Land Cruiser 80 Series VS Troopy / Paul's favorite trucks (E10)

Paul continues his breakdown of the best vehicles for overland travel, with the almighty Land Cruiser 80 Series and popular Land Cruiser Troopy taking focus in Part 2. This really is as good as it gets when dreaming up your perfect rig.
Presented by Gregory Simpson.

[@allterraintrails]

I could listen to Paul talk all day!

[@Africasideways]

Cool, got loads more episodes with Paul on the channel.

[@WimBotha1]

I was going to sell the 80 series, fortunately, I "stumbled" across this episode! Thank you for the ideas on the inside, new life to the 80!

[@Africasideways]

Fantastic, she's a beauty.

[@kingdomoverlanding]

Love that roof rack!

[@Africasideways]

It's a beauty!

[@ranaehtishammanj3841]

Love the 80 ❤️

[@Africasideways]

much love for that truck

[@NigelNaughton]

80 series!!! The best ever!

[@Africasideways]

One time.

[@garyhost1830]

Wooo one of the most respected overland builders in the world loves my car and has a simular setup to me (poor bloke just needs an engel [fridge]) . 80 series 1hz forever.. does he ever kit out the utes ? Here in Australia people do crazy cool things to them and there is so much space.

[@Africasideways]

Great old trucks.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

A couple of points. Paul correctly always emphasises safety and reliability in these vehicles. However the use of spacers on the back axles of some Toyota models isn't a good solution because the increased eccentricity of the wheel load puts additional moments into the wheel bearings and the axle leading to reduced service lives. There's also the risk of the spacers working loose which he refers to. My strong recommendation would be either to live with the quirks of the unequal tracks at front and rear or to fit a high quality wider axle at the rear which is the "proper" solution. Storage drawers in the rear are great BUT a) expensive, b) heavy, and c) the sliders use up significant volume. They may be convenient but they aren't always the best solution.

[@Africasideways]

Morning, Paul said he recommends not to use spacers. These can't really be put into the budget build category. He did mention that he does not usually use sliders for the fridge to save on space and possible mechanical brake-down of the bracket.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

@@Africasideways OK noted thanks. As ever very informative videos presented in a relaxed style. Not too many rants on this channel :-)

[@mark2073]

Solution is to get an older Troopy with the same axle widths

[@defendermodsandtravels]

@@mark2073 I don't know these Troop Carriers but if the older ones have equal track front and rear then that's clearly the best option. There is merit in driving a well sorted older vehicle on overland expeditions. But why did Toyota make the daft decision to have different front / rear tracks on their modern vehicles?

[@garyhost1830]

@@defendermodsandtravels the models past 2005 widened the front axle to fit the v8 in the engine bay(not all countries sell the v8). They didn't widen the back to match ( I have no idea why, possibly because all their assembly plants already manufacture the old width and this allows the least changes to manafacture and assembly line ). All my mates run spacers and I have never heard of a problem bar how stupid it is to buy an expensive car and drive it straight to a mechanic to change an idiotic problem. Ps living with the quirks involves savage fishes and uneasy driving in sand and it can feel sketch when towing a boat on sand. (this makes me so glad I have old faithful normal landcruisers 1hz forever)

[@patrickj0or]

What about the Land Cruiser 105? Seems like a more modern, slightly improved (especially interior space) 80 series, but isn't featured as one of Paul's favourites, or on your top 10 Africa overlanders?

[@Africasideways]

Hi Patrick, Paul uses 105s often, couple of videos shot of them in the series. It's a great truck, but personally, the 80 series with solid front axel edges it in my Top 10. But that's a personal opinion. Can't go wrong with any of the Cruisers IMO.

[@nicholaschip5820]

@@Africasideways The 105 has a solid front axle like the 80 series with the more modern body style of the 100 series. Best of both worlds. Unfortunately they are extremely rare over here in the UK. Cos I want one!

[@captbob1494]

Got a 105 2002 I love it

[@marlonm396]

Hi.. You guys have such a superb assortment of Land Cruisers over in South Africa. As you might know, here in the USA we only get ONE type and it goes for $85K new. Ridiculous price that noone can afford! What is pricing over there, for example the 76 Troopy? Cheers......

[@Africasideways]

H Marlon, thank you, they don't sell them in SA anymore, so second hand you are looking at R200-400k. In Aussies they cost $67,990 new.

