3b engine and effects of using 31" tires...

[crushers]

all Canadian BJ40/42 has 4.11 gearing
all Canadian BJ60 has 3.70 gearing

[peterdouglas]

Originally Posted by brownbear

don't do add a leafs. Chances are the springs are probably just in need of replacement. But wait untill you have to.

The thing about 31's and sizes similar...ever hear of 2 foot'itus? its when a guy has a boat and it's too small so he goes two feet bigger, then next year does it again, and agian and again....

Well that happens with tires too. 31's fit in that range, guys buy them for a little bigger and then want 33's, next 35's etc. So really there are some like new tires for sale for cheap. It's a great size to find for sale used.

Used isn't bad, if they are 90% new it's a new tire. Not used. you can get a depth gauge and take it with you to inspect them. Also you look at age of the tire and if it has cracks.

If its a crack free tire, lots of tread depth left, I would consider almost new.

deals are there for 31's... it's a jeep size they pass thru while having the 'itus...

I hear ya! I wonder if I'll ever succumb to the 'itus? I'm liking the idea of 31" tires, but my father is trying to sway me towards getting a brand new set of Bridgestone Dueller Revos in LT 235/75R15 (load range 6C) and in that size since it won't rob the engine of power for merging onto highways, etc. Kumho Road Venture KL78 (like he just got for his Sonoma) are the second choice. After he rolled his Ford truck when an OEM Firestone tire blew, he now places a lot of importance on tires. I've purchased used tires many times, but he cringes now that he knows.

I'll check those springs, you're right, it might not be the leafs. Even at the current height, I think 31's would fit OK. I just found out, I've got 225/75R15 tires now, and it looks like that was the OEM size for 1984.

Originally Posted by crushers

my suggestion is
do a compression test first and formost to get an idea of what shape the engine is in...
then find a set of used but in good shape 4.11 gears
then turbo the bugger...

you will be very happy with the results...

The compression test definitely sounds like a good idea. The gears... maybe. Since my cruiser is so close to being all-original and unmodified, I'm wondering if I should keep it that way (or at least not have anything that's not easy to change back).

Originally Posted by ivanhoe

sunoco gold has a higher cetane (same as octane to gasoline) to the fuel with cleaning and anti-gel additives. the little extra boost is always welcome to the doggy 3B powerplant. if you're using the oem rims, stay with the 9.5" width tire. the gearing should be 3.70 and going to 4.11 as suggested by crusher would be beneficial as you get into bigger tires. gearing down(4th) when climbing long hills would help keeping some speed at the top! what color is your cruiser? i've seen a greenish one the last time i was in barrie.

Ah, OK, I see. I'll try to stick to Sunoco then. It's not too far out of my way. Sometimes I drive right by it anyways. My Land Cruiser is smurf blue. There's a couple of brown BJ/FJ 60s around Barrie, a white one, a light blue one (obviously a non-factory colour), a silver one, and probably a few more. I haven't seen a greenish one though. Will try to get a picture of my smurf blue BJ60 later today. If you saw it, it's got a Québec plate, but soon to have Ontario plates. I've got a nice old set of early 1990s metal 6 character plates that would look good on it, just need to find them!

[peterdouglas]

OK, getting a little off-topic, but a few of you wanted to see a picture. So here is my smurf blue 1984 BJ-60. I'll put some more pictures in the 60 series forum under the registry thread and maybe a follow-up to my tire choice.

[brownbear]

Interesting square tubes on the front bumper..... Are they receivers?

Looks like a clean rig from that picture.

[peterdouglas]

Originally Posted by brownbear

Interesting square tubes on the front bumper..... Are they receivers?

Looks like a clean rig from that picture.

I've been told those square tubes on the front bumper were for a winch...

In terms of rust (or lack thereof), yes, it's pretty clean. Literally though, it could use a good detailing throughout.

There's a few close-ups of the wheel wells in another thread, here (shows space I have for larger tires): http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.p...81#post1675781 and here in the 60 series registry http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/40087-60-series-registry-15.html

[crushers]

could also be for a tow bar...

[brownbear]

ah yah..... I bet it was towed behind an RV, damm big vehicle to tow....eh?

[peterdouglas]

Yes, I suppose it could have been for tow bars... although like you said, BB, a rather large vehicle to tow behind an RV! There's also a metal hook mounted just above one of the square tubes on the right (passenger) side.

[Gold Boy]

Originally Posted by peterdouglas

Yes, I suppose it could have been for tow bars... although like you said, BB, a rather large vehicle to tow behind an RV! There's also a metal hook mounted just above one of the square tubes on the right (passenger) side.

snow plow?

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by peterdouglas

Yes, I suppose it could have been for tow bars... although like you said, BB, a rather large vehicle to tow behind an RV! There's also a metal hook mounted just above one of the square tubes on the right (passenger) side.

metal hook is stock.

Yah maybe a plow GB

[peterdouglas]

A snow plow was my first thought, but I don't see any evidence of snow plow controls mounted anywhere unless I missed them. This might just remain a first class mystery...

I wouldn't mind getting rid of those square tubes and getting a new front bumper, unless I can make use of the current set-up.

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by peterdouglas

A snow plow was my first thought, but I don't see any evidence of snow plow controls mounted anywhere unless I missed them. This might just remain a first class mystery...

I wouldn't mind getting rid of those square tubes and getting a new front bumper, unless I can make use of the current set-up.

or you could ask the PO(previous owner).....


see ARB for some cool bullbars. I love my ARB.... Yah its a bolt on 4x4 piece. But its heavy and strong IMOP, great for severing live animals on the highway at night.

[cody c]

wayne, you said all candaian bj60's run 3.70's? all years?

