D4D HILUX COMMON PROBLEMS
Just between you and I, I’ve had more fourbies than anyone has a right to. From Ferozas (don’t judge me) to Pajeros, Patrols, HiLuxes, and just about everything in between. But six years ago, I finally gave in to the never-ending suggestion from my mates of buying an 80 Series LandCruiser, and to be honest, I’ve never looked back.
Sure, they’re getting long in the tooth these days, but they are infallible, and damn near indestructible (take that HiLux owners!) - trust me, I've tried. They are, however, not without their niggles, and if you’re in the market for an 80 Series, or have joined the dark side and own one, these are the things you’ll need to keep an eye out for.
WORDS BY WES WHITWORTH
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The 80 Series ‘Cruisers are like the best mate you’ve had for 20 years. Sure, they may have a drinking problem, be a bit rough round the edges, but they’re dependable, and if you keep the sauce (read: oil) up to them, they’re always there for you no matter what.
80 Series
Toyota LandCruiser
CHASSIS CRACKS AROUND THE STEERING BOX
Being a massively popular solid axle front end four-wheel drive, the first thing everyone does when they get an 80, is lob 33in tyres (or bigger) on it. The suspension kits are relatively cheap for them, and 35s can be made to fit with as little as a 2” lift. Air the bigger rubber down when you’re out playing in the dirt, and all of a sudden there’s a lot of stress on your steering box. Keep putting that sort of stress on the box and chassis over many years, and it will develop a weak point that’s prone to cracking. So make sure you have a look around the box for cracks if you own an 80 or are looking to buy one.
problem
solution
Thankfully, the solution is pretty straight forward. There are more than a few 4X4 fabricators out there that are knocking up plates to reinforce the chassis around the steering box. If you’re handy with a welder, you can install them yourself, or chances are you can ask the company that knocks them up to install them too. With a set of plates, you’ll never need to worry about them again.
HANDBRAKE? WHAT HANDBRAKE?!
80 Series, and indeed most ‘Cruisers (Ed note: My HiLux handbrake must have been an optional extra too) are renowned for needing to carry a brick around with you to use as a handbrake. The cause of the lack of handbrake is a couple of layers deep. First, is a poor adjustment. Second is poor maintenance. Third, is the old dogbones in the drums just don’t work as they should, and lastly, is the design of the handbrake lever.
But, all is not lost; you can make them work again. However, there’s not been a complete fix that will last the ages, short of installing (and I feel dirty having to write this) a Nissan style handbrake on the rear of the transfer case.
problem
solution
The fix for the handbrake is neither pretty nor easy. But bear with us, and chances are you can have a working handbrake. First off the bat, you want to actually adjust it. There are two adjustment points; one at the actual handbrake handle, and one at the drum on the rear. Make sure you adjust both, and you’ll breathe a touch of life back into your 80. From there, while you’ve got the rear disc/drums apart adjusting it, check to make sure you’ve got meat left on your shoes before trying to tighten metal on metal – ask me how I know.
There are more than a few dogbones getting around for sale as an upgrade, that have worked with varying degrees of success. The dogbones are the pivot point for the brake shoes, and the upgraded versions area touch longer than the factory Toyota jobbies, allowing more contact to be made. And finally, you have the upgraded handbrake lever kits – these change the pivot point on the handbrake, allowing more pull on the cable over the factory gear.
Fixing the handbrake is neither sexy nor cheap, but, if you start with this list, chances are you’ll get a working handbrake… at least for a while.
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