Customer Reviews

Toyota Truck and Land Cruiser Owner's Bible

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought his Chevy Truck Owner's Bible and found it quite good, a good overview of the line with some good, in-depth info on changes between model years and available equipment. I'm now considering purchasing a Toyota truck and looked at this book for the same info but was very disappointed. Whole sections seem lifted straight out of the Chevy book, even many of the pictures and procedures shown appear to show work being done on (early) Chevys. While this was great info for the Chevy book I was less than impressed when it was included in a book on Toyotas. Further, the book contains very little comparative information on Toyotas over the years (i.e. what model years and engines/transmissions/axles are best, problems to look out for) and didn't nearly approach the breadth of information I have found in other sources. It makes for a bit of a confused read; you can figure out what iron-case 4 speed out of a 70's American truck would be strongest were you to swap one into your Toyota but you can't figure out if there are any differences between the transmissions and axles offered stock in the vehicles. I think the basic fact is that Moses' experience probable lies closer to fullsize American vehicles than the smaller imports.

All in all, I was disappointed with the book and wouldn't recommend it except maybe for someone looking for a very general overview of the Toyota truck line.

I found the book to be a decent overview, but too general to be of assistance. A better document is the TLC FAQL written by Rob Mullen and found on-line at off-road.com. There are some errors in the info as well. For example, he lists the 3.0 l V6 as being an interference motor when it isn't.

If you at all care about classic Toyota engineering, don't get this book. Basically I was not expecting much except a good historical perspective on toyota trucks and land cruisers. However, all of the photos in the book are "modified" trucks and land cruisers with ugly "after-factory" wheels and tires. These trucks are disturbing to the pure toyota person to look at. Also, the engine section is based around building a chevy 383 for an fj-40. Hardly worth reading. In short, Moses Ludel is a chevy guy giving you information on how to ruin your Toyota.

Although this book is not for someone looking for a repair or maintenance manual, it does serve a good purpose of explaining the evolution of the Toyota truck line. It details the changes to the vehicles over the years and is most helpful for someone looking to buy a specific older vehicle that has certain features.

This is the only text I've found that elaborates on the developmental history of all models of Land Cruiser and both two and four wheel drive pickups. Besides the historical information there are very usable discussions about what to look for in a used vehicle, which years had design problems and what those problems were, maintenance information for both new and experienced Toyota mechanics and tips about off-road driving and winch use. Also included is information about the factory standard and optional equipment, paint color, and engine/drivetrain specifications for each model year.

Not very specific for any toyota models. Seems like a place for the author to discuss his own experiences with his land cruiser. No technical information whatsoever.

The first chapter is good for general information on Toyotas. The rest of the book is rather general information on vehicle maintenance. If you know little about vehicle mechanicals, this would be a useful book. If you are fairly competent with trouble shooting and maintenance, this isn't for you. I am a huge Toyota fan and just wanted the complete library. There is not much Toyota stuff published in printed medium. Using the Chevy small-block bulid up is good general information, but he should have at least used an overhead cam engine in a Toyota book. Listing truck before Land Cruiser in the title is misleading, considering that it seems the far less common Land Cruisers are discussed far more.

I purchased this book but discovered it's not current, even for my 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4WD I believe this book just reaches 1999/2000s, and now there is a redesigned Tacoma with bigger engines and SIX speed transmission. On general level it covers some good points and has useful info, but lacks in specificity. I wanted to change my front brake pads, an easy thing to do, but found nothing in this book to help me. Definitely has potential for a totally updated book.

This is an excellent book for most Toyota truck owners. Its goal is not replace shop repair manual. How many would enjoin to read a repair manual? In the sense of how to appreciate and take care your Toyota truck, this is the best one and very easy to read. It has made Toyota truck very comprehensible for a non-mechanic like me.