Fresh Imported Diesel Hilux-Surf

[906-Runner]

1996 Toyota Hilux SSR-G SUV – Japanese Classics

Found this through and Instagram add. Looks pretty good, not sure what's going on with the underside(whether it's rust or just dirt). Only has 122K verified kilometers on the odometer, about 75K miles. Price looks amazing compared to what a USDM equivalent (manual with low miles) would sell for. Obviously being a JDM diesel it's a totally different story than your typical 4Runner. Parts would probably be a pain to get; install might not be so bad. Definitely would be a unique ride.

 

[nissanh]

Same as my interior. Price is not too bad. I think it is easy to throw in a new dash, steering, paddles and brakes to left and convert into a left hand drive.

Diesel and 5 speed is my ultimate goal. I missed a left had driven FJ80 diesel 5 speed that was for sale in my town for $18K.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

That's rust on the frame. Probably lived on the coast.
I wouldn't pay $18K for this, especially with that rust. You can find them cheaper through other importers.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

Conversion from RHD to LHD is not as easy as you think, if you're OCD. If not, you still need to do a lot of things to make things work, although LHD parts are easily available there in the US.
The dashboard, AC, and steering is not a direct fit. You'll need to do some body work including cutting and welding. Wiring will also require a lot of work.

Same as my interior. Price is not too bad. I think it is easy to throw in a new dash, steering, paddles and brakes to left and convert into a left hand drive.

Diesel and 5 speed is my ultimate goal. I missed a left had driven FJ80 diesel 5 speed that was for sale in my town for $18K.

 

[Devbot]

That whistle... :bravo::faint:

 

[Mechanix311]

I have a 96 hilux surf diesel in arizona. I actually like the rhd so I would not convert it to left hand drive. People look at you funny when you back through a drive thru. Mine came with a japanese performance exhaust and I roll the window down just to hear it whistle. Got to be careful about rust though when coming from japan.

 

[repo]

I thought you cant import diesels made after 1975 or something like that? How can we buy this but not a 79 series LC?

 

[Bad Luck]

I thought you cant import diesels made after 1975 or something like that? How can we buy this but not a 79 series LC?

It has to be manufactured at least 25 years ago for you to import it. It's quite a process but some states are easier than others.

 

[906-Runner]

What’s another importer? One that may be cheaper?

 

[Boognish_Forever]

Who cares that it’s a right hand drive. The OFFROAD decal is gaudy. The color isn’t that appealing either. Looks like something a frat meat head would design. The rust looks superficial, but could be worse in person.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Who cares that it’s a right hand drive. The OFFROAD decal is gaudy. The color isn’t that appealing either. Looks like something a frat meat head would design. The rust looks superficial, but could be worse in person.

Yeah, that decal is absolutely horrendous. I was excited until I saw that!

 

[Devbot]

Who cares that it’s a right hand drive. The OFFROAD decal is gaudy. The color isn’t that appealing either. Looks like something a frat meat head would design. The rust looks superficial, but could be worse in person.

If I'm not mistaken there's a few different designs for the overseas 4R's and all of them are equally gaudy. Must be a Jap thing, not sure what they're smoking though. I always wished we got the subtle decals like some of the other yotas from the period, like the stripes and whatnot

 

[SAKURA96]

No Way!!!

I actually just bought myself a hilux surf!!! 1996 lifted with all kinds of extrra stuff 161k on the clock 3rz engine and the previous owner already did the balance shaft delete.

 

[pavelvoivoda]

Diesel and 5 speed is my ultimate goal.

Id look for the intercooled version of the same Hilux Surf. They are faster and would be great to convert one to a LHD and add a rear locker and go from there...

Here are the ads for 3rd gens on BeForward's website.

Also you can join my fb group Toyota 4Runner Bulgaria if you'd like to see United Nations LHD versions of the Gen 3 4Runner pics from time to time. They are diesel with manual transmission.
I recently made the group, it has like 150 people helping out for electrical problems. Diesels aren't too much complex electrical-wise.

I recently went on a weekend getaway trip to the Black Sea and mine handles pretty well, although I did broke my right blinker.

Best Price Used TOYOTA HILUX SURF for Sale - Japanese Used Cars BE FORWARD

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

what would be the advantage of removing the balance shaft? i thought it was there to reduce engine vibration and noise that are inherent in a 4-cyl engine.

For thailand-made vehicles, the balance shaft is also removed for cost reduction reasons.

I actually just bought myself a hilux surf!!! 1996 lifted with all kinds of extrra stuff 161k on the clock 3rz engine and the previous owner already did the balance shaft delete.

 

[SAKURA96]

it adds a bit of vibration. But if your like me, who races street cars with solid motor mounts your used to a little added vibration. but the reaction time after stepping on the gas pedal is better. and its removing quite a bit of weight. Honestly I dont mind the vibrations over the more pickup it has. Other then that is one less thing that you have to worry about breaking. I have read several horror stories on how the bearings would wear out on the balance shafts and tearing up the timing chain.