1988 Toyota Landcruiser HJ61 review from Australia and New Zealand

GX TD 12HT. Rear springs were sagged when I got it (80k), replaced myself with complete "Ironman" set front & back with shocks. $1500. These lasted well and were still serviceable, but replaced at 275,000km by as new "Old Man Emu" 4 x set from a write off. $500 - bargain.

Gearbox & transfer case replaced 250,000Km ($4200), 1 year after family Simpson desert trip full load with 120 litres water, 150 litre diesel, campstuff, kids stuff etc. Cruiser did all 1143 sand dunes easy - climbed "Big Red" with full load - no run up needed! Even drove over a dead camel carcase (I didn't see it after cresting a dune). My rig had developed a oil leak between gbox & tcase but no external leak. Apparently not uncommon but with long sustained driving, oil migrates from one to the other setting up a trans failure. Toyota has the fix, but doesn't provide it standard! A cheap "return pipe" kit bolts straight on to blanked screws in gbox / tr. case and eliminates the problem!?!

Recently (285,000km) had alternator failure during caravan trip. Drove for 3 days (twin batteries) before getting reco'd one for $850.

That's the total repairs outside normal stuff like oil, filters, tyres, batteries etc. I do my oil changes every 5 - 7500km, and that's it. It never uses oil, or water and has never been to a dealer! Hell even the flat tyres were 3 years apart!!

This vehicle drives better than the day I bought it, and gives total confidence when covering big distances on or off road, loaded or towing. It will tolerate urban driving, but begs for long runs. I couldn't sell this vehicle now, but would swap it for a wife who complained as little as it does!

Mods: 150 l fuel tank, rear step/towbar wheel & 20l Jerry carrier, steel bull bar (you will need to jack off it) & spotlights.

PS. Invest in a good quality drivers seat, that's the only other fault with these trucks.