What did you do on your 70 series today? (41 Viewers)

[FJBen]

I flew up to Montana on Wednesday and on Thursday I left Bozeman and began the drive home to Santa Fe in the new and improved Troopy. The Overland Cruisers Montana team tackled a LOT with this one:

-R2.8 swap
-new f/r 3.7 gears
-front ARB locker
-rebuilt t-case (3:1)
-new T-case output shaft
-bodywork (rust in the runners)
-new clutch, slave cylinder
-new FJ60 heater core
-custom front mount intercooler
-VDJ78 radiator
-custom airbox
-mechanical fan plus custom shroud
-Webasto coolant heater re-install
-blue tooth TDi tuning module
-so.many.brackets.
-dented bumper
-re-tensioned e-brake

The drive home felt like a new car. It’s fast, accelerates off the line, holds 75mph at about 2400rpm, if I keep it around 65-70 I can get 21-22mpg, if I speed up to 75-80, it goes down to 17-19 depending on the wind. I had a really windy day today leaving Fort Collins and the lowest the fuel economy got was 15mpg. It'll go fast but it likes to stick around 65-70 for the best fuel economy. Regardless, way better power than the 12ht.

Overall, I’m so impressed a little 2.8 engine can push a 6000lb brick as it does! The wind all day was so bad I can’t wait for “normal” driving conditions and for the engine to break in more.

Thanks to Stephen and the team at OC for kicking ass and being so pro!

View attachment 2908093

Very nice. I'm surprised that the R2.8 pulls that much harder than a 12HT. I realize stock that a 12HT isn't a beast, but a little tuning and they get along quite well.

Did they tune up that R2.8 a bit? Most people say the R2.8 is a dog in a heavy SUV like the 80 series.

 

[clintnz]

Some re-wiring...

When we swapped in the V8 ~16 years ago the new wiring to the aftermarket ECU etc was pretty basic, but it has all been perfectly reliable. However when a relay crapped out while out on a trip last year it was a real PITA to diagnose the problem & very fiddly to swap all the terminals to a new relay while troubleshooting. So I resolved to put in some mounting blocks & this weekend finally got around to that job.

Also wired in an off switch for the Ironman driving lights, the relay was previously just hardwired into the high beam, the old hub lock switch was perfect for that job.

The fan assembly & heater ducting that was removed to get easy access to the wiring let me clean out about half a forest worth of twigs & leaves & detritus out of that stuff & also the plenum. Of course all the foam strips sealing joining the ducts crumbled to dust, so new seals were installed.

Also fettled the heater flapper that wasn't shutting off the heater duct fully - I always thought the cold air setting wasn't quite as cool as it should be. A future project maybe to install air-con.

Cheers
Clint

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Good to know a hardware store can cut them. It was interesting to watch how they do it at the dealer, it was a big machine of some sort.

Yeah its really cool watching them do it. Its almost like a lath that cuts the key.

 

[Bogan]

Very nice. I'm surprised that the R2.8 pulls that much harder than a 12HT. I realize stock that a 12HT isn't a beast, but a little tuning and they get along quite well.

Did they tune up that R2.8 a bit? Most people say the R2.8 is a dog in a heavy SUV like the 80 series.

Well, the R2.8 (160hp, 310 ft/lbs) has better numbers than the 12HT (134 hp, 232 ft/lbs) and small displacement diesel engines pack a punch. Think about those 3.0 liter Mercedes diesel engines pushing built-out Sprinters that weigh much much more than my Troopy.

I've had two 12HT engines over the years and they both drove way better than the petrol counterparts but the R2.8 is brand new, not 30 years old like the 12HTs were. 30 years does a lot to engines in terms of sucking power, etc.

I never Dyno'd the Troopy when it had the 12HT but the R2.8 has way more pep. We're running the TDi tuning module and right now I have it set on 4 out of 7 with 7 being max power and 1 being stock. My Troopy is 6000lbs IIRC but my 80 series with a 1HDT was much heavier. When it had all my camping s*** + bikes in it, the scales would tip 8000. We also re-geared the Troopy from 4.1 to 3.7 pinion.

People have issues with the 80s because they try to run stock auto boxes and a number of shops that have done those swaps found out the hard way that 80 series ATs don't like the R2.8. People are now swapping Dodge auto boxes, or 100 series auto trans, or doing a manual H55 conversion.

My ONLY critique with the swap thus far is that first gear takes a lot more skinny pedal to get it going but that could be a number of things.

