Going to check out a bj70v... advice please

[peteinjp]

It's a 1986 BJ70v with 3B, 5 speed, cold climate package (whatever that means) PTO winch with 180,000kms on the clock. The exterior looks very clean- most likely repainted unfortunately. The interior is well used but I'm not so concerned with is looking beautiful. In fact I just want to good functional truck.

I drive a 1984 Bj46 so I'm already quite familiar with the 3b and the running gear. I am not familiar with the 70 series models although I understand if this one is about as basic as it gets- which is what I like about the truck. Again I'm coming from the 40 series background and I'm a 'simple is good' type of guy. The truck is not for me but for a friend. She currently drives a 70's mitsubishi jeep but since the defense forces here have officially retired them mitsubishi is no longer producing parts. And she is looking for something that actually has a heater etc....

The asking price is around $7000 but I think we can get it down closer to 6 as it has been sitting for a while. I think it's because is has the 3B and the 13bt and 6 cylinder trucks are more desirable. In terms of maintenance I'm assuming that it has had almost none- as many Japanese vehicles do not get proper maintenance. She does not use the highway but for a couple of times a year so I figure the 3B will do her just fine.

questions-

How well does the venerable 3B move a short 70 series? Is 5th Gear usable?

What are the NLA items that will be necessary to keep the truck functionality healthy?

My spidey sense says- 'cold weather package- clean repaint........' What are the typical rust areas to check out.

Likely there are no rear seat belts. What other areas will need to be addressed in terms of safety?

Any other typical known issues to check out on this model? I'll certainly check the exhaust- hopefully still available- it's a big bargaining chip. How about typical clutch lifespan?

Finally what are those side panels on either side of the rear seat?

Pics for reference:

And a shot of my truck just for the he'll of it:

Thanks-

Pete

 

[AirheadNut]

I cant answer most of your questions, but the 3B in a SWB 70 should do just fine. I drove a BJ73 for a while and there was nothing wrong with it either in town or on the highway. It had 33's and stock gearing, but had no trouble maintaining 110kph on flat highway in 5th, and most hills could be done at or above 80 in 4th. It was an absolute blast to drive, too!

 

[peteinjp]

Thanks for the input. I figure it will be fine as well. My truck does fine with kids and camping gear in it and so the SWB should too!

I forgot to mention one thing that surprised me- the truck has manual steering. I kinda figured that with the introduction of the 70 series all the trucks would have power steering! Anywya0 basic is just fine and if we get this truck it will never have large tires on it anyway..

Pete

 

[roscoFJ73]

Power steering was optional, some of the mines in Australia ordered their 75 series that way. Cold weather package may mean it has a damper in front of the radiator to restrict airflow when you want the heater to get hot.
Appears to have a power take off, probably for the missing winch, but still a plus in my books.
That's a low spec model, you can tell by the vinyl floor and seats. Most of them had carpet and cloth seats.
It has the simple dash gauge version as well.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Whats that sticker on the glove box? Is it instructions for the winch?

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

It looks clean.

As Rosco/ @roscoFJ73 mentioned, it is a base grade model, but it seems to have AC.

Does it have a winch? PTO lever is there.

The rear panels are storage compartments The left is missing a lid.

Onur / @beno can help you with NLA parts. Aftermarket is your friend.

Check the fenders and the windshield base for rust bubbles. The top, over the gutter channel, usually attracts rust.

Doors and underbody drain holes get plugged, and this is common in units that have been sitting for a while.

It appears the rear seat lacks seatbelts. You will have to install two-point belts.

Hope this helps.







Juan

 

[peteinjp]

Thanks for all the tips. Yes the winch appears to be present.

So far the spots to look for rust are

Below the rear sliding window channels

The base of the windshield.

Rain gutter

Rocker panels

Fenders- Where does rust show up on the fenders? Any other spots to look at regarding rust. I'm pretty sure this truck has been re sprayed so some decent detective work is in order.

Pete

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

Check the fenders over the wheels and the rim. This BJ70 lacks fender flares, so chances are there might be not much rust down there.






Juan

 

[Beastiethe70]

Curious about what the 'cold weather package' entails?

Check for rust on the door panels as well, the corners outside and inside. Hell do a nice sweep of the frame as well.

In terms of speed and pick up, from my experience, you have to use your gearing and know how much to much the gears to get the most out of the 3B in terms of speed. The reality is the 70 was designed to go a max of 55MPH, in Japan during the time of their production the highest speed limit across the country was just that, 55MPH. But I also wouldn't trade my 70 for anything, and thats after driving 30,000 miles on American highways where the speed limit can top 80. The slow lane is my friend. As long as your friend is fine with that, the 3B is fine.

 

[peteinjp]

Actually yeah I'm here in Japan. The speed limit is still 60mph (100koh) max! She'll be fine with that for sure. My 3B is pushing 255
/85 with stock 410:1 difs (which will be the same as the 70 were going to look at) and it does well enough- but only a 4 speed.

Thanks again for the tips. She's pretty keen on getting this truck so if the body looks to have a good bit of life left in it and it doesn't smoke too much then it's probably going to end up on my maintenance list........

Secretly I covet the short 70. But I'm committed long term to the bj46. So you can see that I have motivations for her to buy this truck as well!

But- we'll be realistic about it for sure. I can handle maintenance but I'm not into doing major repairs- especially body stuff.

Pete

 

[SteveJackson]

This truck has been through the auctions a few times in the last couple months. It was sold in December for 351,000 Yen and has been relisted a few times since with a highest bid of 560,000. When I see trucks recycled like this, it means one of two things. It was purchased for the purpose of resale locally. It was purchased and an issue was discovered so it's being dumped. Mileage is accurate. Check for rust underneath, in the rocker panels, around the windshield, in the wheel wells and on the rear floor under the carpet. Looks like it might not be a bad little base model truck. But $7000 is 800,000 Yen right now. I think you could find something better for that price if you keep looking. Just my opinion. 70's are great trucks, enjoy!