1982 CDM Spec BJ42 - Build thread...sorta

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Snow Peak

Snow Peak

Joined
Oct 27, 2013
Threads
17
Messages
146
Location
Vancouver Island, BC
Hey guys! I posted this thread in the main 40 series section but thought I'd post it over here too.


My name is Tanner and I'm from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I've been looking for a 40 series Land Cruiser for quite some time (around 1 year) and finally pulled the trigger on one. I bought it off another mud member. It's a CDM spec 1982 BJ42, 4spd, 24v, stock - just the way I wanted and how it'll stay! Plans are to keep it near 100% original and just appreciate it for what it is - a slow, noisy beast! haha

I took a ferry over to Vancouver Island on April 13th, 2014 and picked it up from the owner. I've never taken a vehicle on the ferry before so that was fun.

A couple pictures from when I first picked it up...

1982 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ42 by Tanner.K, on flickr

1982 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ42 by Tanner.K, on flickr

1982 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ42 by Tanner.K, on flickr


The next weekend was Easter long weekend. Decided to take my first roadtrip in it and head up to Kamloops, BC for the weekend. The drive usually takes me around 4.5hrs (350km - one way). Well, took me a bit longer this time lol.....

I headed out at around 7am. The 42 drove great on the highway; had no problems maintaining 100km/hr - was great! The first stop I usually stop at is just outside Abbostford. Was making good time so thought about continuing on...good thing I decided to stop. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a lot of steam coming out of the hood louvers...uhh oh. I popped the hood and there was coolant everywhere...and I mean everywhere lol. It covered nearly the whole engine bay. It took me some time to find where it was coming from - the culprit ended up being the small bypass hose between the waterpump and thermostat housing. Easy enough of a fix.

I called a cab and headed to search for parts. It was the nicest cab driver EVER! Originally went to Canadian Tire; but they weren't open yet. The cab driver says, "hop back in, I know of a better place". A place he always goes to for parts for his cab and he knows the guys - perfect! When we get there, the computers were down. Oh gee great. He couldn't look up correct size so he just grabbed a few bulk sizes from the shelf. Given the computers were down, I got the hoses and a knife for free - win win :)

He drove me back to my truck - "oh hey, nice j**p you've got there!" he says. At this point, I was sure he would ask for the cab fare and be on his way. Nope. He offered to help...what? He says that he would give me a hand in changing the hose. I didn't need it but hey, why not? How often do you get to wrench side by side with a cabbie :D? He even asked if I needed any tools, but I had that covered. After I loosened the clamps off, he jumped in and worked on getting the hose removed. He couldn't quite get it off so I took over. After I got it off, he took it and got the new hose cut to length for me. I then put the new hose on and after it looked like I was on the home stretch to getting it all buttoned up he said he'd be on his way. Before leaving he gave me his personal phone number and told me to call him if I needed any more help or needed another ride. Not only did he help me find parts, he also lent a hand in installing them. By far the nicest cab driver; he didn't have to stay to help but he offered to! Got the hose back on, clamps tight, re-filled the coolant and bled the system. Was ready to go. But, what a mess I made. There was a huge stream of coolant running down the parking lot; people didn't look to pleased. I made many trip to a tap to rinse as much of it down as I could - Clean up in aisle: "parking lot"! lol


With that fixed I hit the road again. Next stop was in Hope, BC for fuel. When I first left in the morning, it was snowing on the Coquihalla Highway - high mountain pass / fastest route to Kamloops. Not wanting to risk driving through the snow I took the longer (extra hour+) Fraser Canyon route. I've only driven it once as it is only a 2 lane road, any accidents will create huge delays...

Drove for about 1hr. Came around a sharp bend and everyone in front of me slammed on their brakes. I came close to hitting the guy in front of me and the car behind me nearly re-ended me. Cause? An accident ahead! Oh common, seriously? The one time I actually take this way! It must have just happened. People were running up the road with fire extinguishers. It appears one of the vehicles crossed the centre line around a blind corner and hit the on-coming car. One person got ejected; they sadly died on scene. A couple minutes later, both vehicles caught fire. Soon after things started exploding - was quite the sight.

