Overland Cruisers Limited

An interesting mod on this 100 series injection pump.
They are known for having loose plugs on the Spill Control Valve, but this is the first I have seen wired up like this.

#TBThursday . Some heavy duty electrics going in to an overlanding 100 series with a 2 metre squared solar panel on the roof and a stonking inverter to power.
That should do it.

The 'rally' Micra all set for it's maiden voyage prior to setting off on The Mongol rally this week.
After the mechanical checks, making rails for the roof box, bash plate, and minor electrical upgrades it is all ready to go.
Bon Voyage guys.

An unfortunate job coming up, to rebuild this 100 series 1HD-FTE.
The timing belt tensioner pulley failed on it's shaft resulting in the belt getting damaged and failing.
It is unfortunate because the valve gear has been damaged resulting in the head having to be replaced which gets expensive.

Had a visit from a very tidy Custom Campers converted V6 70 series.
With only around 2000kms on the clock this is the lowest mileage converted overlanders we have seen.
This one is heading off around Asia, but should be back next year for a service.

A bit of alternative overlanding prep work this week. Some last minute mods to a (slightly more solid) Nissan Micra for the Mongol Rally 2018.
We are prototyping a new range of budget snorkels, carefully fabricated roof bars and some interesting under body protection.
You can follow their progress raising funds for Combat Stress via their FB page The Charge of the Micra Brigade.
... Going to be a late one tonight😴
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Too much for a Land Cruiser engine - I think not :-)

Servicing another V6 today.
Yes, I know it looks like a V8 2UZ-FE petrol engine in the 100 series, but when you add a gas conversion (even with lubrication) and fail to service it regularly you end up with burnt valves and a lack of compression in some cylinders.

Another classic advert from Toyota. :-)

Here's another classic.
We were asked to help prepare this car for this years Mongolian Rally - not our normal fare, but a bit of fun.
Having recently passed an MOT this overpriced Micra was sold as being ideal for the rally now the rust has been treated!!

Another discraceful example from the British motor trade.
This car came over from Suffolk for some engine diagnostics and test drives quickly showed that there were issues with the brakes with one set of rear pads down to the metal, both rear callipers seized and front pads down to 1mm.
But don't worry, the car had just flown through it's local annual service!!
... The trouble is none of the garaged seem to have the time to do the jobs properly.
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We are having a bit of a clear out so grab yourself a bargain.
I'll be posting more stuff to the Marketplace group over the next few days

A bit of a Pedder fest this week with this 24valve 80 getting a 2" lift and the Pedders grooved discs, a good basic setup for someone taking their first overlanding steps.
As they gain experience and start loading on the kit and weight they will upgrade to a Slinky kit

Are you fedup with the poor braking on your Land Cruiser, particularly on the 80s?
We are now able to supply the Aussie DBA discs, the disc of choice for Aussie four wheel drivers.
They make the popular T2s at around £90-100 + vat a corner and then the competition spec T4s at around £140-150 + vat which are more suitable for tuned or heavily specced Overlanding trucks.
... Yes, they are pricey when compared to the cheapo discs you can get for £20-30 + vat, but what price do you put on safety?
I've already placed my order ; -)
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I'm sure you have all already seen this clip, certainly not shot in our workshop..
However for the nerds out there, do you recognise the engine?

We are in the process of finalising our next shipment of goodies from Australia, so if you are looking for some premium products for your 4x4, do get in touch.
Already on the list we have; - Slinky Long Travel suspension kits with Icon shocks - available for most 4x4s now. - Bilstein suspension kits that work so well on the 100 and 120 Land Cruisers... - DBA upgraded brake discs - the best discs available for you 4x4 - Petrol engine performance upgrades for the 80 series with the 1FZ-FE and for the 100 series with the 2UZ-FE starting from exhaust upgrades through to chips and turbos. - Heavy duty seat covers - Wind deflectors
If interested in any of the above or there is a product that you spotted on one of the many Aussie 4x4 sites that you would like us to find, get in touch and we will get you added to the list.
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A bit of diff lock actuator repair today. This one has filled with oil, probably from a hot transfer box leading to damaged contacts and melted casing that had to be 'regenerated' to get it back and working.
At over £1k a pop it is worth spending the time trying to repair them.

