What did you do on your 70 series today? (39 Viewers)
- Thread starter IH8MUD
- Start date
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!!!
3 turbo diesel 70 series went for a beach cruise yesterday. Did not feel like the day after Christmas as it was 70 degrees and sunny! Fun times @Shyrock @LuckyDevil
Have you ever noticed that even in a black & white photo a white truck is still white. Pure magic. 
JDM Journeys
Moderator
Especially when the truck itself is magical...Have you ever noticed that even in a black & white photo a white truck is still white. Pure magic.
There are indeed some magical builds on ‘MUD (gentlemen in Tampa and Arkansas come to mind) however compared to their trucks mine is just a “run-of-the-mill“ Ute.Especially when the truck itself is magical...
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Treated the 77 to some electrical goodies. Fab'ed a panel to hold the Redarc manager 30, inverter, and display on the inner window area, made panel in place of the vent for the 120v plug, USB, and solar hookup. Powering a battleborn 100amp LiFePO4 battery, packed under the sleeping platform. Paired with an SPOD for all the 12v accessories, and lastly some Redarc gauges. Pricey package, but its truly pay once cry once sort of thing.
JDM Journeys
Moderator
Nicely done, so far! I'm in the process of a much more humble setup but with what I'd imagine is a similar goal. Mine is easier in that I don't need room for a platform, but I am trying to retain the rear seat.
(Edit: judging by the cutouts, you're keeping rear seat too!)
Did you 3D print the grille retrofit? I've been mulling that one over myself, and was thinking of making ports through the existing grille...
Would also love to see more pics of the attic area etc. Looks like you've got something special going on overhead too?
We can't let the troopies have all the fun, right?
@JDM Journeys Yes the platform allows the use of the seats. It tri folds over the seats, with the front seats scooted up front and folded down, the aluminum part slides out further. The long part next to the fridge is 20” wide and 6”4 long, allowing me(6’2”) to sleep there will all doors closed. The other side is about 5ft along, allowing my 6 year old to sleep with me quite comfortably.
The attic area allows for tons of storage in an otherwise useless space. It operates on 4 pins allowing it to pivot down for access. In the up position I can open the fridge lid without interfering.
I’ve pondered over this design for a long time with lots of tweaks, I feel like I have it down to using every cubic inch of this fairly compact suv, while retaining the back seat. I can pack for a 7 day trip inside without the need of a roof rack, which I am trying to avoid for as long as possible. The platform avoids the need to carry a bulky tent which saves on space, but still has a 30sec setup time. Once my son gets older and rides up front, I will look to doing something else, but for now it works really well for the both of us.
The attic area allows for tons of storage in an otherwise useless space. It operates on 4 pins allowing it to pivot down for access. In the up position I can open the fridge lid without interfering.
I’ve pondered over this design for a long time with lots of tweaks, I feel like I have it down to using every cubic inch of this fairly compact suv, while retaining the back seat. I can pack for a 7 day trip inside without the need of a roof rack, which I am trying to avoid for as long as possible. The platform avoids the need to carry a bulky tent which saves on space, but still has a 30sec setup time. Once my son gets older and rides up front, I will look to doing something else, but for now it works really well for the both of us.
Deleted the aftermarket trailer socket and cleaned the mess the PO did to the wiring harness.
Much better now:
The towbar that was on the vehicle was not rated and not legal in Germany, so I had to remove it befor registration back then.
The electric wiring was not to be trusted, too, so I delete it now.
But that's a good opportunity for some questions maybe somebody can answer:
It's a 1985 BJ73.
- How would an original wiring harness for the trailer socket be connected?
- How does the conversion from 24V to 12V for the trailer socket work?
Or is it original 24V, too (which barely would fit any common trailer)?
The PO managed to get 12V to the socket but I couldn't figure HOW? The fiddled wiring just grabbed the power from the LH light assy.
I checked before the deletion: Was 12V.
- When original, is there any indication in the dash that a trailer is connected and its lighting works? This is mandatory in Germany. I have a red LED in the dash I assume to have that purpose, but it's dead.
Cheers Ralf
Much better now:
The electric wiring was not to be trusted, too, so I delete it now.
But that's a good opportunity for some questions maybe somebody can answer:
It's a 1985 BJ73.
- How would an original wiring harness for the trailer socket be connected?
- How does the conversion from 24V to 12V for the trailer socket work?
Or is it original 24V, too (which barely would fit any common trailer)?
The PO managed to get 12V to the socket but I couldn't figure HOW? The fiddled wiring just grabbed the power from the LH light assy.
I checked before the deletion: Was 12V.
- When original, is there any indication in the dash that a trailer is connected and its lighting works? This is mandatory in Germany. I have a red LED in the dash I assume to have that purpose, but it's dead.
Cheers Ralf
JDM Journeys
Moderator
Thanks for the details. Looks like a great, functional interior! Love it!
@Felde I don't think any of the older 70 series had a factory trailer harness.
The male/female connectors for a 1998 Toyota Camry trailer harness kit is the same as what the older 70 series use so I used a kit to wire it up without splicing into a single OEM wire. While I haven't tested the towing connector itself, everything is still working as it should. Kit I used is located here: https://www.etrailer.com/Custom_Fit_Vehicle_Wiring/Tekonsha/118358.html
I did splice some into the kit wiring but that isn't a big deal to me like messing with the OEM wiring.