A picture of the 42 near the accident...

1982 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ42 by Tanner.K, on flickr


I hanged around for 45 minutes, thinking the road would be open anytime now. A lady came down the road telling everyone that it was going to be at least another 2hrs until the road would be open. So, decided to head back to Hope and take the Coquihalla Highway instead. Hoping the roads would be fine. So, essentially I spent 3 hrs going no where haha.

Now back in the right direction; I proceeded to Kamloops. The whole drive on the Coquihalla Highway was nice and clear. Sun was shining and the roads were dry with no snow in sight. Arrrrrgh, I should have just gone this way in the first place!

Next stop was in Merrit, BC. The time was now around 5pm. I did a quick check on things on the truck. Noticed an oil leak coming from between the head and block; just above the water pump. It was leaking back around and getting all over the firewall etc. Oh noes! I think the looong highway drive and steep hills have been putting a toll on the old beast. Took it easy on the rest of the way to Kamloops. Finally got there at 6:30pm. So what usually takes 4.5-5.5hrs, depending on which way you take, took me 11.5hrs. Oh man, what a long day lol. Was quite the trip though!

The next day I took the 42 to a shop to have it checked out. The leak was just going to get worse so "off with it's head"!

Toyota 3B diesel - Engine Bay by Tanner.K, on flickr

Along with a new MLG headgasket. The head was going to be sent off and cleaned up. The valve seals were going to be replaced and the valves re-lapped. Upon further inspection. Two of the rocker arms were badly worn, with one being quite bad - if anyone is reading this, go inspec those rockers and adjust the valves. These are going to be replaced.

Toyota 3B diesel - Rocker arm by Tanner.K, on flickr

Plus, all four pre cup chambers had cracks, so those are getting replaced too. There were small, hairline cracks between the valves in two of the chambers. They were too small for the camera to pick up and are quite hard to see - but none the less, they are there. I'm going to run it how it is; a new head wasn't in the budget at this point.

Toyota 3B diesel - Head by Tanner.K, on flickr

Along with the head work. The whole fuel system is getting a look over. Injectors are going to be removed, cleaned and re-tipped. Injection time re-set etc. Once that is done. The glow system is getting checked as well. When I had it, it smoked pretty badly most mornings and after work. So don't think it was glowing properly. Further more, the transfer case is getting taken apart. Needs a new rear seal and output bearing thus far; will know more once its apart. Lastly, the front axle is getting rebuilt. New axle seals, bearings, front brake pads and rotors etc.

I was planning on doing the front axle work when I got it back home; but between working long hours and strata not letting me leave the truck on jack stands or make any kind of mess; I thought it'd be best to get it done whilst it was there. As it is, when I do oil changes and basic maintenance jobs; I do them at around 1-2am when no one is around lol.

I can't wait to get it back! It's been in Kamloops for over a month now; itching to be out driving it again.

I think that'll do it for now! Thanks for reading. Will update when I get the truck back :)

-Tanner
 
That is quite the adventure. I followed the restoration thread on MUD for that truck, I don't think the PO even wheeled it once before he sold it. He did a real nice job on it, she's a beauty for sure! Unfortunately, as beautiful as a truck looks, we can't forget it's still over 30 years old and mechanical issues can happen any time.

I was a little luckier with my truck I bought sight unseen in Calgary and drove it to Abbotsford without incident, but then the waterpump blew up on the way to a club meeting; one never knows!

Good luck and enjoy it! :beer:
 
Yup, old trucks, make sure as you replace things keep the old hoses and such that are good, I recently had my main water hose burst so pull over, grab the old hose out of the spare parts bin (start collecting and carry the tools with you too), replace, fill up with some swamp water in the middle of no where, and off you go! having tools and spare parts turns a nightmare of hitch hiking, calling for tow and wrecking a day or two plus your wallet into a half an hour affair.
Good luck, nice to see these old birds still out there driving!
 
