Happy New BJ74 owner

bj70_guy · 08-30-09, 10:42 PM

I agree, start over. Quite a few of us here have used the Solar Industries 24/12V converter. It's nice as it will also load balance your batteries. Check out Stone's excellent install thread, I stole their plan to wire it in with a relay so it only load balances when the truck is running.

For now I have the 12V power going to a Rigrunner. Have put Anderson Powerpoles on all my 12V accessories, then plug them right in, works great.
If my 12V needs exceed what the converter can provide (likely...) I'll install a 3rd 12V battery and charge it from the Solar.

Glenn-BJ74 · 09-01-09, 06:08 PM

about $110 USD.

ducatiman81211 · 09-02-09, 07:35 PM

Thanks for info on converter!

On my BJ74 (24volt) this switch is to the left of the steering wheel, on the dash where on my 62 would be a hand-throttle.

I cannot figure out after trying a lot of testing, WHAT it is for-Do you?

Please tell me if so, I have all others figured out and working, except this one.

jericho · 09-02-09, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducatiman81211

Thanks for info on converter!

On my BJ74 (24volt) this switch is to the left of the steering wheel, on the dash where on my 62 would be a hand-throttle.

I cannot figure out after trying a lot of testing, WHAT it is for-Do you?

Please tell me if so, I have all others figured out and working, except this one.

I had a switch there also, not sure what its for... it was not connected to anything and its not supposed to be there(aftermarket install). I removed it, I'll fill the hole with a new light switch, or something when the time comes.

boogie74 · 09-02-09, 08:33 PM

Hey Mike,

I'm not sure if Mr Toyota put anything there??? Maybe there was a switch on the super luxury models. Mine has a switch in the same spot as yours for my IPF 900's. I found heaps of wiring going nowhere from the PO that I've been pulling out. I have got the main wiring back to stock and have set up an aux battery system to run acc.

NTFJ45 · 09-05-09, 10:30 PM

That is an after market standard type switch, driving ligts or some other type of non genuine accessory

benniebez · 09-07-09, 09:39 AM

I have excacly the same switch in the same spot. Mine also a 1987 BJ74 . Coinsidence ? Mine also not conected at all. Could it have been a standard type aftermarket fitment, perhaps fog lights or simaler ?

ducatiman81211 · 09-07-09, 10:10 AM

I thought previously it might have been used for the old now removed 12/24 solar converter, but there was no connection going to it at all. I'm gonna have a closer look, verify the many wires connected and see about tracing it down. Soon replacing the converter and may use it for the new setup.

I also have this huge "pigtail" for either trailer connection or boosting other trucks, and thought it could also be for that. Anyone else have this pigtail still on your JDM truck? Reminds me of similar stuff used on military vehicles.

ducatiman81211 · 09-10-09, 10:57 PM

Tonight after work we installed the snorkel and big pre-cleaner onto my BJ74. First thing I noticed after starting it up was the obvious amount of air being pulled in thru the pre-cleaner, which is mounted on the right-hand/drivers side;it is loud, but driving home I noticed a bit more power, and an even smoother running motor than before. It's dark now so pictures tomorrow.
Monday-shackle reversal, and new brake booster soon too. Sliders, and exhaust very soon as well!

ducatiman81211 · 09-11-09, 06:40 AM

picture of snorkel on.

ducatiman81211 · 09-13-09, 10:54 PM

Do not know what happened to the picture that was here?

boogie74 · 09-13-09, 11:15 PM

Your cruiser is sick as man. Awesome looking ride.
I like the 35's

Gib009 · 09-14-09, 03:17 AM

Sweet ride. That colour scheme is pretty awesome

jericho · 09-14-09, 12:18 PM

LOOKING GOOD! How was the install?

ducatiman81211 · 09-14-09, 11:01 PM

Tonight we did the shackle reversal-(pictures tomorrow); it raised the front end exactly 2" higher to level out the Old Man Emu lift. We used Proffitt's Cruiser's custom spring hangers ($90) and everything went great! I did combine/move the brackets around for the front cable locker so as to give some slack where needed, and make any taughtness or tension go away, and get smoother action. We moved the axle forward 1.5", and gained the needed clearance for the 35" wheels. I recommend this as the right way to get the needed room/lift. Handles and rides like a new car.

The snorkel install was not a big deal either, hardest part is lining up the 4 screws and holes on the side of truck, as the templates are not correct in the positioning of these screws/holes so we had to keep making them a bit larger to align everything, and use fender washers to cover the holes when done and reinstalling snorkel. All in all both mods were necessary to me, and not hard at all, but these guys @ Proffitt's have been at it way longer than myself, and are PRO's.

ducatiman81211 · 09-26-09, 09:47 AM

I wanted to put these pictures here as they show better how truck sits now with shackle reversal/axle relocated 1.5" forward. The rig handles very nicely, and no rubbing anywhere, front or back.
To regear or not is next, then speedo correction, sliders powdercoated, exhuast 3 " straight pipes, body work, speedi-liner, and paint as needed...

davebj73 · 09-27-09, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducatiman81211

Wanted to say Hi; Bought/Buying a sweet BJ74 with 13bt, locked and loaded! 60,000 original miles.
Now Selling my 1988 FJ62 expedition truck and now building up the 74 with; Spring over axle lift, and 4.56 gears?, repaint same gray color and repaint roof, bigger exhuast size?, gauges for pyro, and boost. Snorkel,pre-cleaner, hot water shower, compressor, BFG Mud 35's, Bull bar, swing away rear bumper, sliders, and building trailer to pull/sleep.

