Toyota's LandCruiser 70 Series stands as a testament to longevity and adaptability, spanning a diverse range of engines, body styles, and purposes. Rather than a singular car, the 70 Series is better understood as a versatile family of vehicles, each serving a distinct role within the LandCruiser lineup.
Origins and Early Iterations
Debuting in 1984 as the successor to the 40 Series, the 70 Series initially embraced the workhorse legacy of its predecessors. Originally available in various wheelbases and configurations, the FJ70 and BJ70 designations differentiated between petrol and diesel versions, with mid-wheelbase (BJ73, FJ73) and long-wheelbase (75 Series) models rounding out the lineup. Options included two-door wagons, vans, cab-chassis, and the renowned Troop Carrier.
Engine Diversity and Off-Road Prowess
In its early years, the 70 Series inherited much from the 40 Series, maintaining body-on-chassis construction, leaf springs, and live axles. Engine options ranged from the 76kW non-turbo diesel to the 110kW petrol variant. The cab-chassis and Troop Carrier quickly gained favor in Australia due to their robustness, payload capacity (1000kg), reliability, and exceptional off-road capabilities.
By 1990, the 1HZ diesel engine joined the lineup, known for its durability and earning a reputation as a million-kilometer engine. The mid-wheelbase and short-wheelbase models were phased out in 1993, leaving the long-wheelbase versions to soldier on.
Suspension Innovations and Turbo-Diesel Revolution
The late '90s brought a significant engineering shift, introducing coil springs to the front live axle in 1999. This improvement, along with longer rear springs, enhanced ride comfort. The Troop Carrier became the 78 Series, and the cab-chassis, the 79 Series. In the early 2000s, Toyota responded to the demand for recreational off-roaders by introducing a turbo-diesel option, the 4.2L 1HD-FTE, offering improved towing capacity and overtaking capabilities.
V8 Turbo-Diesel Era
The most noteworthy transformation occurred in 2007 when Toyota replaced all six-cylinder engines with a turbo-diesel V8, the 4.5L powerhouse generating 151kW. This marked a significant departure from the traditional LandCruiser image, yet Toyota preserved the 70 Series name to honor its enduring legacy.
The introduction of the 76 Series wagon and the continued success of the Troop Carrier and cab-chassis affirmed the 70 Series' adaptability. Safety enhancements, including airbags and ABS brakes, arrived in the following years, with the single-cab achieving a five-star safety rating.
Enduring Legacy and Contemporary Additions
Today, the LandCruiser 70 Series remains remarkably unchanged, a testament to its endurance in a demanding market. The lineup, now expanded to include a dual-cab pick-up, caters to various needs. A taller fifth gear in the manual gearbox was introduced in 2017, addressing one of the minor concerns.
Despite minor updates, the LandCruiser 70 Series retains its original charm and robustness, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate a vehicle that can withstand the test of time in the harshest conditions.
Current LandCruiser 70 Series Model Codes:
- LC76 - Five-door wagon
- LC78 - Troop Carrier / Troopy
- LC79 - Cab-chassis
