Builds Ikarus' HDJ81 Aussie-Style Build (10 Viewers)

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I need to get a list going so I can make sure I have parts for my HDJ80 in the future when the need arrives. Might not be available when I need them.

Out of curiosity, how fast can you comfortably drive that 1HD-FT on the interstate/hwy? There's one in Cali I'm thinking about buying and driving back to Tennessee.
I keep a running list of parts. I think interior and aesthetic parts will go first. Engine, drivetrain, brakes etc. I'm not too worried about.

I drive at 70-75 regularly. It even does 80+ just fine. That's with stock gears and 35s. Are you still importing one?
 
Yes as far as I know, search this group for "105 Steering Box" and there are lots of posts saying it bolts right up:


The only catch is if you have this solenoid on top, I think it's called a speed sensitive steering solenoid or something like that. I believe it only came on the higher trim JDM / VX Limited. Makes it easy to turn the wheels at low speeds, and firms up at highway speeds.

Additionally, the solenoid housing where the steering shaft connects seems be a different length vs standard boxes. You can see mine compared to this pic from @Box Rocket. But it does look like that entire back end unbolts... so I imagine to delete it the solenoid, you could just swap out that rear end and the steering shaft connection... not sure.

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There are several threads on here discussing it, and talk of the lines being different:


You'd have to go look at the steering box and see if you have that solenoid on top. I'm not sure what year they started using it.

Of course if anyone knows better than me, chime in, I haven't done too much research. I'm not ready to make the jump to a 105 box quite yet.

105 box looks like about $1600 shipped to the US:


I have done the swap to a 105 box, you are correct and on the right track. It’s not hard to do but isn’t plug and play.

Cheers
 
I keep a running list of parts. I think interior and aesthetic parts will go first. Engine, drivetrain, brakes etc. I'm not too worried about.

I drive at 70-75 regularly. It even does 80+ just fine. That's with stock gears and 35s. Are you still importing one?

Thanks for the info, and yes, I'm still importing one. It should be in the port at Charleston, SC this Tuesday. However, I'm getting really close to pulling the trigger on this other one on the West Coast. It's currently wearing 33's.
 
Thanks for the info, and yes, I'm still importing one. It should be in the port at Charleston, SC this Tuesday. However, I'm getting really close to pulling the trigger on this other one on the West Coast. It's currently wearing 33's.
Nice! Yeah the drive would be fine. I drove mine home on 32s and it was great. If you need anything while passing through Utah let me know
 
Nice! Yeah the drive would be fine. I drove mine home on 32s and it was great. If you need anything while passing through Utah let me know

I certainly will do! I appreciate that, and thanks again for the info! If it works out, I'll post pics, of course.
 
how fast can you comfortably drive that 1HD-FT on the interstate/hwy?
Not my car, but I've driven several diesel 80's. The answer to your question is going to depend on gearing and tire size. Some "general market" manual transmission 80's came with 4.11's and 31" tires. Lucky to get 65-70mph comfortably out of them. OTOH, in some markets 80's came with either 3.70's or 3.56's and 33" tires. These will cruise all day at 75-80. Check the VIN plate for the axle code and check the tire size. That'll tell you how suitable it will be for an Interstate highway.
 
Not my car, but I've driven several diesel 80's. The answer to your question is going to depend on gearing and tire size. Some "general market" manual transmission 80's came with 4.11's and 31" tires. Lucky to get 65-70mph comfortably out of them. OTOH, in some markets 80's came with either 3.70's or 3.56's and 33" tires. These will cruise all day at 75-80. Check the VIN plate for the axle code and check the tire size. That'll tell you how suitable it will be for an Interstate highway.

Thanks for the additional info. According to the VIN lookup, the model is an HDJ80L-GNMEWW (if that tells us anything) Being a European model, I think the axle ratio is going to be 3.73, but I will add the VIN plate info here when I get a chance.

*EDIT*- Apparently, I don't have a picture of the VIN plate. I checked the title and other documents, and I didn't see any mention of the axle ratio. Just the engine, weight/dimensions, tire/wheel size, etc...
 
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I tried for about an hour to find info based on the VIN alone, but all I managed to find was sites that wanted money. Oh well... I'm glad you were able to find it, and thanks for the help.

@ikarus- sorry to derail your thread.
 
Easy little project today. New hood insulator - the old one was falling apart and starting to rain yellow foam on the engine.

Insulator: 5334160110
Clips x12: 9046709014

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Is that insulator part number specifically for the 81? I notice there is a relief area that looks like it's for the brake fluid reservoir. Thinking I might need a different part number for a HDJ80.
 
Is that insulator part number specifically for the 81? I notice there is a relief area that looks like it's for the brake fluid reservoir. Thinking I might need a different part number for a HDJ80.
Not sure, the part number for a LHD FZJ80 is different - 5334160100 - but I don't know how different it is.
 
Interesting. I've never seen the speed sensitive steering solenoid. Kinda cool.
It's not on us spec rigs.


And it when stops working you'll notice it. The steering gets very hard.
 
I got my upgraded Rosen visors installed from @sbman. He was very helpful and cut some custom visors for me as the regular visor upgrade was just a little too big for the JDM spec altimeter/compass console.

Original Rosen vs sbman visors:

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I would say these are double the tint level of the original Rosen visors - similar darkness to stacking both Rosens on top of each other.

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Very happy with it. Great upgrade
 
Took a trip to southern Utah. Perfect weather and not many people around surprisingly. It was good to really get some wheeling in and get a feel for the ins and outs of the cruiser. I love it, what a great wheelbase and powerplant. Just a blast to hit the throttle on long sandy tracks or walking up ledges.

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I would hate to weigh this down but I could use a higher clearance rear bumper after smacking it a few times. And sliders, I was close to having to turn around a couple times but made it through. And lockers, I had to cut a trail short because I just couldn't quite make it up a washed out embankment. And a Scheel-Mann seat would be nice for the long drives... and I could use better bumpstops and better shocks while I'm at it for higher speed trails... and I need an air compressor... and and and you know how it goes

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Cruising through Valley of the Gods, saw a Toyota group with an 80 - you guys on here? While there I had to recreate this photo from a few years back in the same place with my old 100.

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(the sunset was much better last time, it was stormy this time.) The wind was gnarly and if you've camped there, you know it's perfect for nice weather with big vistas, but there are no alcoves or anything to shelter from the wind. So I bounced and camped over by Comb Ridge instead and found a sheltered camp out of the wind.

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The following morning:

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It's otherwordly over there. I flew in to SLC a few years back and was in awe of the geography visible from the air. Wow.
Drive out next time, let’s hit some trails!
 
Drive out next time, let’s hit some trails!
I wish there was an inexpensive way to ship my truck! Having been to Moab and western CO once with my truck I want to go back again with my kids but 20+ hours of drive is a deal killer.
 

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