1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, RZJ90

service when overlanding. Below the audio is a simple to use automatic climate system. It doles out piping hot heat or cool A/C when called upon. If you prefer more natural ventilation, the rear quarter glass butterflies out, and the side glass powers down with the press of a button. Power locks and mirrors make daily use more enjoyable and work as advertised, aside from the power folding function on the driver’s mirror, which has given up the ghost. With the optional third row, there is room for eight. When additional cargo space is required, the rear jump seats can fold away against the d-pillar, and the middle row can slide forward. The blue and gray striped upholstery is in good nick and lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The same material can be found in the door cards, which are in equally good nick. We did want to note the third row carpet is not original and was replaced in a prior life. The headliner and carpets have withstood the past 30 years without sustaining major abuse, and it’s clear the cabin was cared for in a prior life. The body-on-frame underpinnings are robust. The same can be said for the engine, the 1KZ-TE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L springs to life courtesy of a new 12V battery. A new engine air filter, fuel filter, and accessory belts were installed as part of our tune-up when this rig got up onto lift. The 1K makes tons of twist and is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. It shifts properly and slots into gear with precision thanks to new shifter bushings. It filters power through a full-time 4WD transfer case. A center locker can be engaged, as can a low range when you peel off the pavement and onto loose surfaces. It gets moving up to highway merging speeds with ease, and slows down with confidence with its standard ABS and disc brakes. The long wheelbase delivers plenty of stability, and the suspension is predictable and soft. It was refreshed with new front lower control arms and front lower ball joints. While we were in there, we also replaced the front swaybar links. Freshly aligned, it tracks straight as an arrow. We also rehabbed the power steering system. The rack was rebuilt with new rack bushings and boots. The fluid was flushed, and then new inner and outer tie rods were installed. Lastly, we wrapped the WEDS wheels with new 31′′ Falken tires. The new rubber looks mean, quells road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.