1982 HDJ45 Troopy aka Big Blue

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jomelo

SILVER Star
Joined
Oct 27, 2015
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Location
The Free State of Florida
Im not normally the type to start build threads and actually finish them. But I’m going to give it a solid try this time, primiarly because I’ll probably have quite a few questions along the way and hopefully this thread will be a good thread to answer those questions.

For starters, I already own a really nice 1991 HZJ75 Troopy. I don’t think I could ever part with it. I got introduced to this Troopy a few months ago and really was not in the market. But the truck appealed to me because it appeared to be a really good truck. It’s a LHD from South America but it has some solid bones. It has been repainted at some point but it looks to be at least 10 years old. I probably would not have bought it if it had some recent “restoration” right before coming into states. So, I now own two Troopy’s.

The thread title is HDJ45 because not long after I bought the Troopy I get a call from my good buddy @joekatana that he is selling a 1HDFT and a rebuilt H55 5-speed. How could I say no?

It’s probably going to be several months before the diesel swap commences. In the meantime, I’ve purchased a new OME heavy suspension, an old school ARB catchers mask front bumper, a rear swing out setup from @lcwizard, and some original front seats from @whitey45.

Here are a few photos of what I have so far to start the build. I’ve enlisted Rob Smith at Odd Iron Off-road in Georgia to manage this project. He assists me with my 70 series and also with a 1964 FJ40 that’s in the middle of a restoration of sorts.

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HDFTJ45?

Can’t wait to see this one!
 
My first question relates to tire sizing. I’ve got these wheels that I’m thinking about running. I believe they are 8” (need to confirm). I had them on my HZJ75 and was running 255/85/16 Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx tires. I like the look and am leaning toward the same thing for this truck. Any thoughts?


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I think that’s a perfect size combo.
 
My first question relates to tire sizing. I’ve got these wheels that I’m thinking about running. I believe they are 8” (need to confirm). I had them on my HZJ75 and was running 255/85/16 Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx tires. I like the look and am leaning toward the same thing for this truck. Any thoughts?


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awesome truck ,can wait to see more , my utumite would be a right hand drive ,, someday. where did you get the rims , been looking , ready to pull the trigger.... thanks
 
Stop robbing our early ARB bars! :D
 
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