BJ42 Prospective Buyer Questions to ask Seller

[SpaceCowboy]

Hi all,
I'm considering purchasing a Canadian 1983 BJ42 (non-turboed) and feel a bit intimidated by my lack of knowledge regarding what specific questions I should ask (compared to a 40), and what answers I should be hearing -besides the obvious (mileage, severe rust/rot etc.).
Also, any opinions on the "uniqueness" of owning and maintaining a 42 in the US -big hassle and expense or is it generally a reasonable undertaking?
TIA,
Patrick

 

[owenjam]

Right off hand:
Compression numbers each cyl. first question.
Leaks, (they all leak somewhere, but major leaks can be an issue ie. injector pump)
I have a 3B now and can order just about anything from my local toyota dealer here in AL, seals, gaskets, waterpump, misc parts and stuff etc..... SOR, Ebay, and sellers here on Mud will have the rest.

Good luck and keep us posted if you make the purchase.

 

[SUUEEET]

Check Frame

Definitely check the rust prone areas of the rear frame,tailgate, quarter panels. Although these are relatively easy to come by, might not want to make it your first upgrade.

 

[crushers]

the simpliest is find out who lives in the general area and get them to look it over for you.

compression
coolant pressure test.
rust issues (canada, it will have rust somewhere)
the best way is a test drive. i can tell a lot from just a drive around the block. is the guy trustworthy?
did you do a search about the seller on the net (not saying nasty on the net means anything but if there is no dirt then good chance he is either a good seller or he has not sold much at all)
does he SOUND honest?
does he sound knowledgeable about his truck?

in the end your gut will tell you much. the BIGGEST mistake i see when people go to buy a item is they shop with their eyes and not their head or gut. the most common comment i hear when someone bought something on impulse, "my gut said no but my head said yes".

finally, "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is". and "never invest money you can not afford to loose"