Any way, anyone use the 1991 LWB 3ltr Turbo Auto Prado for club runs (Mud, mud, steep hills and riverbeds ) Are they OK ? Currently looking at 3.1D 3dr Isuzu to replace my VERY thirsty but VERY capable Pajero 3.5 Auto

[wjw]

I had a 93 prado for quite a few years, loved it. just make sure you install a seperate water temperature gauge as the factory gauge is pretty crap and most of the issues with them are due to the motors getting overheated.

[kbushnz]

I have and currently use a LWB 3.0L 1KZT (E) auto Prado....For club runs...
(Started off factory and evolved)
They work great out of the box....
But a 2" lift and 33 inch tyres are a good start for that bit extra....
After that is open up the exhaust.....2.5 inch ...
And enjoy.

[mytronic]

I have and currently use a LWB 3.0L 1KZT (E) auto Prado....For club runs...
(Started off factory and evolved)
They work great out of the box....
But a 2" lift and 33 inch tyres are a good start for that bit extra....
After that is open up the exhaust.....2.5 inch ...
And enjoy.

Great to hear, you don't find it too long ?, I've had nothing but SWB 4x4's . Is it economical and how is 1st low for steep muddy downhill descents ? To be honest it will have a 2" lift + 33's by the end of the month, oh and exhaust straight through if I buy at $6800. Then winch up front. You got any pics for me ?

[mytronic]

just make sure you install a seperate water temperature gauge as the factory gauge is pretty crap and most of the issues with them are due to the motors getting overheated.

Will do. Looks like this one is the winner. Oh and its a 1995 model to boot with 210,000km

[kbushnz]

Great to hear, you don't find it too long ?, I've had nothing but SWB 4x4's . Is it economical and how is 1st low for steep muddy downhill descents ? To be honest it will have a 2" lift + 33's by the end of the month, oh and exhaust straight through if I buy at $6800. Then winch up front. You got any pics for me ?

It does drag its bum a bit, especially with a towbar fitted...
But I have a solid bumper now so no issues if it catches....And a 3 inch lift.
As for low first... its a bit fast as its an auto, gearing is like that with most auto's..But I tend to go down steep downhills with a little brake on and drive over the brake....Its a technique that works. You can modulate between brake and throttle to control the descent.
As for photo's, have a look thru my photo bucket account, I think it is free to view, all sorts of stuff in there I have done......
http://s912.photobucket.com/albums/ac325/kbushnz/

[wjw]

just make sure you install a seperate water temperature gauge as the factory gauge is pretty crap and most of the issues with them are due to the motors getting overheated.

Will do. Looks like this one is the winner. Oh and its a 1995 model to boot with 210,000km

I should add the only reason I sold it was I needed cash, and i didnt buy another one as they aren't big enough for two adults and 4 kids

[mytronic]

Well, I took one out for a recky for the Uruwera Safari 2012 (Waitangi Weekend), was suitably impressed for a stock standard unit so I bought it today. Let the modifications begin. Only got 500KM to the tank though of light 4X4 , was expecting more. The 1st low was great being an Automatic and no issues with stability.

[kbushnz]

Welcome to the club

[mytronic]

Thank you, I'm looking forward to having articulation instead of IFS

[wjw]

dont forget, get a separate water temp gauge. Would also be worth extending the auto, transfer and diff breathers. both cheap mods, which will save you money.

Also if you have any issues with the front electric hubs, you can 'manualise' them. Oldblue on here will sort you out.

Have fun....

[Ginzu8]

got a photo of ur new toy??

[mytronic]

Will upload a couple of photo's soon, she has now got a 2 inch lift , new shocks and rear sway bar off. Not too sure what to do with front as the HUB's are now playing up with the HUB light flashing even when not engaged. She drives like a drunk so lets see this weekend how she goes offroad, hopefully the HUBs work for me. Manual hubs here we come !

[Jerry]

they may just need stripping and cleaning, oldblue can do a manual conversion, otherwise you can get adaptors to fit manual hubs

[wjw]

they may just need stripping and cleaning, oldblue can do a manual conversion, otherwise you can get adaptors to fit manual hubs

I wouldn't use the adapters, I slogged them out even when doing 'normal'stuff. I'd suggest speaking to oldblue or do a hub and stub swap.