Grayson's HDJ81 Build Thread (1 Viewer)

[kendgray]

After many months of looking for a clean rig I found what was very nearly my dream 80 series on cars and bids; a 10/1996 A/T HDJ81 with white exterior, grey cloth interior, with the 1HD FT. I told my wife it was meant to be since the auction closed on my birthday and she agreed. After I won the auction, I got the rig transported from LA to home in Boise, ID through JP auto transport which cost less than expected at ~$1k. Got the title transfered into my name, registered, custom plates, and insured through progressive as an agreed upon value coverage as this will be my daily driver.

After going over it a few times and driving it regularly I've been pretty happy with my purchase with only a couple of minor complaints.

The good:

• Appears that the odometer's displayed ~49,000 miles is accurate
• Extensive paperwork included for all maintenance since new, modificaions made, vehicle registration, etc...)
• Well maintained
• Body is in near perfect condition
• Interior is in near perfect condition
• Fun Japanese finds inside
• 'D' light works
• Power antenna is intact and works

The bad:

• Listing stated it had cruise control but it does not much to my surprise
• Listing stated the rear hatch was de-badged for athetic reasons but appears to have been repaired and never re-badged
• PO mods that must go (lowered to the point it sits on the bump stops and rides like a go kart, grill, viper security system, other electrical add ons...)
• Typical JDM underspray but one of the cleanest I've seen
• Aftermarket exhaust that will get destroyed on rocks
• Passenger (Left) mirror retract function not working

This is my first RHD vehicle and my only real gripe so far is keeping straight which stalk is turn signals and which is windsheild wipers. The driving experience is far better than my current 280k mile FZJ80. The steering is tight, the shift points are predictable, and the power is plentiful once the turbo spools. Looking forward to returning this truck to its intended use.

 

[JohnnyUtah2]

Nice find. Looking forward to seeing the progress. Love the RHD JDM trucks. My wife and I had a RHD Prado for a couple years. The reverse controls on the steering column are funny to get used to, and I always went to the wrong (passenger) side for quite a while.

 

[kendgray]

Current build plan/to do list consists of the following:

1. Retrofit OEM cruise control
2. Remove/replace security system (viper 500ESP), camping kit (Bed Cruiser 3.5), Air purifier, Toyota disc auto changer (CH6T-H19), head unit, Electronic toll collection device, aftermarked fog light bulbs, window/sun roof bubbles...
3. Wheels/Tires: 17x8.5 w/ 0 offset Icon rebound Pro's in Titanium (w/ DeltaVS' hub spacers) / 315/70-17 tires of some flavor (patagonia M/T 02's?)
4. Suspension: DeltaVS/DVS/Icon full kit w/ 2.5in adjustable remote res
5. Sliders: White knuckle 69"
6. Front bumper: Dissent w/ hoops and HF Badlands sythetic line 12k winch
7. Rear bumper: 4x4 Labs? (looking for something that would allow for a spare on a swing-out and have my velociRAX 5 bike rack on simultaneously while still being able to open and use the hitch... reach out if you've got a setup that accomplishes this)
8. Engine: tuning (boost compensator/aneroid pin, intercooler, ETG sensor...)
9. Exhaust: Torqit?
10. misc: Honda Odyssey washer nozzles, Lutzauto clock guage replacement
11. Stealth/OEM++ mods: Redarc trailer brakes, toyota switch garage door opener, hidden HAM radio

Any thoughts/ideas on changes or additions to this list are greatly appreciated.

 

[kendgray]

Translating all the maintenance documentation that came with the rig shows the following repairs/replacements:

Current: 79,744kms
78728km: auction sheet (dated 10/31/2023)
78700km: Turbo assembly, exhaust manifold, head cover, intake heater, radiator hoses, bypass hose?, thermostat, fuel filter, timing belt, tensioner, idler, LLC (super) 4L (what?), engine oil 9.5L + filter (dated 5/31/2023)
78279km: Brake fluid, engine oil, brake caliper x1, caliper pistons x5, stabilizer bush, stabilizer color? (dated 10/27/2022)
76288km: brake fluid, engine oil, oil filter (dated 10/21/2020)
74458km: brake fluid, tires, valve stems, engine oil (dated 10/11/2018)
73266km: brake fluid, engine oil, brake pads, more unreadable ( dated 10/11/2016)
72730km: brake fluid (Dated 10/8/2014)
71911km: brake fluid, brake hoses x7 (dated 10/15/2012)
69983km: brake fluid (dated 10/29/2010)
68680km: brake fluid, engine oil, muffler pipe + gaskets (dated 10/27/2008)
67793km: Steering related components, starter assembly replaced (dated 10/25/2006)
55285km: brake shoes and oil (dated 10/27/2002)
51291km: intake heater relay replaced (dated 5/1/2002)
?km: ETC fitted (dated 3/27/1997)
1150km: initial 1 month inspection (dated 11/27/1996)
0km: Initial sale/registration dated 10/30/1996 from Toyama Toyota (manager's name Masato Semuhara) to a Masato Takehara (would be awesome to connect with the original owner)

