1986 BJ74 - BILLIE

[woody]

Quick intro to my new addition...

1986 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ74
RHD
216,000km or so
13B-T diesel, automatic transmission
suspension seats
ARB front bumper
ComeUp winch
MetalTech sliders
dual Optima REDTOP batteries
24v-12v convertor
285-75-16 BFG Mud Terrain KM's
Mickey Thompson alum wheels
suspension lift (unknown manufacturer)
Red is a repaint, done quite well...original was dark gray I believe
Newer grill

Truck was originally a Land Cruisers Direct import and purchased by Jon Bundrant from All-Pro Offroad...Jon didn't have it long, but realized it just didn't fit his style (he's more of an FJ40 guy)...Jon and I chatted about it at Summit this summer, and when I saw the BJ74 at CruiserFest, I knew I had to have it.

Plans:

- The suspension has to go...its terrible...still researching
- No lockers, so those are on the list
- no rear bumper, already talking with Trail Tailor on that
- turbo needs the boost raised...looks like there are dozens of cheap EBay kits for this
- Needs gauges (Autometer already ordered) - EGT, Boost, Trans Temp...not sure on mount plans yet
- Tires and wheels need replacing...tires are a bit rough, wheels have a dent or two...not a rush however
- visors needs replacing (minor, but...)
- tranny cooler, just cause...

Winch had steel cable, so it's already been replaced with synthetic from JM Rigging and hooked with a red Factor55 thimble and their bling fairlead...plus a winch extension

I've driven it nearly every day, and it always puts a smile on my face

Photos are from yesterday's run with the RedRock Cruisers up to Gooseberry Mesa. Great day, great group, perfect wheeling conditions and of course, the amazing scenery. As much as I love the 80 for its capabilities, this made for an enjoyable ride on the trails. Looking forward to more wheel time!

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Most excellent ......

 

[elkaholic]

Love it Woody.

Take a quick look at my thread (in my signature) for where I have the gauges located.

I'll be interested to see what kit you use for boost increase. I'd like to put a couple more PSI on the 13B-T in mine. Cannot wait for my Trail-Tailor bumper to arrive ....

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Both of you guys have the best rear bumpers that a hand full of recycled beer cans can provide but yet you want to replace them.

 

[woody]

Take a quick look at my thread (in my signature) for where I have the gauges located.

Already checked, that is the most likely spot for them.

I'll be interested to see what kit you use for boost increase. I'd like to put a couple more PSI on the 13B-T in mine. Cannot wait for my Trail-Tailor bumper to arrive ....

I read a lot of posts noting "ordered it off EBay" but nothing specific...looks like there are a thousand $15 kits out there for simple boost increases, plus a few $60-80 kits. I've only checked out one (@cruiserdan 's) and I believe that was already installed when he purchased the truck. Just need more research time

 

[woody]

Both of you guys have the best rear bumpers that a hand full of recycled beer cans can provide but yet you want to replace them.

IMO, getting the weight of a larger spare off the door makes it worth it...plus adding a receiver...and fuel can racks...and protection against my poor driving skillz

 

[woody]

A few more pics, interior and underhood...there are a couple hoses that are in need of replacement...unsure if OEM is the best option, or maybe some bling red silicone

And yes, the dome lite is weak...rumor has it, someone knows of a replacement...

I've already replaced the H4 bulbs (one low beam was out) and have a pair of Lifetime LED 30w 3" cubes for the front bumper...also picked up a pair of their new LED headlamps (similar to TruckLite) but like others have reported, the wiring on the Toyota may not be compatible...haven't messed with it much yet, and they are a brand-new (and not on their website) product from Lifetime, so it might be a production issue too.

Seats are "ok"...they need to be redone, mostly for the foam. One small tear in the drivers, but clean otherwise. Long-term plan, can live with them for now.

And for those who ask, the best cell phone mount EVER - I've got this on every vehicle we own, impressive hold power for nearly every offroad situation.
http://www.amazon.com/Cellet-Strength-Universal-Dashboard-Smartphones/dp/B00RGG0NVM/?tag=ihco-20

 

[Gun Runner 5]

The new dome light will help you find enough loose change and old French fries between the seats to live comfortable for a week.

 

[elkaholic]

Agree whole-heartedly about the tire on the door, thus my bumper that Jason is shipping this week

I am looking fairly hard at either this Boost-Tee Boost Controller Black or this In Cabin Boost Controller Black for a boost controller ...

On the gauges, I chose the order I did since the one furthest to the left can be a bit tough to read since there is really no room to use a shim to point it towards the driver.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

This is the controller on the HJ75.....

 

[Gun Runner 5]

 

[OGBeno]

Good work man.

 

[Behemoth60]

Here's the bumper on one of my bj74's. It's all aluminum. Holds a 40" spare, although it's a 33 in the Pic.

 

[Behemoth60]

And don't waste time with those boost controller gadgets. Those are foe gas engines that need the exact right amount of air fuel mixture. Just pinch of the boost line.

 

[Behemoth60]

And get rid of your muffler. 2.5" straight pipe is what these engines need.

 

[woody]

2.5" exhaust is on my list, but will include "some sort" of muffler...

So, simply restrict the boost line?? Almost too easy

 

[Behemoth60]

2.5" exhaust is on my list, but will include "some sort" of muffler...

So, simply restrict the boost line?? Almost too easy

Yeah. It's that easy!
Was this truck at overland expo west in May?
I wouldn't recommend a muffler. The turbo does a surprisingly good job at muffling these things. If you do get one, make it a gooder. With the auto, you"'ll need everything that engine can put out.
I have supra seats in Zed. Got them recovered in marine vinyl, and added 24v seat heaters for our Canadian seasons.

 

[woody]

Was this truck at overland expo west in May?
I wouldn't recommend a muffler. The turbo does a surprisingly good job at muffling these things. If you do get one, make it a gooder. With the auto, you"'ll need everything that engine can put out.

I'm thinking Thrush Turbo, just for the fun of it

Unsure if it was at OX-W or not, don't remember seeing it there...it was at CruiserFest, which is where I jumped on it

 

[Ged]

I am interested in seeing how you deal with the spare tyre. I have a bit of sag in the hinges from mine.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

How do you like the auto gearbox?