Swapped and Sorted: 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser with 2UZ-FE Power

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Listed now on eBay, this 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser stands out as a thoughtfully upgraded and carefully maintained example of Toyota’s legendary 80-Series SUV. It’s being sold by a private owner, carries a clean Florida title, and comes with a long list of service updates and performance improvements, the centerpiece being a 2UZ-FE V8 engine swap. According to the listing, the truck shows 189,168 miles on the body and 159,235 miles on the swapped engine.

The seller notes that this UZJ80 build features triple lockers and a 2UZ-FE engine, an upgrade from the stock inline-six to Toyota’s robust 4.7-liter V8. The engine is paired with an ECU reprogrammed from an LX V8 (TIM), supported by custom engine mounts, and wiring by JP Offroad in Miami. The ad says all systems work properly, and the vehicle runs and drives with no issues.

Mechanically, the truck has been heavily refreshed. The seller lists rebuilt front knuckles, new brake calipers, ventilated rotors and pads, and a new brake master cylinder. It’s also fitted with an ARB 2-inch lift kit with a steering stabilizer, and rolls on new BFGoodrich 295/75R16 tires mounted on powder-coated and machined wheels. Underneath, the frame has been sanded, primed, and repainted, which should give some peace of mind to anyone concerned about rust.

The interior isn’t overlooked, either. The upholstery has been redone in vinyl, and WeatherTech beige floor mats protect the floors. The driver and passenger seat motors work properly, and the A/C system blows cold thanks to a new evaporator, thermostat, and fan clutch. While the cruise control is currently inoperative, the rest of the truck’s amenities — including power windows, locks, and mirrors — are said to function as intended.

There are a few small imperfections noted in the listing, including a minor rust spot on the left inner fender and some scratches and small dents. Still, the overall presentation appears clean and well-kept for a nearly 30-year-old Land Cruiser. With its combination of factory reliability, V8 power, and mechanical updates, this could be a great option for someone who wants a turn-key overland rig without the guesswork of a half-finished project.

The seller also mentions being able to assist with shipping or that the truck can be driven home, suggesting confidence in its roadworthiness. For Land Cruiser fans, a sorted 80-Series with a properly executed 2UZ swap is a rare find — and this one, with its fresh mechanicals and clean title, might be one of the most practical and desirable builds currently on eBay.

Would you daily-drive this V8-swapped 80-Series, or build it out even further for serious off-road adventures?

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Nice rigs. Love inline 6s… so interesting swap. Timing belt motor I believe these V8s.. but so long as that’s serviced properly, they are solid units apparently 👍

    Like 7
  2. BMH

    Nicely done but $35K?? and still needing work?? Still a very nice truck.

    Like 7
  3. SteVen

    These are great trucks, with the engine upgrade fixing this generation’s one significant weakness. BTW I noticed it has the dash switch for the coveted front and rear diff locks, but the ad doesn’t mention them. I wonder if they survived the transplant.

    Like 2
    • douglas hunt

      “The seller notes that this UZJ80 build features triple lockers”

      Like 0

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