I'm left with some questions. What happened to 1997-2002 where most of the miles were accumulated yet there is no maintenance history. Why did the turbo and exhaust manifold need replaced with such low milage? Why the heck did they change brake fluid so frequently???

Baseline maintenance planned; knuckles (no record of being done and a bit of leak but not bad), air filter, diff oil with air locker install (TJM?), Romer's drive shaft maintenance.

 

[kendgray]

Translating the auction sheet I get the following:

• Grade: repaired
• interior: B (Like-new)
• Single owner since new
• Genuine camping kit, ETC, viper security kit, lowered
• Sound change?
• Genuine key card + spare key x2
• Annoying turn signals for vehicle inspection? (this can't be the correct translation)
• Instruction manual and warranty card
• Roof repair
• underbody rust (slight surface rust)
• Don't know what R roof pillar "BP" refers to
• Dirt inside
• handle strike
• small/cowardly scratches (don't think cowardly is the right translation...)
• Rear hatch replaced (Paint has slight orange peal)
• Both front fenders "Wavy but still good" (Paint has slight orange peal)
• Don't know what the roof V1 means, but the sunroof bubble is cracked and there appears to be some paint worn away under it with some touch up paint

If anyone reading this sees any mistakes with my Google Lens translation I'd love to know what all this acutally says.

Thanks,

Grayson

 

[ikarus]

Current build plan/to do list consists of the following:

1. Retrofit OEM cruise control
2. Remove/replace security system (viper 500ESP), camping kit (Bed Cruiser 3.5), Air purifier, Toyota disc auto changer (CH6T-H19), head unit, Electronic toll collection device, aftermarked fog light bulbs, window/sun roof bubbles...
3. Wheels/Tires: 17x8.5 w/ 0 offset Icon rebound Pro's in Titanium (w/ DeltaVS' hub spacers) / 315/70-17 tires of some flavor (patagonia M/T 02's?)
4. Suspension: DeltaVS/DVS/Icon full kit w/ 2.5in adjustable remote res?
5. Sliders: White knuckle 69"
6. Front bumper: Dissent w/ hoops and HF Badlands sythetic line 12k winch
7. Rear bumper: 4x4 Labs? (looking for something that would allow for a spare on a swing-out and have my velociRAX 5 bike rack on simultaneously while still being able to open and use the hitch... reach out if you've got a setup that accomplishes this)
8. Engine: tuning (boost compensator/aneroid pin, intercooler, ETG sensor...)
9. Exhaust: Torqit?
10. misc: Honda Odyssey washer nozzles, Lutzauto clock guage replacement

Any thoughts/ideas on changes or additions to this list are greatly appreciated.

Looks great, that'll be a fun project.

When you remove the window and sunroof rain visors, pull them off carefully and you can sell them. There's a surprising amount of people who want those. I broke mine when removing unfortunately.

EGT sensor and intercooler are highly recommended. I also went with the Lutz Auto gauge and it's been great. I got a Torqit exhaust and love it - I know a couple people had issues getting theirs a while back but their customer service and shipping went well for me.

Your plan looks good. The only other thing I would add, which you may be planning on already, is baselining. Depending on how OCD you want to get, a lot of stuff just gets old even with low miles. Valves, replacing the coolant system, hoses, inspect/change timing belt, injectors, rebuild IP, changing out all the fluids - diffs, trans, power steering, etc.

Does it have EGR?

 

[SteelHunterFJ80]

Very nice pick up, you will love the diesel. Much better mileage, really wakes up with some small modification and it will last forever.

For exhaust on my 1HDFT I went with PDD, really like it and not droning at all. Unless I go full throttle its not loud.

Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series 4.2L 1HDT & 1HDFT Performance Exhaust

Explore how to benefit by replacing the restrictive Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series 4.2L 1HDT & 1HDFT exhaust with a PPD Performance Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrade.

ppdperformance.com.au

 

[kendgray]

Looks great, that'll be a fun project.

When you remove the window and sunroof rain visors, pull them off carefully and you can sell them. There's a surprising amount of people who want those. I broke mine when removing unfortunately.