Hey, you got a BJ42. Great! Enjoy, and wise words above. Any time you're through abby and have issues don't be afraid to reach out and ask on Mud for assistance. There are a few of us here, and have tools, space, etc.

Where is the restoration thread?

Almost time to fire up and insure my 42 for the summer.

gb
 
AJAEbj42 said:
That is quite the adventure. I followed the restoration thread on MUD for that truck, I don't think the PO even wheeled it once before he sold it. He did a real nice job on it, she's a beauty for sure! Unfortunately, as beautiful as a truck looks, we can't forget it's still over 30 years old and mechanical issues can happen any time.

I was a little luckier with my truck I bought sight unseen in Calgary and drove it to Abbotsford without incident, but then the waterpump blew up on the way to a club meeting; one never knows!

Good luck and enjoy it! :beer:
Click to expand...

I completely agree with you. It's an old truck, so mechanical issues are bound to happen. I bought it knowing that the engine hadn't been opened yet; as far as the PO knew. I knew the transfer case was leaking, just didn't know it was that bad. But all is good and still very happy with the purchase!

I still have a plan in the works to do a 2 week roadtrip up to the Yukon/Alaska this summer. I may end up putting it off until next year as all the repairs are going to eat up all of my savings. But, I would rather these issues happen now and get fixed before I hit the road to Alaska!


Deny said:
Yup, old trucks, make sure as you replace things keep the old hoses and such that are good, I recently had my main water hose burst so pull over, grab the old hose out of the spare parts bin (start collecting and carry the tools with you too), replace, fill up with some swamp water in the middle of no where, and off you go! having tools and spare parts turns a nightmare of hitch hiking, calling for tow and wrecking a day or two plus your wallet into a half an hour affair.
Good luck, nice to see these old birds still out there driving!
Click to expand...

That is a great tip! I've definitely learned to keep spares in the truck, of common failure items, after this adventure :) The biggest mistake I made was taking the truck on such a long journey without properly going over everything. With the truck sitting for the better part of 4+ years, hoses, seals etc are bound to fail. After driving all different types of cars and trucks, new and old; I know that 40 series Land Cruisers are going to be my vehicle of choice from now on. They're so different in nearly every way from what I have previously driven; and I love it!



Greg_B said:
Hey, you got a BJ42. Great! Enjoy, and wise words above. Any time you're through abby and have issues don't be afraid to reach out and ask on Mud for assistance. There are a few of us here, and have tools, space, etc.

Where is the restoration thread?

Almost time to fire up and insure my 42 for the summer.

gb
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot Greg! I head out that way quite often so I'll be sure seek out assistance from you guys if the need arises. Will be great to meet/chat with you guys too!
 
Welcome to the Obsession...

I have some parts and experience if you need help with diesel 40 stuff.
It always makes my day to see another 42 on the road, and an owner who is proud of her.
So, even though it's already been said, "Nice Jeep!!!" ;)

We have a Coastal Cruisers BBQ in June. If you want to some, consider yourself invited.

Cheers,
Justin
 
$10 for guests and future members, Jeff. :D
 
If you roll up in a jeep, then the cost is $20.
 
Careful, one of our longest serving members is a jeep driver... ;)
 
Back on track, sort of, another thing I did Tanner, when I first got my 40 was install a small toolbox under the jump seat. Every time I worked on my truck I pulled the tools from this box, need a new tool, add it to the box. Always have my tools with me.

Oh yeah, I bolted it to the box floor for safe keeping and to keep it in place when wheelin'. The lock is just a deterrent, it's never locked

:beer:

IMG-20140530-00247.webp


IMG-20140530-00248.webp
 
jvanhove said:
Welcome to the Obsession...

I have some parts and experience if you need help with diesel 40 stuff.
It always makes my day to see another 42 on the road, and an owner who is proud of her.
So, even though it's already been said, "Nice Jeep!!!" ;)

We have a Coastal Cruisers BBQ in June. If you want to some, consider yourself invited.

