Buying a BJ70...

[amaurer]

My 's dream car is a 70-series (SWB), so I'm going to try to make that happen for (or around) Christmas. We're in the US, though, so that pretty much means a BJ70 from 84 or 85...

Does anyone have a link that explains what exactly was sold in that timeframe? Some of my questions, for example, are:

• Was AC available on Canadian trucks? What about GEN/AUS?
• Is PS standard?
• Apart from the fully removable top, are there any other variations in the SWB body styles? doors, etc?
• Are the all 5 speed in Canada? What about GEN/AUS?
• What gears (diff) came stock? 3.73?
• I prefer 3B's with the inline IP over the rotary pump - at the very least because I'm familiar with them. Was the rotary pump ever found on these?
• What about gadgets? I've seen PTO winches on 71's, and I'm sure I could put one on a 70, but are they common? I know cable lockers are a rarity, were those only on Japanese trucks?
• The CDN 70's I've been looking at are semi-float. Do full floaters exist? (I like elockers...)

My/our only car right now is my BJ42, which I've used as my DD for a two years now. I can fix virtually anything mechanical on that engine/drivetrain, but I don't weld, so talk to me about rust and bodywork:

• What are the big problem areas? Just like a 40 - rear spring hangers?
• Anywhere notorious for rusting, and for being unobtainium/unrepairium?
• Anything specific that I should look for/watch out for with the 70-series specifically? (More or less all the drivetrain I know what to look for...)

Thanks!!

EDIT: Oh!! almost forgot!! I've been looking at craigslist and kijiji and seen several 85 BJ70's, plus a few here on mud. The prices are kinda... all over the place. For example one 85 BJ70 - 360k, corners of the rear fenders and top of the door rusted and a bit bubbly, but otherwise good looking, was asking almost 10k, while similar trucks are asking 6k. With 40's prices are always ALL over the place... same thing with 70's, or is there a feeling for what I should be looking to pay for a fairly rustless 85?

 

[ForealBoreal]

• Was AC available on Canadian trucks? What about GEN/AUS

AC was not an option for the Canadian trucks

• Is PS standard?

power steering was standard

• Apart from the fully removable top, are there any other variations in the SWB body styles? doors, etc?

north american 70s came with a solid top. You can get soft top and fiberglass tops in other markets.

• Are the all 5 speed in Canada? What about GEN/AUS?

The trucks were 5 speeds in canada

• What gears (diff) came stock? 3.73?

correct.

• I prefer 3B's with the inline IP over the rotary pump

3Bs are inline. So they are lubricated by the engine itself not the fuel

• very least because I'm familiar with them. Was the rotary pump ever found on these?

nope not on the 3B, yes on the 1HZ and the 1HD-T for example

• What about gadgets? I've seen PTO winches on 71's, and I'm sure I could put one on a 70, but are they common? I know cable lockers are a rarity, were those only on Japanese trucks?

The canadian trucks didn't come with the fancy stuff unfortunatly

• The CDN 70's I've been looking at are semi-float. Do full floaters exist? (I like elockers...)

semi floating, full floating wasn't an option for the 70s in canada.



I am sure if I am wrong on anything Crushers will correct me.

 

[arcteryx]

We're in the US, though, so that pretty much means a BJ70 from 84 or 85...

85-87 CANADIAN spec BJ70s (LHD) are able to be imported in the US. A RI can do this for you.

The problem with Canadian rigs is rust. The rear quarters are the first to go usually, and if they get too bad, parts are VERY hard to find. When I had mine, I found 1 place that could get quarters, but the method was unconventional. This was a non-NA part number though.

AC hardware can be had - pm spallet - he has connections in central america. He put AC in his (needed in Texas) and works good.

 

[Deny]

• I prefer 3B's with the inline IP over the rotary pump

3Bs are inline. So they are lubricated by the engine itself not the fuel

• very least because I'm familiar with them. Was the rotary pump ever found on these?

nope not on the 3B, yes on the 1HZ and the 1HD-T for example

One minor detail, however I don't think you have to worry about the canadian BJ70, because I think they were all inline, however the 3B did come with a rotary, was the 3BII, my dads 89 BJ75 has one.

Cheers,
Deny

 

[roscoFJ73]

AFAIK ,only 75 series were made in 1984 and production didn't start till November

 

[roscoFJ73]

• Is PS standard?

power steering was standard

[

• Are the all 5 speed in Canada? What about GEN/AUS?

The trucks were 5 speeds in canada

• I prefer 3B's with the inline IP over the rotary pump

3Bs are inline. So they are lubricated by the engine itself not the fuel

• very least because I'm familiar with them. Was the rotary pump ever found on these?

nope not on the 3B, yes on the 1HZ and the 1HD-T for example
.

I think the early canadian mine 75 series mining cruisers were BJ75 with a 4sp,I know they had them in africa
Power steering was not fitted to all 7* series according to the workshop manual but Im guessing these went to Afica,ME etc

Some of the later 3B had rotary pumps,I think they are the series II . I thought the BJ70 had a rotary pump but the 13BT retained the inline pump.
Wouldn't bother me to have either pump,both of them have a long life.

 

[prado t]

On vancouver craigslist there is or was an 86 with just over 200,000km I have looked at it driving by. Price is right but I am a 13B-T middy guy. Quick amaurer check it out , I hope it isnt sold yet.

