New Project - 1982 BJ42 LHD (1 Viewer)

[black pawn]

Greeting All!

New proud owner of a 1981 LHD BJ42 here. Well, perhaps more accurately, I'm the new proud owner of a bunch of rusty sheet metal in the shape of a BJ42.

I've wanted an old Land Cruiser for 30 odd years. A buddy of mine had one when I was in my late teens that a bunch of us would tool around in around Mount Hood - If I remember correctly, there were like six of us. Some of the best memories I have.

Took the plunge a few weeks ago and bought this Canadian import. It's my first diesel engine vehicle, so definitely a new game for me. I've done a few gas engine rebuilds, and more transmission swaps and rebuilds than I'd like to count (the last one was putting a world class T5 into a Volvo P1800), so I'd probably put myself somewhere on the low end of marginally competent range of hobbyist mechanics. Shaping and welding sheet metal is also going to be something new for me, but I'm looking forward to it.

I've been doing a lot of searching and reading on the forum for the last few weeks - I appreciate the wealth of knowledge you all bring, and am excited of being part of the community for the foreseeable future. Figured it was time I posted an introduction.

My current efforts involve removing sheet metal, tuning engine, and sorting out the steering (or lack thereof).

Looking forward to the forum and the experience!

Pawn

 

[45Dougal]

Welcome to the diesel club.
Looks like someone has already had a go at fixing the steering, and maybe you have a few electrical issues to sort out too?
How's your motor? EDIC still in good shape?
You'll find a few of us diesel folks here, but also check out the diesel section for specific help.

 

[Varty Yo]

Welcome!

Nice to see you also have the cold front option still intact!

 

[black pawn]

Engine seems to run pretty well - I think the idle needs a bit of adjusting. Using the throttle control inside the cab I can get it at a nice idle, but if I push the knob all the way in it sputters. Engine starts and stops ok, and it shifts pretty well. Some fluid leaking from transfer case, so will be looking into that.

I drove it for about 15 miles when I bought it and then called AAA to tow it home because the steering was so bad. The collapsible steering column was collapsed and the steering box was leaking massively. There was a good 2-3 inches of play in the steering wheel.

I spent the last 3 days removing the manual steering box. Half that time was spent on trying to remove the damn pitman arm. Finally decided to cut it off with a grinder and order a new one for $50.

I'm currently weighing the options of rebuilding the manual box or upgrading to power steering. I found a B3 pump, mounting bracket, and idler pulley online, so I order it. Figured I'd go PS sooner or later, and whichever option I chose would require putting a pump on the B3. Just not sure if I want to do it now, or hold off until later.

I'm also contemplating beginning to pull everything off the frame since I plan on doing that anyway, and my guess is I won't be driving it anytime soon. Especially if I decide to go the PS route now.

I'm not sure what the cold front option is, but I'm glad I have it intact. That may be the high point of my week.

 

[diesellibrarian]

Stop stealing our BJ42s! Haha. Just kidding - congrats on the rig!

Lots of Canadian-spec diesel Cruisers have a curtain that you can drop in front of the radiator in cold weather. Helps to keep things at the correct operating temp in extremely cold weather.

 

[45Dougal]

2-3 inches isn't that bad tbh - i had more like a quarter turn when i got mine. I think the manual says 50mm is the limit (2 inches).
Adjust the box as per the manual (carefully one quarter turn at a time; driving it in between - don't get it too tight) and refill it with grease rather than the specified oil.
There are also many joints on the steering system which all together can add up to a lot of slack - pump them full of fresh grease and it will feel a lot better