We hope to one day have a more comprehensive FAQ/info page detailing the nuances bits of info about these trucks. This page is in no way complete! Our plan involves expanding our specialty to include these trucks. Our focus is mainly on the JDM ones, with the many more options they had in theirs over the USDM offerings! Some of our knowledge comes from research on the internet, but the majority comes from original Japanese brochures, parts diagrams/catalogs, owning multiple versions, etc.
As with many other Toyota offerings, the 80s were split with different options and aesthetics between early models (zenki, 1990-1994) and later models (kouki, 1995-1997). One of the biggest changes from the 60 series to the 80 was switching all 4 corners to coil springs. All diesels also worked on 24v systems with dual batteries.
From 1990-1992, gas engines were only available in VX and VX Limited trims. The only way to get 3 row seating was with the gas engine as well. In Japan, the "van" version means 2 row seating, and "wagon" means 3 row seating. SOB swing out back doors, or LUB lift up back doors were the two rear styles. Unrelated to "van" or "wagon" designations. ABS was optional on all models except STD.
Engine Options
| Engine (MM/YY available) | 1HD-FT (01/95-01/98) SOHC | 1HD-T (01/90-01/95) SOHC | 1HZ (01/90-01-98) SOHC | 1FZ-FE (01/95-01/98) DOHC | 3F-E (01/90-08/92) pushrod |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 94 x 100 | 94 x 100 | 94 x 100 | 100 x 95 | 94 x 95 |
| Horsepower (HP) @ RPM | 167 HP @ 3600 | 162 HP @ 3600 | 133 HP @ 4000 | 212 HP @ 4600 | 153 HP @ 4200 |
| Torque (lb ft) @ RPM | 280 ft lbs @ 2500 | 267 ft lbs @ 2000 | 206 ft lbs @ 2200 | 275 ft lbs @ 3200 | 213 ft lbs @ 2600 |
| Compression ratio | 18.6:1 | 18.6:1 | 22.7:1 | 9.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
Transmission Gear Ratios
| Transmission | 5 speed manual (1HD-T & 1HD-FT) | 5 speed manual (1HZ) | 4 speed auto (1FZ, 1HD) | 4 speed auto (1HZ) |
| 1st | 4.081 | 4.529 | 2.950 | 2.950 |
| 2nd | 2.294 | 2.464 | 1.530 | 1.530 |
| 3rd | 1.490 | 1.490 | 1.000 | 1.000 |
| 4th | 1.000 | 1.000 | 0.765 | 0.717 |
| 5th | 0.881 | 0.881 | -- | -- |
| Reverse | 4.313 | 4.313 | 2.678 | 2.678 |
Originally, the 80 series was released with 4 different trim levels.
STD
STD was the base model, with rear drums, horizontal opening rear doors (Swing Out Back), no 3rd row seat, only available with 5 speed manual, part time 4WD, no spare tire on the rear door, only engine option was the 1HZ 4.2 N/A inline 6 SOHC diesel, bore/stroke 94x100mm, 135 HP @ 4000 RPM, 206 ft lbs @ 2200 RPM, compression ratio of 22.7:1 and only available in 045 white. Most modern creature comforts/features were either not available, or were optional extras. They had mechanical free wheeling hubs, and a 1 touch 2-4 selector. The STD trim was only available from 1990-1992.
GX
Originally, GX only came with the 1HZ. In 93, STD was dropped, and the GX became the base option. The carryover 3F-E was replaced with the new 4.5 liter 1FZ-FE DOHC inline 6. Bore/stroke 100x95mm. 9.0:1 compression. 212 HP @ 4600 RPM, 275 ft lbs @ 3200 RPM. The N/A 1HZ also could be had in VX and VX Limited trims from then on, only available in automatic trans. The gas 1FZ was also available in GX trim starting in 93. From 96.5-97, the 1HD-FT was also available in GX trim.
- Manuals were all part time 4WD
Options:
- ABS
- LSD rear
- F/R locking axles
VX
Standard:
- LSD rear end standard on zenkis, unless triple lockers were optioned. Koukis had LSD as an option.
- Zenki manuals (except STD) were part time 4WD. All kouki VXs were full time 4WD.
- Moonroof
Options:
VX Limited
Standard:
- Cooler/icebox standard until 1994, then no longer offered at all. Zenki Limited trucks were the only way to get a cooler.
- Automatic only, never offered with a manual transmission
- LSD rear end standard, unless F/R lockers were optioned
- Spare tire on back door
Electrical/Alternators
The 1990 diesel trucks all debuted with 60 amp alternators, though winter spec 1HZs got an 80 amp one, and the 1HD winter spec got a 100 amp one. Gas trucks had an 80 amp standard, though the VX Limited and VXs with dual zone A/C had a 90 amp alternator standard. When the 1FZ was released, all came with 100 amp alternators standard.
