Hi Guys, This is my first time in the 70 series section. I recently sold my FZJ80 (1994), and am discussing importing either a BJ74 or an HJ61 with a local importer here in Richmond, VA. (under the 25year rule, full customs release, Virginia Titled, Legitimate imports, no gray market stuff).
Anyway, First and Foremost, Im having somewhat of a problem sifting through information. With so many variations, and individual variations specific to only certain countries, it makes it hard to figure out some of the specifics on the internet. I've been searching for a few days, but I figured I would post up to see if I can get some specific answers.
Im really looking BJ71 and BJ74 variants of the 70 series, I believe, due to them having the 13B-T. This is correct, right? and the 13B-T is the Direct Injected Turbo Diesel 4 Cylinder, correct? My questions concerning those are, Realistically, what are the comfortable highway speeds for these guys? I've read some different opinions on this. Are they available with the 5 Speed, Overdriven manual? Also, Would one of these be capable of towing fairly well, say a lifted Jeep Cherokee on a lightweight trailer, or a 1886 BMW 325is on a trailer? I've read that most people are getting 23mpg or so out of these rigs with the 13B-T, is that accurate? How are parts availability with them mechanically? I know they share some bits with Toyota Pickups, in terms of axle bits and stuff. I'm no stranger to mechanical work, so I'm not worried about someone to work on it, per se, just being able to obtain parts without HUGE waits.
Secondly, I know this is the 70 Series forum, but I'm hoping for some comparison, so Ill ask this in here. I've been looking at 12H-T powered HJ61's (I believe that is the right designation), Now, these are definitely available with the 5 Speed, Overdriven transmission, correct? I believe so. Also, they make a bit more power than the 13B-T, correct? Obviously, I know they are also heavier, which has me questioning the differences. I'm curious about fuel mileage for these as well, seems to me that most say, again, around 23-24mpg with 12H-T powered Big Bodied rigs. What is the top, comfortable highway speed for these guys? I know the parts availability would obviously be much better here in the states, just do to the platform being sold here; at least in terms of suspension, axle, body panels, electrical items, etc. How well do those do with towing? Would one of these be capable of towing fairly well, say a lifted Jeep Cherokee on a lightweight trailer, or a 1986 BMW 325is on a trailer?
Comparing the 70 Series with the 13B-T, and the 60 series with the 12H-T, in otherwords; which is a more practical rig in terms of towing and fuel efficiency? I LOVE the mid-wheel base 2 Door 70's, but I also want to make sure Im getting a good, tough, durable rig that is at least somewhat multifunctional. So long as I have a Double DIN dash opening, can tow my jeep and my BMW some, and have Air Conditioning , I'm good. I obviously know both the 70's and the later 60's have Double Din openings and AC, so my main concerns are towing and efficiency.
Importing, under the 25 year rule means I can import any model made up until the current month, 1989. SO I have been looking at 70 Series, 60 Series, Hilux 4 doors, and Hilux Surfs. I am correct, they didn't make the 4 door, Long Wheel base 70 until a later date, right? One last important note, Anything I import will be JAPANESE Market Variants ONLY. That is solely due to my importer operating between Virginia, USA, and Japan. He isn't connected in the Venezuelan market or the Australian Market.
Any recommendations as to other Diesel Cruiser desginations would be much appreciated. The Difference between HJ, BJ, PZJ, HZJ, etc... is somewhat confusing, so right now I have only been searching for BJ71 and BJ74 (because they have the 13B-T) trucks and the HJ61 (again, because of the 12H-T). Im absolutely dead set on a Turbo Diesel, Manual transmission. SO Lastly, am I looking in the right places, or do I have some more options?
Im very excited to get on the ball, I spoke with the importer throughout the last week, and he is gathering up some prospects for me too look at. He seems very positive that I should be able to get something nice Well within my price range.
EDIT** I figured I should put up my intended uses. I may double post this over in the 60 series forums to get both opinions if I need to. BUT, I am a family man, I have a 4 year old, a wife, and a 45lb dog. I also Whitewater Kayak and we Travel A LOT. We are also avid campers. So the truck will be loaded down with gear and luggage a lot. I will have racks on it, I will haul boats and such. And I'm hoping to be able to tow my 1998 Lifted Jeep Cherokee with it, and also a BMW 325is (1986 model with a 99 M3 motor) that I am about to purchase) with it. So it will definitely be a multi-use vehicle. I suppose I should have put a better title, but hopefully this one will suffice
Cheers guys!
Thanks in advance for any help and discussion I'm excited to be chatting with some of you, and to learn a bit more about these rigs. I'll miss the 80 series forums that I used to lurk around in all the time, but I'm sure you guys will be just as fun!!!