[peterdouglas]

Originally Posted by brownbear

or you could ask the PO(previous owner).....

The previous owner told me it was used for a winch, but it was the original owner (who had the vehicle from 1984 to 2003) who installed the tubes, and unfortunately I don't know how to reach him.

Originally Posted by brownbear

see ARB for some cool bullbars. I love my ARB.... Yah its a bolt on 4x4 piece. But its heavy and strong IMOP, great for severing live animals on the highway at night.

The bullbar look cool. If I get into some more serious off roading I'll look into them, but two things... 1). I'd hate to hurt any animals (or my truck - catch 22), and 2). I hear some insurance companies don't want to insure vehicles with bull bars because of the damage they can do to other vehicles and pedestrians...

[crushers]

Originally Posted by cody c

wayne, you said all candaian bj60's run 3.70's? all years?

1980-1985 CND runs 3.7 stock BUT i have seen some with swapped in 4.11. the code on the firewall will confirm...
cheers

[MrMoMo]

Originally Posted by peterdouglas

2). I hear some insurance companies don't want to insure vehicles with bull bars because of the damage they can do to other vehicles and pedestrians...

Some insurance companies in ontario also don't want to insure you if you change from the stock tire size, they say it effects the crash rating of the vehicle, and they do not have data for all tire sizes. While I can see that this is likely true, (wider tire will hydroplane earlier) I call total BS on this. I think it is used against Street racers. My insurance company told be about this, but they know I have other than stock sizes on almost all of my vehciles!

[peterdouglas]

Originally Posted by MrMoMo

Some insurance companies in ontario also don't want to insure you if you change from the stock tire size, they say it effects the crash rating of the vehicle, and they do not have data for all tire sizes. While I can see that this is likely true, (wider tire will hydroplane earlier) I call total BS on this. I think it is used against Street racers. My insurance company told be about this, but they know I have other than stock sizes on almost all of my vehciles!

I haven't got the final quote on my insurance premiums, as they want me to get an appraisal if I want it insured for more than black book value (which I do). For now, they said it's no problem for basic insurance. I'm with Gore Mutual.

I'm torn on which tire size to get. Just went to the tire shop today. I wanted to compare the LT235's, the 30's and 31's side by side, but they weren't in stock. No problem, according to the specifications, each one is roughly one inch bigger in diameter. The option with the least complications would be sticking to the stock tire size. Plus, the bigger the tire, the more it slows down the vehicle and decreases fuel economy, though I'm hearing differing views on the degree of severity. The guy at the tire shop made it sound like it was nothing to worry about. Then again, he'd probably like to sell me more expensive tires!

[eleblanc]

i'm telling you nothing to worry about on 31". Your decision has to be based on weither you will go offroad or not. If you think you will, then get 31" if not save money and go stock size. But let me tell you that no mather winch size you get once you'll be offroad its just a mather of minute or hours, you'll want bigger tire no mather the fuel consomption. It's like drugs, no mather the price, you'll want bigger dosage. Last thing you want to do is loose money because you are trying to sell almost new stock size tire.

And i'm going to have a set of ring and pinion 411 very soon for sale ;-) not that i think you will need them, but with them you will be able to go 32,33"

My 2 cents

[crushers]

usually the insurance company just wants to be informed of the change to keep the coverage in full effect.
before you change something call them up and ask... it is the easiest way...
one inch is nothing to worry about...

[peterdouglas]

Yes, it would be more fun with bigger tires. I may still get 30 or 31 inch tires. I had my last 4x4 for five years and didn't do a lot of off-roading ,though that could change. I must admit, it was fun, but was always scared to do any real hard core off-roading for fear of rolling the vehicle or otherwise damaging it. Then again, it was a Lada Niva I used to have. Worked well when it was running OK, but just not the most reliable or durable vehicle. Plus I only had the stock tire size.

Every time I think I have my mind made up on tires, I end up reconsidering my decision. However, the stock tire size might be better for driving in snow, since it won't be as wide and can cut through the snow better. Then if I get into some serious off-roading, I can get another set of rims and tires (maybe mud tires) for summer or to put on when I want to go off-roading.

For the insurance, they want an appraisal, otherwise it's just insured for black book value. Not sure if they would frown upon any modifications, like a lift, 33" or bigger tires, etc.

[crushers]

normally an insurace company doesn't mind mild mods but the risk of no coverage is not worth the lack of a call...

[kim]

Peter, you may as well go with the 31's. From my take on your position you want to keep your truck basically stock; that means that you won't be lifting it for bigger tires so the 31's are for the long run. This tire size fits fine on a stock 60 and doesn't impact fuel mileage, they didn't for mine. They do impact to a minor degree uphill acceleration but very minor.

IMO, 31's are a good all round tire for on and off road.

[peterdouglas]

Kim, thanks for sharing your experience with the 31's. The uphill acceleration was one of my concerns - that's why I was going to compromise with 30" tires for a while. I think the 31's would look better. The extra width might have a bit of an impact on snow traction, but with global warming, we don't seem to get as much snow around here as we used to.

I was wondering what size the stock Land Cruiser rims are, since the 30 and 30 inch tires are a bit wider.

[crushers]

you can fit 31X10.5 on stock rims with no problems...

driver skill is more important than tire size when off road...

you emailed me about the turbo kits, yes they can be installed by the average mechanicly adept person. the safari is a good kit, the AXT is "okay" (i am not a big fan) turbo glide is supposed to be a good one.
i build my own using a 13BT exhaust manifold and a mapped turbo... pretty straight forward and it performs very nicely...

cheers

[kim]

I put 31x10.5x15 on my stock rims, BFG A/T's. I think the rims are 7". I found the tires pretty good in the little bit of snow we had out here on the wet coast.