Cheers,
Justin
Click to expand...


Thanks for the welcoming. I'm very happy to be here :)

That is great. I'm new to diesels, but trying to learn as much as I can from reading threads on MUD. Any extra help is greatly appreciated! So far the only parts I'll be looking to get soon are a pair of jump seats and a pair of front chrome hubcaps - for factory steel wheels. I got a set of steelies with the purchase of the 42; just need to repaint them and swap the tires over to them. I'll be doing that pretty quick - went to Canadian Tire today to look at different shades of gray. I couldn't decide on one so I'm going to wait lol.

I saw the post about the BBQ. I'll be heading back up to Kamloops this weekend to pick up the 42. This means I should be able to make it to the BBQ; will be great to meet everyone and see all your guys Land Cruisers!


AJAEbj42 said:
Back on track, sort of, another thing I did Tanner, when I first got my 40 was install a small toolbox under the jump seat. Every time I worked on my truck I pulled the tools from this box, need a new tool, add it to the box. Always have my tools with me.

Oh yeah, I bolted it to the box floor for safe keeping and to keep it in place when wheelin'. The lock is just a deterrent, it's never locked

:beer:
Click to expand...

Nice!! I like the idea of that tool box bolted to the floor in the back. I had tool box in the back of my 4Runner. It got broken into and of course the tools were stolen. I now only carry tools with me if I'm going on a roadtrip - or traveling far way from home. Though, I think I'll bolt my tool box down in the back and carry them permanently with me :)
 
Ah nice! That looks like the ideal choice. I did find some "Krylon pewter gray" at Canadian Tire that looks awfully close to that; probably a touch lighter. May end up trying that (cheap - less than $6/can). After reading numerous MUD threads about stock steel wheel colours; looks like Krylon smoke gray and battleship gray are also very close matches. I didn't see these colours at Canadian Tire though, so will look around - having them in spray cans would be super handy.

I was also thinking of getting them powder coated - one time deal. I have repainted rims in the past and they turned out pretty good. I didn't even use primer or a clear coat and they lasted for a couple years. Though, this time I would use primer and a clear coat :)

Thanks for the tip on that paint option from CCOT!
 
I was googling images of BJ42s, saw yours and had a bit of a freakout. I have an 82 Freeborn Red BJ42, grey steelie with hubcap on the back. I live on Vancouver Island and took the ferry in my truck quite often this past summer.. We even have similar licence plates.. Mines 763 WMR.. Super weird.
Your truck is in much nicer shape than mine so that was the dead giveaway for me in the end. Congrats on a beautiful truck and condolences are felt for your wallet in the years to come :)
 
Do you have any pics of the head gasket where it had leaked.
The reason I ask is I have a 2B motor which is the sister of the 3B and it appears to have an oil leak and the best I can determine it's coming from above the water pump but I can't be certain I don't want to pull the head unless i'm certain the leak is the head gasket.
Oh by the way nice 42 I also followed the build over the years and was impressed with the work the PO was able to do he had some pretty good skills bringing that one back to life.
 
Dieseler said:
Do you have any pics of the head gasket where it had leaked.
The reason I ask is I have a 2B motor which is the sister of the 3B and it appears to have an oil leak and the best I can determine it's coming from above the water pump but I can't be certain I don't want to pull the head unless i'm certain the leak is the head gasket.
Oh by the way nice 42 I also followed the build over the years and was impressed with the work the PO was able to do he had some pretty good skills bringing that one back to life.
Click to expand...

Hi Dieseler,

I don't have pictures of the oil leak, but I could take some and point out where it was?

But, here is a good thread on this exact oil leak: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/3b-head-gasket-leak.747711/

After reading it, I learned that the #1 head bolt shares the same hole as an oil passage. You MAY be able to get away with re-torquing this head bolt.

Oh and my main "build thread" is linked in my signature. Thought I would keep it in the general 40 series section of the forums :)
 
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