I find myself doing the same thing, just with far less complicated challenges than an engine change.
I bet Somewhere there is someone who has already completed that conversion and has the solution!
What did you do on your 70 series today?
- Thread starter IH8MUD
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I bet Somewhere there is someone who has already completed that conversion and has the solution!
Ordered fender flair gaskets for My 78.
Have you ever noticed that the 3rd character from the right on a 70 Series side mirror is actually a “smiley face”? 
Maybe only if you have a VDJ wagonHave you ever noticed that the 3rd character from the right on a 70 Series side mirror is actually a “smiley face”?
Today I did research for a future engine swap into the BJ73. My 3B overheated because of a pinhole in the suction line causing a air bubble on the water pump impeller: Hot engine and cold radiator. At a minimum it's blown head gasket, probable cracked head, and possibly bent rods due to cranking with coolant in the cylinders...............I think we're done trying to fix a engine that is so mediocre on the modern highway.
Swap is on the backburner for now. Other things are priority. When I do it, it will be unique. I will try to do it as simple and inexpensively as possible, and I don't mean cheap and prone to fail..................3B is around 850lb. Currently I'm looking at some engines that are half that weight and make 150hp+. Both Gas and diesel. On the gasoline side I'm amazed at how cheap some parts are becoming IE: new quadrajets on amazon for less than $200 and 2bbl's for around $100, petronix ignitor electronic conversion modules for point distributors are less than $50.
If I loose 400lb of engine weight and ditch 2X lead acid batteries for the 24V setup for 1X12V and buy a lightweight lithium and also replace my custom welded steel front winch bumper with an aluminum bumper.......Looking at loosing 600lb of weight.
This started the gears turning again into the possibilities of a different direction: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/blueprint-engines-four-cylinder-crate-engine-ls-head/
Swap is on the backburner for now. Other things are priority. When I do it, it will be unique. I will try to do it as simple and inexpensively as possible, and I don't mean cheap and prone to fail..................3B is around 850lb. Currently I'm looking at some engines that are half that weight and make 150hp+. Both Gas and diesel. On the gasoline side I'm amazed at how cheap some parts are becoming IE: new quadrajets on amazon for less than $200 and 2bbl's for around $100, petronix ignitor electronic conversion modules for point distributors are less than $50.
If I loose 400lb of engine weight and ditch 2X lead acid batteries for the 24V setup for 1X12V and buy a lightweight lithium and also replace my custom welded steel front winch bumper with an aluminum bumper.......Looking at loosing 600lb of weight.
This started the gears turning again into the possibilities of a different direction: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/blueprint-engines-four-cylinder-crate-engine-ls-head/
if weight loss and better road manors in the end is the goal I would recommend to ditch the BJ73 completely and start with a LJ73 . AS long as you keep having the 9 1/2 axles and leaf springs on every corner the weight loss will be negligible
car spindle and bearings?
I like it.
Storage on the back of my BJ74 is key. On right below.
I like it.
Storage on the back of my BJ74 is key. On right below.
I bought the spindle and bearing kit from Ruffstuff. Very inexpensive compared to the other options.
Mine has oil impregnated bronze bushings. Still not always easy to move, so I added grease fittings.
Made my neighbor's year (his words), loaned him the troopy to haul something. His 8-year-old daughter's first exposure to a vehicle with hand crank windows and no a/c as well. They both seemed pretty enthused about it.
The photo is not from a wagon of any variety.Maybe only if you have a VDJ wagon
Test fit my new custom engine adapter plate:
Followed by the first coat of paint:
Followed by the first coat of paint:
Weight loss is not about road manners/handling, but about power to weight ratio. On that note loosing 200lb of leaf springs for 3Link and airbags would perhaps be interesting....Not going that far though. I have thought about it though...................I bought my BJ73 because I always wanted a 70 series and it popped up locally at a car dealer and gave me the opportunity to trade in a hopeless subaru. If I could do it over again I'd probably go for a KZJ78 or a low mile HZJ Jap 4 door fire truck.
Last edited:
Anyone have an HZJ77 that they've upgraded suspension to OME 2" lift that happens to have the p/n for the rear spring pack for the medium use version handy?
Replaced the speedo cable....nice to not have a randomly bouncing speedo anymore
Replaced the speedo cable....nice to not have a randomly bouncing speedo anymore
Last edited:
Finally had time and good weather to put hubs and brakes back together.
Replaced the short hard lines connecting calipers for about $7 each.
Brake action is still so-so though I used pressure bleeder. LSPV and air probably to blame.
Drove to Appomatox Nat'l Park.
Replaced the short hard lines connecting calipers for about $7 each.
Brake action is still so-so though I used pressure bleeder. LSPV and air probably to blame.
Drove to Appomatox Nat'l Park.
At least rebuilding a 1VD looks fairly simple.
