This guy is the Dwight Schrute of the 4x4 world.

@A.J.Lawson

11 ай бұрын

Best comment here!

@thepontiff6031

11 ай бұрын

So true

@chrisalheit3205

11 ай бұрын

Perfektenshlag

@Sethjxl

11 ай бұрын

Bears beat battle star galactic...

@ACCOD

11 ай бұрын

Who the hell is Dwight shrute

Watching this as i came back from a 4 hour traffic jam in my manual. That auto sounds like a dream.

@gwot

11 ай бұрын

I daily 1.5 hour of between N and 1st gear traffic each way. In the 9 years of ownership, my clutch leg has never felt tired or sore, my gas and brake leg though, so sore that I had to modify to have higher spring tention in the gas pedal. I would never pick an auto over a manual if I had a choice.

@atombomb6719

11 ай бұрын

I drive a manual 2021 Jeep Wrangler manual in the North East United States 🇺🇸 25% lots of fun 65% nightmare

Dudes a legend.. I am from Malawi and left Africa as a boy of 9 and have always missed home and just love the whole overlanding thing.. been able to live vicariously through him... Andrew has such a passion and wealth of knowledge and his videos are so well done that he's always top of my watch list. Dudes funny too...

@cristian333GTX

11 ай бұрын

😇😇🙏🙏

@bertplank8011

11 ай бұрын

Yeah funny peculiar....

@Bragga664

11 ай бұрын

Come back home brother

*Europeans hoping the 70 Series to officially come back to Europe with that 2.8*

@odedmaman5218

11 ай бұрын

Amen to that !!!

@gernoturbaner5111

11 ай бұрын

To be honest: europeans would prefer V8 Diesel. But there is regulation & selling price & fiel consumtion.

I'm optimistic about the new 2.8TD in the LC70. Have driven plenty in our work fleet Hiluxes and Prados and have always rated them as solid performers, with good low end grunt, decent NVH characteristics, and acceptable fuel economy. Having also spent a good chunk of time driving a Ford Puma powered 2.4TD Defender for towing a 3t drilling rig around the UK, I can say that the 4 cylinder engine, and it's small capacity was never a limiting factor to that vehicles ability to do hard work. The torque multiplication of an autobox will also be a benefit for low speed heavy duty work off-road.

@cameronwood1994

11 ай бұрын

The only diesel I've ever come across that was lacklustre at low engine speeds was the Discovery Td5 my parents had. Even my old Series III 2.25 petrol has more low-end grunt than one of those. The old Tdi engines were quite good, although the Puma diesel is excellent in this regard.

@riamriam6758

11 ай бұрын

Acceptable fuel economy in a n80 Hilux?... you’re joking right?. 500km to a factory tank, factory tune and stock tyres is not good when you consider European TDs can get a hundred to two hundred more kms per tank and have more power with better transmissions and clutches. Our fleet vehicles are all New Toyota 2.8s both manual and autos and are disappointing. Without particular mods and a dyno tune, the 2.8s compared to the rest aren’t as good as they used to be.

@virangaabeywickrema3901

11 ай бұрын

@@riamriam6758 not sure about k's to a tank but ours all average about 10l/100km which is pretty good for vehicles spending most of their time driving around the burbs

@reubs91

11 ай бұрын

A straight 6 engine just make so much more sense. More balanced, more torque. Just look at the Mercades straight 6 in the G400, its what dreams are made of.

honestly, I'm pretty excited at the idea of a "GDJ76R". The idea of a modern 4cyl turbo diesel/auto in the 5 door wagon gives strong 70 series Prado vibes.

