Tenerife to Texas: a 1997 HDJ80 Tale

[bottombracket]

@mudgudgeon she’s no slouch, it’s just thst my other 1HDT truck has a g turbo and the fuel turned up. This one is pure stock.

I should probably continue the list of things to do:

10. T belt, fluids, filters.
11. Pull manifolds and clean them out. EGT probe and Lutz Auto multi gauge for boost and EGT monitoring.
12. Delete EGR.
13. Drive like that and see if I’m going to keep all stock or tune it a little.
14. PDI front mount/3” exhaust/tune.

I think I will go stepwise and start to monitor EGTs and get a feel for the driving performance in stock trim. By the time I get this far in the list, I hope to have my 79 single cab pickup with an FT done, and I will play with boost and fuel settings on that one first. Thst truck will most definitely not run stock fuel and turbo settings. I’ll play there and refine this one as needed.

 

[mudgudgeon]

@mudgudgeon she’s no slouch, it’s just thst my other 1HDT truck has a g turbo and the fuel turned up. This one is pure stock.

I should probably continue the list of things to do:

10. T belt, fluids, filters.
11. Pull manifolds and clean them out. EGT probe and Lutz Auto multi gauge for boost and EGT monitoring.
12. Delete EGR.
13. Drive like that and see if I’m going to keep all stock or tune it a little.
14. PDI front mount/3” exhaust/tune.

I think I will go stepwise and start to monitor EGTs and get a feel for the driving performance in stock trim. By the time I get this far in the list, I hope to have my 79 single cab pickup with an FT done, and I will play with boost and fuel settings on that one first. Thst truck will most definitely not run stock fuel and turbo settings. I’ll play there and refine this one as needed.

Ahh, I see.

Welp, you can probably rightly defend it, but I reckon it probably does feel like a slouch compared to the g-turboed HDT

 

[bottombracket]

Especially on the weighty 80 versus the bare bones mid wheelbase 73 series.

 

[fjbj40]

After driving for a few days I’m formulating a work list:

1. Brakes. Pulls to the right. Will probably do a comprehensive upgrade.
2. Suspension. Saggy and most likely original. Don’t know if I will keep it stock height with OEM or do a conservative 2”ish lift and 33s.
3. Door runs and weatherstripping, all need to be replaced.
4. Power window regulators at least up front. Driver and passenger need help.
5. Possibly new master switch.
6. A/C buttons all stick. Replace buttons? Or look for an entire new manual HVAC control?
7. Recharge a/c. Drier ordered.
8. Replace turn signal/wiper switch. Intermittent wipers don’t work and make a horrible noise.
9. Drivers seatbelt is a mess.

Time to dig into my stash o’ 80 parts.

View attachment 3153435

Anyone know how to get this adjuster off without destroying the plastic?

View attachment 3153436

The buttons for the HVAC are all available and pretty darn cheap!

I think it would be quite the project to convert it to the manual control system?

33’s on stock height springs fit with zero issues and looks great imop 🍻

 

[mudgudgeon]

33’s on stock height springs fit with zero issues and looks great imop 🍻

Yeah, agreed

I'm running 305/70r15 which are 33" with stock, 28 year old springs. Works great and looks good

 

[fjbj40]

Yeah, agreed

I'm running 305/70r15 which are 33" with stock, 28 year old springs. Works great and looks good

I picked up 4 OME springs for $200 when I bought my 80. They have been collecting dust for 3 years now.

My OEM springs are tired and I’m thinking about a set of Dobinson stock height progressives. One of the club members here has them and he says they are buttery smooth!

 

[bottombracket]

Mmmmm. Thinking Dobinson’s IMS 1.75” if I go for a small lift, but time will tell.

Today I got my VTR-68a VIN inspection for title and registration. I had to drive 15 miles east of Austin, way out in the middle of nowhere. The inspecting officer and I hit it off as we had common friends in the car community. He dug the truck.

I was able to replace the driver’s seat belt after some trim Tetris. I had gotten a 2,367 piece trim tool set from Amazon that really helped. The slider does have a single release just above the mounting bolt The OEM belt I got has a different upper mount that does not have gray plastic trim tab but I can live with that.

Got everything back together shortly before dusk and the new belt reels in and out smoothly. Mmmmmmm.

 

[western flyer]

Jealous. I would be looking for the same 1HD-FT LHD combo if I was in the market. Good find.

 

[bottombracket]

Today I hooked up the dome light fuse that @ToyotaDyna had helpfully removed to keep the batteries from being discharged on the boat ride over. And holy crap the radio works AND I HAVE BLIETOOTH AND A BACKUP CAMERA!

I have just rocketed forwards into the mid 2000s of technology.

 

[ToyotaDyna]

I would like to personally thank @bottombracket for his patience, 2 years in storage without being able to even sit in your truck!! and also being one of the best people to deal with in any transaction!

And not forgetting the support he is still giving my business since we first where in contact!

I am glad you love your new HDJ80 and that it will be well looked after like the rest of your collection!

Wishing you many years of enjoyment for you and your family in the Cave Cruiser!

Our new website will be live shortly and all social links and new arrivals will be posted there too.

www.canarianlandcruiserexports.com


Thank you!
ToyotaDyna

-------

Interested in a Diesel LHD Cruiser? Visit my website, facebook or Instagram:



• Web: www.canarianlandcruiserexports.com

• Instagram: Canarian LandCruiser Exports

 

[bottombracket]

I have been driving this thing every day. I love coming out of work every day to see this:

 

[bottombracket]

Hubcaps. I dig it.

 

[bottombracket]

Simple one: pedal pads. The old ones were unbelievably slippery.

 

[cahill]

These are the little things that make an already great vehicle just that much better.

 

[bottombracket]

Yemeni Christmas arrived.

I’ve now got all the parts to install quad headlights. I just need to get the lights and figure out a wiring harness for LEDs.

Thinking Holley Retrobright after a rousing endorsement by @c2dfj45.

I’ll see if there are any Black Friday deals.

 

[bottombracket]

Oh, and this little guy.

 

[c2dfj45]

Yemeni Christmas arrived.

I’ve now got all the parts to install quad headlights. I just need to get the lights and figure out a wiring harness for LEDs.

Thinking Holley Retrobright after a rousing endorsement by @c2dfj45.

I’ll see if there are any Black Friday deals.

View attachment 3175605View attachment 3175606

The guys can come up with a schematic for you....I think it was just a few relays. Running all 4 on low beam is super cool. VERY impressive lights....you’ll like them

 

[bottombracket]

Steering wheel cover arrived from Poland. Now if I just knew someone who could sew….

 

[gilmorneau]

Just found this thread. Subscribed for sure. I too have a white 1997 HDJ80 from Europe that I had to store and wait a long time to import, but that's another story.

You're going to love this thing!

 

[manofthewoods]

Steering wheel cover arrived from Poland. Now if I just knew someone who could sew….

View attachment 3176290

Please do a finished product photo/review of the steering wheel cover.

I'd suggest getting the OEM cup holder to replace the cubby above your stereo.

Happy Thanksgiving to all