Vehicle Description
By the time the luxury SUV wars started, Toyota was already one of
the most experienced players in the game. This 1992 Toyota Land
Cruiser was merely the first volley in a long-running line of
luxurious 4x4s that could go anywhere, but did it with style.
Better yet, this one packs a strong-running fuel injected GM small
block V8 and a nice lift that only improves what was already one of
the best ways to get to remote places.
Someone obviously realized that off-roading doesn't get much better
than this, and instead of buying something new, they improved one
of the greats. This Toyota Land Cruiser wears a relatively recent
coat of paint that matches the original color and shines it up
quite a bit. After 25 years, it shouldn't be a surprise that it
needed some freshening, but the look is very OEM and they resisted
the urge to color outside the lines. Instead, it's clean, sleek,
and very stock-looking, which is perfect for concealing the
late-model V8 living inside. There was a styling update that
smoothed out the Land Cruiser's grille and headlights, but there's
no mistaking Toyota's full-sized SUV. Running boards, mud flaps,
big bumpers, and a roof rack all add to the adventure-read styling,
even if you're only running to the store. It's all in good
condition, perfect for a truck that's going to get dirty now and
then, and thanks to legendary Toyota build quality, it still feels
rock solid even after all these years.
Luxury was the name of the game inside, with leather upholstery and
all the creature comforts you could think of in 1992. It remains in
very good condition thanks to quality materials, with the only
notable issues being some scuffing on the driver's outer bolster,
which isn't unusual. A fat steering wheel frames a full complement
of gauges, and since the engine isn't the original unit, there are
a set of auxiliary dials living under the dash. A modern AM/FM/CD
stereo from JVC provides a much better entertainment experience
than the original radio, and heavy-duty floor mats are ideal for a
truck that plays in the mud. The A/C blows cold, the power windows
run up and down easily, and the soft parts are in excellent
condition. There's lots of room in the back seat for full-sized
adults and the cargo bay is massive.
Toyota's inline-6 worked pretty hard to get all this sheetmetal
moving, so a late-model GM 350 cubic inch V8 with throttle-body
fuel injection was installed in its place. It was professionally
installed about 500 miles ago and actually comes with a 3-year,
100,000 mile warranty through the shop that did the work. Service
is easy and the extra 100 pounds of torque are very welcome in the
heavy Land Cruiser. The fit is almost OEM and most folks won't
realize that a swap has taken place because it looks so right.
Everything works like it should, including the original gauges,
factory brakes, A/C, and electrical system. Just turn the key and
go! The Toyota automatic transmission was pulled, cleaned, and
serviced to work behind the small block, and there's a fresh custom
exhaust system that gives it a nice V8 rumble. The electronic
engine controls are GM, so it will be reliable and easy to service
and a new gas tank hangs out back. The suspension has a modest 3
inch "Old Man Emu" suspension system and the Toyota 6-lug alloys
carry big 31x10.5-15 Michelin radials with plenty of life left in
them.
One of the best off-roaders made better with the addition of good
old American horsepower. No compromises, a great look, and still
very practical, all for a bargain price. Call today!