The HDJ80 can be seen in action around the world - from overland expeditions to rallies and competitions.
Full-time 4WD powered by a 4.2 litre 6 cylinder turbo diesel engine characterize this 4x4.
Now, over 20 years since the last model rolled off the production line, the HDJ80 is still a powerful and highly capable workhorse.
It remains one of the all-time favourites for overlanding and second-hand prices certainly confirm this.
Background history
It was late December 1989, when the HDJ 80 was unveiled on the Toyota stand at the Tokyo Motor Show as the replacement for the 60 Series. A few months later it arrived here in Europe and certainly didn't go unnoticed.
The engine was a 4.2-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder unit producing 167 hp. This large engine gave the HDJ 80 lorry-like torque, 36 m/kg at 1,800 rpm, and as such became the most powerful 4x4 on the market at the time.
At first sight, it remained in the tradition of large family 4x4 estates. However the powertrain broke that tradition by offering full-time all-wheel drive, four ventilated disc brakes and last but not least, full coil spring suspension.
The HDJ 80 came in two trim levels GX and VX, the VX version being available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Sept 1994:
The 4.2 litre engine received a new cylinder head featuring 24 valves and engine power increased to 170bhp. The HDJ80 was now imported into France as VXV and VXE variants. The automatic gearbox option was now no longer available and no longer features a mechanical winch as standard.
Early 1999:
The arrival of the 100 series and the HDJ100 marked the end of an era for the HDJ80.
However, the second-hand market remains very active even today.
Technical specifications
Model: Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ 80 12s
ENGINE:
4 stroke diesel, 6 cylinders engine fitted in longitudinal configuration
Type: 1 HD-T.
- Bore x Stroke: 94 x 100 mm. Cylinder capacity: 4,164 cm3.
- Volumetric Ratio: 18.6 to 1.
- Power: 167 hp at 3600 rpm.
- Torque: 36.7 m.kg at 1800 rpm.
- fuel delivery by injection pump with mechanical rotary distribution.
- Turbocharger. Direct injection.
- Overhead camshaft.
- Distribution: series of pinions for the injection pump and toothed belt for 1 camshaft from the injection pump.
TRANSMISSION:
- Permanent 4-wheel transmission with 2-speed transfer box.
- Mechanical gearbox with hydraulically controlled clutch or 4-speed automatic gearbox.
- Rigid axle at the front and at the rear with electronic triggered diff-lock.
- Central differential with electronic triggered locker.
STEERING:
- Ball-bearing steering box with hydraulic pump assistance.
BRAKES:
- Hydraulic control.
- Ventilated discs front and rear.
SUSPENSION:
- Coil springs and shock absorbers front and rear.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Weight: 2275 kg in manual gearbox.
- Total authorized capacity: 6460 kg.
Servicing & maintenance
All the parts you'll ever need for your Toyota HDJ80 12s:
Thanks to Manu Bordonado (blog.4rouesmotrices.com) and Pierre Louis Quemin (blog.toy4raid.com) for their help in preparing this article.
Please note: Euro4x4Parts publishes this information to help its customers but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and practical consequences that ensue.
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Please note: Euro4x4parts publishes this information to help its customers, but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and their consequences when used.