Looking to buy JDM BJ70, any tips?

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aamiggia

aamiggia

Joined
Nov 30, 2004
Threads
59
Messages
422
Location
Moncton, NB
Hey guys,

I've been a long time USDM 80 series owner, since I sold that I'm looking to get a diesel cruiser. The one I'm looking at is a JDM BJ70.

I've seen some CDN 70's, but they are either rusted with mega km's or crazy $$$. The BJ70 I'm looking at is an '89 in excellent condition.

Any comments on the following are welcome:

- Is the odometer readings of JDM vehicles reliable?


- Did any CDN BJ70's come with AC, power windows, or cable lockers?


- Is a 1989 JDM BJ70 basically the same as a CDN BJ70, parts wise?


- What should a look out for with a 3B diesel?
 
Why limit yourself to a JDM BJ70 with a 3B engine, if you have the luxury of JDM diesels I would include a rig which has a 13BT as a choice. I purchased a 1985 CDN BJ70, I replaced the 3B engine with a 13BT engine after doing the turbo retro fit on the 3B. I believe the 13BT engine to be a better motor based on the IDI to DI concept and the turbo included with the 13BT is a better design compared to the aftermarket kits or home grown turbos.

Jim
 
aamiggia said:
Hey guys,

Any comments on the following are welcome:

- Is the odometer readings of JDM vehicles reliable?

- Did any CDN BJ70's come with AC, power windows, or cable lockers?

- Is a 1989 JDM BJ70 basically the same as a CDN BJ70, parts wise?

- What should a look out for with a 3B diesel?
Click to expand...

In order:

Generally they are accurate. They do spend a LOT of time sitting in traffic idling, and the cooling systems are usually in need of a thorough going through.

Not sure about AC. PW = No, Lockers = No.

All Land Cruisers of a given model share many of the same parts. Your question should really be " are service parts readily available?" and the answer is "yes."


My comments:

I would not personally consider a BJ70. The 73 and 74 series are a little longer (~10") and have a nicer ride.

For smoothness, the HZJ73 is far and above better than the BJs. The BJ74 (13BT engine) is far more powerful than the 3B, and is worth it. The 1HZ engine is pretty close in power to the 13BT, but is a little less lively on the highway. Off road, the 1HZ is superior to the 13BT and 3B in terms of usable torque. Put a turbo on the 1HZ and it's a totally different animal (and upgrading the pistons to ones with steel ring lands is a good idea).

Be aware that you have a 25 importation rule to deal with... DO NOT get sucked in, as you will be required to either destroy or immediately export a vehicle that does not meet the importation rules. A few do sneak in, but that is entirely at the risk of the purchaser...


~John
 
hmmmm...

The price is good, lack of power I think I can deal with. I'm used to driving Suzuki Samurai's.

The other truck I'm looking at is a HDJ81. I'm assuming a turbo 4.2 L is quite a bit better ride?
 
aamiggia said:
hmmmm...

The price is good, lack of power I think I can deal with. I'm used to driving Suzuki Samurai's.

The other truck I'm looking at is a HDJ81. I'm assuming a turbo 4.2 L is quite a bit better ride?
Click to expand...

Ah, Canada... 15 year rule, so no problem.

The 1HDT is a totally different animal than the B series. The 80 is not comparable to the 70 series, they are different trucks, with a different purpose and market segment.

The 1HZ and 1HDT are very similar engines, the 1HZ being normally aspirated and indirect injected. Both are very smooth.

~John
 
Ya that's the truck.

I realize that it's a little impractical, but there's something majical about the look and offroad function of a 70 series SWB.

I'm in the process of building a Suzuki Samurai LWB TDI and I guess I'm getting a little impatient to drive it.

The 80 series will be more of a touring / offroading vehicle and probably a better choice.
 
Considering a HDJ81 or a BJ70 (or BJ74) is like comparing apples and eggplants. I have had my HDJ81 for just over 2 years, and love it. I drove a BJ74 for the first time yesterday, and thougth it was pretty cool though. Its kind of like driving a tractor by comparison though. Made my 81 feel like a Cadillac. I would love to have one of each, but for me the 81 is the ticket. It has a great ride, good power, good milage (approx 11L/100km), and tons of room. The 7* series is less refined, but serves is purpose well. Its all personal preference, so really it's up to you.

My $.02
 
I am getting ready to sell my JDM BJ71 (pictured in avatar) for about the same price. It doesn't have lockers but it does have a rear limited slip that actually works. It also has a PTO winch and factory TURBO!! PM me if interestd
 
aamiggia said:
hmmmm...

The price is good, lack of power I think I can deal with. I'm used to driving Suzuki Samurai's.

The other truck I'm looking at is a HDJ81. I'm assuming a turbo 4.2 L is quite a bit better ride?
Click to expand...

You should also consider the 73/74 series,like the 70 but 10 inches longer with a better ride and more luggage space.
The HDJ80 is the top of the range in those years,and yes, a better ride
 
Cruisin' said:
Considering a HDJ81 or a BJ70 (or BJ74) is like comparing apples and eggplants.
Click to expand...

