1991 JDM Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ77 Turbo Diesel, Factory Lockers, ARB, Colorado

1991 JDM Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ77
Cedarwood Brown Metallic / Light Beige Metallic (28P)
Brown Cloth Interior
219,500 Kilometers (136,390 Miles)
1HZ 4.2-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel Engine
A440f Automatic Transmission
Variable Boost Controller
1HDT Cross Pipe
ProVent 200 Air Oil Separator
ARB Front Bumper
24 Volt Come Up Winch
Electric Hubs
Front and Rear Electric Locking Differentials
Full Floating Rear Axle
4 Wheel Disk Brakes
Driver / Suspension Seats
Fold and Tumble Rear Bench Seat
Aftermarket Boost, Oil Pressure, and Pyrometer
24-Volt to 12-Volt Convertor in Glove Box
Toyota Tool Kit
Zeal Lift
15-Inch Wheels
33" x 12.5" Yokohama Geolander M/T Tires
Timing Belt Done 3000 Kilometers Ago
Japanese Domestic Market
25-Year Rule Exempt Import
Clean Colorado Title
VIN:IDC0003612ZZSerial Number: HZJ77-0001516

Background
The 70 series Toyota Land Cruiser was the most "Land Cruiser" of all the Land Cruisers. It earned a reputation around the globe for rock-solid reliability, unstoppable off-road capabilities, and comfortable amenities for its occupants--except for in the United States, where it was never available. The 1HZ-powered HZJ77 variant was produced and sold only in Japan, the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), depriving the rest of the world from what is arguably the best Land Cruiser ever built. In long-wheel base J77 form, it came equipped with one of Toyota's best engines, the 1HZ 4.2L six-cylinder diesel engine. In turbo-charged form, the 1HZ offers plentiful torque, reliability, and longevity. It's so good that it is still in production today. The 1HZ was paired with the A440f automatic 4-speed torque converter lock-up transmission. It's mechanically actuated and hydraulically controlled with mechanical throttle control input for kick-down function. The power goes to all four wheels when engaged through electronically activated front hubs, locking front and rear differentials, and a full floating rear axle. The benefit of a full floating rear axle is easy repair if it breaks out in the field--which it won't because this is a 70 series Land Cruiser!
Summary
If you are like me, you have been waiting patiently for the last 25 years to be able to finally get an HZJ77 Land Cruiser. Now you can! This is made possible through the 25-year exemption that allows JDM cars to be legally imported and registered in the US. This is not an easy task, but JDM import vehicles are one of our specialties at Glen Shelly Auto Brokers. After we complete the import process, the truck has a clean Colorado title and a Colorado assigned VIN number. This makes it legal to register in any US state, excluding California due to CARB requirements, and Hawaii.
This HZJ77 "Root Beer Float" has been a Glen Shelly personal vehicle for the last year. The turbo is an aftermarket turbo, likely a Garrett, with an in-cab boost controller, and boost, oil pressure, and pyrometer gauges. After it arrived stateside, we gave it a complete service. This included inspecting the timing belt, which was done at 216,544 kilometers, roughly 3,000 kilometers ago. The belt and tensioner condition were consistent with the timing belt sticker (pics are on our website if you are reading this elsewhere). We cleaned up the turbo installation with a 1HDT cross pipe, as well as the airbox by re-clocking and powder coating it, installing a fresh air filter, and a ProVent 200 air-oil separator. From there we replaced the drive belts, flushed the cooling system, replaced the thermostat and hoses, repainted the radiator, flushed the brake system, installed an 80 Series master cylinder, gave it a fresh oil change, transmission and transfer case fluids. Inside we thoroughly cleaned everything, pulled all carpet and inspected the floor for rust, which there was none (pics on our website). Then we installed the turbo gauges in a Toyota altimeter hutch. For the exterior we repainted the hood due to clear coat peeling and installed an ARB front bumper with a Come Up winch. We have invested over $5000 in parts alone.
Impressions
The result of our efforts is one badass HZJ77! On the road "Root Beer" is like a tugboat. It brings countless grins and thumbs up with every drive. Land Cruiser fanatics come out of the woodworks to share their enthusiasm and swap stories. It has always been rock-solid reliable for local duty and several road trips--a highlight was Cruise Moab in May of 2016. Turbo-diesel power is how every Land Cruiser should have come. The forced induction 1HZ has plentiful low-end torque, allowing 55-65 mph speeds in all but the steepest mountain grades at turbo-friendly RPMs. Bolstered suspension seats make long haul drives super comfortable, the driver's seat even has electronic lumbar support. On the pavement the 12.5-inch wide rubber rides amazingly well for a lifted off-road Cruiser. When it's time to go off road, push-button electronically actuated front hubs and 4-wheel High will keep your boots clean. When the going gets rough, shiftable 4-wheel Low and locking front and rear hubs will make the trail your playground. The Come Up winch will be useful to rescue stranded souls you find along the way. It pains us to put it up for sale, but it's time to find this HZJ77 a new home and bring over another one.
Exterior
