Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Toyota FJ70 | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 1984-Present |
| Predecessor | Toyota FJ40 |
| Class | Compact SUV |
| Body style | 2-door truck |
| Similar | Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover, Nissan Patrol |
The Toyota FJ70 is the model designation for a Toyota Land Cruiser made from 1984 until present day. In 1984/1985, Toyota introduced an entirely new design to replace the aging and now 25 year old 40 series Land Cruiser. What Toyota came up with was a most appropriate replacement. Although completely new in styling, every off road positive aspect of the original 40 series was retained. The all new 70 series was introduced.
The 70 through 73 series is the short and medium wheelbase version of the long running Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series. Essentially, the direct replacement of the famous 40 series and what most Americans know of as the FJ40. These models were built in more variations than the longer wheelbase Land Cruisers. Some are still in production today for a select few markets.
[edit] History
1984 - 1999: The 70 / 75 series Toyota Land Cruisers took over from the 40 / 45 series of workhorse four wheel drives in 1984. The styling maintained a family resemblance to the 40 / 45 series but became more angular. The 70 series is the short wheel base (SWB) and the 75 series is the long wheel base (LWB). The latter comes as cab-chassis (tray), ute or pickup with a "panelled" tray, and "troop carrier" hard-top (HT).
2000-present: In 2000, the pick-up version was designated the 78 series and the hardtop became the 79 series. The principle changes were - coil sprung live axle in front instead of leaf sprung, redesigned steering wheel, redesigned front indicators and in the pick-up a longer wheel base which increased the back seat storage capacity and foot room.
2007: The updated 70 series began production in January for market release in late February / early March 2007. Changes involve minor frontal design adjustments which incorporate the headlamps into the front profile of the vehicle - a dramatic change nonetheless considering the exposed lamps and wheel arches have been a signature design component of the 70 series from day one. Only one engine is now on offer - a 4.5L V8 turbo diesel, while the cab chassis / tray back and so called Troop Carrier bodies will remain. New to the range will be a four door wagon variant which effectively replaces the discontinued Land Cruiser 100 series Standard wagon.
[edit] Features
The suspension, interior and basic layout of these models are nearly identical to the more famous longer wheelbase 75 series Land Cruisers, but the frame and body is much shorter. This allows the Land Cruiser to be more nimble off road. This model was popular as a personal off road transport, but because the Land Cruiser was marketed almost exclusively as a commercial and government vehicle and because these were never sold in the largest auto market in the world, the US, few were built, compared to other Land Cruiser models.
However, these models were sold all over the world, except North America, in the 1980s and early 1990s. They can be found in Japan, Asia, Africa, and South America. The short wheelbase models are not quite as common in Australia, but they are very popular in the homeland of Japan, where compactness and rugged 4X4 are a welcome combination.
Square-bodied Land Cruiser utility 4x4 two door with steel doors and top, slanted windshield. The front-clip styling remains much like that of the 40 Series. The grille can be mesh or can consist of three horizontal bars.
Both have three additional horizontal slots in a single line under the grille. Front turn signals are square with triangular white lens elements underneath, and are affixed to the vertical edge of the front clip above the fenders and just outboard of each headlight. The top can be hard or soft. The doors are hard, with roll-up windows. Taillights are long, vertical rectangles inset low into the rear bodywork. Rear doors are paired swing-outs. Windshields of some military versions will fold atop hood. Available in many forms, including a pickup (FJ75P) and a four-door, long wheelbase utility wagon (FJ77HV).
Today, few short wheelbase 70 series can be purchased new. Some are still in production today in some select South American countries and possibly still in the Japanese homeland.
