Preffered years for bj60's?

[cruiser_guy]

Rick, aren't you being just a little hard on the poor 3B? I'll agree a naturally aspirated 3B is not exactly an Indy qualifying engine but with an AXT turbo it is resonably decent. When I travel through California I seem to be able to keep up with the traffic.
Not all Canadian trucks are disasters with regards to rust, most are but not all, mine being an example. True, they will have had to have some work somewhere along the way as mine has but to call it a disaster is hardly fair. If the owners have done maintenance in both mechanical as well as body they can be OK. My truck has 450,000 kM's on the clock and doesn't burn oil and is reliable enough that I trust it to go to Canada and back to Guatemala each year.
I will agree that the newer diesels probably are more powerful than the old trusty 3B but then the 3B was not designed with the interstate in mind.

 

[rick_d]

Having spent a few days last week tooling around in a 1985 BJ70 (1/3 less weight than a 60 series) in Nor Cal I still hold by those comments.

Driving around in the infamous "pooh wagon" (BJ60) in BC last year was also a thrill.

Sorry, but 400,000 klms (248,000 miles) is still wear on frame, steering box and rods, transmission, U joints, door hinges, seat rails, etc. You drive it because you love it. But I doubt you or many others would like your truck as a starting point for the next decade.

...and AXT kits help, but the 3B/13B-T's are better for swb/mwb trucks and not wagons especially for US interstate highways.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Actually I drive it because I love it AND it is more reliable and cheaper to operate than other vehicles out there that compete with it in my mind (price vs. capability). I see ALOT of different vehicles here at the school I work at in Central America and I'd rather work on my BJ60 than any other. I tend to be asked about car problems as I am the shop teacher here. There is room to work under the hood and I don't need to tear apart the engine to change some simple gizmo.

At this point my truck IS the starting point for the next decade! I've driven in two HDJ80's here (non-turbo'd) and my truck is more powerful than either of them are. I've seen turbo-diesel 100 series but they are not common and probably well out of my price range.

I've changed out the frame due to rust issues so the current frame is totally rust free, tie rod ends/drag links are on the list for this year. The only issue with doors is the electrical connection in the rear hatch. All doors close with a gentle push. I see no reason currently why this will not be my primary truck in 10 years from now. I've owned it since '89.

I'll agree as I said earlier, the 3B was not designed with interstate driving in mind.

 

[dbryan]

I will have to agree with the 83 to 85 BJ60. Good turbo motors.

83 the first year of the 5 speed and 85 5 bearing cam and stronger transfer case. Although I have not heard of the 3 bearing motor having too much problems.

My old BJ60, with the 3 bearing motor, had 980,000 on it before the cracked head became a problem.(they all are cracked) But it still ran. With the right gearing and other little mods, (read:turbo+intercooler) the BJ60 is just fine.

Mine has 600,000 original Kms, 200,000 with the turbo and I run way too much boost and EGTs, but the motor just keeps on going. (I refuse to post these shamefull numbers.) Oh yeah and I too have driven my truck to Honduras and back twice and would do it again in a heartbeat.

As for a mechanic, the 3Bs are SO easy to work on, any competent diesel mechanic can do the basics.

The H motor does not last too long with a turbo, but it gets good power.

The HD-T is probably second to none though.

All Canadrian BJ60s are rusted, but can be found cheap due to the influx of JDMs. I just bought one an, 82, running with A/C and P/S for $500 Cdn from a DEALER.

I would recommend a BJ60 to anyone.

I hope the helps.

 

[dmede808]

dave-

What is it you are looking for?

mileage?

diesel 'cool' factor?

mechanical simplicity?

A 3B is downright dangerous on California freeways because I believe a vw bus will beat a bj60 off the line. You might get to 80 mph but not under 30 seconds from a dead stop. Also, US miles per US gallon WILL NEVER EXCEED 25 mpg unless on the longest downhill in North America. All canadian trucks will be train wrecks relative to a rust free fj60 (sorry my northern bretheran) and often a patched up 200,000 mile plus oil burner.

In my opinion, you must only search out a factory turbo 6 cylinder or a HZ conversion (non turbo, but turbo-able late model engine). A donor HJ61 would also be a good fit, although I prefer the 80 series 1HD-T STRONGLY over pre 1990 engines. Non Toyota options are available as well, but I will defer questions to those w/ converted trucks (ala Henry Cubillan dba "exiled" on this board).

Thence, if you wish to go the diesel route, I would investigate a conversion to your existing rig. G&S in B.C. has engines as does Marv Specter in LA. Some other venders like Wayne get them in as well.

I drive a HD-T converted 7x series here in AZ and get 18-22.5 mpg and can do easily in excess of 110 miles per hour. 0-60 clocked about 13 seconds with the fuel turned up (now turned down for summer). And, since it is a mechanical engine I can adjust most things with a few common wrenches on the side of the road.

Sorry to take so long to get back on this topic, Ive been on my honeymoon.

Rick, I'm looking for better MPG basically. 25 mpg is way better than what I get now. I use my rig around town and on long hauls to the mountains fro camping and fishing trips. Those are becoming more and more expensive but I really don't want to swtich away from my 60 series LC, I love it. Best solution for me is a bj60 in good stock shape with a turbo (perhaps). Rust is a concern and I wont buy one thats in bad shape. If I could convert I'd still buy a bj60, I prefer the stock setup with very little monkeying around.