BJ74 - Need some input

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H

hennaz

Joined
Jun 1, 2016
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Location
Auckland, New Zealand
Hi Everyone,

Was looking at buying a mid wheel base BJ74 or an FJ62 (of the same era), can you guys weigh in as to what you think comparing these two ? FJ most likely to be 3F petrol whilst BJ will be 13B-T diesel turbo.

Also I haven really seen the back of the BJ but does anyone have experience building a sleeping platform in the back? Mid wheel base doesnt make it look feasible but keen to know if there are any solutions making it possible.

Thanks! Henry
 
When faced with that option I picked a BJ-74. Many have removed the back seat and created a platform above the wheel wells with storage underneath. A platform about 56" square would fit behind the front seats fully back. Moving the front seats fully forward and stuffing the gap with gear would give another foot or so for a sleeping platform.
 
John Galt said:
When faced with that option I picked a BJ-74. Many have removed the back seat and created a platform above the wheel wells with storage underneath. A platform about 56" square would fit behind the front seats fully back. Moving the front seats fully forward and stuffing the gap with gear would give another foot or so for a sleeping platform.
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Hi John,
Thanks for that reply! so you would be looking at around 5''6 in total length for a sleeping platform with the front seats pushed forward? sounds small but manageable.

What made you decide on BJ vs FJ?
 
If you just want to sleep one person & you're not too tall you'll fit in a 73/74, maybe have a fold out extension that extends forwards with the front passenger seat right forward. For two people I'd be looking at the 60 series or a troopy.

3F motors are a great way to dispose of lots of petrol without the annoying side effect of horsepower though :D

Cheers
Clint
 
FJ60 vs BJ74
wheelbase: about 4" shorter for the BJ74, making it really nice on the trail. Perfect combo between being short
enough to go anywhere and ride comfortably.
interior: about 14" shorter inside the BJ74. My 60 is 72" from tailgate up to back of seats. (short driver, if you're 6' then less distance, but
the seat will come forward) the Bj74 is almost big enough for sleeping, but probably not.
THE big thing is inside height: The BJ74 is several inches taller inside, I measured, but I don't remember exactly. Which makes a huge difference.
The 13B-T is a great motor, fairly economical.
I don't know anything about the 3F; gassers are not economical. But much nicer on long trips.
I have both, haven't had a chance to run the BJ74 yet, but for a long 3 week trip to the Arctic I did last year
I'd take the 60 just for the nicer ride.
 
I have a BJ74, HJ61, BJ74 and another bj74, but I recently sold my other bj74. I like the BJ74s. And the HJ61. Seriously though, get one of each. Or three of the BJ74s, and an HJ61.
Seriously serious though, I would get the BJ74 over and FJ anything for the 13BT alone.
However, be advised... 13Bt parts are unobtainable. The reason I have three (plus another spare engine in the shed) is to keep 2 alive.
 
Behemoth60 said:
However, be advised... 13Bt parts are unobtainable. The reason I have three (plus another spare engine in the shed) is to keep 2 alive.
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Here in NZ we have had a bunch of BJ73/4 used imports from Japan over the years so parts should be much more common. I think they used those 13B-T motors in some common light trucks here too.

Cheers
Clint
 
hennaz said:
Hi John,
Thanks for that reply! so you would be looking at around 5''6 in total length for a sleeping platform with the front seats pushed forward? sounds small but manageable. What made you decide on BJ vs FJ?
Click to expand...

That's about right for length.

I chose the BJ because of the turbo-diesel engine with it's torque, economy, longevity and ability to run biodiesel. Plus I like the looks of the 70 series.
 
I love my BJ74 but it is a poor sleeping platform. Toss in another person or more than a purse-dog and it isn't going to happen, unless you leave everything else home......:lol:

Now a VDJ76 would be something to die for :grinpimp:
 
As somebody that has slept in the back of my BJ74, I can tell you it's doable but only if you sleep kitty corner in the fetal position.

I originaly planned to be able to tilt my seats forward and have the top of my cargo net also tilt forward to secure onto the front grab handles. This would make it possible for two people to sleep layed back with their heads and back elavated upwards against the net and their feet at the back doors, however the net is too short so I have never tried it.
20160328_115447.webp
 
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I thought that there would be plenty of room in the back of my 77 Series, even with the back seat installed. (I was WRONG). It's only 5' deep and 4'-6" wide so you would have to be a Munchin to comfortably sleep in the back.
 
I'd much rather sleep in a tent or swag than a MWB.

I think a 74 and a 62 are 2 different vehicles for 2 different purposes. The MWB is a capable offroader/tourer for 2 people, the 60 is a more practical family/touring wagon. If you don't need the extra seating, cargo area and towing capacity then I think you'll have more fun with a MWB. If you do need those things then life with a MWB is going to be pretty painful.
 
dare said:
I'd much rather sleep in a tent or swag than a MWB.

I think a 74 and a 62 are 2 different vehicles for 2 different purposes. The MWB is a capable offroader/tourer for 2 people, the 60 is a more practical family/touring wagon. If you don't need the extra seating, cargo area and towing capacity then I think you'll have more fun with a MWB. If you do need those things then life with a MWB is going to be pretty painful.
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I agree with Ol mate, MWB lots of fun and nippy, I moved from bj74 to hj61 for the purpose of towing /touring, more space, ride factor etc, have not regretted the move, although but I do miss the the MWB,
 
I'll disagree about sleeping in the back of a 73/74. I spent about 20 nights in the back of my BJ74 on a long trip across country from BC back to the east coast when I bought my truck.

I built a quick and dirty sleeping platform out of 2x6 and 1/2" ply in BC, then built a nicer version when I got home. The LH seat goes all the way forward, then a flip over portion extends to fill that space. I am 6'2".

109.webp
 
Malahki said:
As somebody that has slept in the back of my BJ74, I can tell you it's doable but only if you sleep kitty corner in the fetal position.

I originaly planned to be able to tilt my seats forward and have the top of my cargo net also tilt forward to secure onto the front grab handles. This would make it possible for two people to sleep layed back with their heads and back elavated upwards against the net and their feet at the back doors, however the net is too short so I have never tried it.View attachment 1268184
Click to expand...
Is that a custom drawer system ?
 
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