Build 1997 HZJ75 Fire Truck conversion

[cppilot]

Yes, they are from a 2023 HZJ double cab. Not a direct bolt up but will definitely work. We will need to make some new bed mounts and cut a small notch off the front corner lower edge…

 

[LDRF]

View attachment 3623707View attachment 3623708Too bad I can’t read Japanese anyone one have a source for an English version ?

Google Translate

 

[cppilot]

Little more progress. Unbelievable how clean and without hacks from some PO this is. Every bolt comes out like it was new.

 

[cppilot]

Now some frame clean up and fuel tank ideas.

 

[cppilot]

Got this little gem out has to be a couple hundred pounds easy.

 

[cppilot]

I’ve had lots of help from other members who have done this fire thing ahead of me with part numbers and things to look for while removing the fire box and pump…it’s been super helpful…Thank you. Working on assembling parts needed….transfer case cover plate, timing belt and tensioner, all new fluids and filters…etc. also ordered a new radiator to replace the perfectly good one that had extra cooling lines headed to the auxiliary radiator under the front bumper.

Lesson learned note…..this showed up and I didn’t open the box until later to find this….my local dealership was great about it and ordered me a new one.

 

[cppilot]

Thanks to Kurt and the gang at CruiserOutfitters for some much needed parts. Got a complete OME heavy duty lift kit, front hubs, hoses and a few other goodies.

 

[cppilot]

Trying some different tire sizes. My go to is 255/85/16 so I took these off of the 45 to see how I like them on the 75. I like the stance so far. We also removed one of the leafs from the rear on this heavy duty OME kit.

 

[prwillard2]

View attachment 3626164View attachment 3626165Trying some different tire sizes. My go to is 255/85/16 so I took these off of the 45 to see how I like them on the 75. I like the stance so far. We also removed one of the leafs from the rear on this heavy duty OME kit.

255/85r16 is the size I have on my troopy. Fit great and look appropriate for the vehicle!

I've been very happy with my Falken MTs in that size - relatively quiet on the highway as well for a MT.

 

[cppilot]

Test fitting the bed and putting a few miles on. Still need to fit the new gas tank and clean up all the fire box wiring.

 

[Guyute]

This escalated quickly! Looks great with that bed. Plan on keeping the high-roof?

 

[cppilot]

Thanks, yes I plan to keep the high roof at this point. Still not sure on the bed. I may go with a Summit Expedition Trucks flat deck. Modular style. Just not sure yet. Once we get this bed dialed in and painted, we will make that decision. Just six bolts holt down and the tail lights just unplug.
It’s amazing how this feels like a new truck, minus any creature comforts like roll up windows, no a/c or fancy electronics. Just the way I like it…..simpler times. It does have power steering though. That’s a big plus…every single works including the green FWD light My pup approves.

 

[cppilot]

Not a lot of difference in thirty years pups still prefers the FJ45she gets to sit up front like she owns the place…

 

[coldtaco]

Overnight 800mi road trip to break in the new trans/transfer case and clutch. Representing
Denali out in all her glory

 

[cppilot]

I love Alaska… simply beautiful.

 

[EWheeler]

View attachment 3626334View attachment 3626335Test fitting the bed and putting a few miles on. Still need to fit the new gas tank and clean up all the fire box wiring.

Any consideration of moving that rear axle more rearwards? It's the only thing I dislike about the 60 or 70 series 4 door cabs (or the Jeep gladiator for that matter), the proportions just don't look right to my eyes. This is turning out cool, and the 45 looks fantastic with the new shoes!

 

[cppilot]

Thanks, we have considered moving the rear axel back but it’s not something that I’m doing at the moment. It doesn’t bother me. It can be done later without too much trouble. I have several beds so that won’t be an issue if I do a little work on this one. Just trying to get some miles on it to see if its something we will kept or pass along to next person to make it the way they want. The hard part has already been done.

I'm really liking the 1HZ and it has plenty of power for me. A turbo can be hooked up without too much trouble as everyone knows. Probably not something I would do. I’ve always stayed in my lane with what I know, 45’s. This is definitely a new adventure and learning curve.

Something about driving a 25 y/o rig that is basically new and never wrenched in. Amazing…

 

[cppilot]

When we first got this truck we wanted to check the total weight before we started the taking the all the fire stuff off including the pump.

It came in at…..7450 lbs.
After……………5049 lbs.

2401 lbs. in fire stuff including the pump. Not as much as I thought it might be but still a hefty amount to say the least. This thing weighs very very close to my 66 FJ45.

 

[cppilot]

If anyone has the part number for the wiper blades, I’d appreciate it. It’s literally the only thing that’s not in good shape on this truck

 

[AirheadNut]

I would just get some locally available wiper blades in the same lengths. There is nothing particularly special about the factory blades; I find the modern single piece aero style blades do a much better job. I ran Bosch blades on mine initially, and recently switched to Michelin blades from Costco. They fit the j-style wiper arm and work great.