I think the way to go is a left-hand drive UN (NATO) spec HZJ105 (1HZ diesel) w/ the safari turbo kit. That way, you get the cast iron head w/ ceramic-lined pistons, sub-tank (the UN-spec 78 has a sub tank as big as the main tank!), cyclonic air precleaner, dual fuel filters, altitude compensator, live front axle...just no rear discs or airbags. The Oz spec 105's have airbags and are equipped for civilian driving, so they have the rear discs. There's a company in Tokyo that reverse imports cruisers to Japan. They list the 78 series at 4.1 million yen, 100 series w/ V8 and 5spd manual at 5 million yen, and 105 series w/ either 1FZ or 1HZ for 4.5 million yen. Diff locks are available as an option on the 78 and 105, too. In one of my LC books, one guy imported a FZJ105 from Oz fully outfitted by ARB (OME lift, bullbar, roofrack, etc.)...very nice! In the JDM market, the LC100 is only available in IFS, but at least you can get the 4.2L turbo diesel (4.4 million yen)....I'd be willing to accept the IFS if it meant I could get the TD...at least performance is good and fuel economy is better than deplorable.

Best deal, IMHO, is the HZJ76/77 (Landcruiser 70) sold in Japan...basically the same as the Oz 78 series troopie, but a complete hardtop 4-door, front/rear diff locks, live front axle on coils, rear leaf springs for payload, 5spd manual, manual front hubs available (they are part-time 4wd...no center diff), rear discs...just no airbags, no turbo diesel model, and no left-hand drive available....all for...get ready...$25-30K!! A 1HZ turbo kit (3rd party) runsn about $3K, gives 30% hp/torque boost (claim).

BTW, the LC made in Japan and assembled by Araco, a company that makes stuff like high-end coaches, only top-quality stuff. I suspect they are owned or partially owned by Toyota. I believe the Toyota diesels are made by Hino, maker of commercial buses/trucks. My father-in-law told me that once toyota tried making diesels, but they sucked. The toyota commercial trucks on the road in Japan are really rebadged Hino's...he says the design life is 20 yrs of everyday commercial use. His Toyota flatbed is part-time 4wd, live axles...(chassis is exactly like on a 80 series cruiser, just heavier-duty).