Got the Cruiser bug

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H

Hovenator

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Sep 25, 2007
Threads
46
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371
Location
Abbotsford, B.C.
Hello

Well, I've got the diesel LandCruiser bug again.

Some of you I've met before on 4x4 trips around Harrison. My brother is Justin. I'm Paul. Justin has been into Cruisers since he could drive and now I think he has finally infected me. His latest Cruiser is Craigs old monster yellow 80 series truck. (too bad it's not diesel, but it does have rhino's on it!) I drove it the other day and I likey alot!:D

Anyway, I figure you guys would be full of good advice concerning the purchase of an HJ61 or HJ81. I want a wagon and I don't have the time or patience to deal with the rust issues of the Canadian spec models. Also, I want a turbo.

Is getting parts for the JDM trucks an issue? How is the Lower Mainland for quality mechanics who can work on these?

Which importers, trucks should I be weary of. I saw a cool looking 61 for sale in Mission a few weeks ago on Craigs for $8k. Lift, 35's, silver, looks like a PTO. Good price... too good?

I'm always picking Justin's brain about Cruisers but he doesn't have any JDM experience. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.:)

Thanks, Paul
 
There are a lot of JDMs in town right now and therefore a lot of guys with access to parts. You're always better off picking a truck that has been here is some format to have a better access to the common parts like brakes and wheel bearings, etc. There are a couple of guys around town that have worked on JDMs for a long time and are very familiar with them as well as have access to a lot of common parts. One thing that people keep mistaking is that JDMs don't have rust, this is not true. I've seen some with worse rust then the locals, also in certain cases the odometers get rolled back as well as many regular maintenance things did not get done regularly. The 60 series have aways had issues with rust, regardless of that I've always like the lines of them better, so the 80 series trucks would be a better choice from that point of view. The 80s have had issues as well with the BEBs in the engines and the early models have had complications with the front diffs (depending on how hard you wheel it). All that said, either truck is a great but make sure you inspect it and do the necessary prep work and maintenance. You might be able to get a sweet truck or a lemon regardless of what you buy. I've always done my own inspections before buying a truck from anyone and with JDMs you have to be even more picky due to the fact that ICBC will be picky before they let you insure it. If you come across a private sale just make sure it has been registered in BC before so you don't have to spend more on making it "legal". Good luck and take your time to find the right truck for you.
 
Thanks for the info. I never really thought about things like brakes. I just assumed that the axle assy's would be the same.
Forgive my ignorance but what does BEB's refer to?
 
Hovenator said:
what does BEB's refer to?
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I believe it is bottom end bearing. The JDM 80 guys will tell you to get it done if it hasn't been. From what I have heard the 1994 and newer did not have that problem.

Paul, I'm sure Norm could help you get my BJ60 body to your standards :hhmm:. The frame is already done for you :clap:.
 
Vanny said:
I believe it is bottom end bearing. The JDM 80 guys will tell you to get it done if it hasn't been. From what I have heard the 1994 and newer did not have that problem.

Paul, I'm sure Norm could help you get my BJ60 body to your standards :hhmm:. The frame is already done for you :clap:.
Click to expand...

quiet you! Ive got an hj61 I need to unload;p
 
Vanny said:
I believe it is bottom end bearing.
Click to expand...

Nope big end bearing is the correct term but IMO it is more of a connecting rod bushing than a bearing. But what do I know, I have drive a Safari. :rolleyes:

piston1.jpg
 
Holy cow!

BEB = major motor work. What is the problem with these? Can this job be done thru the oil pan or is it a remove engine kind of thing? Also, is this just an 80 series thing?

Greg, put a turbo on your truck and I'd be interested!:lol:
 
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My advice is to take your time, talk to as many club members as possible, and don't rush into anything. You have a learning curve to go through before committing yourself. There are plenty of Cruisers on the market and they are not selling fast at this time. Come to our meeting on Thursday and talk to club members. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience for you to draw from. :banana:
 
Hovenator said:
Holy cow!

BEB = major motor work. What is the problem with these? Can this job be done thru the oil pan or is it a remove engine kind of thing? Also, is this just an 80 series thing?
Click to expand...

It is just a 1HT engine thing. It is not a major job from what I have read. Either it is a few hundred $ or a DIY. Yes, you can do it through the oil pan.

I would not shy away from the 81 Cruisers with a 1HT because of it. Its just something you know you should do at 100,000 kms with the origonal BEB and to inspect every 100,000 km.
 
