I'm not a fan of Satin paint, but I must admit this actually looks good!

 

I got a call from the shop yesterday arvo, to let me know my truck was ready. I went in today after work, and I'm stoked! The lid, despite being such a big, flat expanse of steel, has got a streak-free finish. It will be bolted to the bed tomorrow.

It was good to turn the key, and actually be pleased to hear the trusty D-4D engine rumble into life, despite it not being destined to remain in the bay. I haven't heard it for close to 7 months, I'd forgotten what it sounded like. I'm picking her up tomorrow to start the re-assembly. I need to get the glass guys to come fit a new front windshield.

Some non hi-resolution pictures taken this evening:

 

 

I decided to use my insurance windscreen cover, the earliest it can be fitted at my home is Tuesday the 14th. Grrr.

I brought my truck home today, after close to 7 months absence. I want to carry out the refit at my own pace, and not be bothered about using someone else's tools, so I had her recovered home on a breakdown truck.

Despite it being dark when I arrived home, she looked pretty good sitting on my driveway.

 

There was a delay, as I realised the shop had refitted the bed, but forgot to clip in the rectangular cabin vents on either side of the cabin. Which meant the bed had to come off - again! I've become a veteran though, so all I did was undo the bolts, then pull the bed back just enough to clip in the plastic vents.

The bed lid was then fitted. It took 4 of us to install it, with one of us (me) bolting the lid to the hinges. This was the most intense part of the refit, with all that fresh apple candy paint around...

 

Some pictures. Truck without the lid, with the lid, and being lashed down on the back of the recovery truck, homeward bound:

 

Curious, what are you going to do with the diesel lump under the bonnet? I am guessing you will sell it, to fund your build. What would a used 2.5 D4D fetch over there?
Secondly how will you control the UZ, stand alone ECU? Brand? Or are you going to attempt to reuse the Toyota wiring and ECU?

Cheers

 

The D-4D engine will eventually be sold. Used D-4D's fetch anything from £375 - £650. If sold as a conversion kit, considerably more.

I will be gutting the LS430, and using the entire harness in the truck, the only Hilux harness that will be retained will be the harness to the rear (lights, differential lock and fuel gauge).

 

So you are also using the trans from the ls430? Sorry if you covered this.

 

really nice work. super impressed.

 

No, I want to retain manual transmission. I have purchased a 6-speed manual transmission and transfer case from a 2005 Land Cruiser D-4D, with the matching rear differential.

I will be purchasing the appropriate bellhousing to mate the UZ motor to this gearbox.

 

Thanks bud!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you are going to have issues with the UZ ECU of the LS430(which has VVT) not using the auto transmission or gauge cluster. There are specific signals the speed sensor recieves and sends to the ECU. But this is what I have read from other swaps.

The 6 speed trans will be nice, I am super jealous I can't just find a D4D to swap into my truck. The cost to import a 1KD halfcut is pricey, and I'd most likely need to use the Adaptronic standalone ecu to eliminate the stupid sensor synchronization.

Will the RPMs from the 6 spd manual box match the LS430 ideal operating revs? I guess that could ulltimately be changed in the differentials.

The Autralian Prado with the 2UZ was avalable with a manual gear box, and from what I have read will mate to any UZ block.

Looking forward to your progress

 

RBX, thanks for the info.

I too have heard of issues with VVT. I obviously won't be using the LS automatic transmission, but the cluster is going in.

I heard of the Aussie Prado coming with a manual behind a UZ. I suppose that's why the bellhousing is available from Down Under, that is where I intend to purchase one from.

 

Good luck man, I've read loads on the UZ and vvt is the wiring nightmare. There are however, loads of standalone ecus with basemaps for the UZ so a few more £££ for your build if you run into the ecu not playing nice.