new to Land Cruisers BJ74????

[new guy]

Hi everyone I've been poking around here for a couple of hours and this is an ausome forum.

I have a Question to ask though I'm looking at buying a BJ74 with the 13bt engine, is there any thing that I should been looking at specifically? How are the frams and body?

sorry if these's are dumb questions but I kinda gota start somewhere and this seems like the right place.

thanks for the help

 

[_Walker_]

Hey! Welcome to the forum! The BJ74 is an AWESOME truck, if you do end up getting one you will be a very happy camper.
As for things to look for;
1)Rust is always the big thing for cruisers although the 74s don't have quite so much of this problem compared to older cruisers, that being said ideally find one as rust free as you can. Be advised some places may do a quick and dirty undercoat to cover up potential bad spots so be on the look out, that being said so long as the frame is solid the body work isn't that hard to deal with.

2) The H55 manual transmission is (in my mind) the only way to go, but thats a lot of opinion too, personally I don't like autos

3) Make sure it has the full floating rear axle, and Ideally the factory cable lockers (although expect to pay some extra $$)

 

[fatcat]

I think there is a BJ74 for sale here in Edmonton. I saw it on the road and pretty sure it is the same one in the classifieds on MUD with lockers. Looked pretty sweet to me.

Mere

 

[new guy]

Hey thanks for the info there is actualy 2 BJ74's that I'm looking at one with some rust in the wind shield frame that around 60,000km and the other seem to rust free with about 100,000km on it. There is an auto there with lockers in it but I'm not a fan of autos. Now I have not had a good look over either of them and may do that next weekend, as they are still working on get the Cruisers up to DOT/SAE standards.

Is there a way to tell if the rear axel is a full floater? Is there anything that I need to look for with the engine or is bulit proof?

As for the Cruiser in Edmonton thanks for the info. if these Cruisers here on the Island don't work out I may be looking in other places for one.

 

[OILERSrule]

Actually I think there is two for sale in edmonton. One locked manual and a unlocked auto. Both are origional condition trucks i think (no paint jobs) and in very nice shape. I am pretty sure I have seen them both in person. They seem to be in great shape. Also both owners have been very helpfull guys for me on this forum. if you are looking you should definitly consider these. Also I did about a year of research before deciding to get the BJ74. I couldn't be happier!

 

[Phil in BC]

I also have a BJ74 and love it. The trucks like a tank. It seems to go just about anywhere with little or no trouble at all. My only probem so far is in regards to the 24volt system, getting the sterio and alarm system installed. Not that it cant be done, it just costs more. I guess thats the price you pay for an awsome vehicle. Good luck with your purchase.

Phil

 

[_Walker_]

You can tell a full floater if the axle is protruding out from the wheel. In a semi floating axle you see that where the wheel bolts on is pretty much where the axle ends.

Full floating

Semi floating with wheel removed

Full floating with wheel removed

Also pop the hood and look at the data plate, you can look up TONS of info with the information on the plate and from here: TLC FAQ - 9.1 Axle Codes and here: IH8MUD.com - Technical
Thanks Squash!

Using that info you may discover if its LSD, etc...


Now a question for people out there, if a data plate says you have an LSD diff, that ONLY applies to the rear diff correct? did they ever put LSD diffs in the front??????

 

[Joe70]

Don't all BJ74's come with FF'ers?

 

[bj70_guy]

Don't all BJ74's come with FF'ers?

Nope.

 

[new guy]

So i have to ask is the somthing wrong with the semi floating axle? do they not work with lockers or are they just weaker?

 

[roscoFJ73]

So i have to ask is the somthing wrong with the semi floating axle? do they not work with lockers or are they just weaker?

The SF axle has only one bearing ,the FF has 2 one each side of the hub. With the FF you can break an axle and it wont come out..
On the other hand ,I am told the SF has a slightly thicker axle shaft at the bearing end

 

[new guy]

iIve got another question, I have heard that the 5 speed trans are not all that good? Is it because they are weak and blowup, or is due to the spacing on the gearing?

