2008 120 Grande 3.0TD Auto - family friendly touring rig setup and suggestions. What mods you got?

[KarmaKaze Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KarmaKaze]

Hi,

Im a solo parent with a young kid wanting to get out and about and explore this awesome country of ours. Slowly building up a decent, comfy, kid/family friendly touring rig. Joining our local 4x4 club for company, experience and idea exchange. Looking to pick some brains here.

Ive recently bought a 2008 Prado Grande 3.0TD Auto. It’s in great condition, 177k on the clock, BF Goodrich AT all round, basic dual battery setup under the bonnet, portable fridge/freezer stashed in cargo on trips, tow setup, ARB Bull bar, spotlights, bonnet and headlight protectors.

I had my local guys go over her completely, full service and drain and replace fluids ALL round. Catch can installed same time.

I’ll slowly build her up to get her ready for the eventual big lap due to financial outlay, but in the meantime intend to get the basics of comfort and convenience with a younger kid sorted. At same time, maintenance and efficiency options, and build her up from there. Obviously going on trips whenever we can between.

Im not an experienced 4x4 driver, and plan to join my local club for the training, knowledge/experience and company. Especially on those longer more adventurous locations till I’m confident to tackle the Big L. Any suggestions on good courses for 4x4 and maybe eventually towing, would be good.

Ive posted my current wish list below after a bit of research. I’m obviously in need of some more specific advice on specs, quality (cheaper is awesome, but I’d rather pay once if quality delivers and just save towards that goal). The bigger and heavier items I intend to do last, when they will be more useful for the bigger trips. I also expect once the winch etc is on, I’m going to need to upgrade the suspension accordingly.

In addition to feedback on the list below, or any essentials I’ve probably missed (I should add I already have recovery kit, off road first aid kits, a reasonable tool set, a pair of tracks - though recommendation on 12v tools to make it easier for a chick with some restrictions to do the basics is welcome).

Wish list so far:

Tough Touring’s Super Low Mount Roof Rack,
Ostrich 270 poleless awning,
Bundutop RTT (if I decide not to go a custom compact off-road trailer with RTT mounted so I’m not carrying extra weight during non trips - a seperate post maybe)
Bundusuite (ditto) - or shower/ensuite mounted to rack
KAON SS Rear Drop down table with rack,
KAON Cargo Barrier with shelf add-on,
BlackDuck 4elements covers,
MudGrabba Mats all round,
sandgrabba dash mat,
snorkel,
rear wheel strap on steps (I’m short), and
rear wheel gas bottle strap - easy connect to cooktop on rear drop down table
rear draws x2 - with wings,
drawer fridge/freezer mounted on top,
Replace batteries with LifePO4,
roof top solar panels 160W,
winch for my ARB BB,
rated recovery points,
iDrive or similar,
windscreen washer upgrade,
Bluetooth battery and whole system monitoring,
temp sensors all round for those outback long distance trips,
air compressor/deflator ,
LED globe switch out,
decent long handle shovel,
heavy duty lift - looking for recommendations here for lower weight, smaller pack down volume but suitable,
figure out best location to mount fire extinguisher (Grande has electric seats, so can’t mount below front),
KAON bash plates (they look so good, and service access - other suggestions welcome),

and totally open to better/new/more suitable suggestions for my intended use. Not afraid of a little DIY, but have a decent 4x4 place where the guys are knowledgeable and experienced. Shoot me your ideas!

[Piggy Water pistol pilot. Find all posts View Profile Close Piggy]

I'd be having a cold start injector test done before anything, and checking the oil inlet screen for EGR debris. Blocking EGR and catch can (done I see) are the day's first order. I'd acquaint yourself with the D4D injector and piston failure issues. Can be very costly. (Also higher risk of this happening if towing on long extended drives)

[KarmaKaze Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KarmaKaze]

Thank you Piggy. I’ll add them top of list. Catch can is done, but not EGR so it’s definitely to be done. I’ve seen some conflicting advice on a complete block via the 7 ml hole and seen on some Toyota specialist places say a complete back on the D4D shouldn’t be done, to make sure it has the hole. What is your understanding around this?

D4D injector and pistons I’ve done some research on and following closely. Unfortunately I’ve picked up a hooing sound when the turbo opens up and had to push back on the mechanics who couldn’t seem to replicate it. They thought I air hoses and replaced all clamps as one was deteriorated, smoke test, checked boost. Sadly it seems a bearing has busted or seized in the impeller fan. I was quoted $2950 for a Toyota genuine yesterday, plus labour obviously.

Im now looking at some of the after market turbo upgrades available since it needs replacing. I thought I might as well look at options now while the opportunity is there, some look a bit cheaper with trade in of the old turbo. I’ll do some scouting on here to see what others have found in terms of quality and torque. Have you had any experience with turbo issues?