Toyota Prado: Good or not so good?

New to the site? Introduce yourself, tell us what 4wd(s) you have or your new to 4wding. Ask questions look for tips and hints in here.
Post Reply
gomulletgo
Hard Yaka
Posts: 320
Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: Amberley / North Canterbury

Toyota Prado: Good or not so good?

Post by gomulletgo »

Hey,

have a mate on here who doesn't like to type much, he's looking quite seriously at a 93 LWB Toyota Prado.

Just want you guys to post up your opinions.

The vehicle is:


93 LWB Toyota Prado 127,000Kms
3 litre turbo diesel
auto hubs
Air conditioning
Alloy wheels
Central locking
Electric mirrors
Electric windows
Power steering
a few scratches (been offroad)
blah, blah, blah.

$11000

Ideally we would like the equivalent vehicle in SWB and with a Electric locker in the back but try finding one! :evil: :evil:

MULLET :)
User avatar
markr
Hard Yaka
Posts: 190
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Wakefield, Nelson
Contact:

Post by markr »

I have the swb with e-locker. Very capable 4x4, you won't be disapointed with one.
User avatar
ToYoda
Hard Yaka
Posts: 154
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Auckland

Post by ToYoda »

Hey
i have a 1994 no locker

dont think the articulation is very good.
good motor
so far been a mint truck
i bought it 2 years ago with 70000 kms for 11500
imaculate.
but have resently canned the offroad idea and added a safari to my collection to use off road.
THese a great reliable strong trucks but with out a locker arnt the most capable
cheer cheer
User avatar
fweddy
Hard Yaka
Posts: 1062
Joined: Fri Oct 13, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: North Canterbury

Post by fweddy »

Brother had one of these.

His was very simular specs ks etc. He paid about the same dollars.

His was manual, very hard to get and also had diff lock and was able to out perform a 3L 2005 SR5 Hilux for uphill traction.

It was very capable for what we did in it but he didn't have it long before he sold it to go back to a sports car. I would have bought it off him but didn't want to spend that sort of money after just buying a house.

A guy from Timaru drove an auto down there, liked it and rung up brother and said he'd take it, came picked it up and was more impressed with the manual.

I'd have no problem recommending and the dollars sounds fair. You will find lots of cheaper 2.4s but the 3.0s are not too common. You can pick them apart by the 3.0s having the flares.
User avatar
markr
Hard Yaka
Posts: 190
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Wakefield, Nelson
Contact:

Post by markr »

I have the 1996. Yes I know. They only go to 95, but it came off the line in 96 one of the last ones made.

You need to modify it a bit to get the best out of it....
User avatar
ToYoda
Hard Yaka
Posts: 154
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Auckland

Post by ToYoda »

i second that.
gomulletgo
Hard Yaka
Posts: 320
Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: Amberley / North Canterbury

Post by gomulletgo »

I have the swb with e-locker. Very capable 4x4, you won't be disapointed with one.


Yeh I figured as much, That's why I've been looking for one for ages.

You need to modify it a bit to get the best out of it....


Yeh Iz thinking with the LWB probably go 35's and with the SWB he'd probably get away with 33's

Rocksliders, tube bumpers, electric winch, snorkle.

Any other Ideas on mods? Am I on track with the mods I have listed?

MULLET :)
User avatar
kaney
Hard Yaka
Posts: 1060
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: christchurch

Post by kaney »

i have th 92 lwb model (no - elocker) with the chamberlains 100ml lift and 33's. it out does my old hilux hands down :lol:
toymota thats stock standard.
User avatar
wjw
Hard Yaka
Posts: 3420
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Christchurch
Contact:

Re: Toyota Prado: Good or not so good?

Post by wjw »

gomulletgo wrote:93 LWB Toyota Prado 127,000Kms
3 litre turbo diesel
auto hubs
Air conditioning
Alloy wheels
Central locking
Electric mirrors
Electric windows
Power steering
a few scratches (been offroad)
blah, blah, blah.

$11000


I bought mine privately two years ago, same spec, 98,000KM's for 13,500. Never been offroad, very tidy. So I'd say that price is quite high. Valuer put the replacement value on my truck at $8-9,000.

