Test driving BJ/HJ60 What should I look at?

[Banjoman]

Hi all,
I’m fairly new here(but I’ve been lurking hard) and I’m looking to get a cruiser - I’ve been enamoured by them forever and it looks like I’ll be needing a vehicle sooner than later so...
What would y’all recommend I look at specifically when test driving?
Thanks
Jackson

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Welcome to the mad Jackson!
Feel at home here!

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1984 BJ42, frame-off restored, 4E9 Toyo beige
1983 BJ45 P/UP, factory P/S, resto project

 

[roscoFJ73]

Rust or badly patched up rust.
Look for owner installed electrical wiring.
Ask when the injection pump and injectors were last looked at.
Gearboxes can be clunky or stiff when cold but they should smooth out after 5-10 mins from cold.
Ask when the wheel bearings were last done.
Look for a mess around the steering knuckle, if its a mess, it probably hasn't been done for 5 years or more.

Demand to see the engine start cold, make sure it hasn't been run before you get there. Cold start means it hasn't been started since the day before. Diesels with bad compression run poorly 1st thing in the morning and some owners will try and hide it by starting it before you get there. Feel(carefully) the exhaust manifold for warmth.
A good engine starts easily with glowing and runs smoothly when cold.

 

[Banjoman]

Thank you!
I am already enjoying myself here.
@roscoFJ73 thank you for the detailed response, it is very helpful!
Rust: yes - the one vehicle I’m looking at I already know would require me to replace significant amounts of metal.
Can’t wait to move forward!
Jackson