HZJ75 w/4.2 On the way! (1 Viewer)

[Coastbuster]

Hello to everyone here. This is my first post here so I guess this is an introduction.
I have just purchased a Troopy that is currently awaiting shipment in Dubai. I am gathering a few things to prepare for its arrival. I would appreciate any feedback from members regarding my action list. Model year 1997 HJZ75 4.2 Non Turbo. 95,000k. The rest can be seen in the photos. I am preparing to replace/install the Main Bearings, Clutch, Turbo, and Exhaust. I could use some advice regarding parts sources in the Lower Mainland and internationally. Cheer!

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Curious why the main bearings?

 

[Coastbuster]

Curious why the main bearings?

The mains in this vintage require occasional replacement. Dont know exactly why, but, its a known thing.

 

[JDM Journeys]

If the mileage is genuine then I'd not be busting that oil pan off yet. 200k maybe? I did mine at 300k and felt like the timing was pretty good...

I'd be more concerned about all cooling system related bits first then fuel system and other maintenance.

Looks pretty nice. Were you able to work out it's origins?

Edit... Missed turbo in your list. I'd drive it for a while and get everything else working optimally first. Turbo will introduce new issues, exacerbated by existing issues if not dealt with.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

The mains in this vintage require occasional replacement. Dont know exactly why, but, its a known thing.

Premature Big-end bearing failures are an issue on the 1HD-T engine, especially pre 11/92 models, I think due to Cavitation but no proof of that.

Have never seen a 1HZ that needed them replaced prematurely, and have never seen the need to replace main bearings on either prematurely either.

 

[sodafeld1]

95k is virtually a virgin!

 

[TreadingLight]

Yeah I wouldn't be concerned about bearings. Replace the timing belt/idler, check hoses and other belts, check the knuckles and wheel bearings, check the driveshaft for play, check the brake pads and rotors, check for leaks, and run it.

 

[Coastbuster]

95k is virtually a virgin!

In the back of my mind I am prepared to receive a Troopy with higher milage than is indicated.

 

[Coastbuster]

If the mileage is genuine then I'd not be busting that oil pan off yet. 200k maybe? I did mine at 300k and felt like the timing was pretty good...

I'd be more concerned about all cooling system related bits first then fuel system and other maintenance.

Looks pretty nice. Were you able to work out it's origins?

Edit... Missed turbo in your list. I'd drive it for a while and get everything else working optimally first. Turbo will introduce new issues, exacerbated by existing issues if not dealt with.

I agree with your comments. I have a diesel and heavy-duty mechanics background, so your words ring true. I think the Troopy will turn out to have more mileage than advertised.
Because this thing looks like the GhostBuster station wagon I think I'll have a bumper sticker made. Coastbuster, "Ain't afraid of no Jeep!"

 

[sodafeld1]

Looks pretty clean from over here. The seats look barely sat on. Either they spent considerable time making her pretty or it is genuine. You didn't mention price. Sometimes ex fire brigade troopies come up in oz around 100k kms on auction which are in similar nick to your pics. Fresh seats, clean under carriage, engine bay. Last year they were asking $45k aud.

I don't like roof racks personally, they bugger up the gutters over that span with vibrations. I always like to look under the floor mat in real life.

 

[Coastbuster]

Looks pretty clean from over here. The seats look barely sat on. Either they spent considerable time making her pretty or it is genuine. You didn't mention price. Sometimes ex fire brigade troopies come up in oz around 100k kms on auction which are in similar nick to your pics. Fresh seats, clean under carriage, engine bay. Last year they were asking $45k aud.

I don't like roof racks personally, they bugger up the gutters over that span with vibrations. I always like to look under the floor mat in real life.

Yes, it does look clean. It occurs to me that the seat covers, floor, etc could all be new to the truck. It has been suggested the troopy may have been imported from Austrailia at some point. I will need the roof rack to partially support a 60#, 16' square stern canoe. The front will be supported by a single support from the bumper. I have used this setup quite a bit in off-road conditions. I will be sure to remember your words and look at that area with improvements in mind.

 

[TreadingLight]

You can have a roof rack - but if you leave it mounted to the gutters you will get rust up there, which is complicated to fix. If it were me, I'd install mounts directly into the sheet metal and have reinforced plates on the inside

 

[renago]

THE HZ1 has no problems of bigend bearings.
THE HTD motor might have some , good advise to check them .
A 1997 truck , will need some Deep AND major inspection.
Despite THE truck look s Great in THE photos .
On Engine side , I would check compression.
Cheap ,Easy AND fast , you can assest the true state of THE motor.
Maybe ,most probably you will need to look into THE injectors an IP.
Maybe not ?

 

[Coastbuster]

You can have a roof rack - but if you leave it mounted to the gutters you will get rust up there, which is complicated to fix. If it were me, I'd install mounts directly into the sheet metal and have reinforced plates on the inside

You have a good point. I live on the west coast of Canada so rain is a fact of life. Seems to me that would be an easy mod that would slightly increase the max load of a rack to boot.

 

[Coastbuster]

THE HZ1 has no problems of bigend bearings.
THE HTD motor might have some , good advise to check them .
A 1997 truck , will need some Deep AND major inspection.
Despite THE truck look s Great in THE photos .
On Engine side , I would check compression.
Cheap ,Easy AND fast , you can assest the true state of THE motor.
Maybe ,most probably you will need to look into THE injectors an IP.
Maybe not ?

You are correct about having a significant assessment done on the entire vehicle. I have a strong background in working with diesel engines, automotive, and heavy marine. The tests you mentioned will happen right away. Suspension as well. I have noticed the tires are probably not legal in North America (Chinese-made), so new tires are probably on the repair list. How does 265 r17 sound to you?

 

[bj70bc]

you'll find stuff, prob put some wiring cleanup on that list...
assess and caress once its here

 

[renago]

You are correct about having a significant assessment done on the entire vehicle. I have a strong background in working with diesel engines, automotive, and heavy marine. The tests you mentioned will happen right away. Suspension as well. I have noticed the tires are probably not legal in North America (Chinese-made), so new tires are probably on the repair list. How does 265 r17 sound to you?

For tires, it al depends on what you must do !
THE best tire side for a HZ1 , is 265-75-16 .
Over this ,you start to loose in acceleration and reaction.
Over all I would not go on 17” rims ,as THE sidewall is shorter compared to a 16”.
Unless you plan to use it mainly on tar roads.
Just my 2 cents

 

[Coastbuster]

For tires, it al depends on what you must do !
THE best tire side for a HZ1 , is 265-75-16 .
Over this ,you start to loose in acceleration and reaction.
Over all I would not go on 17” rims ,as THE sidewall is shorter compared to a 16”.
Unless you plan to use it mainly on tar roads.
Just my 2 cents

I agree with your recommendation regarding tire size. I will use it for daily driving as well as camping, canoeing and photography trips into the mountains of British Columbia. I'm usually in the mountains on weekends with sporadic extended trips. The Troopy will need every cm of clearance it has. but not more. Experience tells me to go with wider tires, but, not taller. With daily driving and BC's steep highways I think I should favor 265's rather than 285's.