EGT sensor and intercooler are highly recommended. I also went with the Lutz Auto gauge and it's been great. I got a Torqit exhaust and love it - I know a couple people had issues getting theirs a while back but their customer service and shipping went well for me.

Your plan looks good. The only other thing I would add, which you may be planning on already, is baselining. Depending on how OCD you want to get, a lot of stuff just gets old even with low miles. Valves, replacing the coolant system, hoses, inspect/change timing belt, injectors, rebuild IP, changing out all the fluids - diffs, trans, power steering, etc.

Does it have EGR?

Didn't realize anybody would want the visors, thanks for the advice! Your build thread definitly influenced a bunch of my plans for this rig so thanks for all the documentation you've been doing with yours!
I've been struggeling with what to do for baselining. Though I don't have documentation for a lot of it, many things look like they've been done recently (i.e. heater hoses have definitly been replaced recently). I think my plan for now is to do the things that are obviously needing to be done like knuckles and driveshaft maintenance, and just stockpile parts required for the other regular things and knock them out as needed or when its convinient of the next several years.
Lots to learn still as I have very minimal experience with diesels in general and absolutely zero with the 1HD FT but looking forward to learning this thing inside and out. I believe I lucked out and am EGR free!!!

 

[kendgray]

Very nice pick up, you will love the diesel. Much better mileage, really wakes up with some small modification and it will last forever.

For exhaust on my 1HDFT I went with PDD, really like it and not droning at all. Unless I go full throttle its not loud.

Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series 4.2L 1HDT & 1HDFT Performance Exhaust

Explore how to benefit by replacing the restrictive Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series 4.2L 1HDT & 1HDFT exhaust with a PPD Performance Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrade.

ppdperformance.com.au

I hadn't looked at PPD at all, I can't be reading that right. They are like 1/3 the price? Did you go with the muffler on your system or no? Also, how long have you had yours mounted? Thanks for the input!

 

[SteelHunterFJ80]

I hadn't looked at PPD at all, I can't be reading that right. They are like 1/3 the price? Did you go with the muffler on your system or no? Also, how long have you had yours mounted? Thanks for the input!

Got the option with the muffler, its highly recommended for those who tow or overland. The quality is excellent, the fit is perfect. They include nice hangers. I have had it for about 5,000 miles. One of the best value buys I've done for my cruiser.

Make sure when you are looking at prices to compare Australian dollar to Australian dollar and US to US, exchange rate is pretty big.

 

[kendgray]

Got the option with the muffler, its highly recommended for those who tow or overland. The quality is excellent, the fit is perfect. They include nice hangers. I have had it for about 5,000 miles. One of the best value buys I've done for my cruiser.

Make sure when you are looking at prices to compare Australian dollar to Australian dollar and US to US, exchange rate is pretty big.

Great info, I think I may go this route instead of the Torqit if its good build quality made from the same material and same routing. Hard to argue against. I do like how high clearance the Torqit system is at the tip but this doesn't look like it hangs much significantly lower.

 

[SteelHunterFJ80]

Great info, I think I may go this route instead of the Torqit if its good build quality made from the same material and same routing. Hard to argue against. I do like how high clearance the Torqit system is at the tip but this doesn't look like it hangs much significantly lower.

I have a thread with pictures of my PDD exhaust posted recently if that helps, NOLA- A Build Story...that goes Diesel - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/nola-a-build-story-that-goes-diesel.1238285/page-4#post-15553380

I can get a few more it it helps

 

[kendgray]

Pulled the Sun Automotive Bed Cruiser 3.5 camping kit out of the back today and sheared the second bolt I've ever removed from this rig due to corrosion... hopefully this isn't foreshadowing how the rest of this build is going to go.

Not sure what to do with this camping kit. Going to post it in the classifieds for now. Would be happy to donate it to the Land Cruiser Museum but since its an aftermarket part I doubt they'd want it. Now we've got room for real camping gear and my ICECO fridge back here. On my FZJ80 I've got constant 12v power wired to the 3rd row ashtray replacment from solvefunction. Will have to come up with another solution for power in the rear, idealy without cutting plastic.

 

[ikarus]

Didn't realize anybody would want the visors, thanks for the advice! Your build thread definitly influenced a bunch of my plans for this rig so thanks for all the documentation you've been doing with yours!
I've been struggeling with what to do for baselining. Though I don't have documentation for a lot of it, many things look like they've been done recently (i.e. heater hoses have definitly been replaced recently). I think my plan for now is to do the things that are obviously needing to be done like knuckles and driveshaft maintenance, and just stockpile parts required for the other regular things and knock them out as needed or when its convinient of the next several years.
Lots to learn still as I have very minimal experience with diesels in general and absolutely zero with the 1HD FT but looking forward to learning this thing inside and out. I believe I lucked out and am EGR free!!!

