1992 JDM Toyota Hilux LN107 D/C SSR 3L Diesel 4x4 - The Lost Fraternal Twin Brother of the Tacoma -

Amazing Truck!

 

i still own it. Decided to keep it, even though I had a decent offer on it.

 

Hi All, New member here. I recently acquired a '94 LN107. Excellent, low-kilos (60k) example imported by one of the many JDM guys here in the PNW. Totally stock. I also have a '93 US market pickup, with the 3VZE. Lotsa miles on that one...it's been amazing. Yotabro: As best I can tell, the frames are totally identical. The full boxed frame front to back. In fact, I was able to bolt on a US spec rear bumper with no mods. Bolt holes are already there.
I just replaced the front axles (boots were split) with remans from CVJ in Denver, and the upper n lower ball joints plus tie-rod ends (and shocks...what the heck) while i was in there, all using US spec parts.
This one has the limited slip diff. (ask me how I found out...). Has the auto-locking hubs...of course the manuals would've been nicer. Did the timing belt, as the interval is pretty low and this one was undoubtedly original from 30 years ago.
It's been re-painted, but a really quality job. Underbody is amazing...
As Rocky Mtn HiLux said, you gotta really plan ahead for acceleration with these things. it makes the V6 feel like a sportscar by comparison.
ANyhow...it's been fun so far. Gotten more smiles and comments by far than any other car I've had.

 

Nice! Got any pics? You in Washington or BC?

 

Make sure you get it rust proofed ASAP. These trucks do not like North American winters and salty roads. They have inferior sheet metal that was never meant for the harsh conditions here.

 

Thank you RMH for the words of wisdom. Here in Western WA, we don't have much in the way of harsh weather/salty conditions. My '93 extracab (3VZE) frame and body has done well over the last couple of decades without any additional rustproofing, so I am hoping this one will fare equally well. I do have a question for you: I think I read you have a block heater? Do you know where on the block it is installed? Even though it doesn't get that cold here (rarely gets below freezing) seems like a heater would be nice for easier starts and less wear on the motor. I looked around briefly on mine but couldn't see an obvious place to reach in easily to a freeze-plug. But I haven't really dug into it yet.
Thanks!

 

I bought my Hilux with some kind of heavy-duty arctic block heater that was already installed. I have no idea what brand name it is. It heats both the oil pan and the radiator fluid at the same time. Most regular block heaters simply plug into the oil pan. This hd block heater is amazing in nasty -40C winters, allowing me to be able to turn my heat on within one or two city blocks after I leave the house, something which a regular block heater would be unable to give you. You should also seriously consider using a diesel fuel additive as well. These diesel engines were never designed to run on the poor quality low cetane shit diesel we have here in North America. I use XP3 which adds lubricity and really does increase your gas mileage. Look at the start of this post to get more info.

 

Hi RMH,
Roger all that. Much appreciated. I found a '94 English-language owners' manual download, free on-line...finally. Indeed the recommended cetane number is 50 or higher. @#%@%# I guess we could move to California, where 53 is the mandatory minimum. But then we wouldn't need the higher cetane for cold-starting (or the block heater either). I am trying Opti-lube XPD by way of an experiment. (Xtra-Pricey-Drivel??) I normally have been getting 25-26mpg in town and 28-29mpg on the highway. We will see if there's any improvement in starting and/or mpg while I am using good old 40-something (...hopefully..) here in the PNW.