I like eggplant... :grinpimp:

If you want a 70 do yourself a favour and hold out for a BJ74. You'll end up wanting to turbo the 70 anyway. Plus almost all the 74s are air conditioned, the extra storage space is really nice, lots came with lockers and full floaters, etc. It really is a much nicer vehicle.

The 81 is a different story altogether. I'd also love to have one of each, and will some day.
 
aamiggia said:
Ya that's the truck.

I realize that it's a little impractical, but there's something majical about the look and offroad function of a 70 series SWB.

I'm in the process of building a Suzuki Samurai LWB TDI and I guess I'm getting a little impatient to drive it.

The 80 series will be more of a touring / offroading vehicle and probably a better choice.
Click to expand...

If the 70 series is where your heart lies and you have the kind of money advertised for the JDM 70 seriously think about the JDM BJ74 with a 13BT engine. If you can, go drive a 3B then drive a 13BT you won't look back at the 3B. In my experience the 13BT beats the 3B in all areas, fuel economy, acceleration, torque, and fun. The cost per unit should be about the same and the repair parts issue is the same. The only upgrades necessary to either rig will be a turbo kit for the 3B and larger exhaust with EGT for both 3B or 13BT.

Jim
 
OK thanks.

The HDJ81 was the practical side of me talking. I had a LX450 and sold it to get something more fun and smaller for offroad use.

The consence seems to be BJ71/4 for the power/size.

Power is nice, but I'm not too interested how fast the truck is. Anything is better then a Suzuki Samurai. Besides my daily driver is plenty fast.

The size is not an issue, nothing I need to carry that can't go on the roof. A BJ74 is nice, but I'm looking for a short wheelbase.

BJ71's are rare and a unit with cable lockers is very expensive. In that price range I'm looking at an unlocked BJ71. Besides the body on this thing is in incredible condition, not a spec of rust on it!

Does anyone know what a AXT turbo kit costs?
 
Ok seems you have your mind made up. Buy the BJ70 and put a turbo on it - but not the AXT, diesel42 on here has put a better kit together for the BJ 3B engine, cheaper and with a better turbo. You'd just need an oil filter housing off a BJ60 and you are ready to go.

Didn't you ask all these questions a couple of years ago?
 
Ishobie,

You have a good memory, at least better then mine ;)

I was looking to buy a BJxx a while back, but thought I could build a Samurai to suit the need. Unfortunatly I've lost interest in fighting rust and corrosion and having to get custom parts made.

I think that's the route I'll take. Besides the HDJ81 I went to see was in poor shape, makes me wonder about the odometer reading on any JDM vehicle.

BTW, I took a look at your YouTube videos. If I'm ever in the Ottawa area I'd love to come for a ride. How does that HDJ81 do offroad?
 
aamiggia said:
Unfortunatly I've lost interest in fighting rust and corrosion and having to get custom parts made.

I?
Click to expand...

One of the strong reasons I prefer a 73/74 series. They have the F/G roof and bolt on windscreen frame.
The 70 is all one big hunk of metal which does suffer rust problems in the roof and w/s frame.
The extra 10 inches of wheel base doesnt impair its offroad abilty measurably but adds to its on road handling;)
 
so i am currently waiting for Mark at Brave Autoworks in japan to findme an hdj81
my dad currently has a bj70 na spec. The truck is truly amazing. Mark is looking for a 70, 73 or 74 for my dad. He asked for cable lockers but he said its extremely rare to find them with lockers still. My dad just wants something without body rust. good luck!
 
first, the roll back and swapped odometeres is VERY common in Japan. you can not trust the reading. you need to look it over first hand and LOOK for signs of a rollback (take off the "rose colored glasses" when inspecting the vehicle)
just because you want a 70 doesn't mean this is the one for you and you have waited this long so when you go look at it look for a reason NOT to buy it. if you can not find a reason NOT to buy it then look it over again to see if it really fits the price range.
personally, i do not like the 13BT off road. on the highway they rock. a turbo'd 3B performs just as well if not better than the 13BT. also i am not a big fan of direct injection.
next, i would shop for a PZJ70 since you can still find parts easily for the newer engines where as the older B series is getting harder to find parts SO do you really want to spend $12K on a vehicle that you might not be able to find parts for in 4 years? only YOU can answer that one.
next, i have seen the CND 70 with AC, i have seen one with a factory sunroof, i have never seen one with FF rear or power windows or door locks.

personally, after owning the BJ70 and the PZJ70 i would wait and shop for a PZJ70. the performance is night and day different, the fuel economy is the same for both and the PZ is quieter. you can get the PZ with AC power toys, factory winch and elockers (which are nicer to play with... in my experience).

you wanted an opinion and this is mine. walk away on that truck.

cheers
 
For a little bit more you can buy an HZJ73 with cable lockers, under 100k kms confirmed, arb suspension, 1HZ engine, good tires, no rust, snorkel and the list goes on. Check the classifieds.

I can attest to the condition of the truck and can personally say that the kms are correct - that truck drives like new.

For a 5K difference it is a no brainer. Everything Wayne says is bang on.

Louis
 
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