Fully packed with power and luxury, the possibilities are endless for the
Toyota Land Cruiser wether trailing the rivers of Yosemite, conquering the grand canyon or trailing
a boat to lake Victoria. The land cruisers reputation for reliability and durability
are not without basis. It is the ultimate 4WD.
Pumping the power is Toyotas engines which has claimed popularity worldwide for
its dependability and toughness. Gas Land Cruiser engines are manufactured by
Toyota. The F and 2F engines were also used in Toyota Forlifts.
The F engine is supposed to be based on the Chevy 225 I-6 "Cast Iron Wonder"
and some of the bottom end of the engine is rumored to be interchangeable.
The main differences between the F and the 2F are the 2F's larger bore, the F's
2 compression and 2 oil rings versus the 2F's 2 compression and single oil ring
and the fact that the F had two oil paths--through the filter or through the engine
compared to the 2F where all oil had to travel through the filter before the engine.
Most of the diesels are made by Hino industries, a sub-contractor for Toyota.
Similar engines were used in Hino heavy trucks which are used in Canada, so the
drivetrain of Hino trucks may be adaptable. Hino engines similar to the B and
3B are supposed to be used to run the refrigerator units on some refrigerated
semi trailers. Some of the B diesels are manufactured by Daihatsu and can be identified
by the letter "D" on the timing cover. Most diesels in Japan and Canada are 24V
and therefore meet NATO military specs.
However, Canadian 1985 (85/10) BJ70's and all Canadian BJ60's are 12V. In Europe,
all diesels larger than 4 cylinders are 24V except for in the 80 series which
uses a 24/12V Series/Parallel switch to allow 24V starting and 12V while running.
Australian diesels are all 12V. The B, H, and 2H were also used in Toyota Forklifts,
Dyna and Coaster buses.
Overall, the power that the land cruiser provides for its ride is superb, more
than enough for the usual family vacation or for an all boys camping trip. Equipped
with suspensions that started with a double wishbone then gradually evolved into
full individual suspensions that offers the smoothest of rides considering the
trails it has to conquer. Toyota spared nothing in giving the land cruiser all
the amenities and luxuries it could pack inside, providing an adventure with comfort
and style.
