1991 HDJ81 - North American Roamer

[barbqRabbit]

I bought a 1991 HDJ81 w/150k miles a couple weeks ago for $9700 USD. Obtained from a local who got it off a farmer who imported it.

My previous car was a Miata. I've never owned a 4WD. After watching 4WD 24-7 vids I became interested in 80s. I have no mechanical background. I might be over my head. We'll see.

My current plan is preventative maintenance and then build it up. Learn about the truck. Maybe drive to interesting places, see stuff, meet people.

Here's the good, and bad, on this HDJ81. Mind you, I know absolutely nothing about this subject.

 

[barbqRabbit]

Possible good stuff,

Dash and seats.

Original tool kit

 

[barbqRabbit]

JDM Lodio Drive wheels, BTW missing bolts are on the rear tire carrier’s wheel

 

[barbqRabbit]

Cold start, idle and revs.

 

[barbqRabbit]

Engine Bay pics

 

[barbqRabbit]

Bad stuff,

Rust

 

[barbqRabbit]

More bad stuff,

HDJ was parked and neglected

Shocks need replacing

Most maintenance is up

Missing dash button

Half the speakers don’t work (front doors and cargo)

Wasp nests in rear vents

 

[barbqRabbit]

What is this bolt? It’s holding down the rear seats I’m attempting to remove.

 

[mudgudgeon]

What is this bolt? It’s holding down the rear seats I’m attempting to remove.

View attachment 3770832

An Irwin Bolt Extractor in an impact driver is an easy way to remove these.
Search up some regular hex head replacement bolts to match the others.

These bolts are only used in JDM Cruisers.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Weird steering wheel.

The missing switch, I'm pretty sure is just a spare slot in most cruisers. Blank covers are still available i think.
Some models may have had a switch.

The japanese aftermarket wheels are often not very strong. Mine had similar wheels on it, and i destroyed two wheels in one offroad trip early on.

 

[CrabCake]

Decent looking rig for the $$... definitely looks like some deferred maintenance that needs to be done (front steering knuckles/birfields right off).

This can help with those screws:

One Way Screw Removal Tool | LPF One Way Security Screw Extractor

Need a one way security screw removal tool? Loss Prevention Fasteners has you covered. Don't just try to remove it with a regular screw.

www.losspreventionfasteners.com

 

[CrabCake]

Weird steering wheel.

The missing switch, I'm pretty sure is just a spare slot in most cruisers. Blank covers are still available i think.
Some models may have had a switch.

The japanese aftermarket wheels are often not very strong. Mine had similar wheels on it, and i destroyed two wheels in one offroad trip early on.

Steering wheel is sought after in the German VW/Audi retro world...nice upgrade on the old GTIs, Corrados, etc.