Newly imported 70 series Land Cruiser Troopy

"CarFanatic" (carfanatic) 04/15/2017 at 14:47 • Filed to: overland, expedition, Toyota, 4x4, adventure, off-road, Land Cruiser, 70 Series, imported, import, rtt

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Strong desire, rationalization, and money to spend almost landed me this freshly imported, left-hand drive, 1991 diesel 70 series Troopy.

Equipped with a snorkel, it would serve as my high water crossing rig (didn’t check for diff breathers). My overland rig, a 2007 4Runner V8 4x4, is allergic to water thanks to the off-road front bumper converting my upper wheel liner into a water scoop for direct fluid feed into the air intake (no company has produced a snorkel for the 4th gen 4Runner). I know of multiple owners of the 4th gen 4R having lost their engines to water crossings of various heights.

This diesel rig has the extended travel fuel tank, roof rack, roof top tent, off-road bumpers, and is ready for a trip to the upcoming Overland Expo West event via the unpaved roads of NM and AZ. It just needs an interior. Yep...open up the back doors, and you’re greeted by shiny metal from the floor to the ceiling. Not a bad thing. It just means customization doesn’t require ripping out the old interior.

The friend selling this imports 2 Toyotas at a time from Europe, and fixes them up a bit before putting them up for sale. I’ve been tempted by some of us his previous imports. Test drove one of the shorter wheelbase 70 series, decided it wasn’t for me.

This one was allegedly used by a German couple to travel the Sahara and various other epic international destinations. Hence why the interior may have been removed. The exterior displays evidence of off-road excursions. An up close examination reveals many small and medium dents.

Having just sold my XVenture trailer and wanting to spend the funds before my wife designates the liquidity for our kid’s tuition, I sat in the cockpit of this inviting classic Yota and wondered if it was time. Was this what I really want at this time in my life? I’m still over a decade away from retirement. I have plans to travel internationally and would prefer to do so in a 70 series since parts would be more readily available than for my 4Runner, as well as this rugged LC is perfectly capable for water crossings.

After much thought, I decided to wait. Very difficult decision considering this is priced under $20K. It’s exactly what I want, is already equipped for adventure, and let’s face it...doing expeditions in a classic rig like this would make for great Instagram content.

CaptDale - is secretly British > CarFanatic 04/15/2017 at 14:57

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Why not fashion your own snorkel?

I want that series 70. I miss overlanding damn it

LongbowMkII > CarFanatic 04/15/2017 at 16:12

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nice!

CarFanatic > CaptDale - is secretly British 04/15/2017 at 16:41

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People have purchased snorkels designed for other Toyotas and managed to heat up the snorkel to shape it such that it fits against the A-pillar. The bigger challenge is the connection between the snorkel and air intake. Toyota didn’t leave much space between the engine wall and front quarter panel. Anytime I see someone rolling in a 4th gen 4Runner with a snorkel, I always ask them how the snorkel is doing. The most popular response is basically a revelation that the snorkel is nonfunctional due to the inability to overcome the internal connection challenges.

Several snorkel mfrs have announced plans to design a snorkel specifically for the 4th gen 4R, but none have delivered on those aspirations. I have accepted the fact that my 4R will never have a snorkel, and thus will continue to avoid water. I bought that 4Runner brand new in 2007 and have no plans to risk anything happening to it. I will continue to travel the scenic unpaved roads with it for many more years. If I do decide to pursue ahigh water expedition in the near future, I’d probably take one of my sons rigs and slap on a snorkel designed specifically for those trucks (one kid has a FJ Cruiser, the other a Tacoma...both built for off-roading).

CaptDale - is secretly British > CarFanatic 04/15/2017 at 16:47

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That seems weird no one would make a good snorkel for them.