OUR TROOPY
The Toyota 70 Series is by no means a unique platform from a global perspective. For the American market, however, they only recently became accessible. Options are still limited to importing at minimum 25 year old models. This means the majority of the available vehicles will be high mileage and lacking many modern comforts. They are also likely to need an extensive overhaul by the time they cross they ocean. If none of this is an issue for you though, you will be rewarded with a beautifully crafted platform capable of everything you throw at it.
This 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ75 Troop Carrier was imported from Australia in the summer of 2017 by Alex of The Fit Garage in Bend, Oregon. After spending 32 years and 270,000 miles down under, the Troopy was in need of significant updates, modifications, and repairs. In the nearly two years Alex owned this 75, he built it into a capable and well rounded vehicle. When my partner Olivia and I purchased it in the summer of 2019, we knew we were getting a unique rig, but every trip it continues to surprise us.
Poptop:
Trakka of Australia converted this Troop Carrier - likely around 1985 - to a pop top camper known as the Bushman. Much of the conversion has been changed or removed, however the camper remains along with their logo being proudly worn on the rear body panels. The pop top has been refurbished with new gas struts, custom canvas walls, and a modified geometry. With these improvements, it provides a comfortable sleeping area and plenty of space to cook and hang out.
Power Train:
The original 4.0L naturally aspirated diesel engine has been replaced with a Toyota 12H-T 4.0L, straight six, turbo diesel. The 12H-T was imported from Japan and has transformed the characteristics of the vehicle. Older Troop Carriers are quite slow and notorious for being sluggish while climbing on highways. With the addition of an aftermarket wastegate increasing the boost from 7PSI to 11PSI, we are able to climb the majority of hills at 60MPH in fifth gear. Behind the 12H-T is a brand new Toyota H55F 5 speed manual transmission and Toyota split transfer case. The original components were replaced in march of 2020 after a tooth broke on a gear in the gearbox. The engine has approximately 170,000 miles on it with the transmission and transfer case sitting at less than 300.
Suspension, Tires, and Wheels:
A heavy duty Old Man Emu parabolic suspension is mounted in the front and rear accompanied by Koni Heavy Track shocks. Five BFG KO2 33x10.5x15s are mounted on powder coated Wheel Vintiques which are color matched to the engine valve cover. The 15” wheel provides a tremendous amount of sidewall but requires a spacer to clear the tie rods.
Interior:
The rear section has been stripped of all but one of its bench seats and replaced with a kitchenette and storage area. We are currently working on a redesign of the cargo area, but this setup has been sufficient over the last six months. At the forward section of the kitchenette is a Dometic CFX45 refrigerator. It is on the small side, but gets the job done for week long trips. In the center is our simple, yet trusty Coleman two burner stove. Below that are double doors opening to a storage area which contains our pots, pans, and food. To the rear is the last door which houses our Goal Zero Yeti 1000.
Accessories:
We use the Goal Zero Yeti to power our Dometic refrigerator and to charge camera batteries. The Goal Zero is charged by a 150 watt solar panel mounted to the top of our pop up roof. So far, we have found this setup to be sufficient and enjoy the simplicity and mobility of it. At the front of the Troopy we are running an ARB bumper along with a 10,000lb Warn VR10S winch and Hella Comet 500 off road lights. On the Passenger side a CVT awning has replaced the previous Rhino Rack 270 awning. Under the hood we have wired in an ARB CKMA12 air compressor in order to match our tire pressure to the terrain.
The Troop Carrier on its own is a wonderful vehicle, but the flexibility of the platform is what makes it great. It is a durable and dependable piece of machinery that truly comes alive with the addition of a pop top, a slight lift, and a little more power under the hood. The 12H-T adds that bit of spice that many vehicles of this vintage seem to lack. Despite this long list of modifications though, the truck is dead simple. The engine is fully gear driven and free of a computer system, the suspension is modest and perfectly capable. In this vehicle you won’t be told how to drive, your sole source of information will be the feedback you receive through your senses.
Welcome to analog.