[@marlonm396]

Hi Africa Sideways... They are just expensive vehicles everywhere, huh? Thank you sir..

[@Africasideways]

@@marlonm396 Hi Marlon, yes a good Troopy will set you back some cash, but the 80-105 is more affordable, esp the petrol.

[@marlonm396]

Africa Sideways thank you for your feedback and happy over landing.... I wish we would get all these great trucks here in the States..

[@lesleybarnard2285]

What's your opinion on the Prado 120 1kz. I would to trade it for an 80,however, I absolutely love the car, so that being set it is worth it to look at? The Prado is a 2003 with 403k km on the clock

[@Africasideways]

The 120 can easily be used for overlanding, its not as tough as the 80, but still ticks a lot of boxes. The 403k can attest to that.

[@garyhost1830]

Tough car bro,the best 4x4 is the one you have and use the most. (they all go to the same places anyway)

[@neilarmitage6632]

I've watched many of your videos and wonder why all these overland vehicle are Landcruiser,1 TON bakkies and less . And then you need to virtually rebuild them and add the camping equipment. A costly build. There are 4x4 trucks like Powerstar VX 1729. MAN trucks, ISUZU. On these you can add 6 mtr X 2.5 x 2.5 high van bodies to house anything you want. On these trucks there are almost no limitations on comforts and stuff you need. Payloads upwards of 5 tons. And these trucks are beyond bulletproof as standard. Then you can tow an offroad trailer like Conqueror, Echo etc.

[@Africasideways]

the bigger trucks are not allowed on some 4x4 trails and parts can be harder to come by, uses more fuel, and need special license. Sure the space is great, but has its limitations.

[@neilarmitage6632]

@@Africasideways there are a lot of overland trucks like MAN, IVECO, ISUZU etc being built and used for overlanding. A loaded Toyota landcruiser is using the 14 to 18 lites per 100 km which is what a truck uses. The Iveco is much less. You will need a code 14 or code 10 licence but if you're going the cross country route to the extent you are then it's worth it.

[@Africasideways]

@@neilarmitage6632 Indeed, if you don't plan going to deep offroad they are a comfortable option.

[@saiftouqi8467]

Which shows in germany

[@Africasideways]

Abenteuer Allrad

[@captbob1494]

Paul I am Bob in Laos Canadian retired over here I just find a old Land Rover 1973 with paper but no engine almost give a way so I got also Land Cruiser 105 so the question ,I would like to order 1HZ plus gear box and driving and differential from japan😮 and fit inside de Land Rover Q did u ever try to fit A 1HZ in a Land Rover with succès thanks Bob Laos see u some time

[@Africasideways]

Paul does not fit toyota engine in a land rover.

[@captbob1494]

@@Africasideways I know I will fit in Laos need some tip .is it possible ? ?

[@Africasideways]

get hold of Paul via his website please.@@captbob1494

[@captbob1494]

Thanks Bob laos

[@jakobjordaan2507]

Would you consider the Cruiser 100, with solid axles, an equally "strong" vehicle as the Cruiser 80? If not, why not? answer?

[@Africasideways]

The 100 series has IFS.

[@jakobjordaan2507]

Africa Sideways The 100 series GX model has a solid axle in the front. Thought you would know that?

[@Africasideways]

@@jakobjordaan2507 Spot on Jakob about the GX. I'll put it on the list for Paul.

[@carlosnorris352]

Jakob Jordaan, that’s actually called the 105 series

[@jcproductions007]

@@jakobjordaan2507 think your wrong mate, the 100 series covers both 100 and 105 series. 100 has ifs, 105 series has solid front axle. Thought you would know that !

[@tomasarndt8139]

Venezuelan built troopies have a fibreglass roof only. Not sure if they are strong

[@Africasideways]

Thanks for the question, I'll ask Paul next time we chat.

[@mark2073]

I thought they were all fiberglass?

[@tomasarndt8139]

Troopys sold in Europe have a steel roof

[@gabyherrmann9894]

@@tomasarndt8139 Yes they have.

[@brianthompson1897]

Is this Chanel a Toyota add?

[@Africasideways]

Nah, just his preferred vehicles.

[@craigdouglasmartens7037]

A land cruiser with an oil leak?! Why didn't you use a Landy? Much more comfortable and economical... just joking!!!

[@Africasideways]

o dear, the puddle