@youtubecarspottersguide1

11 ай бұрын

yes like the new wagon design .what do you think of the new LC prado /250 /u.s. we only get gas LC models

@jimjames6558

11 ай бұрын

@@youtubecarspottersguide1 first thoughts are I like it. Worth noting the 90, 120 and 150 series Prado "Landcruisers" for us have always been a sensible, well balanced and accommodating off-road wagon. They're mostly boring, but don't really put a foot wrong. With North America being included in the 250 series global release, it looks like Toyota has been a lot more adventurous with the design, and kind of created a sequel to to the reborn FJ Cruiser of the 2000s in one vehicle. I'm keen to see how they go once the public get ahold of them.

That 2.8 is a beast of a motor with awesome low down torque and plenty of top end. My old 1999 Hilux Surf 4 Runner had an autobox and it was incredible. Tough as nails

@h.c5750

10 ай бұрын

That's a different 2.8l that was in the surfs, this new one is ancestor of the 3.0l that was in the N70 hilux

@johnhewitt1096

9 ай бұрын

@@h.c5750 I was refering to the the new GD6 motor in my latest Hilux. My Surf has a fantastic 3.4 V6 petrol

@Robbo-eh3wb

8 ай бұрын

@@h.c5750how is the 2.8 an ancestor of the 3.0? Isn’t’ it like the new born offspring? Plenty of get up and go but not much power and stamina?

Andrew, although I prefer keeping a vehicle for as long as possible, I get what you’re doing. It makes sense from the angle you’re coming from, and, it is very educational for everyone else in this genre. I love learning about all the nuances and changes of these vehicles. Hopefully will be able to have a Troopy someday (though I’d likely still hang on to my HJ45)😊. Let’s see what your wrap will be this time!!! Maybe Gwynn will chime in too! Looking forward to your solo adventure!!!

Absolutely the right choice Andrew this will be a fascinating journey!

Its hard to find anyone who knows as much about overlanding as Andrew. Not to mention his channel is like a professional course in Land Cruiser history. Plus I have learned more about African terrain from him than I could any other way.

I love the fact that you stood up to be the ginny pig for everyone I've had a auto 70 series v8 since 2016 and love it With the revs at 1500rpm at 100km instead of 2200rpm with the manual 5 speed

@stevesims8232

11 ай бұрын

Does everything else so why not just change the box in his recent build v8

@reubs91

11 ай бұрын

A straight 6 engine just make so much more sense. More balanced, more torque. Just look at the Mercades straight 6 in the G400 mated to a 8speed gearbox, its what dreams are made of.

Good job! This is going to be very fun to watch. I can’t wait to see what you do with the new troopy.

Im currently driving the 2021 prado, and i find the 2.8 diesel with the 6-speed auto a fantastic combo! Go for it!! I wonder whether all people who comment about the 2.8 diesel have actually tested it and did not like it! I love it! And it is economical appr 10L/100kms.

@mickwhytee4

10 ай бұрын

The new one is coming in 6 months with the 8 spd auto! That is going to be mega difference.. I am not fond of the current box

Enjoy your new Troopy! Looking forward to more videos and travels!

This sounds like a great idea. I’m very keen for the build. I always love your builds A LITTLE more than the travels. It’s so interesting how the car is put together. Love from Austria 🇦🇹.

From 1hz 4.5 1vd and now 1gd your troopy journey is amazing

Hi Andrew, i am so excited about the auto box finally coming to the series. I am gonna save up for the 2.8 Auto, to replace my 2009 3.0d4d.. looking forward to building up a troopy.. only thing is the rear axle thingy... hope it can be rectified in South Africa.. Looking forward to your build..

Great decision Andrew, and being a manual die-hard, I totally understand wanting an auto box and I’m leaning that way myself.

Looking forward to see what you will do with the new one

You are exactly the right person to do this. I’m looking forward to your review.

I have a 21 Troopie with Wholesale Auto 6 speed 200 Series auto with lock up. After 32 years of constant Troopie driving, the auto is a gamechanger. Especially on long drives...dont have to change seat position to downshift to pass, and with tiptronic I can downshift without clutch. Coupled with a tuned V8, it's a deluxe drive. Looking forward then to Andrew's reporting...

