Introduction and LJ70's

[ValencaCV]

Good evening,


We've started a small vehicle importation company focused on bringing classics back from Spain. We're a 2 man operation, with Paul based in Javea, Spain, and the other (me) here in Virginia. Our focus is to shed light on the otherwise murky process of bringing vehicles back from overseas and bring some transparency to the process. To that end, Paul works hard to document the process of finding the vehicle, capturing a story and photos on the trucks. We bring some transparency to bare by either selling our trucks through a dealer or bringing the buyer into the sourcing process.

Our little company is called Valencia Classic Vehicles. Our website has Paul's stories and photos.

I wanted to start here by asking about LJ70s. We've seen quite a few of them around Spain and wanted to know what you folks thought about them. Before we spend time looking for these trucks to bring back, I hoped to get some candid thoughts on what to look for, whether they're capable off-roaders, and how they stand up to Toyota's reputation for durability. I've never run into one here in Virginia, so I'm curious!

Thanks in advance,
Bill

 

[Ben]

Hi Bill, welcome to the club.

Sounds like an interesting business.

Its a real shame the USA never got the 70 series LandCruiser, because if you had there would no doubt be companies making some really cool parts for them, like Jeeps and Suzukis.

Anyway back to your question..................

LJ70's and KZJ70's are the light duty version of the legendary 70 series LandCruiser which is the vehicle of choice for aid agencies, farmers, militants, and many other groups of people around the world. They've now been in continues production for 30 years!

The LJ70 and KZJ70 are classed as light duty because there designed for carrying people and not cargo/big heavy loads. Which is why they have coil springs all round where as the heavy duty 70's have leaf springs.
They also have smaller diffs, smaller engines and cant carry or tow as much. But they are by no means weak, their still tough, strong reliable vehicles.

LJ70, LJ78, LJ79 have the 2.4TD engine which is very under powered and gutless! So unless their very cheap to buy I personally wouldn't bother.

What you want to be looking for are KZJ70,78,79 as these have the 1KZ-T(E) 3 litre TD which produces heaps of torque and power!

70/71 is 3 door short wheel base and 78/79 are 5 door long wheel base.

Another option would be the PZJ70/78 which had a bigger more powerful engine.

Also the BJ70 which had a bigger diesel engine, but also the bigger, heavy duty diffs. It did however have leaf springs, where as the others are coils all round.

FJ70 is the same as LJ/KZJ in terms of coil springs and smaller diffs, but has a petrol engine.

Good luck with the search and if you have any more questions just yell.

 

[ValencaCV]

Ben - Thanks!

I know we've seen BJ40's and BJ70's for sale. No question there. I'm less certain about the KZJ70-series trucks you mentioned, but that's very likely due to my lack of awareness.

I appreciate it! From the business side, we joke that it's the natural evolution of taking two car guys and placing them on different continents. It provides us each a way to drive and experience some cars and trucks we wouldn't otherwise ever be able to. I've had our Land Rover 88 and 109 at my place for the last couple months, and it's been an absolute blast. It's the perfect blend of tank-durability and tractor ease-of-maintenance We're having fun, for sure.

Your point on the economics is well received. If I can't get a BJ70 over here in a way that it makes sense, it's all for naught. I'll check out what they seem to be going for. We're a little more interested in the car side of it, and less-so on the selling part. That is, if we can price them for quick sale, we're happy campers.

Cheers and thanks! Happy Holidays!
Bill

 

[Iwan]

Hi bill.. as your mate is in Spain sourcing trucks. There's the European bj73 that has the Italian VM engine theres quite a big market for them in the USA. I did some research on this a while back.. They are a great base for building custom trucks..

Have you found many?

 

[ValencaCV]

Hi Iwan,

I've seen a few of the BJ73s with what look to be a 2.5L Diesel. Does that sound right?