A bit of Hilux action this week trying to get to the bottom of a starting problem that appears to be down to a failed fuel pump issue.

We have seen plenty of spring spacers over the years, with most consisting of plastic/metal/nylon rings sitting above or below the springs, so this is a new one on us.
So simple, but pretty effective and easy to fit.

Most of the time the swivels on the 80 series we see are dripping with an oily greasy mixture.
This one is definitely the other end of the scale, bone dry and severely rusted. It will take more work to sort out, but we love a challenge so look forward to sorting it out when it comes back in July.

pakistan

The best in the business! There is nothing that Julian and crew don't know about cruisers!

Julian was a brilliant source of advice form start to finish for our Cape Town to London trip. He also helped to successfully market our Land Cruiser in the UK. Thank you!

Julian has looked after my Cruiser for a long time now 2008 I think. What Overland Cruisers don't know about Land Cruisers is not worth knowing. I drive 145 miles from London to have them work on my Cruiser because I know it will be done right.

Julian has a wealth of knowledge with landcruisers. He carried out all work needed to an excellent standard, I will always go to him in the future. He has always offered me sound advice and support, my Land Cruiser is better for it!

Julian and his team are tops! I drove up from Portsmouth to have my 95' 80 series VX baselined by him and got a few bits added as well. He let me work alongside him and taught me some maintenance tricks as well. If you live in the UK or are just passing through, you won't regret having him work on your vehicle.

Julian and his crew know Cruisers backwards. I drive 180 miles one way for them to look after my baby!

I know why overland cruisers was highly recommended, Julian is very friendly and does a first class job and more. Very reasonable price.

I had my front wheel bearings changed and break calipers reconditioned which was unexpected but needed.

I know it is a bit of a jaunt 58 miles to a garage but was well worth it and i will only use Julian for any further work required on my landcruiser.

Thankyou Julian

I have had an 80 series for over nine years and love working on it, Julian has made it even better with great to the point support in parts and advice. Handed it over to Julian and the team for much needed tlc for MOT. The job kept to the plan on time and on budget. Today a brand new no nonsense MOT.

Hi all, had a problem with the headlights on my j95, took it to Julian and of course he sorted it,

then decided to upgrade to HIDs and what a difference well worth it! WOW.

Thank you Julian!

Hey you two! Made it all the way through Africa! I'm still using the 100 series as a daily work vehicle! 9 years later ! In New Zealand! You are some of the best people Kezia and I have ever met. Thank for welcoming us in and letting us be part of the build of the cruiser. The work you did made that thing darn near bullet proof!! Hope Charlie and the girls are good. Julian, If You, Gilly and the kids are ever in NZ, let me know man. Cheers, Cam.

Had my LC100 for about 5 years when we had to decide to sell it or fix it.



Julian's work was detail orientated, he knew what he was talking about and he did a full vehicle review and extensive list of fixes within 5 days.



He also worked out of hours to allow me to drive up over the weekend which is the kinda service you no longer see.



Back in love with the LC and dreaming of trip to Morocco!

Great service from people whom are passionate about what they do,will definitely be using them again

FANTASTIC, what more can i say, i have read some of the other reviews, & agree, don't waste time else where if you have a problem, get to OVERLAND-CRUISERS, keep up the good work Julian & Team, well done. Barry.

A big thank you to Martin and Ati for the excellent servicing of my 100 1HD-FTE yesterday. Julian, great customer care as always.



A full service with additional work on the front and rear suspension, and rebuild of a seized front brake caliper at 70,000.



All suspension squeaks gone and braking so much better.



Well worth the 2+ hour drive from Northampton. See you again next year.

Seemed to good to be true. And it was. Julian is very knowledgable but the time schedule for the truck just kept going right and right and right. Nightmare to get hold of and some of the work is dubious (questionable ‘new’ Icon Slinkys, extended brake hoses too short, didn’t fix the back diff lock, doesn’t answer email, doesn’t return calls, upgraded axel breather kit but left hoses disconnected, 4 weeks became 6 months - was still in bits when we picked it up with everything just thrown around (nuts and bolts lose in footwells)). Cheers. Such a shame Julian as you know your stuff but your constant lack of mechanics is a warning sign.