@cyclemoto8744

11 ай бұрын

Would love that box from Wholesale Auto in my 76 however I can't justify the cost

@cyclemoto8744

11 ай бұрын

@@djjames6576 Unless I had $100k to blow on upgrades I wouldn't consider an auto upgrade. Cost is nearly what I paid for the cruiser 6 years ago. I have current have a better option than a corolla for my daily, a mountain bike :)

@omniversling

11 ай бұрын

All fair points...I justified the cost as I have an old injury in my left leg that has resulted in a permanent back condition that is quite unbearable after driving through town with a heavy duty clutch. or having to reposition in the seat on long distance when passing. I'm retired, and sold my house to set up a 'dream tourer', and am now going 'grey nomad' for a couple of years before I'm confined to crutches and a wheelchair...

Congratulations 🎉😊,i'm pretty happy to see this new adventure 😊

Your passion shows the meaning of life. Go for that new 70 series and show us your new proyect!.

A very honest assessment and I totally agree on all points Looking forward to this build

Looking forward to see how the 1GD-FTV will perform in the 70 series. I think it's a great idea to have a 4 cylinder automatic option. Maintenance and running cost should be considerably less. Keep ot coming!

For the love of doing the right thing, why a 4pot, when a straight 6 just makes so much more sense.

Good to hear you were able to place an order, dealerships close to Sydney CBD are still not taking orders for any 70 series platform regardless of the configuration.

It’s great news I’ve always wanted a more fuel economic Land Cruiser engine instead of a 2.8 Hilux engine and love the round lights like my previous Troopy 1990 model. Hope it will be available in South Africa and hope the price will be affordable to. Looking forward to your next conversion Andrew.

Best 4 x 4 channel for me. Love that truck

Thanks again for your channel. I learned to drive on an FJ45 a, a Willys CJ2a and a series 2A in Zululand from the tender age of 10. . I absolutely love all 3 iconic 4x4's. This Cruiser talks to me in a marrow deep way. I would prefer an H1Z engine though. Bulletproof

Will be interesting and well done for doing it! I spend a lot of my time in outback South Australia and in the groups I travel with there are plenty of 3.0 and 2.8L Prados, and two of the current model troopcarriers (skinny tyres and not heavily modified). When you are carrying plenty of weight and the going gets slow, the Troopcarriers do better than the auto Prados on fuel, especially if towing (and I know you won't be towing). And the torque converters never lock up in those conditions, so you may have to manage the ATF temperatures or go aftermarket with lockup kits or remaps. One of the major differences with the V8 is that it gets max torque at just 1200rpm - perefct for good fuel consumpotion in slow conditions. Your current Troopy is costing more in fuel because of the tyres you run.

Nice one mate, I think the new one will Serve you well and sounds like great reasons for making the change

I'm looking forward to your decisions and how this turns out for you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I use my 79 for mainly towing (NZ), I have Armax package and am pleased with its performance. Narrow back axle still bugs me. Cheers Andrew.

The other thing with the 460/1 g wagen auto box is that you could tow start them, in 2nd gear..I had to do that on a few occasions and on one occasion I had a 3.5 tonne trailer full of sand. Admittedly I was being pulled by @ 4 tonne bucket cat loader. I’ve had 6 g wagens and they are just awesome.

Can’t wait for your build. 👍🏻

Pull starting !! With modern mini jump starters ( keep in glovebox size ) no longer an issue

They laugh at the antenna, if they work out how to raise it. 😂 The amount of times I’ve lent my car to friends and they come back saying ‘the radio has horrible reception!’ And of course they haven’t found the switch to raise the antenna 😂

I currently drive a 70 Prado, 33 years old with an auto behind a 2.4 diesel. Is it under powered? A bit but the engine tech is from the eighties. It has a 4 speed auto with overdrive. Once you get it up to speed it is beautiful to drive. Lovely to see the auto returning.

