I'm toying with the idea of buying a used 1989 Land Cruiser listed for sale "near Salt Lake City." Anyone willing to put eyes on it for me? I emailed to see if I can get a slightly narrower geographical radius and a rough idea of availability.
It is fairly low mileage, powered by the 3F gasoline straight six, has a manual transmission, and is supposed to have a number of newish parts. Looks decent in the photos, but confirmation would be nice before making an offer.
I'm in Oregon, so not impossible distance for a fly-and-drive, but a bit far for to drive for an in-person inspection.
Thanks in advance!
Not close but that is beautiful. Have you tried asking on the ih8mud forums?
In reply to Caprigrip :
I haven't yet. That's actually where I first saw it listed. I figured I'd try here first as I am not very active on the forums there, so I don't really know other forum members very well.
It is also being sold through an online auction site, which complicates things a bit. It is a silent auction format, with no stated timeframe. I've been communicating with the guy from curatedbid.com, and then he gets answers, more pictures, etc from the owner and relays them to me. Maybe he's 100% legit and honest, but he also stands to make money off the sale, so I'm cautious. I'd feel a lot better if a third party could put eyes on it.
Help no longer needed, thanks! I've narrowed down exactly what I want, and tapped some work connections to help find my ideal Land Cruiser.
The one above has a carbed 3F straight six. It is all iron, pushrod, and belongs to a family of engines dating back to the 1940's. They can be super-reliable and last forever, but aren't exactly a powerhouse. I recognize that I'm looking at simple utilitarian 4x4 trucks, but the 3F driving experience is reportedly quite tractor-like when viewed through the lens of today. I want a balance of off-road and on-road manners, and might carry or tow a little bit, but mostly light loads, so something a bit more refined with more top end will serve me better than an ancient torquey lump. The other issue with the above truck is rust bubbles (or 'paint flaws' according to the seller) on the fenders, wheel wells, rockers, roof, hood, drip rails, and A-pillars from what I can see in the extra photos and walk around video I was sent. 😬
I'm going to go for a 1993 or newer FZJ70...short wheelbase, hard top, two door with rear barn doors, 4.5-liter EFI multivalve gasoline straight six, manual transmission, heavy duty axles, 12V electrical system, preferably LHD. I'll let you guys know once it is closer to reality.
Minor update:
Not in my possession yet, but potential fly and drive upcoming!
It's a 1986, turbodiesel, 24 volt, but it is LHD, manual trans, already in the States, and clean, clean, clean. When hunting for a 35+ year old vehicle never sold here, beggars can't be choosers. Watch for an upcoming build thread. 😀
That is cool looking! I hope the purchase works out!
In reply to ae86andkp61 (Forum Supporter) :
What country was that originally sold in?
84FSP
PowerDork
8/23/24 8:06 a.m.
Darn those are cool trucks. They solve no problems I have currently but always liked them. As a rust belt Ohio guy it is amazing to me to see intact Toyota's of this generation.
I saw a fair number of those when I was in Costa Rica this summer. Cool trucks!
Woody (Forum Supportum) said:
In reply to ae86andkp61 (Forum Supporter) :
What country was that originally sold in?
Definitely European market. (LHD, diesel, no A/C) I believe Romania is the most likely, but I can't say for sure. It got a frame-off restoration in Romania with a Land Cruiser specialist in 2016-2017. A few small areas of body rust were repaired by cutting it out and welding new metal in. The frame/axles/suspension were all blasted to bare metal. Everything got powdercoated or painted before reassembly. It was owned by an American couple while he was stationed/working there. From what I can tell, they are longtime enthusiasts and own multiple Cruisers. They brought it back with them when returning to the States. He is a submarine lubricant expert for the Navy, which I feel likely bodes well for the condition of the fluids. He did analysis on every oil change.
Part of the appeal of this one is that it is not far from stock. From what I can see, aftermarket brush guard, aftermarket swing away spare carrier, and aftermarket EGT sensor and gauge. Aftermarket 15" wheels with 31" tires. Nothing crazy. The turbo and manifold are off a later 13B-T and were added during the restoration. The stock seats and door cards were reupholstered, and the carpet/floor coverings look new or newish. Given that I work for an aftermarket seat company known for 4x4 and overlanding seats, this truck will receive a custom seat upgrade and may make some promotional appearances. 