You will have to relocate the pin locations in the male/female connectors so it lines up with the pins in the OEM harness for backup/brake/tail/indicator but once you do that...it works like a charm. If your cruiser is 12V...then that is all you need.
If I remove the trailer kit harness in the future....it will be like it was never there.
The male/female connectors for a 1998 Toyota Camry trailer harness kit is the same as what the older 70 series use so I used a kit to wire it up without splicing into a single OEM wire. While I haven't tested the towing connector itself, everything is still working as it should. Kit I used is located here: https://www.etrailer.com/Custom_Fit_Vehicle_Wiring/Tekonsha/118358.html
I did splice some into the kit wiring but that isn't a big deal to me like messing with the OEM wiring.
You will have to relocate the pin locations in the male/female connectors so it lines up with the pins in the OEM harness for backup/brake/tail/indicator but once you do that...it works like a charm. If your cruiser is 12V...then that is all you need.
If I remove the trailer kit harness in the future....it will be like it was never there.
Thanks for the info, @J73Texas.
I would also never mess with the original harness, but rather get some connectors and fab an adapter. Good to know later and other models still use the same ones.
I'm not planning to mount a trailer hitch to the BJ73 at this time. She's not really overpowered
and though she brakes ok, braking a trailer may be somewhat sketchy. Not to talk inclines... So I was asking for pure curiosity.
On the other hand, towbars for the J70s, which are legal in Europe/Germany (rated, E-certified) are becoming scarce. I know of one manufacturer only.
Maybe next Christmas.
I would also never mess with the original harness, but rather get some connectors and fab an adapter. Good to know later and other models still use the same ones.
I'm not planning to mount a trailer hitch to the BJ73 at this time. She's not really overpowered
and though she brakes ok, braking a trailer may be somewhat sketchy. Not to talk inclines... So I was asking for pure curiosity.On the other hand, towbars for the J70s, which are legal in Europe/Germany (rated, E-certified) are becoming scarce. I know of one manufacturer only.
Maybe next Christmas.
Thanks for the info, @J73Texas.
I would also never mess with the original harness, but rather get some connectors and fab an adapter. Good to know later and other models still use the same ones.
I'm not planning to mount a trailer hitch to the BJ73 at this time. She's not really overpowered
On the other hand, towbars for the J70s, which are legal in Europe/Germany (rated, E-certified) are becoming scarce. I know of one manufacturer only.
Maybe next Christmas.
This is one reason I kept the kaymar bumper for later use after I modify it some. It has a built in tow hitch bar. For those that do want to tow in EU or Germany, would that help them "bypass" the regulations since it is part of the bumper?
I do get you though, I wouldn't want to tow much at all, especially on a SWB or MWB platform.
Either the bumper / hitch combo has a rating plus E-certificate or an own EU-compliant certificate stamped on it, or it would not make the registration assessment, regardless whether it is original or not. OEM parts designed for Europe have respective certificates. If not, you may leave it on, but a comment 'tow hitch for shunting only' would go on the registration papers.
Sometimes old rusty OEM towbars are for sale in the classifieds. If those come with certificates and stamps, they ask $$$.
Exactly.
The one aftermarket hitch available also looks ugly and protrudes a lot. Miserable for access to the back when camping.
The tow bar my truck had on was actually nicely hiding behind the bumper. But I decided to remove it after having hit my shin on the hitch 5 times in the first 3 days I owned the truck. It still sits in my shop. Nobody wants it as its not certified.
I'm considering cutting the hitch off and use it as rear recovery points. I haven't any yet.
Yep. I just need to get down to Valley Hybrids to pull my vent off to send to Joey.
jblueridge
SILVER Star
I have had good luck buying OEM terminals and connectors from this place in Japan. The place for all your motorcycle electric needs. - https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/main.html
I spoke to the technician about my alternator. He says the rotor blew a winding. No 24V Denso rotors in the USA so they will get mine apart and rewind it.
I still think it is crazy that I had to send it to a shop 600 miles away.
Chinese rebuilt alternator is installed and working for now.
Where did you end up sending your alternator? It sounds like you finally found a good shop, but like you say, crazy that it had to travel so far.
jblueridge
SILVER Star
Precision Power in Lansing Michigan.
www.precision-pwr.com
Auto Electrical Restoration Experts | Precision Power | Lansing MI
Precision Power is your number one source for vintage auto electrical restoration and repair, quality USA remanufactured automotive electrial units, and low production prototyping.
First day I took my Prado on the beach It got stuck. the front hubs were not engaging. Thankfully the electric locking hubs causing my 4x4 not to work. I added some manual locking hubs to my land cruiser. I used adapters from @Radd Cruisers . He was very nice and helpful through email. I am very happy I can get some kzj78 parts from them. I bought my hubs from Kurt @cruiseroutfit The install was pretty easy with no real fuss other than one of the studs gave me some trouble getting it out.
I am really digging the utilitarian look and reliability/piece of mind the manual hubs give.
I am really digging the utilitarian look and reliability/piece of mind the manual hubs give.