The new Land Cruiser jimny looks great .

I certainly appreciate the desire for an auto offroad. I've had both in my 4x4's and the auto is just nicer all around. I'm a little baffled Toyota didn't offer the auto with the V8 considering they already have a suitable box in the stable from the 200 series.

@coreygolder6503

11 ай бұрын

Originally I believe it was because it would cut into and ruin the 200 series sales. Same thing. I think it would damage the 300 series sales. Especially for those die heads that want/need the V8. Personally I’d liked to have seen the 300series engine or a derivative of into the 70series with manual or auto options. But there goes 300series sales.

My very 1st 4WD (NJ Pajero GLS) was a manual. 'Coz that's the only gearbox to have when you're in your 20s and full of testosterone. But when I decided to upgrade 4yrs later, and asked for recommendations from many veteran and experienced 4WDers, while many have recommended various brands and models to consider, what surprised me, is that an overwhelming majority of them recommended to go for an auto box (incl. the hardcore 4WDers). I took their advise and I did. And at that time, while my ego was hesitant to go for an auto, I'm glad I took a leap of faith and did.

So excited to see this build and drive

I look forward to the build mate. Well done.

Excellent. Really looking forward to the build Andrew. My opinion is that to make this work well, to drive well, and remain reliable, with that engine and transmission, you will really NEED to keep the build-weight down. If you go overweight it will probably be disappointing and possibly a disaster. Get some inspiration from your flying and it’s strict weight criteria. Look at how us motorbike overlanders do it. Make lightweight a top priority and it might be the best troopy build yet. Either way, looking forward to the fun.

Hey Andrew, thank you for the awesome channel. That 2.8 will be awesome, a friend of mine has a hilux the standard rs version with the 165kw engine and with some minor adjustments he is running 189kw and 790nm.it is an beast. Even 170kw with 690 nm is plenty. All the best Werner Upington South Africa

awesome as always

I could (and have) watch your videos for hours, Andrew. Always great content delivered in such an honest, engaging, interesting and humorous style.

Just subscribed to your WA videos, had no idea you moved to WA! Will probably take some of your build ideas into my FJ, thanks.

I really appreciate your overlanding life, I would just like to be like you, just going out in the wild

Here we go again.. looking forward to the content!

Auto does make sense for driving in city traffic. Should be perfect for you

Super excited that you did it! I know you dont like towing, but can you please do a little test on it? I have the GD6 Fortuner and it has not dissapoint me in 6 years.

Hey great seeing you again. You were my favorite off-roading 4x4 channel before life threw me a bunch of other interests. So I'm not the 4x4 efficiano that I thought I was but occasionally I am swamped by FJ Cruiser channels. Your videos are a little too long for my short spanned interests but it was sure nice seeing and catching up with you again. So you've ordered another overland truck ok great I'll catch you on the other side of that story on another day. Take care good luck and I'll see you later!

Looking forward to it, a new episode and on to the next 39 years. But I would really, really miss that antenna. Well, the 6 year old in me would. Wish you happy new adventures when it arrives.

I totally get your reasoning for choosing the auto. I've not met anyone who's gone from a manual to auto 4wd and not, in all honesty, putting their ego asside, preferred the auto as an overall experience. And the 70s not being available in auto has always been a major reason for never buying one. I've almost had myself convinced I could daily drive a big, manual 4wd but I knew in my heart I'd tire of it quickly. I'm sure I'm not alone.

It'll be interesting to see how much an electronic throttle controller helps the new troopy when you get it Andrew, hopefully a lot. Seeya Rob

🤠👍 the only right choice in the right moment. Perfect done Andrew 💪

Great news, Andrew. I will follow with interest. Thought Toyota might do to the seventies series what LR did to its original Defender. As you know the seventies series is an extremely popular vechile in Australia.

