Offroad-Express

ok it's time i brought a new truck ( due to mitzy failling to regain her self after motor troubles.

i'm looking at LWB trucks

80 land cruiser around 91-95
or
safari about the same age.

the question is which one is beter and easyer to mod.

jono

Shit man,see the lite and go the Safari of course.
Al

thats a "how longs a piece of string" type of question..

What is your budget??? How much off road use is it going to get?

Safaris are generally cheaper than 80's

I think 80's are more comfortable as a daily driver.

TD42 is fairly indestructable where the early 4.2T Diesel Toy motors like to spit out the bottom end bearings up over 200k.

What doddzee is telling you is right on the money. Both these rigs are good wagons, Early turbo 80's have engine bearing issues, although from about 93 on they were sorted I believe. Patrol is cheaper and probably has a better availabilty of goody bits for 4wding. Have to get a Turbo one though, as they are real pigs without it.
The 80 will be more comfortable as a daily driver, and have a better resale. Both are bloody expensive on bits for repairs, although with the Nissan being so cheap to buy, you should be able to find good deals on parts if you look.
Both are also bloody heavy, so don't expect to be able to foot it with the lighter rigs in ugly mud situations. (I know this from experience with a LWB Toyota).

Pick the one you like the most after driving them both. They are both very offroad capable.

well the truck will be a daily driver, but we ( wifes orders) will be out 4x4 offin she wont be seen in a shiny.

i 4x4 as offin as i can in the perjio but i have killed it for the last time.

been for a short ride in PR SWB and i was impressed even when we had the lockers in.

i need to found a 80 to go for a small ride.

mmmmmm money looking under 15k.

also thinking of importing one from japan

Have had a SWB Safari & loved it to bits. Normally aspirated 4.2 deisel. Went anywhere - and I know I certainly didn't srive it to its full potential.

Moved to an 80 series LWB VX 'Cruiser (after the kids got too big for the rear of the Safari) - another very capable truck. Very comfortable for the daily driver type wagon - as we have found after numerous trips back and forwards to Christchurch from the West Coast.

Before getting the 'Cruiser - took a LWB Safari for a test spin - again - very capable truck - BUT - you know you are in a TRUCK.

No real probs with the 'cruiser (yet) but about to turn over 190,000 kms. Coast Toyota claim they haven't heard/dealt with any problems with the Big End Bearings crapping out - but so many forums have all said the same thing. (I believe my engine/mechanical warranty will cover it if/when it does happen).

As has been stated above - this is a "how long is a peice of string" question.

Best advice is to take the different ones for a test drive - prowl the local car yards and test drive a few. If you go for the 'cruiser - try to get one with the factory fitted winch & electric diff locks. well worth the extra you pay initially - rather than the cost of adding them later.

Just my 2c (+GST) worth.

PS Still miss the Safari in a strange kinda way

I have to agree with rockhound,
Mine is non turboed and its pretty slow off the mark, but once she gets a bit of speed up its not too bad. Of course i always wish i had more power but i suppose you can never have TOO MUCH POWER!

niblik wrote:thats a "how longs a piece of string" type of question..

A bit like Ford or Holden

Seriously my advice as a ex mechanic is go with the best individual vehicle you find - they are both good 4wds. Don't buy a poor example just because you've decided that make is better.

Did that make any sense? :scratch:

Baldrick wrote:Have had a SWB Safari & loved it to bits.
Moved to an 80 series LWB VX 'Cruiser (after the kids got too big for the rear of the Safari)

thank you very much for your input, thats the same resoning why i'm going straight to the lwb KIDS ( are somewere in the pipe line )

well looks like i'm going to have to take a few spins around the blocks.

will let all know the out come.

Jono

Good comments above, I really like the way the 80's handle for a big rig.

Don't be too scared of the big end issues, the bearings can be replaced with around $70 worth of upgraded ones by popping off the sump, It's not a big job.

Cheers
Clint

Whats wrong with this?
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/modules ... 2078#62078

tgaguy1 wrote:Whats wrong with this?
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/modules ... 2078#62078

Look VERY nice. I would certainly be tempted - if I didn't have one. :thumright: