I'm looking at the next size up from Kei trucks. Specifically a Toyota Townace truck with a 2.0L 2C diesel engine, 5-speed ma nual on the column, 4WD, and the carry capacity is 850kg so about 1870lbs. It'll have the same 25% import tax, I've seen 1990-1995 models with the same specs, I think the chassis code is CM65. These have 5 lug wheels and common sized tires and use many of the same axle/suspension/brake parts as 4Runner and pre-Tacoma pickups. Am I going to run into anything difficult versus the normal importation process? Freeport Texas seems cheap enough compared to other ports, and there are at least a dozen Kei sized trucks running around southwest Oklahoma with current plates and stickers so I'm pretty sure those are legal here.
At the twenty five year mark they are exempt to Federal restrictions on emissions and safety. However a given state may require that you change things to meet their standards. Guys in Canada are having to add daylight running lights, etc. In general it should be straight forward. But, I’d talk to the state and make sure you know what they are needing.
I have a gas 93 LiteAce here in Massachusetts. I bought it from a guy at work who bought it from the original importer, so I can't comment on the import process. Neither of us had any issues registering it in MA,and we have more restrictions on stuff like this than most states. Finding parts does seem to be a bet tricky, although like you said, these do share parts with other Toyotas.
