Toyota Land Cruiser J100 (1998-2007) - for all occasions

Despite the popularity of downsizing, the latest tightening of environmental regulations and the worldwide call for limited consumption of resources, cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser J100 will always have loyal fans who know they are buying and using them for their intended purpose (although not always). The big Land Cruiser is a real off-road vehicle, not a luxury off-road SUV. It was specifically designed to endure even the harshest operating conditions.

Model history

The Land Cruiser J100 was introduced in 1997. The first restyling took place in 2003. It affected the interior, and the taillights received transparent turn signal lenses. Changes also affected the grille.

In 2005, another facelift was carried out. Outside, it can be recognized by the updated lighting technology. The center console has acquired a more aesthetic appearance and an additional display at the top. Standard equipment includes A-TRC stabilization and anti-slip control systems.

All versions without fail had permanent all-wheel drive with a gearbox, and in some instances there was also a rear axle lock.

Body and interior

Although the J100 belongs to the group of hefty Land Cruisers, it is only 8 cm longer than the popular Toyota Prado 120. But the difference in width is more noticeable - 15 cm in favor of the "weave", which is certainly noticeable in the interior.

Probably not worth adding that the quality of interior trim is uncompromisingly high. The only thing you can find fault with is the wiping leather on the steering wheel. Armchairs up to 300,000 km, as a rule, do not show any signs of wear.

The supply of space is in abundance in any of the directions. The trunk has a volume of 1300 liters (to the roof). Many specimens on board have everything possible. True, navigation is less common - it was bundled with a rear-view camera. For an additional fee, a third row of seats of two seats was offered, which, in the folded position, were located along the sides of the trunk.

Engines

Petrol:

4.5 L R6 (212 and 215 hp) - 1FZ-FE

4.7 L V8 (228 and 231 hp) - 2UZ-FE

Diesel:

4.2 L R6 (165 and 167 hp) - 1HD-T

4.2 L R6 (201 and 204, 250 hp) - 1HD-FTE

All power units have a timing belt driven by a toothed belt.

The main enemy of the 1HD turbodiesel is carbon deposits in the block head, the formation of which is facilitated by a coked EGR valve (after 300-400 thousand km). A harbinger of misfortune will be a knock or ringing. To avoid problems, the EGR valve must either be cleaned regularly or simply plugged. In addition, the 4.2-liter turbodiesel needs periodic valve adjustment - every 50,000 km.

Fuel injectors (from 15,000 rubles) and a turbine (from 46,000 rubles) serve 400-500 thousand km. But the injection pump may require attention after 200,000 km. The new unit will cost 42,000 rubles. In some cases, repairs are possible - 5,000 rubles for a repair kit. In addition, the SPV control solenoid (from 22,000 rubles) or the advance valve (from 10,000 rubles) can fail.

Many buyers preferred the petrol 4.7-liter V8. It has two important features: unlimited torque at any RPM and no equipment to fail. However, all gasoline engines are very reliable. Only the ignition coils have to be changed (about 5,000 rubles apiece).

Transmission

5-speed mechanics relied only on diesel units. It is practically eternal. However, most cars are equipped with an automatic. Until 2003, he had four gears (A340F), and after five (with diesel engines only from 2004). Both automatic transmissions are designed by Aisin.

The 4-speed A340F is very reliable and unpretentious - it arrives for repairs after 400,000 km. Most often, the torque converter wears out, which leads to vibrations and beats, as well as to wear of the pump, oil seal and bushing.

The 5-band A750F is in service earlier - after 200-250 thousand km. Solenoids, Teflon and rubber rings, paper gaskets are the first to use up their resources. With regular off-road trips, there are problems with the torque converter and hydraulic plate. Over 60,000 rubles will be needed for repairs.

Transmission

By 300-400 thousand km, when changing the driving mode, shocks or shocks occur in the transmission. This is the total backlash, which consists of a small backlash of each transmission element. To fix the problem in some cases, you will need 200,000 rubles. However, it is often possible to get rid of the disease after the elimination of backlash in the drives and splined joints of the front axle.

Over time, blocking stops turning on. The problem is the servos and wiring - they give up under the influence of water.

In the end, it is the turn of the front gearbox - the satellites wear out. The cost of repairs is about 20,000 rubles. The rear gear is much more durable. Age cars suffer from leaking axle shaft seals.

Chassis

The biggest difference between the J100 and the predecessor J80 is the presence of an independent 2-link torsion bar front suspension instead of a rigid axle. This decision, of course, increased driving comfort, but received a lot of criticism from off-road fans. First of all, due to a decrease in the strength and resource of the structure. Silent blocks, ball bearings and shock absorbers run more than 60-100 thousand km even in harsh operating conditions.

Another source of problems is the complex ANS hydraulic suspension system with an active height control system. After heavy off-road, the rear can “settle”. Sometimes it is enough to replace the body level / position sensor, but sometimes the damage done is much greater. After 150-200 thousand km, shock absorbers can leak (20,000 rubles apiece), which leads to more frequent operation of the “motor” and, as a result, its wear. In addition, with age, the membrane in hydroaccumulators breaks.

A radical solution is to replace the entire suspension, along with torsion bars, with a conventional spring one. Comfort from such alteration is reduced slightly.

After 200-300 thousand km, the steering rack may knock or leak. After 300-400 thousand km, you have to change the faulty power steering pump. The cost of the original is from 31,000 rubles, and the analogue - from 14,000 rubles. A repair kit for 1,000 rubles will extend the life of the pump for a short time. Sometimes you have to fight with the backlash of the steering shaft.

Not for the city

As for the brake system, its low efficiency is not at all a sign of a malfunction. This is a feature of "hundreds". Nevertheless, the brakes are quite sufficient for safe driving on the highway and even more so off-road, but it is worth recognizing that the deceleration rate for urban conditions is not sufficient. The large mass required the installation of four-piston brake calipers on the front wheels. They are not very durable, but are subject to repair. Since 2004, all J100s have been equipped with rear disc brakes.

With long runs, the master brake cylinder surrenders - the brake pedal begins to fail. The cost of the new GTZ is 100,000 rubles, and the "beu" - 20-70 thousand rubles. It is better to replace the node, since after repair it goes very little.

Reliability

Many copies have already crossed the line of 500,000 km, which, of course, affects the technical condition. The most vulnerable areas of the Land Cruiser 100 are the suspension and transmission, which require large investments to restore. Therefore, offers with an attractive low price and signs of malfunction should be avoided.

Unfortunately, age takes its toll, and corrosion actively attacks body iron. At risk are wheel arches, sills, tailgate, rear bumper reinforcement, front wing shelf, windshield frame and fenders. Rust settles on the frame. Regular anti-corrosion treatment is a must. In addition, the brown plague finishes off the tubes of the second circuit of the air conditioner.

After 250-300 thousand km, the electric drive of door locks and windows often fails. What pleases is the absence of any systematic problems with the electrician.

Land Cruiser 105

TLC 105, despite being very similar to the "weave", has significant differences. It was built on the basis of the TLC 80 and was equipped with a dependent front suspension with a continuous axle on springs. Instead of a steering rack, a gearbox was used. There are only two engines: a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter 1HZ diesel (R6 / 129 and 131 hp) and a 4.5-liter gasoline 1FZ-FE (R6 / 212 and 215 hp). The model was primarily intended for the markets of Africa, Australia, Russia and South America.

Conclusion

Driving a Land Cruise 100 can be a real challenge for your wallet. However, it is difficult to find a more versatile and hardy SUV for all occasions. And if something breaks or wears out too quickly, then, as a rule, due to frequent off-road trips.

Specifications