Thanks
Brian
Anyway, First and Foremost, Im having somewhat of a problem sifting through information. With so many variations, and individual variations specific to only certain countries, it makes it hard to figure out some of the specifics on the internet. I've been searching for a few days, but I figured I would post up to see if I can get some specific answers.
Im really looking BJ71 and BJ74 variants of the 70 series, I believe, due to them having the 13B-T. This is correct, right? and the 13B-T is the Direct Injected Turbo Diesel 4 Cylinder, correct? My questions concerning those are, Realistically, what are the comfortable highway speeds for these guys? I've read some different opinions on this. Are they available with the 5 Speed, Overdriven manual? Also, Would one of these be capable of towing fairly well, say a lifted Jeep Cherokee on a lightweight trailer, or a 1886 BMW 325is on a trailer? I've read that most people are getting 23mpg or so out of these rigs with the 13B-T, is that accurate? How are parts availability with them mechanically? I know they share some bits with Toyota Pickups, in terms of axle bits and stuff. I'm no stranger to mechanical work, so I'm not worried about someone to work on it, per se, just being able to obtain parts without HUGE waits.
Secondly, I know this is the 70 Series forum, but I'm hoping for some comparison, so Ill ask this in here. I've been looking at 12H-T powered HJ61's (I believe that is the right designation), Now, these are definitely available with the 5 Speed, Overdriven transmission, correct? I believe so. Also, they make a bit more power than the 13B-T, correct? Obviously, I know they are also heavier, which has me questioning the differences. I'm curious about fuel mileage for these as well, seems to me that most say, again, around 23-24mpg with 12H-T powered Big Bodied rigs. What is the top, comfortable highway speed for these guys? I know the parts availability would obviously be much better here in the states, just do to the platform being sold here; at least in terms of suspension, axle, body panels, electrical items, etc. How well do those do with towing? Would one of these be capable of towing fairly well, say a lifted Jeep Cherokee on a lightweight trailer, or a 1986 BMW 325is on a trailer?
Comparing the 70 Series with the 13B-T, and the 60 series with the 12H-T, in otherwords; which is a more practical rig in terms of towing and fuel efficiency? I LOVE the mid-wheel base 2 Door 70's, but I also want to make sure Im getting a good, tough, durable rig that is at least somewhat multifunctional. So long as I have a Double DIN dash opening, can tow my jeep and my BMW some, and have Air Conditioning , I'm good. I obviously know both the 70's and the later 60's have Double Din openings and AC, so my main concerns are towing and efficiency.
Importing, under the 25 year rule means I can import any model made up until the current month, 1989. SO I have been looking at 70 Series, 60 Series, Hilux 4 doors, and Hilux Surfs. I am correct, they didn't make the 4 door, Long Wheel base 70 until a later date, right? One last important note, Anything I import will be JAPANESE Market Variants ONLY. That is solely due to my importer operating between Virginia, USA, and Japan. He isn't connected in the Venezuelan market or the Australian Market.
Any recommendations as to other Diesel Cruiser desginations would be much appreciated. The Difference between HJ, BJ, PZJ, HZJ, etc... is somewhat confusing, so right now I have only been searching for BJ71 and BJ74 (because they have the 13B-T) trucks and the HJ61 (again, because of the 12H-T). Im absolutely dead set on a Turbo Diesel, Manual transmission. SO Lastly, am I looking in the right places, or do I have some more options?
Im very excited to get on the ball, I spoke with the importer throughout the last week, and he is gathering up some prospects for me too look at. He seems very positive that I should be able to get something nice Well within my price range.
EDIT** I figured I should put up my intended uses. I may double post this over in the 60 series forums to get both opinions if I need to. BUT, I am a family man, I have a 4 year old, a wife, and a 45lb dog. I also Whitewater Kayak and we Travel A LOT. We are also avid campers. So the truck will be loaded down with gear and luggage a lot. I will have racks on it, I will haul boats and such. And I'm hoping to be able to tow my 1998 Lifted Jeep Cherokee with it, and also a BMW 325is (1986 model with a 99 M3 motor) that I am about to purchase) with it. So it will definitely be a multi-use vehicle. I suppose I should have put a better title, but hopefully this one will suffice
Cheers guys!Thanks in advance for any help and discussion
I'm excited to be chatting with some of you, and to learn a bit more about these rigs. I'll miss the 80 series forums that I used to lurk around in all the time, but I'm sure you guys will be just as fun!!!Thanks
Brian
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Based on the way it pulls with a 5 speed and 33 inch tires I do not think it is a good choice to tow more than a camp trailer. I have not built a trailer wiring harness/converter yet to see how well it handles my Kimberley Kamper. I think it will be marginal. Compared to a supercharged 80 it's a slug but I love it.
