1986 Diesel 60 Engine Replacement

[cruiser_guy]

If you're holding out for a nice HDJ80 in LHD, then Europe is your only option, those coming out of Central America are bound to be *hammered*. I just spent a month in Panama and while you do come across some clean 80's, the vast majority of them show their age, they get much heavier use and see much worst conditions than European trucks.

There are two ways to look at it. The Central American trucks see rougher roads, although some of them can be pavement queens (not that the pavement is as smooth as in the states). The up side is NO road salt so no accompanying rust. In Europe on the other hand with the autobahn and all many of those trucks will have spent considerable time near their top end and there is road salt used in Europe so rust will be there.

 

[Ocelot]

Hi everybody!
As for, changing the engine, 60>60, i'd say 15 to 20 hours maximum. That is if you have the tools!

Yeah thats the problem, all my tools are in Ontario... and theres no way I could sneak them onto the plane. I also dont have an engine lift or anywhere in Calgary to do this... and the vehicle with the dead engine is in calgary... and it looks like lowenbraus rig is in calgary as well, so I'd probably buy that rig if I was going to do the swap. So now I just gotta find out if any of my friends in calgary have all the tools/knowledge. I know for sure this is way over my head... only thing I've done before is changed bumpers etc, not to hard.

Anyone know of a landcruiser/off-road club in calgary that has members that might be willing to help for beer/pizza/other-small-reward?

Unfortunately the more I think about this the more it looks like the logistics aren't going to work out . Oh well... guess I'll just wait it out.

To everyone else thanks for all the great HDJ-80 info. When 2008 comes I'll be sure to let you know how I make out.

 

[crushers]

RMLCA is the local club here in Calgary.
BTW, i might have a parts 61 coming in soon, if you are interested in a 12HT...
cheers

 

[lowenbrau]

If I remember correctly the ONLY HDJ-80 in the United States was that unit Drexxer got. That was brought in from Belgium as I remember. NIce unit fo sho.



TB

I remember it being further east than that... Chech republic maybe? Dana Adams has a converted FZJ80 that I saw next to the HDJ80 when Drexx still had it. The custom install was very similar to the factory. There were few hints that it was a conversion.

 

[Ocelot]

I think it was from prague... not sure though... very nice rig.

Well just waiting to hear back from some friends, seeing if I can find some help to get this all together. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.

 

[brownbear]

ocelot, a solution to the tools and place to do the work. I used to use a place called Ufix it. Its a garage in Calgary that has hoists, they charge 12hr for a hoist bay, with tools included. They have all the cranes, etc to the job. You could even have the truck towed there and kept in the parking lot for a small fee. I thought this place was awesome. I used it a few times while i lived in Calgary. Cause I lived in a condo and doing work on the street does not appeal to me.

They even have a mechanic you can hire if you need help, but 50 an hr or something. you do all the work you can with a friend. get the books. its not really hard if you put in the same kind of engine. no wiring changes. just plug and hook up. but will be tiring.

if you can get a good deal on the engine and body, its worth it. A little sweat and knuckle busting, you will make a small profit. basically you could drive for nothing for a couple years.

If you don't start getting mod crazy. Which I don't know if thats possible

 

[Ocelot]

Wow thanks! This project just went from logistical nightmare to possibly feasable. I'll have to check into ufixit for sure.

And unfortunately I'm sure I will be hit by the mod bug... so it'll be more like the equivalent of a few free mods