1980 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota B3 Diesel Engine

Four Speed Manual

BJ44005797

Clear

Diesel

I am selling a 1982 model Toyota Landcruiser model BJ44. I am going to attempt to describe everything I know about it, and would want to know about it, if I were considering purchasing it. It is listed as a 1980 because the VIN number is foreign, is shorter than the required 17 digits for a U.S. made vehicle produced in 1981 or later, but it is a 1982 model. Also, the mileage listed is what is on the speedometer, but it is not accurate. Furhter details follow in the description below. “WHY AM I SELLING IT?” First, I have only owned it a short time. I bought this truck because it is so unique, and I have always wanted an FJ 40. I have owned 60 and 62’s as well as Willys and AMC Jeeps. The right hand drive and diesel engine caught my attention, and that was it! Unfortunately, the same week that I took delivery of it, I found out that my wife’s chronic health condition will require a new treatment not covered by our medical insurance. At this point, we do not know how long or how many of these treatments will be required. In addition, I suffer from both a herniated disc and a bulging disc, both in the lower lumbar area of my spine. I way overestimated my ability to endure the pain caused from working on this truck. Therefore, I cannot justify owning a non-essential “toy”, particularly one that will require more money and “elbow grease” than I can realistically dedicate to it. The gentleman I purchased it from represented it accurately, and I will attempt to do the same. “WHAT IS IT?” This vehicle was produced in Japan, for the “Japanese Domestic Market”. Hence, it is a right-hand drive vehicle. It has the Toyota B3 diesel engine coupled with a four speed transmission. The transfer case is electronically switched vacuum operated, with a low and high range selector on the floor. The steering set-up was upgraded from the original, and is from a BJ-60 diesel, so it has plenty of power for turning large wheels. It was built from two trucks by a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He set it up to rock crawl, originally with 38” tires. It currently has 33” tires, but as you can see from the pictures it has plenty of clearance for bigger tires if that is what you desire. It has Zeal leaf springs and lift shackles over the axels, with Billstein reservoir shocks on the front, and Ranchos on the rear. Not sure technically what the actual lift height is, but it is a lot! The VIN# and frame match that of a BJ44. However, at least the rear cargo area is that of a BJ42 or FJ40, not sure which. My understanding is that the gentleman who built it wanted the rear frame to stick out beyond the body for protection, and possibly a rear mounted winch. It is not shown in any of the pictures, but I have a two person seat that fits in the rear of this truck. It apparently came from some type of Toyota product, but was not OEM equipment for this model truck. It needs new mounting hardware, but is otherwise in decent shape. “TITLE:” I bought it having never been titled in the U.S., but with the appropriate paperwork to do so. I was able to do that; it has a clear South Carolina title. I titled it “mileage exempt” as there was no way to know the actual mileage, and the speedo cable was broken. “REPAIRS & UPGRADES:” I have replaced the speedo cable with a brand new one from Specter, and the speedometer now works. There was a known hole in the driver side floor pan under the clutch pedal, a ton of spray-in rubber coating, and the starter and starter relay did not work when I got it. As I started removing material to fix one hole, I found that the driver and passenger areas had numerous rust-out problems in the tub and lower firewall areas. I have had the starter and starter relay rebuilt, she fires right up now! The compression is excellent. It is not using or leaking oil or water, and the main seals are tight. I have removed the rubber coating in the driver and passenger areas, and repaired all of the holes and ulcers. I stripped the old coatings and paint down to bare metal, primed it, and replaced it with real bed liner material, not rubber coating. The rust damaged areas were replaced with new steel or marine grad “woven-roving” fiberglass cloth and polyester resin. The bikini top straps were popped, and I had them replaced as well. Part of the passenger side seat-stay structure was damaged beyond repair, but has been completely rebuilt with new steel. “WHAT I WOULD WANT TO KNOW:” The wiring harness is intact based on the schematics I have, but not completely hooked up. The headlights, tail lights, etc., work, but the windshield wipers need to be reconnected. The frame structure and undercarriage is actually in really good shape, with only minor surface rust in some areas. Of course, that is based on observation, not a frame-off restoration assessment. The only “action item” I have outstanding that I was going to attack next is the transfer case seals. The transfer case works fine, but both front and rear seals are seeping. I am going to leave that for the next owner, but it should be a fairly simple repair. I have the seal kits, new retaining nuts, and new washers for both companion flange connections to the transfer case, as well as the “Max Ellery” workshop manual for this vehicle. The new owner should have everything they need to reseal the transfer case. Given the condition of my back, I simply cannot do it. I also have a ton of paperwork from the Marine who built it and brought it back, which should and will stay with it. You can see from the pictures that my interior work stopped at the body seam over the fuel tank behind the seats. In my opinion, the roll bar needs to be removed, and the cargo area and wheel well areas need to be stripped of the remaining coverings and paint. I know there is at least one minor rust-out that needs some attention in that area. The exterior is painted with some type of flat military paint. The exterior body is generally OK, but there are probably some rust ulcers under the paint that will need attention to avoid further deterioration. “THE DETAILS:” This vehicle is awesome, I truly wish I could keep it. It will serve someone well as a rock-crawler, trail buggy, or hunting vehicle. I have included everything I know about this truck, so please email me with questions before you bid. Look at my feedback, I have always done the right thing with folks, and have sold many nice items from rifle scopes to Rolex watches as they have come and gone from my life! This truck is over 30 years old. I have disclosed everything I know about it. As such, it is being sold “AS IS”, with no warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, as to it’s condition. Buyer is responsible for all shipping and/or transportation costs from my home in Columbia, SC, 29205, as well as whatever sales and property taxes are owed in your area. This vehicle is totally clean title-wise, insured, and up to date on all taxes I owed. I will provide the title, and a bill of sale. I require payment of a $500 deposit via Paypal within 24 hours of the auction’s close. I require a certified/cashier’s check or wire transfer as the ONLY acceptable form of payment within five days of auction end for the remainder of the purchase price, NO PAYMENTS. I will only accept bids from the continental U.S., all payments are to be in U.S. Dollars, no foreign currency. I will release the truck to you or your shipper once all monies have been cleared. I believe that I have improved this truck in the short time I have owned it, and someone will have the opportunity to continue the fun, and have a blast with it! Good luck, and thanks for looking!