Now I'm not an automatic fan but are they way better?

I lean away from them on 4x4 due to the fact that I've seen some ugly accidents that could have been lessened by a standard when the engine quit on a decent.

 

[brownbear]

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with a SF axle. Honestly very few people are using them to the level of breaking an axle.

I would not get too concerned with the KM on the odo, as I think too many people over in the auction lots fiddle with those odo's. Look at the over all condition. How broken in is the seat? The pedals look worn? Etc.

I think if you are not sure what your buying it would be best to buy from a bigger importer/dealer. Like Outback or Mustang. Search on mud the name of the place you're looking at, then see if they have any hits at all. No hits is not good good either. Lot's of flash in the pan guys.

I would want one all original. No re-paints. If it looks original than you don't have to wonder if it has covered rust with bondo etc.

I also would look for a HZJ7x not a BJ7x model. The 1hz engine is still in production so you can be guaranteed it will have parts support in Canada for years to come.

 

[new guy]

Thanks for the info, the fact is that I had not even thought of getting the HZJ7x. What happened is that my wife and I were looking for a second vehical and I can't afford the truck that I wanted and then we saw the Cruisers on a different lot.
Now I know a little about the older Cruisers but not that much so I am trying to gain some understanding of what I'm looking at and for before I put my money down on the table, as any of you guys are. So is there a place on here that I can find a chart with which model is which and what they look like?

 

[roscoFJ73]

iIve got another question, I have heard that the 5 speed trans are not all that good? Is it because they are weak and blowup, or is due to the spacing on the gearing?

Now I'm not an automatic fan but are they way better?

I lean away from them on 4x4 due to the fact that I've seen some ugly accidents that could have been lessened by a standard when the engine quit on a decent.

The H55f 5 sp is based on the old 4sp and is well proven. It doesnt like fast shifting,especially when cold,and it doesnt like being lugged in 5th gear ,but it is robust and will do 300000klms with minimal maintenance.

The R151f fitted to 98- models is not so great.

Thanks for the info, the fact is that I had not even thought of getting the HZJ7x. What happened is that my wife and I were looking for a second vehical and I can't afford the truck that I wanted and then we saw the Cruisers on a different lot.
Now I know a little about the older Cruisers but not that much so I am trying to gain some understanding of what I'm looking at and for before I put my money down on the table, as any of you guys are. So is there a place on here that I can find a chart with which model is which and what they look like?

These generally have the best info re 7* series
TLC FAQ v3.0 LAST MODIFICATION 08/10/03 Go to the body styles section

Foreign Toyota 4x4s

 

[new guy]

Hey roscoFJ73 - thank you for all the info. on the trans. and also the facts sheets.

M John Galt - Thanks as well I've been looking at Overlanders web sight and if things don't work out here on the island I will be looking else where.

 

[roscoFJ73]

I'd suggest looking here:
Outback Imports - Versatile and value priced used Toyota, Nissan and Isuzu Diesel 4x4 trucks
These folks sell top quality at reasonable prices. I know lots of happy customers.

How many you sold this month?

 

[new guy]

Well I just got off the phone with the guys at Bonsai Motors and they are going to hold the BJ74 for me untill I can get down to Campbell River on Friday. So I will have a look at it then, it's a 5spd with about 100,000km. With almost no rust, all fluids,filters changed, new BFG all terrain tires, and the clutch changed for $14,900.

Now this does not sound to bad to me but I'll have to see what it's like on Friday in person to make the final decision. Thank you all for your help and understanding.

 

[Joe70]

That's too much. I wouldn't pay over 12K unless it was in exellent condition with NO rust and had lockers. You can find a decent BJ74 in the 10K range if you are patient.

 

[new guy]

What kinda condition is the BJ74 in for 10,000. I have not signed the bottom line yet so I will have to see how things go. Here on the island the market has not been flooded yet so I think the prices are up a bit. But I will have to see what happens Friday.