 

[OGBeno]

Well, the R2.8 (160hp, 310 ft/lbs) has better numbers than the 12HT (134 hp, 232 ft/lbs) and small displacement diesel engines pack a punch. Think about those 3.0 liter Mercedes diesel engines pushing built-out Sprinters that weigh much much more than my Troopy.

I've had two 12HT engines over the years and they both drove way better than the petrol counterparts but the R2.8 is brand new, not 30 years old like the 12HTs were. 30 years does a lot to engines in terms of sucking power, etc.

I never Dyno'd the Troopy when it had the 12HT but the R2.8 has way more pep. We're running the TDi tuning module and right now I have it set on 4 out of 7 with 7 being max power and 1 being stock. My Troopy is 6000lbs IIRC but my 80 series with a 1HDT was much heavier. When it had all my camping s*** + bikes in it, the scales would tip 8000. We also re-geared the Troopy from 4.1 to 3.7 pinion.

People have issues with the 80s because they try to run stock auto boxes and a number of shops that have done those swaps found out the hard way that 80 series ATs don't like the R2.8. People are now swapping Dodge auto boxes, or 100 series auto trans, or doing a manual H55 conversion.

My ONLY critique with the swap thus far is that first gear takes a lot more skinny pedal to get it going but that could be a number of things.

Solid report, John.

Looking forward to long term ownership/user ship reports.

 

[Bazz]

Had my buddy convert the euro ball hitch into a 2" receiver for me. Went with a modified method that I saw @Blomdala use, which I liked because you get a little more clearance than welding it underneath. Happy with the way it turned out. Now to deal with the two bolts that snapped taking it off

 

[FJBen]

Well, the R2.8 (160hp, 310 ft/lbs) has better numbers than the 12HT (134 hp, 232 ft/lbs) and small displacement diesel engines pack a punch. Think about those 3.0 liter Mercedes diesel engines pushing built-out Sprinters that weigh much much more than my Troopy.

I've had two 12HT engines over the years and they both drove way better than the petrol counterparts but the R2.8 is brand new, not 30 years old like the 12HTs were. 30 years does a lot to engines in terms of sucking power, etc.

I never Dyno'd the Troopy when it had the 12HT but the R2.8 has way more pep. We're running the TDi tuning module and right now I have it set on 4 out of 7 with 7 being max power and 1 being stock. My Troopy is 6000lbs IIRC but my 80 series with a 1HDT was much heavier. When it had all my camping s*** + bikes in it, the scales would tip 8000. We also re-geared the Troopy from 4.1 to 3.7 pinion.

People have issues with the 80s because they try to run stock auto boxes and a number of shops that have done those swaps found out the hard way that 80 series ATs don't like the R2.8. People are now swapping Dodge auto boxes, or 100 series auto trans, or doing a manual H55 conversion.

My ONLY critique with the swap thus far is that first gear takes a lot more skinny pedal to get it going but that could be a number of things.

Nice info. I guess that makes sense. I've heard most are happy with the 2.8 besides the 80s people but that would make sense if the tranny isn't a good match. Reports I've seen show the 12HT can make good power with turbo/injector and pump mods, showing 168hp and 390ft lbs at 22psi on a dyno which is pretty good. You still are stuck with an older engine that you are pushing harder and limited parts supply.

It will be nice to see these things getting used and supported moving forward.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

My little air compressor is a big hit with the neighborhood kids and their bicycles.

 

[JDM Journeys]

The rear is getting close to completion. Covers are made, hinged, and carpeted, and the fronts are now off for paint.

 

[FJ73Texas]

Lucky I was only out a few dollars. I think I bought the first set (wrong ones) from toyotapartsdeal.net with a big order of other things. I did find the correct oem key blanks or at least ones that could be cut and used after my mistake. I used the local hardware store to cut my keys and they didn't charge me either.

When you got the key blanks you could use and cut, what part number did you use and what did they look like? Just curious.

 

[FJBen]

Stoplight conversations:

A guy motioned me to roll down my window after I noticed him "oogling" my cruiser. He asked how I got it into the US. He said he banged around in a Troopy in Afghanistan, an armored one. Tough as hell he said. Great truck.

Thank you sir, I would have bought you a beer had we not been driving lol.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Stoplight conversations:

A guy motioned me to roll down my window after I noticed him "oogling" my cruiser. He asked how I got it into the US. He said he banged around in a Troopy in Afghanistan, an armored one. Tough as hell he said. Great truck.

Thank you sir, I would have bought you a beer had we not been driving lol.