Good on you Andrew for trying out the 2.8 auto and keeping an open mind. Very keen to see what your insight is for your requirements to put to rest the speculation.

yesterday or something i immediately think you would do that ... that's good...for overlanding the automatic is a must

I look forward to the new build.

Nissan did a similar thing with the Patrol. Dropped the 6 cylinder diesel and changed to a 4 cylinder 3 litre, also with automatic is some models. Despite the on-paper specs being equivalent for both engines, power and torque, the 4 cylinder was largely a failure. The four essentially relied upon the turbo boost to maintain torque, but when boost was lost or not reached, it reverted back to just a 3 litre, 4 cylinder and struggled with the weight and aerodynamics. This was especially noticeable upon start-up on a gradient.

Selling another car that you’ve barely broken in for massive profit. Good work if you can get it

Andrew you are the reason I got keen into Troopies. I ordered back in 09/2021. Still waiting. But i would love to order a 4pot Lc troopy if i am not satisfied with the manual one.

Lovely Ep and Well done on your choose, Id love the 2,8lt Auto in either the wagon or the 79 if there 6 seater 3 in the front and back

I wish Ineos gave you a vehicle to test so you could of brought one. It's a far better car than this 2.8L motor vehicle. I owned a Hilux SR5 with this motor and constantly had issues with it. Eg leaking turbo at 30k, limp mode on highway's driving 10km/h while trucks past you at 110km/h at 1:00am at night. Sensor faults etc etc etc sold it after 2 years of pain. If you got in early you could of picked up a Trialmaster edition for $103k drive away like l did.

Sounds great to no longer we need the sick gearbox or V8 thanks for that info Andrew cheers mate

Agree with your point on performance. If you see what ford/vw can pull from a 2L then imagine what you can get from the 2.8? So many valid points in your video.

Thanks for the video

The Landy D2a auto box had lock up in low range in 2002. Was best of both (manual and auto) worlds IMO.

I love your channel so much! I wish I discovered you years before I had!

Love the fact, that Andrew all the way across the world is wearing an Portland, Oregon, USA based company, Columbia sportswear😊

Cant wait yeah the troopy auto will be unreal

I had a 2019 4cyl Hilux and then a 2022 V8 70 series. The Hilux engine with no modifications was faster than the V8 70. It's a great engine and no need to do any performance upgrades. It was a thirsty 4cyl but the V8 drinks more. With the DPFs you don't get the V8 sound from a modern 70 series as it is. The Hilux gearbox was fantastic and downhill ascent control works great. It's a good choice. Looking forward to the new build. Of course they made some strange decisions with the new model, it wouldn't be a 70 series without a few ridiculous decisions out of the factory! I wonder where they will be made.

It's great if you can do that. If you got the money you can have these extravagant hobbies.Lucky you. Good to see on this type of channel. You are the 4x4 GOAT.

I'm hoping for a Cape York trip in the new Troopy. But take Gwynn with you.

first model,,going to have a few problems, but looking forward to seeing what you are going to do with it

Hello Andrew I have owned a Toyota Land Cruiser 3 doors model; 2.8L + auto 6 gearbox for 4 years now and still own it.. It's very smooth, quiet on the road, has a good mileage @ around 9 L/100KM. It could be tuned up to get more torque and HP. Best of all, it has a chain instead of an annoying rubber belt for the distribution. Il like very much and it's extremely comfortable for long trips. Here in France 4x4's are heavily taxed (40.000 to 50.000 euros called malus ecologique) because France produces tiny little engines . Thanks for all your work and films. Cheers

Excellent choice Andrew - the reason the V8 Landcruiser is so prominent and ridiculously overpriced is the red neck bogan hoons especially in my regional location have to have it because the old Ford/Holden utes are disappearing and they need something with an annoyingly loud three inch exhaust to impress their mates as they compensate for their inadequate intellect - I enjoy my automatic four cylinder diesel Hilux with more than enough power for my farming needs without the huge fuel running costs of the V8.

