New to the world of Gen 1s…need some sage advice.

[prowlerspud78]

Currently in The Navy and live in Japan. I have in the past owned newer 2013+ 4runners but would love to get into something more vintage like the 1st Generation. As you all know I live in a country full of Diesel 4runners and pickups and wanted your opinion on which models would be best for daily driver and some offroading? If you had this opportunity to have any pre 1994 Toyota what would be your pick? I get one free import plus however many engines I can bring as long as its under my max household good shipments. Thoughts?!

[300k]

As you all know I live in a country full of Diesel 4runners and pickups

Man, don't even talk to me

Jokes aside, thanks for your service and welcome to Mar-land

I don't think there is a solid answer to your question past personal preference. The main game changer is the pre 86 stuff has solid front axles, otherwise the trucks are all set up pretty similar for the US market. I'm not sure if the non US trucks have any killer year specific diesels

I like em all, with the 2nd gen 84-88 trucks being my favorite, the 3rd gens being second, and the 1st gens being third. (Sorry 1st gen guys but it's all about the xtra cab)

It mostly depends on how crazy you wanna get. The pre 86 stuff can be motor swapped for more street driveability, and the 86-94 stuff can be solid axle swapped for more offroad ability, and they both make fine drivers and wheelers in stock form. I'd look at the body styles, see what you like, see what you can get a good deal on, and maybe give a bit more detail on if you're trying to drive on fire roads or on some gnarly trails

[prowlerspud78]

Thanks for the response. Right now I am looking at a 1993 HILUX double cab with a 2.8L diesel or a 1986 HILUX Surf with a 2.4L turbo diesel. I wanna build myself a no crap bullet proof daily driver for now and build it up for more once back in the states. Would there be any issues with the diesel and parts availability or will the diesel be more problems than it might be worth when it comes to getting OEM parts for the engine? I have noticed we don't have many of these diesels running around in the states but they are some sweet sounding trucks. Thanks for the guidance!

[helipilot77]

In the research that I have done while owning a Toyota diesel in the states I would recommend avoiding any diesel without a turbo. It will disappoint you when trying to keep up with traffic over here. The 2.4 is still a little underpowered even with the turbo and has problems with the head cracking. My recommendation is to go with either the 1KZ-te or if you can find one a 1KZ-t (no electrics to wire) or the newer common rail 2KD-ftv according to LittleSteve over in the UK he's repaired too many of the larger displacement 1KD-ftv engines. Then pick your favorite body style and put them together.

[helipilot77]

I forgot to mention that parts are not too difficult to attain over here. Any filters can be got from the local stealership. Anything that is still in stock in Japan can be had from Japan4x4.com. Just send them a list of part numbers and pay with PayPal. About a week later the parts will be at your door. Shipping isn't too expensive. I've managed to completely rebuild my 1KZ-te however I have had help from LittleSteve getting some aftermarket stuff from the UK.