Rigs We Dig: 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ81

.product_section .product_form, .product_gallery { opacity: 1; } .multi_select, form .select { display: block !important; } .image-element__wrap { display: none; }

January 08, 2024 2 min read

Check out this 33 year old "Diesel Cruiser" in Bend, Oregon that still gets after it!

Your Name: John Kingston

Location: Bend, OR

Rig Nick Name:The Diesel Cruiser

Make & Model: 1990 Toyota HDJ81 (Land Cruiser 80 Series) 1990

Critical dimensions for your bed platform: Bed Panel Dimensions: Length: 70” Width (at narrowest point): 60” Height: 13”

HEST products: HEST Dually Wide, Fitted Sheets and Pillow

Is this your daily driver or getaway car?

All day, every day

What do you like most about your rig?

It gets pretty decent fuel economy ;) But also, it's a dream rig, triple lock diesel 80 series!

On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you? How did you navigate gear storage needs into your rig set up?

With the 80, we keep it pretty simple. Nothing out of the norm. Just get outside and enjoy. Since it's a daily driver having a rear sleep platform, it adds a lot of storage space plus the roof is always a good place to chuck some stuff.

Any custom details?

I think the most unique thing about it is that it is an import, but we are working on a aluminum drawer system that will be pretty slick and add a few more features.

Coolest place you’ve taken your rig to?

We just got this thing about a month ago, and 3 days after buying it we drove it from Oregon to SoCal with our fingers crossed it'd make it there and back. And its pretty remarkable that a 33yr old toyota is so dang reliable still to this day.

Any projects in the pipeline to get your rig even more adventure ready?

Just that drawer system that will be the icing on the cake. And probably a better suspension setup.

Biggest challenge in your build out?

Being that it is imported parts can be tricky, and luckily, here in Bend, we have 2 shops that work on these imports.

Tips for others looking to do the same to their vehicle?

Make sure you have the resources to fix your import. A shop nearby I think is essential.

Want to submit your rig for our blog? Email us at info@hest.com to get started!

Shop Hest