The two-tone Brown / Beige metallic paint scheme is perfectly fitting for the HZJ77 and perfectly 1990s. Overall the paint is in good condition, except for a few minor flaws (pics are on our website if you are reading this elsewhere). The worst is clear coat peeling on the roof, but this is difficult to see, as it sits so tall. We repainted the hood due to clear coat peeling and it is well matched, but a discerning eye can detect the difference. There is some peeled paint on the left rear fender flare just behind the rear door. Other flaws are just small chips and scratches commiserate with age and mileage. We used a body filler detector to search over the vehicle for any areas that may be hiding large dents or rust, and found none. There is a small crease-dent in the driver's door, possibly inflicted from a shopping cart. There are two small holes in the front wheel wells that the previous owner had cut for a dual shock set up. There is very minor surface rust on the edges of the holes, but nothing significant. The frame is clean with no corrosion, except for superficial surface browning. The suspension parts and axles have some minor surface rust as well, but the leaf springs are still green and labeled HZJ77. The suspension consists of a Zeal lift with Rancho shocks. The wheels are Toyota 15-inch wheels wrapped in 33" x 12.5" Yokohama Geolander M/T tires with 50 % tread remaining.
Interior
The interior is above average with very little wear. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet is in excellent condition with no rips or tears; it has been protected by matching factory floor mats. The seats are deeply bolstered with multiple adjustments--the driver's even has electronic lumbar support. They also have lockable suspension, which when unlocked, soak up the bumps like a 70's Lincoln Continental. The outboard driver's seat does have some broken piping and an area of wear on the bottom cushion, but it isn't glaring. The rear seats fold forward with ease, opening up copious cargo volume in the back. The dash is crack free and in excellent shape. We mounted aftermarket gauges in a factory altimeter housing. The factory oil pressure gauge doesn't work, but the aftermarket gauge in the altimeter housing does and reads more accurately. There is a 24-volt to 12-volt converter mounted in the glove box. We removed the double din stereo because it didn't work, and wouldn't pick up US frequency bands even if it did. The wiring is in place and ready for the stereo installation of your choosing. There are Pratt and Whitney, Boeing, and Patagonia stickers on the dashboard that came it with, which we decided to leave, as it suits our tastes. The ZX model was equipped with power windows, doors locks and air conditioning. The A/C blows ice cold and the heat is hot, and all door locks and the power windows work. The factory tool kit is complete and present in the rear cargo compartment.
Mechanical
When it arrived in our hands we thoroughly inspected the HZJ77 and gave it a complete service including:
Fresh Oil Change
Replace Air Filter
Replace Drive Belts
Inspect Timing Belt (done at 216,544 kilometers)
Flush Cooling System
Paint Radiator
Replace Thermostat and Hoses
Flush Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid
Replace Master Cylinder with 80 Series Master Cylinder (original included)
Flush Brake Fluid
The result is a turn-key HZJ77. The 1HZ requires virtually no glow plug warm up, even on the first start of the day. There is a Warm Up light to tell you when it's ready. After that the 1HZ engine starts instantaneously, idles and accelerates smoothly and pulls strong. The ProVent 200 air-oil separator eliminates the crank case breather smoke that some HZJ77s have. The A440f transmission shifts smoothly and drives nicely, allowing a free hand for your morning coffee. The four-wheel drive system engages on command and functions correctly, as do the locking differentials. The suspension is stiff, but compliant and comfortable--thanks to suspension seats. There are no driveline or wheel bearing vibrations. The brakes are firm, but like all Land Cruisers require some planning. The exhaust has no leaks or holes, but a trail encounter in Moab has resulted in an oval shaped tail pipe. Overall it is mechanically sound, ready for a cross-country drive and your on and off-road adventures.
Right Hand Drive / JDM Imported Vehicle FAQs
Right Hand Drive: Driving a right hand drive vehicle is as easy a left hand drive--don't be intimidated by it. The HZJ77 is one of the easiest right hand drive vehicles to drive thanks to excellent visibility. I teach performance driving and would be happy to give any necessary instruction required to develop confidence driving from the right seat.
25-Year Rule Import: Owning a 25-year rule imported vehicle is legal according to Federal regulations, as long as it passes emissions. The only states that have extra requirements are California and Hawaii. California requires 1975 and later vehicles to be CARB legal, which the HZJ77 is not. You would need to have it independently tested ($1500 per test at most labs) and CARB compliant in order to get it CARB certified. Hawaii is even stricter, making it cost-prohibitive to certify a 25-year rule car there.
Parts Supply and Maintenance: HZJ77 Land Cruisers are very simple vehicles. They were designed to be ultra reliable and repaired easily--in the field if necessary. Parts can be sourced via a multitude of Land Cruiser sources and many were available on US-spec Land Cruiser models. JDM only parts can have some lead time, usually less than one to two weeks, but plan accordingly.

Glen Shelly is a low volume auto brokerage focused only on the highest quality vehicles. We are two airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small so that we can focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of the vehicles we select. We have over 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment resulting in a premium buying experience.