Well, it seems like forever since I've posted anything in the 60 series forum. Thought some of you might be interested in hearing/seeing where my 1984 BJ60 is at. Although I was on a budget, as usual, more time, effort and money went into it than anticipated. But, still a budget (ghetto?) makeover? The result is very subtle, and in some cases, unnoticeable!
Here's what's new:
On the surface, my 60 doesn't look that much different that stock. But, I'd like to think it's had a nice, subtle make-over. I like it. Nothing over the top, but a few nice little goodies to make it that much nicer. Below are a few pics, but if you'd like to see more detailed pics just click here.
It doesn't look like much, but I can sure notice it when getting in and driving. 11 leaf springs in the back and 7 up front with Skyjacker Nitrogen filled shocks all around make for a stiffer ride, but much bigger payload capacity and a 2-3" lift over the height it was at before with somewhat saggy suspension. This may be at or slightly higher than the height when the truck was new.
Close-up of the new (but small) lift. Definitely a bit higher than it was before, but nothing outrageous. Not bad for a budget job.
Budget-minded suspension upgrade consisted of re-arcing old leaf springs, adding some new (used) ones, also re-arced, OEM Toyota bushings purchased through my friend's father in-law who gets an employee discount and some brand new Skyjacker Nitrogen filled shock absorbers. The 30x9.5-15 BFG A/T KO's were one of my upgrades last year.
Subtle, but improved suspension. Nothing outrageous, in fact, it barely looks much higher than stock, but is much improved over what was there before.
Another side view showing the mild lift and also note the new tailpipe with a downturned pipe to prevent diesel soot stains on the garage door now!
Euro-spec Hella H4 conversion headlights with upgraded street legal (55/60W IIRC) Piaa bright white bulbs.
So, you like? Was it worth it? I was planning on taking the BJ60 on a cross-country road trip and was in a hurry and on a budget. This was the result. In the end, I didn't take the BJ60 due to an alternator crisis (LONG story, don't ask).
Here's what's new:
- Unfortunately, an OME lift kit was NOT in the budget, but my friend put together a home made version himself. A mild 2" to 3" lift over the previous ride height was achieved by re-arcing the old leaf springs and adding a few more. Hardly looks like it made a difference. Probably more like the height it would have been when new. ALTHOUGH... there are now 11 leaf springs in the back and 7 in the front with Skyjacker Nitrogen filled shocks all around. New OEM Toyota bushings too. I carried over 900 lbs of topsoil last week and the truck barely squatted down (however the ride is sure stiffer now)!
- Euro-spec Hella H4 conversion lights with Piaa bright white street legal bulbs. Professionally aligned. Much improved low and high beam coverage over the old sealed beam stock headlights.
- Exedy Unity racing/heavy duty clutch. The old clutch was still OK, but while we were changing all kinds of leaking gaskets and had the tranny out, we decided it was a good time to change the clutch, bearing & machine the flywheel. All that was available (or at least for a reasonable price) was the Exedy clutch. It was an upgrade... I paid for a cheapie and this is what came in.
- Downturned tailpipe. Not a biggie, but now the diesel soot stains will go on the ground rather than the wall and/or garage door.
- Pyrometer. Installed, but probe still needs to be installed into exhaust manifold. I need someone with a tap & dye to carefully do this for me.
On the surface, my 60 doesn't look that much different that stock. But, I'd like to think it's had a nice, subtle make-over. I like it. Nothing over the top, but a few nice little goodies to make it that much nicer. Below are a few pics, but if you'd like to see more detailed pics just click here.
It doesn't look like much, but I can sure notice it when getting in and driving. 11 leaf springs in the back and 7 up front with Skyjacker Nitrogen filled shocks all around make for a stiffer ride, but much bigger payload capacity and a 2-3" lift over the height it was at before with somewhat saggy suspension. This may be at or slightly higher than the height when the truck was new.
Close-up of the new (but small) lift. Definitely a bit higher than it was before, but nothing outrageous. Not bad for a budget job.
Budget-minded suspension upgrade consisted of re-arcing old leaf springs, adding some new (used) ones, also re-arced, OEM Toyota bushings purchased through my friend's father in-law who gets an employee discount and some brand new Skyjacker Nitrogen filled shock absorbers. The 30x9.5-15 BFG A/T KO's were one of my upgrades last year.
Subtle, but improved suspension. Nothing outrageous, in fact, it barely looks much higher than stock, but is much improved over what was there before.
Another side view showing the mild lift and also note the new tailpipe with a downturned pipe to prevent diesel soot stains on the garage door now!
Euro-spec Hella H4 conversion headlights with upgraded street legal (55/60W IIRC) Piaa bright white bulbs.
So, you like? Was it worth it? I was planning on taking the BJ60 on a cross-country road trip and was in a hurry and on a budget. This was the result. In the end, I didn't take the BJ60 due to an alternator crisis (LONG story, don't ask).
It's kind of a sore spot, but here goes. And a LONG story. The alternator was so badly damaged, it could not be rebuilt. On short notice, I could not track down a used one anywhere. Someone suggested rigging up a GM alternator with an electric pump for the oil pump (since my 3B has a set-up where the alternator also propels the oil pump, not sure if other Toyota diesels are like this too). But, for the cost and effort, I decided to do it the right way and get an OEM Toyota alternator at a cost of $440. 
