1992 Toyota Prado

Engine - 2LT 2.4L
Transmission - R151F 5 speed manual
Suspension - EFS 2 inch
Tyres - 285/75R16 Headway MT tyres16x10 Dynamic steel rims
Equipped for - Off-roading and touring

Being a wedding photographer you obviously needed a car that you could pack your gear into, plus having the reliably get you places. What made you pick this Prado? 

I’ve always been a fan of the 70 series Landcruiser body shape, the square look to them, but finding a non Prado LWB version aka a HZJ77 or PZJ77 etc. is quite hard in New Zealand, or they’re quite expensive.The KZJ78 and LJ78 models are a lot more common, and so they basically ticked the box for me in regards to cost and fitting gear in it as well as people.

One thing I liked that the Prado’s have that the Landcruiser versions don’t is that they’re coil sprung. Just makes for comfier travel and also more flex. October last year I sold my first truck, a 1st gen MWB Isuzu Bighorn which was an absolute weapon, and was determined to buy a 70 series Prado before a big South Island trip that was coming up.

I think I had 4 weeks to find one, haha. At the time the market was quite bare, or nothing worth buying that would do the trick. I found a super tidy two-tone LJ78 with the brown interior, and although it had a couple of things that needed attention, I was sold on it! The trip was mostly a success (would it actually be a fun trip in a 30 year old vehicle if something didn’t break haha) and I began looking at what I could do to improve the performance.

I had many plans, and an engine swap was definitely on the cards. Sadly most of them didn’t happen before I sold it, but the main thing I did was convert the electronic injector pump to a mechanical one, like the ones you have in most 90’s or 80’s diesel trucks. I took a pump from a 2LT Hilux, had the seals all replaced, upped the fuel delivery, a safe amount of course, and set it all up so that it was running much more efficiently. Up until I sold it, I was super happy with how it was running. Much more power than a standard 2LTE after I removed all the EFI equipment and useless ECU wiring.

Do you have any tips for anyone who might be interested in buying an older Prado?

Absolutely! I’ve spent countless hours researching and figuring stuff out with my Prado and learning about the 1KZ engines too. If you’re to buy an LJ78 with the 2LTE in it, either keep the engine the way it is and just accept that it’s not going to be a very quick truck. Or, find yourself someone who is an absolute L series engine guru who can help you do an injector pump conversion, and consider swapping the 2.4 engine for a 5L series 3.0litre N/A engine, reconditioned injectors, a holset HX27 turbo, 3 inch exhaust, catch can, intercooler, and you’ll have an absolute rocket ship.

The 5L engines love fuel and so they’re one you don’t have to be afraid with throwing some serious power at and not having the head crack. They also fit perfectly in place of the 2L engine that these trucks come with as they're in the same family. If you’re buying a 1KZ, your main thing to be aware of is keeping the temp of the engine down. They love to crack heads.

Servicing your injectors will help a lot, as well as a solid radiator. Otherwise, the 1KZ can also be great with some more power added, i.e. bigger turbo, intercooler, and 3-inch exhaust. Otherwise, they’re great wagons and super reliable in all other areas! They don’t rust out as bad as older Toyotas and Nissans which was a bonus.

Please bear in mind that I’m no mechanic - this is all stuff that I’ve researched and learned from professionals. Definitely speak to a diesel specialist about these details if you’re wanting to adjust the performance of your Prado. But most of this info is common knowledge to a lot of 4x4 owners.

We know you have since sold this Prado, what's next for you?

Well, a house first haha. But after that, I’m really favoring the 105 series Landcruiser’s at the moment, and also the 100 series. I swore I’d never like the more round body shapes, but that didn’t last long after seeing a couple of epic examples haha. But also, maybe I’ll buy another 70 series Landcruiser or Prado? Who knows! I’m definitely keen on another daily and a project.

Photos by Jake Pears-Scown