Matt16

I admit, I have a second love. I really want a diesel Land Cruiser BJ60. They're relatively common here, maybe one for every 20 2nd gen 4Runners, yet it may be harder to find used parts.

PLEASE give me reasons to keep the 4Runner.

I spotted this one today on CL:

1985 BJ60 5spd, 4cyl diesel some rust

"This 1985 Toyota Landcruiser has a 4 clyinder diesel with a 5 speed transmission. I am the original owner of this vehicle, and it has always been kept in a garage, however that does not stop the rust. It has 388000 kilometers on it and runs great. I am selling it because of the rust, which is mainly in the rear wheel well area. The rear frame was replaced a number of years ago. I have complete records of the truck."

toyota4x4907

You already re-geared and added the Aussie. York OBA. How long have you owned it? Its also newer and probably gets better MPG/KMPG. Little to no rust on your 4runner.

Junkers88

I'll tell you the same thing that all of you told me about my 86 pickup/89 4runner delima.

Keep them both.

If you have to have one or the other then step back and take a look at the value of each one.

How much money/time/effort have you put into the 4runner?

Can you sell it and make enough to fund a build on the LC?

You know it's already had the rear of the frame replaced due to it rusting out, how much more hidden structural damage may be there?

Do you want to trust that the LC won't have a structural failure while on the way to your fishing spot?

If it was me and I couldn't afford (whether $$ or time) to keep both of them then I'd stick with the 4runner and hold out for a LC in a little better shape.

HTH.

Belize Off Road Team

Well, you know your 4Runner, an older LC JDM spec is another world. I lived all over the place in western Canada and saw an infinite amount of them. The differences in everything are a shock. So here is a pro/con list of buying an LC diesel JDM spec:

Pros
Diesel
Not common to own now that they have stopped importing them
it's an LC, your buying into Toyota's 4x4 heritage
Round lights kick ass when you get them with built in indicators!
There is endless aftermarket support for the LC world wide. the things you can buy over seas for it will stun you.
Better designed for the trail

Cons
It is massive and harder to get into small trails
older diesel is not necessarily better power/economy
less creature comforts
you don't know it so you have to go through the whole body/drivetrain/powerplant problems that you have already fixed on your 4Runner

I would buy one, but not sell my 4Runner for it unless it was already lifted, loaded and locked.