View attachment 3673279

Pulled the Sun Automotive Bed Cruiser 3.5 camping kit out of the back today and sheared the second bolt I've ever removed from this rig due to corrosion... hopefully this isn't foreshadowing how the rest of this build is going to go.
View attachment 3673738
Not sure what to do with this camping kit. Going to post it in the classifieds for now. Would be happy to donate it to the Land Cruiser Museum but since its an aftermarket part I doubt they'd want it. Now we've got room for real camping gear and my ICECO fridge back here. On my FZJ80 I've got constant 12v power wired to the 3rd row ashtray replacment from solvefunction. Will have to come up with another solution for power in the rear, idealy without cutting plastic.
View attachment 3673739 View attachment 3673741

Nice, lucky to find a non-EGR engine. And I broke that exact same bolt on the tie down on mine too. But it's the only one I've broken so far haha

As far as baselining, on my old 100 I just went the "drive it til it breaks" method and it was fine honestly. Never stranded me too badly. The timing belt on the 1HDFT is the one thing to watch out for since it's an interference engine. Everything else should be good until it needs to be addressed. But yeah you'll love learning the ins and outs, I know I have.

 

[RC51]

Let me know if you are interested in selling the camping bed kit! I sent you a dm.

 

[kendgray]

I have a thread with pictures of my PDD exhaust posted recently if that helps, NOLA- A Build Story...that goes Diesel - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/nola-a-build-story-that-goes-diesel.1238285/page-4#post-15553380

I can get a few more it it helps

Those pics are hugely helpfull. I like the look of that ceramic coating as well. If you happen to have a shot of the tailpipe and how far it hangs down that would be much appreciated.

 

[ginericLC]

Switch to a LHD combo switch. Even though you are driving a RHD vehicle the LHD combo switch will put things where you are accustom to and you won't activate the wipers all of the time. It is especially nice if you are switching back and forth between RHD and LHD vehicles. I probably have one. I have several of the US version of the Cruise Control actuators and the computers etc... I'm not sure if any it would be useful to you though.

 

[kendgray]

Switch to a LHD combo switch. Even though you are driving a RHD vehicle the LHD combo switch will put things where you are accustom to and you won't activate the wipers all of the time. It is especially nice if you are switching back and forth between RHD and LHD vehicles. I probably have one. I have several of the US version of the Cruise Control actuators and the computers etc... I'm not sure if any it would be useful to you though.

That's not a bad idea. I think I'm getting the hang of bouncing back and forth finally but I'll probably do that if I regress in my abilities to keep my vehicles stalks straight. I am quite interested in your cruise control parts however.
When you say you have the cruise control actuator are you refering to the actual actuator under the hood or are you refering to the switch on the steering wheel? Back 40 Imports has been a huge time/money/effort save and informed me that the older US market FJ80 cruise actuator (under hood) and cable will work on the RHD HDJ's. I bought one of these off ebay for pretty cheap but the cable that it came with is in pretty rough shape. If you have one of these with a clean cable I will buy it from you! I'm also still in need of one of the RHD computer mounting bracket if anyone has one (p/n 88219-60020). Will likely end up altering the one that came with my LHD computer or fabricating my own otherwise. Not 100% sure I bought the right LHD computers yet so may also be in need of one of those.

Thanks,

Grayson

 

[kendgray]

Dropped by @Delta VS and picked up a few goodies. Yanked the OEM "Air Purifier" and put in a new OEM dome light. Clean and simple, as all things should be. Posted the air purifier in the classifieds in case anybody wants it.

Also picked up a fuel cap hanger from DeltaVS. Pretty crazy how cheap DeltaVS sells these OEM parts for, very glad to have them locally here so I can drop in and pick stuff up for this build. Pleasure to meet you Dave and look forwarding to doing buisiness with you guys in the future.

A couple cool tag-alongs that came with the truck from Japan. For anyone with a JDM vehicle I highly recommend listening to 'Magic' as you drive around town. Realy completes the RHDing experience. Personal favorite: "Highway Bus". Until I get a new head unit, my listening options are a singe FM channel that overlaps with the Japanese FM bands, and this CD...

 

[ginericLC]

Yes, I have the cruiser motors with good cables. US spec. Swapping the Combination Switch to a LHD is a real game changer. No more wipers on when you signal.