@duke1724

8 ай бұрын

No substitute for horse power cubic inches

@johnnumbat9782

8 ай бұрын

@@duke1724 hi duke - a smart application of technology like the Japanese built Nissan Skyline with it’s 3 litre twin turbo refined and reliable engine will always be a better match of performance compared to a US built dinosaur big cubic grunt mobile - it’s pure intellect versus Neanderthal thinking - this was proven time and time again in Australia during the early nineties in touring car championships - look at 1990, 1991 and 1992 - unfortunately they were banned in 1993 with the introduction of Holden (GM) and Ford V8s only because the bogans hated the far superior Skyline winning consistently.

@duke1724

8 ай бұрын

@@johnnumbat9782 show me which Japanese crap car can go 3 sec down the quarter mile

@johnnumbat9782

8 ай бұрын

@@duke1724 oh dear a redneck - I won’t waste your time any longer.

Thanks. Very useful information

I love manuals but I have to say that the new auto boxes are amazing and get the job done very well. Mine has about 300 rpm between ratios, is pretty much seamless and the loss of drive between changes is hard to notice. Compare that to your average manual gearbox on a 4wd and it's chalk and cheese. Seems they have to rev the bejeezus out of them and then try to change quick enough before momentum is lost and they just bog down. I have paddles on mine if I want to change gears but I don't bother as the vehicle just does it all very well. Stick it in sand mode and it will hold the revs at peak torque and plow on. Yep likely not as tough as old school but I don't try and drag my house around with it or do stupid stuff to prove it can be done. Having modern technology on road is nice as is the economy and the fact it drives like a car for the most part.

@nicknick7052

11 ай бұрын

yes, but there just a little tiny aspect to consider when talking about the manual: you decide when it is time to change gear, according the different situations

@oldbloke204

11 ай бұрын

@@nicknick7052 Nearly all modern autos, afaik anyway, have a manual override option via the shifter or in the case of mine the shifter and paddles behind the wheel. They also have more gears, mine has 8 for example, so they have more options than the average manual I have seen. Also you won't get missed shifts due to being bounced around or rushing to change gears in busy situations. Like I said I love manuals, have driven crash boxes and have had quite a few of them, but I doubt that there will be many situations where a manual is better. Perhaps they may be tougher, although clutches can be a weak point, or for starting in gear if needed.

@Robbo-eh3wb

8 ай бұрын

Autos are way better Offroad. I just came back from an off-road challenge weekend and the guy in the manual patrol kept getting the gearing wrong and missing gear going up steep inclines. It meant he rolled back and nearly over.

@oldbloke204

8 ай бұрын

@@Robbo-eh3wb Yep true that. Watch a manual vehicle and you will inevitably see the driver revving the guts out of their vehicle and then trying to change as quickly as possible into the next gear whilst trying to steer with one hand and read the terrain. I pretty much just modulate the throttle and steer.

Soon to sell my 4runner.. and was looking at the 4 cylinder 2.8 diesel Prado…when all saw the new about a 70 with an auto … going to the dealer now to put an order 😍

There is a narrow voltage range in which you can pull start a VDJ. It has to be low enough to not start, but too low and the injectors won't fire.

Love your channel! You are lucky you even have the choice to swap Troopies. Where I live I can’t even buy one, not even brand new. The just are not for sale. Love to buy one, but impossible here. Thanks for your great videos!

The 1GD engine returns 12 km per liter in non aggressive drive mode on factory tuned fuel maps. You will find good returns as well doing offroad too.

More adventures and fewer builds. And more great stories Andrew.

@JeepCherokeeful

11 ай бұрын

Probably time to travel the rest of the world eh?

@firebir11

11 ай бұрын

Doooonnnnntttt count on it. I use to enjoy his African adventures….but that’s in the past.

