HDJ81 Owners

[jatree]

How is it holding up?

It's 2018 now so I expect to start seeing 1993 models rolling into the states. For those of you who imported from Japan, Canada, or elsewhere - have you run into any big issues with repairs or finding parts?

Most of the threads from owners a couple years ago seemed to indicate minimal issues. With how difficult it is finding low mileage 80s here, and some knowledge gained through conversation with mud members and experienced importers, I'm thinking about taking the plunge.

This thread on model year differences may be relevant: HDJ81 Model Year Differences..

 

[Lumpskie]

I don't have an HDJ81, but I do have a 1HDT with A442f, hydraulic version. (swapped by Torfab) I put 20,000 miles on mine over the last year. Total issues: transmission linkage loosened up on me once. All my money since owning has gone towards tires and mods really. @beno got me my oil filters and a couple other little maintenance items that I needed.

 

[HillCountryTX]

We bought our 1991 HDJ81 from @SteveJackson at Land Cruiser's Direct back in late 2016 with 133,000 kms on it and his crew does a great job of base-lining the vehicles from a preventative maintenance/issue standpoint (BEB's, all fluids changed, plus many more checks). You have to keep in mind, however, that like any vehicle that is 25+ years old, that things will begin to deteriorate (i.e. rubber, o-rings, gaskets, etc.).

Below are the services that we've done since we bought our HDJ81:

* Oil/filter change (oil changed every 5k kms, and oil filter changed every 10k kms) that I do myself.
* New shocks (original OEMs finally ceased to do anything related to 'shock' absorption) - was able to have a local garage do the work as the suspension is common to all 80's of this time period.
* New diesel fuel injectors (our HDJ81 had 140,000 kms on it at the time) - purchased Denso injectors brand new from a company here in Texas and did the install myself.
* Installed a ProVent 200 filter to take care of oily blow-by (was saturating the hose pre-turbo).

Upcoming Service:
* Our IP (injection pump) is leaking and we are having it swapped out with a rebuilt IP. We are having Land Cruiser's Direct do the work and will probably have them check the valve clearances, replace the rubber fuel hoses, etc. while they have the vehicle. The IP is at the heart of the engine and we want mechanics that know what they're doing and Steve's crew is absolutely wonderful.

Yes, you will have routine maintenance items (oil/oil filter, fluids, shocks, etc.), but so far ours is performing admirably. I am able to get oil filters (Toyota OEM) fairly easily, as well as fuel filters and air filters online. It's true that you can't' just go to NAPA/Autozone/O'reilly's/Etc. and pick up what you need for most of this, but if you keep these common items on hand it makes it much easier. For more significant services (i.e. engine related) we don't trust our HDJ81 with local "diesel" garages/mechanics. The only reason is because they just don't see the Toyota diesels...if it's not Ford/Chevy/Dodge they look at you weird. When that time comes we'll have to face that fact, but so far it has all been preventative items

Hope this helps!!

 

[cme4lyt]

I just purchased a 90 HDJ81 out of MT that was imported from Japan last July.

Engine is very clean with no leaks, that I can tell. I just changed rear diff, t-case and front diff oil as part of my baselining process. The TB light just came on so next week it’s going for a TB replacement and I’m having the BEB’s done at the same time. At that time engine oil and filter will be done as well. After that I will embark on the dreaded front axle/birfield service and then I should be good. I will also prob change brake fluid and bleed the brakes and maybe throw a new set of pads on the front.

After that I’m gonna drive it for a while and figure out if I should keep it or let it go. I’m only at 63K miles so I’m not fighting a lot of bad stuff.

Regards,

 

[Dork]

I've had my '95 straight outta Japan since July 2016, and put around 13,000kms so far on top of the 116k it came with. Other than the minor things I needed to do to get it to pass out of province, and normal routine stuff, I've had the alternator fail.

My recommendation is, have another vehicle as back up. If something fails and you are able to live for a week while ordering parts, you won't have a problem. Just don't expect to be able to stop into any old parts store and ask the pimply faced moron at the counter for help.

 

[Dave 2000]

Mine's an '80' but as near as dammit identical. Imported from UK to Spain over seven years ago with 180k...ish miles, did the BEB's and usual stuff, manual gearbox second gear reluctant.

Broke the transfer box a few years later, swapped in a secondhand gear and transfer boxes, and clutch at the same time although the original was still good. Now at 260+k and apart from the routine timing belt change and a water pump that's it, I have never owned or worked on another vehicle so bloody tough and reliable in the same package.....period.

Looking through my long running thread (link in sig), pretty much everything I have done (mods and maintenance) has been done purely voluntarily, these are proper machines IMO, if mine has to go it will be because of rust, unlikely to be found on a JDM.

Regards

Dave

 

[Munks]

I own a HDJ81 1HDFT 1995.
Font diff is 8 0r 8.5 (cant remember) inch high pinion which is different to the HDJ80 which I believe is 9 inch.
Never had any problems with it and I aint gentle on the big rig.

 

[John Young]

Just last evening I bought this happy fellow:

Just at the beginning stages of things. I will do a post separately to this, but I did want to check in here.

 

[ZCissner]

I have a 91 and live a ferry ride away if you want to drive one. i brought it over from canada in march, i love the thing,might get another one