I’ve noticed an interesting trend that’s similar to your story. If a young cleancut guy walks up to me in town and says that’s a nice 79 Series I can almost guarantee you that he is ex-military. I can stand there for hours talking to those guys.

 

[FJ73Texas]

I live in "Military City USA" which is actually an official term for San Antonio believe it or not. I never had anyone military come up to any of my 70 series iterations and know what it is other than "land cruiser".

 

[theglobb]

I've run into quite a bit of people who stop me due to the troopy for different reasons. Had a couple of ex-military guys say they "used to shoot at these things" and stuff along those lines. Some other guy said he was a hired gun in Costa Rica back in the early 2000's and strictly drove troopy's around. Last week I was stopped by a lady who said she drove one around Honduras when she used to live there and has it in storage until she can import it over here in a couple years. Theres usually 4 types of people when it comes to the troopy:
1. they don't pay attention to cars at all, some are big, some are small, some are red, while others are white
2. "dudeeee, cool car! is that a Land Rover?"
3. "What kinda Land Cruiser is this? I've never heard or seen anything like this before"
4. and then the Land Cruiser enthusiasts who are thrilled to see what it and know exactly what it is

 

[FJ73Texas]

I guess I will break down my experiences based on each 70 I owned and now own.

FJ73:
1. What is that for? *pointing at snorkel* (Don't blame me, it was on there when I got it)
2. Cool Jeep
3. Can you remove that soft top? That is so badass.
4. Want to sell it? Come on man....sell it to me....

PZJ70:
1. Cool Jeep again.... (A lot of times on this one...)
2. A lot of RHD comments
3. How much did you pay for that? Did you import it yourself?

HZJ77:
1. Almost all the same as PZJ70 examples...except no one has called this one a Jeep.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I guess I will break down my experiences based on each 70 I owned and now own.

FJ73:
1. What is that for? *pointing at snorkel* (Don't blame me, it was on there when I got it)
2. Cool Jeep
3. Can you remove that soft top? That is so badass.
4. Want to sell it? Come on man....sell it to me....

PZJ70:
1. Cool Jeep again.... (A lot of times on this one...)
2. A lot of RHD comments
3. How much did you pay for that? Did you import it yourself?

HZJ77:
1. Almost all the same as PZJ70 examples...except no one has called this one a Jeep.

A friend and I dropped by a local diner late one morning for breakfast after hunting earlier that day. There were only a few customers one of which was an elderly gentleman setting several tables over from us. The young waitress was taking his order when she noticed my Cruiser and more specifically the snorkel. Not realizing I was the owner, she asked the elderly gentleman if he knew what that ”thing“ was sticking up by the windshield. He said “matter of fact I do, it’s a periscope”.
He continued by telling her that “it allows them to see when they’re crossing deep water”. I started to say something but thought it prudent to just eat my breakfast.

 

[Honger]

Joined the @FJ73Texas gauge cluster overlay club (thanks again!) and updated my Ram mount to a thicker piece of steel, now its way more solid.
View attachment 2907026

Man, I want to join that club. Let me know @FJ73Texas if you need one of us 180kph people to help you with info/photos.

Also, @Irish11, where have you anchored your ram mount? Mine is in my dash and wobbles too much... would love to see what you've done in terms of thicker steel.

 

[FJ73Texas]

Man, I want to join that club. Let me know @FJ73Texas if you need one of us 180kph people to help you with info/photos.

Also, @Irish11, where have you anchored your ram mount? Mine is in my dash and wobbles too much... would love to see what you've done in terms of thicker steel.

A fellow mud member here has graciously offered me 180km/h cluster whom I think will be mailing it to me if not already. Once I get it then I plan to have it drawn up.

 

[JDM Journeys]

Also, @Irish11, where have you anchored your ram mount? Mine is in my dash and wobbles too much... would love to see what you've done in terms of thicker steel.

I used a magnet mount to hold my RAM ball on top of the dash. It holds my 7 inch tablet in my x-grip without moving. And no holes were necessary... Just another option to think about.

 

[Irish11]

Man, I want to join that club. Let me know @FJ73Texas if you need one of us 180kph people to help you with info/photos.

Also, @Irish11, where have you anchored your ram mount? Mine is in my dash and wobbles too much... would love to see what you've done in terms of thicker steel.

I'll see if I can get a photo with the cover off. The mount is angle iron from Home Depot (MiTek 2 in. x 5-3/16 in. x 2-1/4 in.) Chopped down a little bit on both ends and painted. The bolt was one of the existing altimeter/inclinometer, so no new holes were drilled.