Just did a road trip in my Ford Ranger 2.0 bi-turbo with ten speed automatic yesterday to collect four wheels and tyres. 240 miles of a mixture of mostly Welsh A roads and some motorway from Shrewsbury to Telford. The gauge shows in excess of 400 miles range left. That’s an indicated 35 mpg Imperial. That’s 8.1 L/100kms. That’s not bad for a 2.2 ton 4wd utility vehicle. Not up with a Volvo XC90 or Kia Sorento, which weigh about the same and would have achieved 40mpg, but better than my LC100 which would only have done 24mpg or 11.75 L/100kms or 50% more fuel on the run and I know that four big wheels and tyres would not have fitted anyway, necessitating the use of a trailer. Point being that modern engines coupled to modern transmissions are far more efficient than they used to be. My 1982 Golf GTi only managed 30mpg which itself was better than a previous Ford Fiesta 1300S which never managed to average better that 28 mpg and they both weighed less than half that of the Ranger and even the Golf was not that much faster to 100kph. Toyota’s 2.8 diesel can produce 200hp and 500Nm torque to almost identically match the Ford EcoBlue’s 2.0 diesel.

An additional advantage of the auto trans is that the torque converter is also a torque multiplier, not to mention gentler on the whole driveline. 0:02

Hi Andrew it's Rob again, I just found this, this morning, you'll probably be very interested in it, it's JUE 477 the first ever Land Rover found after 50yrs of sitting in a field and restored. Enjoy mate, Seeya Rob

The rear axil is crap. Toyota MUST fix this. The thing drives like a spastic on the beach!!!

best of luck i've waiting getting on two years for my troopy by the time i get it i'll be to old to enjoy it

I think it's the best move ever that Toyota made. I feel like so many people would prefer the 70 in an auto, and to some degree I think it will challenge the Hilux in sales. One of the big advantages of the four-cylinder is the cost of injectors compared to the eight cylinder. Can't wait to see the first video.

I have lpg on my 2008 prado v6 .had it for last 4 years never missed a beat . Half price lpg prices have been nice ❤

Andrew, will be interesting to see how this goes. Will get YT views if nothing else. No brainer for that. I've driven the 2.8 Diesel Prado from new for 5 years. My first new vehicle. Have driven second hand prado and landcruiser in the desert for years before that. on and off road. The DPF issue and associated gaslighting has been painful and incredibly disappointing. Even forgetting the DPF (I am on my second, soon to be third) not enough power in the Prado 2.8 for the weight of the vehicle on the open road. Difficult to overtake etc. Fine in low range off road. In my opinion, seems Toyota have gone the 2.8, 4 cylinder route for emission reasons, and not wanting to invest to build a new 6 cylinder diesel , or larger 4 cylinder given the uncertainty around diesel atm. I doubt longevity or performance or loyal toyota users are front of mind in the decision to continue with the 2.8 unit. Ive driven Toyota for 30 years, and am a fan of their historical incremental improvements in models such as hilux/prado/land cruiser. I have owned them all. But I struggle to see the incremental improvement here, power plant wise. Auto transmission wise - totally agree.

Very good choice and good reasoning. You won’t be getting the V8 feeling from it, but you’re going to be amazed how overall pleasant the engine is. The V8 has much more low end torque of course, but with the auto box it won’t be very noticeable. Very exciting project. Have fun!

Great LC79 comes with 2.8L diesel 1GD in hilux n pardo ...in auto its easier to live with compared to V8 manual.

I once had a Daihatsu cuore. A tiny 3 cilinder car. Brilliant for in Amsterdam city. I could not pull her to start either when the battery was flat. It had some kind of relais that first needed to have some current to close. Without this it would not start. So I could only start it with jumper cables.

my 2.8 still going strong 190k, loads of torque, as long as you maintain factory gearing should be good. auto is a no brainer! disappointing they didn't make it full time 4x4, remove manual hubs, and fix rear axle width very surprised.

The old toppie wants a automatic 😉

This guy is so expressive. Hey Bro greetings from Spain.