Mine had Toyota roof rack, Heavy duty tow bar, chamberlains tow pack, disc changer etc in it too...
-----------------------
Who knew Prados could fly?
User avatar
Sadam_Husain
Angry bird
Posts: 5164
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: WELLINGTON

Post by Sadam_Husain »

Never had a Prado but I've had landcruisers for the past 18 years. I don't think you could go wrong and seeing the capability of markr's truck on terawhitti with his lockers and simex's in the mud you'd be doing alright 8)
User avatar
1lurch
Bush Crasher
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Nelson

prado

Post by 1lurch »

We have a swb 3.0t ( yes with an electric locker, but no flares (?)) as our "car" . so far i'm not allowed to take it hooning , this might be due to the way my surf looks now compared to when i bought it , bars , lift , tyres , ......

my brother in law is a car dealer , and has been looking for more prados to bring in , but it sounds like the russians and the south africans have been buying all them , even the rough/high k's ones . And for good money .

Basically what i mean is , ..... if you get offered one , then buy it as they are only going to get dearer .




....... anyone wanna buy a prado ???? what about a beam axle surf ???

Lurch
User avatar
mudchuka
Hard Yaka
Posts: 271
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: invercargill

Post by mudchuka »

i dont know how they could get dearer, but toyotas in general hold there value pretty good. especially tidy fj40s.
User avatar
viper
Driver/Navigator
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: queenstown

Re: Toyota Prado: Good or not so good?

Post by viper »

93 LWB Toyota Prado 127,000Kms
3 litre turbo diesel
auto hubs
Air conditioning
Alloy wheels
Central locking
Electric mirrors
Electric windows
Power steering
a few scratches (been offroad)
blah, blah, blah.

$11000


*No`t bud price i think. 1KZ engine has very good trust in my cuntry(japan)
Just Don`t forget check `auto hubs ` going well(engagement) or no`t
Befor buy. They are expensive for fix.

70 PRADO owners club japan
http://www.70poc.com/
http://x-ray.plala.jp/prado/2003spring.html (Sorry they are japanese. But
u can see nice some 4wd)
User avatar
Sadam_Husain
Angry bird
Posts: 5164
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: WELLINGTON

Post by Sadam_Husain »

mudchuka wrote: but toyotas in general hold there value pretty good. especially tidy fj40s.


Someone could of told me :scratch:

gave the last 40 away
the one before that went for $500 (delivered)
and the one before that for $600 (also delivered)

.... all well and truly worn out though :lol: :lol:
gomulletgo
Hard Yaka
Posts: 320
Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: Amberley / North Canterbury

Post by gomulletgo »

Right well, this mate ain’t f*#kin around, The vehicle as described above should be in his possession by this Monday or Tuesday and he has got it booked in with 4wd upgrades first thing (apparently they will have it all done before xmas).

Just wanted everyone’s opinions on the mods he has got planned to make sure there is nothing that has been left out and that there is nothing that should be done differently etc.

MODS:

35x12.5R15 tyres.
15x8 steel white spokes.
100mm spring lift, longer shocks and all the bits to get it working well.
Snorkel and 2.5 inch exhaust.
Extra auto trans cooler.
Lockrites front and rear.
Electric hubs binned, free wheeling hubs going in.
9000lb electric winch.
Rocksliders/mesh sidesteps.
Custom rear bar (with 2 recovery hooks, hi-lift jack points and detachable tow bar.)
Custom front winch bar (with 2 recovery hooks, hi-lift jack points and a C-channel to run the winch through at extreme angles if I can find the design of it on the net again.)
Certification

Probably forgotten a few things (I don’t have the list in front of me.)

Get posting, you don’t have much time!!!

MULLET :)
User avatar
mudchuka
Hard Yaka
Posts: 271
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: invercargill

Post by mudchuka »

i have a set of brand new 35-12.5x16.5 bfg mud terrains on rims $1400 never been used.
User avatar
markr
Hard Yaka
Posts: 190
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Wakefield, Nelson
Contact:

Post by markr »

Only put the lockright in the front. Put electric locker in rear.
User avatar
Dak
Hard Yaka
Posts: 206
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Wanganui, New Zealand
Contact:

Post by Dak »

As Mark said, and 100mm is gonna be to high. You don't need to lift them that much.
User avatar
kaney
Hard Yaka
Posts: 1060
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: christchurch

Post by kaney »

the 100mm spring lift isnt to high it does feel a bit 'funny' at times when you on steep stuff, but mine has never fallen over yet. :twisted:
toymota thats stock standard.
User avatar
Shane
Hard Yaka
Posts: 824
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Chch

Post by Shane »

gomulletgo wrote:Right well, this mate ain’t f*#kin around, The vehicle as described above should be in his possession by this Monday or Tuesday and he has got it booked in with 4wd upgrades first thing (apparently they will have it all done before xmas).

