How far is too far for OEM parts?

I know Mike, I'm simply wondering which specifications would be broken. I know whatever we discuss will always be speculation ... But I have a feeling that it is partly a beancounter decision to not want to make the necessary changes to bring those trucks here, since they don't see the demand. And that's always a catch 22. Also probably they see self competition with the Tacoma/4runner. It's complicated 🫤

Hard to say, but yes, its always a financial decision to decide to export a vehicle from the domestic market in which it was created. I had an opportunity to work quite a bit with export versions of US cars (Camaro, notably) due to the different outside rear view mirror specs that the EU has. Add in that Japan is a RHD nation and its quite expensive to create another version of a vehicle.

I'm not up on my 70 series information though...its possible they already have a LHD version and it would be easier to import...and EU mirror requirements meet FMVSS. Other things might do it too, like bumper and crash specs, Side impact, etc. If there isn't enough projected demand to cover about 10x the investment...its not going to happen. Cannibalizing sales from other models is also a consideration. Its a Stupid one, but all the automakers do it. For instance, when I bought my Colorado, I was upset I couldn't get homelink or dual zone heating in my truck. Dealer told me those things are offered in the Silverado, and I'd have to "step up" to get those features. I told that I didn't want a full size truck, I wanted the smaller size, with the features...then told him I was going to get a Tacoma. I ended up finding a killer deal on my Colorado so I got one anyway (from a different dealer) but it was frustrating. It looks like GM may have fixed some of that with the new Colorado/Canyons coming out...
 
Hard to say, but yes, its always a financial decision to decide to export a vehicle from the domestic market in which it was created. I had an opportunity to work quite a bit with export versions of US cars (Camaro, notably) due to the different outside rear view mirror specs that the EU has. Add in that Japan is a RHD nation and its quite expensive to create another version of a vehicle.

I'm not up on my 70 series information though...its possible they already have a LHD version and it would be easier to import...and EU mirror requirements meet FMVSS. Other things might do it too, like bumper and crash specs, Side impact, etc. If there isn't enough projected demand to cover about 10x the investment...its not going to happen. Cannibalizing sales from other models is also a consideration. Its a Stupid one, but all the automakers do it. For instance, when I bought my Colorado, I was upset I couldn't get homelink or dual zone heating in my truck. Dealer told me those things are offered in the Silverado, and I'd have to "step up" to get those features. I told that I didn't want a full size truck, I wanted the smaller size, with the features...then told him I was going to get a Tacoma. I ended up finding a killer deal on my Colorado so I got one anyway (from a different dealer) but it was frustrating. It looks like GM may have fixed some of that with the new Colorado/Canyons coming out...

Wow I agree thats stupid with little luxury features like home link and dual zone.

I get it with the 70 series thing though. I suspect half or more of 4runner and taco purchased by people that wheel would end up cannibalized....far more than what Silverado sales would be lost by offering homelink in the Colorado.
 
That sucks about your fan clutch. I always try to shoot for oem on Toyotas. There is a big reason they are so reliable and Ithink a lot of that has to do with quality parts in the build. Sometimes you can find a Denso or Koyo parts direct for a bit cheaper.
 
Hard to say, but yes, its always a financial decision to decide to export a vehicle from the domestic market in which it was created. I had an opportunity to work quite a bit with export versions of US cars (Camaro, notably) due to the different outside rear view mirror specs that the EU has. Add in that Japan is a RHD nation and its quite expensive to create another version of a vehicle.

I'm not up on my 70 series information though...its possible they already have a LHD version and it would be easier to import...and EU mirror requirements meet FMVSS. Other things might do it too, like bumper and crash specs, Side impact, etc. If there isn't enough projected demand to cover about 10x the investment...its not going to happen. Cannibalizing sales from other models is also a consideration. Its a Stupid one, but all the automakers do it. For instance, when I bought my Colorado, I was upset I couldn't get homelink or dual zone heating in my truck. Dealer told me those things are offered in the Silverado, and I'd have to "step up" to get those features. I told that I didn't want a full size truck, I wanted the smaller size, with the features...then told him I was going to get a Tacoma. I ended up finding a killer deal on my Colorado so I got one anyway (from a different dealer) but it was frustrating. It looks like GM may have fixed some of that with the new Colorado/Canyons coming out...

There are lhd 70 series for some European markets. It's common to see a truck load of white 70 series going up 95 near DC I belive for NATO. There is also a few companies up there that bullet proof or spec them for use I belive for NATO or foreign nationals.

Another cool obscure toyota is the Bandeirante. It's a fj40 in a few different configurations sold for the Brazilian market. A few have been imported locally. They run Mercedes diesels and were made up until 2001 which is a bit crazy.
 
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