Need advice help; on the 24/12 volt converter;it's not hooked up and looks like wires were cut, I need to know how to check if it's working/works< as stereo, cigarette lighter needs to work soon...may be shot?

Also, any tips for tuning, and gearing if you've run 35's with yours? SOA? Has OME heavy/medium now... want more...Going shackle reversal also, and going with wheel flares.
Running different blends of diesel, wvo, kerosene, and LOVE IT!

Thanks, this truck is so frickin' cool! I will not go back to gas, and also going for a troopy soon too! Addicted to 70's!

hey good stuff mate, looks like we have the exact same plan, i just brought a 73
gonna do a soa with 60 series diffs so i can get the diffs ready with perches and high steer, then do the swap one weekend, seeing it is my daily driver,
then bigger exaust and 35's
then finaly paint it black,
keep me posted on the build mate.

Dave

Khorrassany · 09-29-09, 11:26 AM

Awesome rig man...and nice website

prado t · 10-02-09, 11:31 AM

So , how are the benefits of the shackle reversal installation?

ducatiman81211 · 10-02-09, 07:23 PM

First and foremost the ride is way smoother now. The bumps ane no longer jarring and the truck does not wander anymore, due to better caster angles. Moving the axle forward also helps a lot, and the ride is like a new vehicle. I recommend doing it, and it also lifted the front end 2" to even up the raked look after the OME lift was done.

89GASHOG · 10-03-09, 10:11 PM

Looks great. Congrats on an awesome rig. If it were me, I'd definitely re gear.

cicak · 10-03-09, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducatiman81211

Wanted to say Hi; Bought/Buying a sweet BJ74 with 13bt, locked and loaded! 60,000 original miles.
Now Selling my 1988 FJ62 expedition truck and now building up the 74 with; Spring over axle lift, and 4.56 gears?, repaint same gray color and repaint roof, bigger exhuast size?, gauges for pyro, and boost. Snorkel,pre-cleaner, hot water shower, compressor, BFG Mud 35's, Bull bar, swing away rear bumper, sliders, and building trailer to pull/sleep.

Need advice help; on the 24/12 volt converter;it's not hooked up and looks like wires were cut, I need to know how to check if it's working/works< as stereo, cigarette lighter needs to work soon...may be shot?

Also, any tips for tuning, and gearing if you've run 35's with yours? SOA? Has OME heavy/medium now... want more...Going shackle reversal also, and going with wheel flares.
Running different blends of diesel, wvo, kerosene, and LOVE IT!

Thanks, this truck is so frickin' cool! I will not go back to gas, and also going for a troopy soon too! Addicted to 70's!

Whats GAS? welcome to the real world of diesel TORQUE. on My LJ77 and TROOPY I have a 3inch straight through (with a muffler following the original path) works cool. putting it out under the drivers door will drive you mad withthe noise. On MY HYbrid 13BT/14Bt, boost and pyro gauges are compulsory to prevent blowing engines up when you least want them to. I did that so I know. I run 8/39 (4.875) DIFFS and on 35's the speedo is spot on. On the track the gearing is ok LO 3rd is the most flexible gear and it will pull it ok. Remember 13B-T's run hot. I raised my TROOP only to dropit back down again I did not like the way it swayed around. I will trade the extra winching any day than risk an accident.

Get rid of the converter and start again with your own calculations before buying one.

Crikey were you going to put all that kit in such a tiny wagon - inspector gadget 4x4 when finished.

ducatiman81211 · 10-20-09, 02:17 PM

Got a chance to have the converter wired up, and also an outlet for both 24 volts plus 12 volts installed in rear cargo area. Fridge is hardwired with 24volts now-always hot, and cigarette lighter has 12 volts. The Samlex SDC 23 mounted above glove box hidden and out of sight. Everything works great.
Next the bumpers get fabricated, and powder-coated, to match the sliders now waiting to go on.

ducatiman81211 · 10-27-09, 11:02 PM

The past few days this week began the building of the rear bumper, and also fitting a new ARB bullbar to the factory PTO winch up front. I wanted to keep the factory optional PTO winch as a cool, original item, and becuase i am familiar with them from my military days, and I like them, and trust them.
At this time too, any rust issues are being cut out and replaced with new metal. The lower body line down will get E-Z liner(SpeediLiner) sprayed for rock/rust protection too. Fender Duraflares will go on soon. The custom sliders and both custom bumpers are getting powder coated, and then back on after a bigger exhaust is done, and paint is done.
Here' pictures of work being done, bumpers, and PTO.
The rear bumper was made to have a "factory" looking step built in that will serve as a small shelf as well as step, when camping, and for a MSR stove to cook, etc.
Retained the ability to use the small left-side rear door without any obstacles or moving anything to open the door, like for dog, or fridge needs. Very happy with the work, and custom builds by Jeremiah Proffitt @ Proffitt's Cruiser's.