 

[eleblanc]

you are going to spent well over 10k for a nice one, i mean with not to much rust.

 

[amaurer]

On vancouver craigslist there is or was an 86 with just over 200,000km I have looked at it driving by. Price is right but I am a 13B-T middy guy. Quick amaurer check it out , I hope it isnt sold yet.

The sorta orangey-looking one? Spoke to him this morning, the truck is JDM.

 

[lshobie]

I'll be selling my bj70 next summer, 273k kms, dealer maintained since new every 3000 kms with oil changes and whatever it needed. usual rusty rear quarters but I have new quarters to install - will install this spring. Runs great.

 

[earl]

There is or was a BJ70 for sale here, right off the highway:

Cowley, Division No. 3, Alberta, Canada - Google Maps

Anyone in Cowly could probably get you the number I imagine (the truck is visible from the highway). I know it has rust now. I've seen it over the years whenever I would go to the mountains, and remember when it was in nice shape.

What sort of condition do you want one in? What do you want in the end (i.e. restored LC, bush truck, presentable but not perfect)? There was a one owner BJ70 for sale in Calgary for a long time without any rust. It was originally listed at $16,000, but later was relisted at $14000.

 

[amaurer]

There is or was a BJ70 for sale here, right off the highway:

Cowley, Division No. 3, Alberta, Canada - Google Maps

Anyone in Cowly could probably get you the number I imagine (the truck is visible from the highway). I know it has rust now. I've seen it over the years whenever I would go to the mountains, and remember when it was in nice shape.

What sort of condition do you want one in? What do you want in the end (i.e. restored LC, bush truck, presentable but not perfect)? There was a one owner BJ70 for sale in Calgary for a long time without any rust. It was originally listed at $16,000, but later was relisted at $14000.

Thanks. I'm definitely looking for the presentable-but-not-perfect category - this'll be a daily driver and weekend wheeler. We want something that isn't embarassing to drive to a nice restaurant or has a spreading case of rust-itis, but also something that you don't have to cry over when you get a little too close to a tree or bush.

Some rust is going to come with the territory, I realize, and thats ok. But I'm just not proficient enough to do cut-and-weld rust repair

 

[rick_d]

All Canadian BJ70's can be imported via an RI.

* Was AC available on Canadian trucks?
-negative
* Is PS standard?
-yes
* Apart from the fully removable top, are there any other variations in the SWB body styles? doors, etc?
all CDN trucks are BJ70's with fixed hard tops. BJ73/4 and other 73/74 variants are mid wheel base (102")
* Are the all 5 speed in Canada?
-5 speed
* What gears (diff) came stock? 3.73?
-WRONG. 3.70:1. 37:10 teeth cannot equal 3.73
* I prefer 3B's with the inline IP over the rotary pump - at the very least because I'm familiar with them. Was the rotary pump ever found on these?
-CDN BJ70's are inline
* What about gadgets? I've seen PTO winches on 71's, and I'm sure I could put one on a 70, but are they common? I know cable lockers are a rarity, were those only on Japanese trucks?
-suspension seats
* The CDN 70's I've been looking at are semi-float. Do full floaters exist? (I like elockers...)
-semi only

A/C conversion will set you back at least $1,400.00 if you can find the parts- the evaporator case will be $1,000 alone, new, for LHD and not found used. FF rear ends are common. Cable lockers are rare, and the cable handles for LHD even rarer. PTO's are common take offs and having used both electric and PTO, I'd have to go with electric. 86/87 CDN 70's are 24V w/ 12V headlights, 1985's are 12V dual battery. Gauge pods are not offered, sun roofs no etc. CDN are bare bones.

best of luck. I would not get a BJ if I were you - wait for the HZ.

 

[lshobie]

I agree with Rick, the 1HZ's are alot nicer.

 

[Hulsty]

If anyone is after one, a guy at work has a BJ73 air con retro fit kit sitting in a box from toyota.

 

[earl]

This one looks pretty good, assuming it doesn't have previous/hidden body work. Obviously needs rust repair.

1985 Toyota Land Cruiser - Calgary SUV, Crossover For Sale - Kijiji Calgary

 

[earl]

This is the same guy selling the BJ70 in Cowley

1985 Toyota Land Cruiser - Calgary SUV, Crossover For Sale - Kijiji Calgary

 

[amaurer]

85-87 CANADIAN spec BJ70s (LHD) are able to be imported in the US. A RI can do this for you.

So does anyone know what years an RI can get in for me... e.g. what years are on the "list"? Is it only 85-87 (or older, of course)?

Also, my searching tells me only LHD's qualify for the RI treatment. RHD's can only come in under the 25 year rule, right?

 

[ForealBoreal]

So does anyone know what years an RI can get in for me... e.g. what years are on the "list"? Is it only 85-87 (or older, of course)?

Also, my searching tells me only LHD's qualify for the RI treatment. RHD's can only come in under the 25 year rule, right?

the us has a 25 year rule on anything thats imported.
even if its from canada... bit stupid if you ask me.

 

[bj70_guy]

So does anyone know what years an RI can get in for me... e.g. what years are on the "list"? Is it only 85-87 (or older, of course)?

Those are the only years the BJ70 was available in Canada.