1990 Toyota SWB Prado
1990 Toyota Prado SWB
Engine - 2.4L 2L-TE
Transmission - 5 Speed Manual
Suspension - 2.5 inch Dobinson
Tyres - Nankang MT-1 285/75/R16
Equipped For -Overlanding
Hey Michael. Love the Prado - what made you buy a short wheel based 4wd?
The love for SWB wagons was sparked while working at a job in my early 20’s. On this particular day a gentleman pulled up in his absolute mint SWB Landcruiser. It was adventure ready with a set of muddies, a lift, bullbar and winch. While loading a few bags of stockfeed into the back of his little wagon, I knew I had to do some exploring in a similar vehicle one day. When the time came for Jess and I to buy a 4wd the Trademe watchlist began filling with Toyota Landcruisers of all shapes and sizes. Eventually we stumbled upon the SWB Prado that we have today, it looked mint in the photos and wasn’t too far from home, so we had to have a look. Although the Prado was running the 2LTE motor, the head had been done, both the body and interior were in mint condition and the suspension was coils all around. It was there and then that we handed over the money in exchange for our first overlanding wagon. The Prado was meant to be a short-term thing, but due to it being so much fun on the tracks it stuck around.
Has your plan always been to tastefully modify the Prado, while trying to keep the factory look to it?
Yes, the plan was always to tastefully modify the little Prado. Had we bought the 3L model we would have probably added a front bar and winch, but due to the 2LTE lacking the grunt the idea was scrapped.
How much work have you put into the car to get it to where it is now?
When we purchased the Prado, it was sitting on factory suspension, fitted with a set of 31” tyres and the 16” steelies you see today. Up on the roof was a steel roof cage and mounted to the front bumper were a pair of Kings spotlights. We’ve since swapped the heavy roof cage for a much lighter and more versatile Frontrunner Slimline ll Platform. In addition to the roof platform, we’ve added a Rhino-Rack Compact 270 awning, shovel mount and six Lightforce AU ROK20 work lights. To help us see further on and off road (because we all know these old wagons headlights are a good as a couple of tealight candles). We’ve installed more Lightforce AU gear, which includes an H4 LED Upgrade Kit, a single row 40” lightbar and a pair of HTX2 Driving Lights. The suspension has been upgraded to a 2.5” Dobinsons Suspension Lift with extended sway bar links and break lines. The last thing we’ve changed since taking ownership are the tyres, of which are now 33” Nankang MT-1’s.
What advice would you give to someone looking at buying a Prado?
If you find a tidy one that has done relatively low kms you should snap it up. They’re comfy wagons thanks to the extra creature comforts and coil suspension. Ours has given us no major issues other than general repairs and maintenance… if you keep the oils fresh and the air filter clean it should look after you.
You’ve recently started a new overland E-magazine, can you tell us about that?
I sure have, the digital mag is named The Overland Collective! The idea was born during our most recent lockdown here in NZ. Because Jess and I couldn’t go exploring with the camera, I was needing something to fill the creative void. We often receive DM’s asking about the gear we use and the tracks we’ve done so I thought, why not put the images and experiences we’ve gathered over time to create a resource that people can go to for a little extra insight. Within the mag we hope to provide inspiration for your next vehicle build or trip by sharing Wagon Features and Adventure Stories from fellow overlanding/4wd enthusiasts. It doesn’t stop there, readers can also expect to find product & track reviews, campfire recipes, tips and tricks to use out on the tracks. The quarterly magazine is currently available for free download from our website - https://www.overlanderexpeditions.co.nz/the-overland-collective
Photos by Overland Expeditions