40 series owner considering a BJ73 for daily driver

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swelltimes

swelltimes

10 Year
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Threads
92
Messages
1,174
Location
Western MA
Hi all -

My wife and I are looking for a replacement for a Toyota pickup that's been on loan to us from my brother. I have a 1977 FJ-40 that I drive when there's no salt on the road here in MA, but it's not something I want to use for a daily driver.

A 1989 BJ73 popped up for sale nearby (~$12k), with a 3B II engine, H55F tranny, and ~ 127,000 miles. No major modifications have been done to it, aside from a 2 inch OME lift. It needs some light body work, but came from the Canary Islands, and is supposedly clean, dry, and free from rust.

Does anyone have a similar rig? If so, what's the typical mileage on that motor?

I drive about 8000 - 9000 miles a year, so this would be a truck for short to medium trips (1 - 4 hrs. of driving a few times a week). Considering putting a plow on it, too, for my property. Would send my wife out in this during bad driving days in the winter, rather then her Hyundai.

Anybody with a Euro-market 70 series have insights / experience on getting parts for the 3B.

Am I nuts to think this would fit the bill as a good driver and farm-type truck in the northeastern US?
 
It'll rust as fast as a 40 (if it isn't already rusty) and B engine parts can be a challenge. I love my BJ74 but I would not use it as a regular winter driver. I could not bear watching it disappear in front of me.
 
cruiserdan said:
It'll rust as fast as a 40 (if it isn't already rusty) and B engine parts can be a challenge. I love my BJ74 but I would not use it as a regular winter driver. I could not bear watching it disappear in front of me.
Click to expand...
What Dan said on both points.

1) Parts are available (if you are patient) but relatively expensive.

2) If you can afford a clean 73, you can probably also afford a safe beater for Winter service. Save the 73 for non-salt months.

I love my 73 but it is getting a motor swap (GM) in order to qualify as my daily driver.

My two cents.

:cheers:
 
X3 for what these guys have said. I have noticed that Toyota has completely stopped making engine/body parts for that truck in the Japanese market. I can't imagine the difficulty in getting the same parts in the States.
 
Go for it just coat the under side with a thick grease heated and sprayed on with 50 miles on a dusty road and coat all the inside panels from the roof down with a good dose off fish oil every winter. It will stink for a few weeks but it wont rust.
 
The 89 has the normal 3B not the 3BII with rotatian ip.

I would use it as a dd,they are fun and yes they rust but one with a bit rust sees use that we otherwise would avoid.....and usually that is the kind of use that is the most fun and they where designed for :-)
 
I agree with Joe and Oz: I plan on a rustproofing day here pretty soon.
All areas seem accessible via plastic spray tube.
I have read that the metal roofs can rust badly. Mine is FRP.

Perhaps contact our friends in the Great White North.
Check the Clubhouse section.
 
Hi folks -

I appreciate the feedback and suggestions! Sounds like the biggest concern is finding parts for thr 3B II engine. @joekatana, that's what the truck is listed as having, but it could be wrong.

The rust would be an issue, but with an oil coat and some diligence, I think I could keep it under control. I have access to a lift, which would help out a lot on that front. It has an FRP top, which is better than metal, as @jblueridge mentioned. Rust was certainly an issue on the frame of my '06 Tacoma, which Toyota replaced on their dime.

Anybody have atruck with the 3B II, and if so, what's your typical mpg on it?

I'll ping the guys up north who may have more experience with these trucks.

Thanks, guys. Probably just a pipe dream.
 
My BJ74 spent one year in Alberta Canada. The price was right, even with transport and import costs. I have an old MGB that I got back in the pre-internet days so waiting for parts from far away is something I am used to.
 
swelltimes said:
Hi folks -

I appreciate the feedback and suggestions! Sounds like the biggest concern is finding parts for thr 3B II engine. @joekatana, that's what the truck is listed as having, but it could be wrong.

The rust would be an issue, but with an oil coat and some diligence, I think I could keep it under control. I have access to a lift, which would help out a lot on that front. It has an FRP top, which is better than metal, as @jblueridge mentioned. Rust was certainly an issue on the frame of my '06 Tacoma, which Toyota replaced on their dime.

Anybody have atruck with the 3B II, and if so, what's your typical mpg on it?

I'll ping the guys up north who may have more experience with these trucks.

Thanks, guys. Probably just a pipe dream.
Click to expand...

Nigel (NGray on 'MUD) has a 3Bll powered 70 Series.
 
NGray said:
I thought I did Charles. I found out a while ago I was misinformed. Just a regular old 3b, but with a rotary pump.

Edit. Although I'm still not sure, even with Google what a 3b ii looks like. Mine looks very much like a regular 3b.
Click to expand...
My bad.....
Having a "regular" old 3B isn't a bad thing. :)
 
Hi guys ...

i drive a BJ70 assembled in november 1989 and i think it got the 3B-II.
It has a square/finned valve cover (similar to the 1PZ and 1HZ), a rotary pump, the header is different, it was painted blue and some minor things i can't remember (it looks exactly like the one in this thread KLICK ME). AFAIK Toyota started to put these engines in the 70 in the year 1988.

I get around 19-20mpg on any distance but i got my rotary pump modified (bigger internals to produce more fuel and a boost compensator - no turbo yet) and need to re-check the set up via a diesel shop. Furthermore i push it very hard on the streets and on the autobahn.
 
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