1991 77 Series Landcruiser
1991 77 Series Landcruiser
Engine - 1PZ 3.5L Diesel
Transmission - 5-Speed Manual
Suspension - Stock
Tyres - 35 inch Micky Thompson
Equipped For - Tourer
The apple didn’t fall far from the tree when it came time for me to attach myself to a vehicle. Trading in my 1Hz 80 series Landcruiser for a 1PZ 77 series Landcruiser. Born to South African parents I had heard many tales of four-wheel drive adventures in Namibia. Not one to betray my father, from an early age classic Toyota Landcruiser, became my ideal steel stead. A Natural fit formy future as a possum trapper and hunter.
I dubbed her Diana after the late princess. It was no easy feat, to own such an old vehicle. As I’d find out. We gave the whole vehicle a service, from pads to gear box oil. This would become a recurring process. The alternator would fail me in the plains of north Otago, New Zealand. Or I’d leave the lights on while hunting deer along the desert road. For every failure Diana came back stronger, and I came back more knowledgeable. Diana has traversed much of the country, getting me from Fiordland to Nelson, Wellington to Northland.
Diana boasts 5’ Mickey Thompson tyres and a 2’ lift. She is tall. A snorkel and dif/gearbox breather kit makes her adept at South Island River valleys. Recently, I acquired an HAC outdoors rooftop tent. This hard sell allowed me to say goodbye to those nights in the back of the truck. Although, even with an intercooler, turbo Diana is by no means a springbok. Needing first gear on Arthur’s Pass. Truthfully, I’ve never really minded the slowness. I appreciate the journey and would rather take dirt roads.
Because of the nature of my work, I am constantly on the road. Primarily in Otago and Canterbury, New Zealand. I have slept many a night in that truck, with my dog Kim typically curled up next to me. Although a long wheelbase Diana is no troopy nor luxurious van. I have a fear of fanciness and appreciate practicality over anything else. I’ve always made do. Many nights, it was just the three of us (Dog, truck and me) on the shores of some alpine lake hoping for a trout. Or glassing distant hills for wild critters. Diana was home, our refuge after a week of hunting in the mountains. A sight for sore eyes spotted from a snowy ridge.
No legendary tale exists without tragedy. As befalls far too many 70 series Landcruisers and particularly 1PZ engines. Diana would overheat, breaking down in Methven after a broken fan belt caused a sudden overheat and eventually warped head. 1PZ engines are 5-cylinder ‘easy-going’ machines. Turbos and intercoolers are great for squeezing a little more power, but not ideal for a vehicle used so lovingly. Fortunately, Diana’s road days are not yet over. With an engine upgrade to a 1HZ looming on the horizon, it won't be long until she tours those South Island roads, once more.
Photos & words by Jurgen Schwanecke