Just wanted everyone’s opinions on the mods he has got planned to make sure there is nothing that has been left out and that there is nothing that should be done differently etc.

MODS:

35x12.5R15 tyres.
15x8 steel white spokes.
100mm spring lift, longer shocks and all the bits to get it working well.
Snorkel and 2.5 inch exhaust.
Extra auto trans cooler.
Lockrites front and rear.
Electric hubs binned, free wheeling hubs going in.
9000lb electric winch.
Rocksliders/mesh sidesteps.
Custom rear bar (with 2 recovery hooks, hi-lift jack points and detachable tow bar.)
Custom front winch bar (with 2 recovery hooks, hi-lift jack points and a C-channel to run the winch through at extreme angles if I can find the design of it on the net again.)
Certification

Probably forgotten a few things (I don’t have the list in front of me.)

Get posting, you don’t have much time!!!

MULLET :)


That well be quite the weapon when finished :D thats a big santer list hope he can fill it by xmas...........

Shane
User avatar
wjw
Hard Yaka
Posts: 3420
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Christchurch
Contact:

Post by wjw »

How about truck mounted PRS radio?
-----------------------
Who knew Prados could fly?
User avatar
albundy
Rolly Polly
Posts: 2631
Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Lismore, NSW, Australia

Post by albundy »

4wd upgrades first thing (apparently they will have it all done before xmas).

Hope he has got plenty of cash
rain, hail, sleet or snow, we go!
User avatar
Sadam_Husain
Angry bird
Posts: 5164
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: WELLINGTON

Post by Sadam_Husain »

reckon I've added up at least $10k of mods there
what a xmas pressy that'll be :santa: :thumleft: :rendeer:
User avatar
Clint
Hard Yaka
Posts: 632
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Rotoiti (North Is)

Post by Clint »

gomulletgo wrote:
Just wanted everyone’s opinions on the mods he has got planned to make sure there is nothing that has been left out and that there is nothing that should be done differently etc.

MULLET :)


Dood! you forgot the Lexus V8! :twisted:

Sounds good tho, consider just bolting the std steps back on top of the sliders but, mesh lets the mud spray though.

Cheers
Clint
UZJ71 Landcruiser
Jeep J20 - 1UZ-FE powered (part owner)
KTM 640

If it breaks, build it stronger.
If it doesn't break, drive it harder.
gomulletgo
Hard Yaka
Posts: 320
Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: Amberley / North Canterbury

Post by gomulletgo »

Well. The truck was done in time for xmas! The owner seems happy with it so far :D phew.

He's only had it for a day and has had to rescue some clowns from the waipara river late at night. :D Thanks mate. About time I invested in some different friends eh :oops:

Can anyone confirm what voltage the alternator should charge the batteries at? The most it will read is 13.5 volts, the voltage does not rise with the revs (unlike my truck). I thought 13.5 seemed too low. It took a hell of alot to jump start it yesterday morning, it had been sitting in the workshop for a week while the mods were being done. One battery read about 10 volts and the other 11. I was starting to worry that someone had possibly forgotten to disconnect the batteries before welding on the truck and subsequently burned out the battery/batteries or the alternator.

So we will see how it goes. But if you have a prado or surf or whatever running a 1kz (3 litre diesel turbo) and you also have a multimeter handy I'd like to know what voltage you have running into the battery when the engine is running?

Thanks OE :D :D :D :D

Merry xmas

MULLET :)
philux
Hard Yaka
Posts: 404
Joined: Sat Oct 28, 2006 12:00 pm
Location: Kaiapoi/Christchuch

Post by philux »

pretty sure every alternator charges at 13.5volts, well never heard of one charging at a higer voltage could be wrong tho :roll:
User avatar
Toyhatsu
Bush Crasher
Posts: 55
Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:00 pm

Post by Toyhatsu »

Think normal maximum is between 13.5 and 14.5v.

Those batts voltage are way too low, suggest a good charge and then see if they hold it.....
User avatar
wjw
Hard Yaka
Posts: 3420
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Christchurch
Contact:

Post by wjw »

13.5V on my 1KZ...
-----------------------
Who knew Prados could fly?
Post Reply

Return to “New Members and Beginners”