1989 BJ73 LX Caetano (VM HR588 OHV)

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I

ItalianNewby69

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I am a brand new member to MUD and very happy to have finally joined!

I currently live in Catania, Sicily and in my search for a 4x4 that I could ship home to the states when my time here is over in two years (Active Duty NAVY) I came across BJ70 series Land Cruisers. I have done my fair share of research on different series, engine size, market in the states and numerous other factors while looking for vehicles to buy locally and on the mainland of Italy.

To get right to the point I have found a 1989 BJ73 LX in very good condition with low miles (208,842 KM) that has never been taken off road and I can buy for a extremely reasonable price (6000€/6,742$).
Also to boot it is completely original, has all of its original documents, historic certificate and has complete maintenance history intact.

Am I making a huge mistake buying a 70 with a VM engine?

What can I expect later down the road if I plan to modify/replace the engine?

What resources can you recommend for further research?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated and I would love to hear what critical issues you guys could help point out in this endeavor!!
PICS INCLUDED ON THIS LINK

TOYOTA Land Cruiser - 1989 Auto usata - In vendita Enna

Thanks guys!
 
If it is rust free that would be a big plus. As to the vm, start planning for an engine swap. If it is still in good order then you will have time to find a replacement. Depending on where you will have it states side, the non turbo PZ and Hz would be desirable as would the 1HD and 1HD-FT. The 13B-T and 12ht would also be good but parts are getting harder to get. Then there are the 3B and 2H, older yet.
 
If you haven't already bought a cruiser yet, I would echo coldtaco's suggestion to go with HZ powered.
 
It's in beautiful shape for an 89 and I plan to keep it original until I head back to the states for customs purposes, if I buy it. i knew that the VM wasn't the most desirable engine but as far as the rest of the vehiclte it's perfect .
I plan to keep shopping over the next two years in EU as this has started to become quite the addiction Thank you for all the replies!
 
VM motors are NOT on top of the list for Toyota .
If you wish to have an old timer , that will be ok .
But if the final intention is to properly use it go for at least an 1HZ engine.
Also the mechanic is not HD , so expect some problems here and there.
There are good buys now in France and north Europe.
Watch out for the rust !!!!

Bye Renago
 
Anybody know all the differences between these VM/BJ73's and the 3B/BJ73's besides the engine, seats and upholstery? Were they painted locally as well?
 
Some of the Spanish VM models had low ratio diffs, something like 5.2:1

I would buy it and get a 1HD T to go with it as they are relatively cheap in the EU.
 
Hello,

The truck looks unmolested for its age.

It would make a great project rig. The VM engine is a little underpowered, but it is possible to do a 12H/1HZ/1HD swap. On the other hand, if I remember correctly, not all the electrics is from Toyota; this detail is a good reason for changing/reverting to OEM.

It is worth checking this 73 Series for rust and bondo.

You can also look for a 1HZ powered truck such as an HZJ73/75.







Juan
 
Ciao, i have a Caetano Bj 73, 5 cilinder HR 588 ht, the Last model have the four cilinder Hr 492 ht intercooled.
The injection pump is a VE BOSCH
Turbocompressor is a kkk24 for 5 cil, kkk16 for the 4 cil.
The water radiator have in the bottom a motor oil heat exchanger.
Alternator generator is a BOSCH 55A, Power steering pump is ZF (mounted Also in Bmw, mercedes, porsche...)
My diffs ratio is 4,88:1.
For the Electric, Non Toyota is the windshield wiper motor, spanish Brand "Doga". Pre heater relay are Bosch, glow plug 12 volt. Headlight are Bosch. Other Electric parts are ALL Toyota.
The mechanical parts is ALL Toyota Heavy Duty, shipped from Japan and assembled in Portugal by "Salvator Caetano", H55f gearbox, 275 mm clutch.
 
Ciao, i have a Caetano Bj 73, 5 cilinder HR 588 ht, the Last model have the four cilinder Hr 492 ht intercooled.
The injection pump is a VE BOSCH
Turbocompressor is a kkk24 for 5 cil, kkk16 for the 4 cil.
The water radiator have in the bottom a motor oil heat exchanger.
Alternator generator is a BOSCH 55A, Power steering pump is ZF (mounted Also in Bmw, mercedes, porsche...)
My diffs ratio is 4,88:1.
For the Electric, Non Toyota is the windshield wiper motor, spanish Brand "Doga". Pre heater relay are Bosch, glow plug 12 volt. Headlight are Bosch. Other Electric parts are ALL Toyota.
The mechanical parts is ALL Toyota Heavy Duty, shipped from Japan and assembled in Portugal by "Salvator Caetano", H55f gearbox, 275 mm clutch.
 
I know the inputs shafts are different between the H55 and the 3B vs VM powered rigs. I'll have to look for the post to confirm.

Check your private messages (PM)!
 
I guess I will piggyback on this topic since we are all discussing the H55F. What will the input shaft of the H55F currently on a 3F engine work with in terms of a possible diesel conversion?
 
FJ73Texas said:
I guess I will piggyback on this topic since we are all discussing the H55F. What will the input shaft of the H55F currently on a 3F engine work with in terms of a possible diesel conversion?
Click to expand...

2h or 12HT I would think
 
FJ73Texas said:
What will the input shaft of the H55F currently on a 3F engine work with in terms of a possible diesel conversion?
Click to expand...

Only the 12HT and 2H . I think they are all 10 or is it 11 spline? I think you need the bellhousing as well
 
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