Builds 1985 BJ70 Story and Modifications (8 Viewers)

[AlbertoSD]

Nice to see you were able to take her out for a spin last month! How goes the rear FF install?

The FF install went well for the most part. I am still working out a little issue with the rear shock mounts.

The earlier 70 series have the rear shocks mounted in such a way that the right hand shock will interfere with the rear elocker actuator motor as the right shock is normally mounted in front of the axle (left side behind the axle, right side in front of the axle). I didn't notice this until I mounted the axle and couldn't install the shock

I sent Wayne (crushers) a note as I know he just retrofitted elockers to a 1985 BJ70 just like mine. He mentioned that I needed to order the rear spring plate from a late 40 series (that has both shocks mounted behind the axle) and fabricate an upper shock mount to match the new shock location (Thanks, Wayne!!!).

The photo below shows the unused shock mount (left on the photo) and the right shock mount with the shock already installed. I need to fabricate an upper shock mount such that both shocks are mounted in the same cross member. I hope all this ramble makes sense to the reader and I hope it helps somebody dealing with potentially the same issue.

Obi was also frustrated that we needed to wait a little longer for parts to arrive.

 

[AlbertoSD]

What an awesome thread, your 70 is everything that I dream mine could be one day after a full resto, if the rust does not completely win the battle.....

Thanks!

Greatly appreciated!

-Alberto

 

[AlbertoSD]

Since the brake lines were opened to replace the rear axle, I went ahead and upgraded the brake MC to the early 80 series style (no-ABS and rear drum type) to improve the braking efficiency.

 

[AlbertoSD]

Also added stainless steel brake lines as the rear one was severely cracked.

 

[AlbertoSD]

Also replaced the rear transfer case output shaft seal and the pinion seal on the rear axle as they were both leaking.

 

[AlbertoSD]

An interior photo and two with the wheels finally back on.

 

[AlbertoSD]

The same crew that I went to Angel Falls with just completed the most difficult Off-road trip in Venezuela and I wanted to share this photo with you guys (sadly, I couldn't make it this time).

The end destination of the trip was to reach a rural community called "San Juan de Manapiare".

They took the three FZJ71 and the FJ40. All the trucks made it there and back with no major mechanical issues. In Venezuela, very few people attempt this trip as it is highly demmanding on both, the crew and the trucks.

Hope you enjoy the photo!

-Alberto

 

[boozewz]

Thanks for the updates. I see you're using an 80 series steering wheel. Did you have it stitched up with new a leather grip?

And man I'd love to see some more pics of that trip your crew did. Would you be able to share some of them?

 

[75Ute]

Awesome thread Alberto, thanks for sharing. How safe is this sort of travel in Venezuela and should you have a local to guide you?

 

[AlbertoSD]

Hi 75UTE,

I've been thinking on how to best answer your inquiry and I will provide my personal opinion to this issue, but please take it for what it is, just my personal opinion

Venezuela is a beautiful country, but it is very dangerous. I have multiple friends that have been kidnapped and killed just to steal money or property...very hard living conditions.

You feel unsafe during most of the road that will lead to any trail. Once you get in the trail things improve a little bit but you don't feel 100% safe ever as there is a lot of impunity towards crimes and this such of criminal acts.

A local guide might be a good idea to avoid those areas of REALLY high crime rates, but I wouldn't hire just any guide, I rather it be a true friend who will have your best interests in mind.

Hope this helps!!!

-Alberto

Awesome thread Alberto, thanks for sharing. How safe is this sort of travel in Venezuela and should you have a local to guide you?

 

[AlbertoSD]

Thanks for the updates. I see you're using an 80 series steering wheel. Did you have it stitched up with new a leather grip?

And man I'd love to see some more pics of that trip your crew did. Would you be able to share some of them?

Correct on the 80 series steering wheel, but I did not have new leather added. The steering wheel was in very good condition when I bought it.

Omar and Fernando sent me all the photos from their trip, I will pick a few good ones and share them with the group.

-Alberto

 

[wongtsenhin]

Is the wiring loom connected for the elocker?
As I'm still thinking the way to do it.

 

[AlbertoSD]

Is the wiring loom connected for the elocker?
As I'm still thinking the way to do it.

The wire loom is not connected quite yet. I might work on it a little bit this weekend. I have all the components that I need to wire it, just want to do a good job when doing so.

I will post pictures when I am done



-Alberto

 

[AlbertoSD]

Still have to wire the e-lockers, but I have been driving the 70 for a few days and everything seems to be running good.

I installed the Warn SBD-210 auxiliary on the ARB bumper a couple of weekend ago and drove it to Andy's house to take it for a spin.

 

[AlbertoSD]

Some photos from Omar and Fernando's trip to San Juan de Manapiare in Venezuela

 

[AlbertoSD]

And a few more

 

[yeti in ga]

really cool pics... and great build.

 

[NGray]

Looks great

 

[ForealBoreal]

I installed the Warn SBD-210 auxiliary on the ARB bumper a couple of weekend ago and drove it to Andy's house to take it for a spin.

thumbs up, I have those on my 77!
They are pretty good, I made foam cut outs to go behind the guards to try and protect from rock chips. I also ordered a 75w hid kit to see if I can retrofit them.

 

[GERMAN77]

Wuao!!! I have no words brother! see a Venezuelan in USA following this world off-road enthusiast!!!

Soy Venezolano como tu y me siento súper orgullo!!! Tiene un pana en New York