The BEB job is not that big of a deal. I did it myself in the driveway in an afternoon. I described the job in a thread in the Diesel/24v section here on Mud several months ago. Got the parts from Sheldon at G&S, let the truck sit overnight so all the oil would be in the pan, and went at it!

I've had my 81 for a little over a year, and its all smiles!

Cheers.
 
I saw a cool looking 61 for sale in Mission a few weeks ago on Craigs for $8k. Lift, 35's, silver, looks like a PTO. Good price... too good?
Click to expand...

I saw that posting. I used to see that truck driving out toward Chilliwack every morning when I commuted to Mission. It was sprung over on big lift springs, the 35's looked way too small for it's height. I remember it was for sale years ago at ugly trucks unlimited. Still, the price might have made it worth a look?

The price of the 80 series has been dropping but it seems there might be more stories of dissapointment due to BIG surprises (costly) on the 80's than the 60's:meh:.
 
It's kind of a toss up as to what things you want to live with, the 60 series were more prone to rust, even the ones that were JDMs, a couple of winters here and without rust proofing they start to show the symptoms. The drivetrain is good and strong, the 80 series had a more powerful engine but had some issues, the BEBs, the 5 speed manual eats synchro rings but the rust issues are very minor in comparison to the 60s. The coil suspension is very nice, and the wider wheel base is good for off-camber stuff. Regardless of which you buy there are some basic questions you have to ask yourself, which body style do you like better? are you more concerned with comfort? the 60 leaf suspension is less comfortable then the coils. Do you want more electronic/electric goodies? even the loaded 60s had less stuff then the 81. For both most parts can be easily obtained some will require a bit more time for shipping, regardless of which you chose make sure to inspect it from top to bottom.
 
Regardless of which model you choose, it is important to get it checked over by a experienced Cruiser Mechanic. On the lower mainland, all three are qualified: EBI, Rob Millson, & Cruiserland. This will save you tons of money later.
Also be aware that Land Cruisers are EXPENSIVE to buy, maintain, upgrade, and repair. Your wife may grow to hate Land Cruisers because they take up so much of your time and money. Cruisers have put stress on many a marriage. While guys get involved with their Land Cruisers, some women have a more peripheral preference for obscure mundane things like housing, children and budgets. If a struggle ensues, remember and keep focused that LAND CRUISERS RULE! :hillbilly::wrench:
 
I like both series of trucks. The only thing that I don't really like about the 80 series is the full time 4 wheel drive. I'd rather have old fashion locking hubs! However, I like the interior of the 80's better. (My wife likes them better!)
I'm going to go have a look at a 92 HJ81 that's in Surrey. Under 100 000k... so the ad says:rolleyes:, on 35's, no locking diff's... pics look nice. We'll see.

Thanks again for all the input!

Paul
 
The VX limited series have full time 4WD, the regular 81s which are harder to find have manual hubs and some of them came with electric diff locs as well. you have choices, although the most popular ones are the VX limited which also have an automatic transmission you can still find the regular ones with a 5 speed.
 
Hovenator said:
The only thing that I don't really like about the 80 series is the full time 4 wheel drive. I'd rather have old fashion locking hubs!
Click to expand...

One solution is the part time kit from Slee or others. You know the one you, Norm and Justin are going to help me install in September :D. I have read the increase in performance is 3-5 miles per gallon depending on who you talk to.

As for 60 vs 80. I own the BJ60 and FZJ80. Love the lines of the 60, but the comfort of the 80 out wieghs that for me. I will be giving up the old 60 soon (if the price is right) as I hate to see it not get used. I will definetly miss the diesel, but who knows, maybe one day I will have a diesel again.

Justin is not a good influence. If he could hear me talk of another one in the future he would give me the "I told you so".
 
Had a look today at this 92 VX in Surrey that is on graigslist. Nice enough guy selling it but not a "Cruiserhead." Has only had the truck for 3 months. Bought it from some second rate deallership. The 35's are worn to about 30%, has a nice lift kit in it though. Smells faintly of smoke inside. I'm sure it was smoked in all it's life in Japan. Various little trim/ rattle issues inside. A/C works.
Under the hood some odd things. Some sort of buck-shee tranny cooler reservoir added, and some odd chrome cannister that had garden hose style plumbing from the intake to it and to the the air cleaner??? No, BEB done and no maintenance records. I suspect the the timing belt would need doing soon from what I've read. All in all I think that the amount of $$$ spent to get it up to par would out-weigh the asking price of 13 500.
Good to actually drive one though. It's almost too luxury for me... I could hardly hear the TURBO! Love that sound... maybe I'll look at some 60's

Thanks agian for all the info. I'll continue looking.

Paul
 
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