Hi from HJ45 owner

[Parry]

Hi, recently found this forum, so thought I'd join and introduce myself after reading posts anonymously for a few weeks!

i have a 1980 HJ45, affectionately known as the beast from the east by my wife as it's not the easiest thing to drive. I bought it a couple of years ago in France, where it's still based, as I'm based between the UK and France.

No mods on car, as even getting parts for these seems to be enough of a challenge, with most I've needed having to come from either Australia or the US rather than a quick trip to the local parts dealer.

Low mileage at about 112,000km, which seems to be supported by history. I think someone bought it for overlanding in the 80's and it didn't get much use after that, as at some point in it's life it had a second fuel tank and water tank, and brakes were set up for a hot climate, although it was French registered.

Apart from getting through it's CT (french MOT) which meant sorting the brakes out, all I've done is put some new wheels and tyres on it as the old tyres looked like they'd been on a while, and serviced it.

Not sure there's anything else to tell now, except that it's green.

Parry

 

[lc 120]

Hi and welcome, pics would be great once you have enough posts....

 

[Parry]

Here's a photo, if it works!

 

[karl webster]

Welcome Parry.

beautiful truck you have there

 

[Seagull-russ]

looks in good condition, may I ask what your plans are? interested on this one.

 

[clivehorridge]

That's a beauty, wait till Tony sees that!

welcome to the forum Parry, what a great intro!

 

[Ben]

Welcome Parry.

Nice 40 series!

Regarding parts.............................

Euro 4x4 parts are very good and have a great range:

http://www.euro4x4parts.com/toyota_parts/landcruiser_series_40/bj45_3_4d_diesel_1980_1985/

Milner in the UK sell some 40 series parts, mainly service items:

http://www.milneroffroad.com/toyota-uk/land-cruiser/hj45-3-6d-41972-71980-european-models

As do Roughtrax:

http://www.roughtrax4x4.com/

 

[Parry]

Thanks for the welcome and positive comments

Russ, no specific plans, and I bought as I thought it would be a fun practical vehicle for using locally in France, and if our little tractor got stuck it would be able to pull it out! Having looked at various parts of this site I am getting tempted to get it set up for a bit more of an overland adventure and maybe go further afield, but don't know if that will turn into reality. One thing I would like to do is add power steering, if anyone knows of any kits to do that?

Thanks for the links Ben, I'll check those when I next need something. General parts like filters and even starter motor I managed to get from MisterAuto in France, but it has drum brakes all round, and the size of drum and shoes were only available from Australia, and I did look everywhere I could think of, and even tried the Toyota main dealers but they'd stopped making them, and even the specialists in the US didn't have the right size. I was beginning to regret buying it at one stage when I saw the price of the drums, postage and duty. Past all that now, and very happy with it. Just need to clean and protect against rust now, maybe do some more maintenance, and start driving it more before deciding if I will upgrade anything.

 

[Rodger]

Welcome Parry,

Beautiful truck.
Ben is right about Euro 4x4 and they are based in France. Another European place to look is www:megastore4x4.pt - they are in Lisbon. For the more obscure parts sor.com in the USA.
Re the power steering - it may be worth finding an HJ60 LHD but if you go that route get everything including the tie bars, pump, reservoir, hoses, et al. If you decide to go that way I can send you photos of my set up (from an 60 series) and you also would need to get the VIN number because the pumps changed in '85. The great thing about 40 series is that so many parts from later trucks can be used with little problem although fitting power steering is fairly major.
Is that a PTO (factory) winch on the front?

Regards,

 

[Parry]

Thanks Rodger, saved all the links now so I'll have a good start point when I next need parts. Maybe I won't rush into a power steering conversion if it's a major job!

yes, it is a PTO winch....though not sure how you could tell from the photo.

 

[StarCruiser]

Welcome Parry, great looking truck that looks in good condition. Nice to see another 40 series join the fold.

Best wishes

Richard

 

[Rodger]

Parry,

Another alternative for the power steering which may not be as major is to get the steering assist (electric) from and Civic or a Corsa and have it uprated for 24v and re-coded. They fit on the lower part of the column. The hotrod guys use them so there must be places around that can re-code. If you want more details I have a buddy who has done it and being an engineer he'd be able to explain it a lot better than I could.

How did I guess about your winch? They sit lower in the frame than an eleccy winch and don't cover the lower part of the grille and they just look right on a 40 series. Now telling you about that has just reminded me why I can't fit one (even if I could find one) on my 40 - the 60 series tie rods get in the way! So I guess the steering assist would be the way to go to get power assisted steering. Apologies, it never struck me when I was writing about the steering stuff before.

Regards

 

[tonytoyota]

Hi Parry and welcoming love the old cruiser I have a fj45 pick up and a Fj40 with HJ 60 runing gear in them from Tony.

 

[Parry]

Thanks for the info on steering assist Rodger. I didn't realize that sort of thing was an option, although still doesn't sound simple. I'll do some research, but will probably just go to the gym for now so I don't need the power steering so much!

Hi Tony, good to hear there are more 40's around. I'm not sure I've seen one in the UK, as everyone used to want land rovers, and although there are more in France, I've not seen too many there either. I don't know why, but I just think they look great, as well as being functional!

 

[Shayne]

Daughter's 2002 D4D Corolla must have electric steering assist because i repaired it by just cleaning battery terminals .

 

[Rodger]

I didn't know that Corolla's had steering assist and obviously it would be better to use Mr Toyota's parts and have potentially more compatibility.
It sounds like your steering is very heavy, it could be that the box needs some lubrication or the centre arm bearing is need of attention. The centre arm bearing takes a lot of strain and it maybe worth getting a rebuild kit for it. The s/boxes are pretty reliable but worth checking the fluid level and if yours is one with a breather on it making sure that's clear of muck. From the Pitman arm - forward goes a draglink arm to the centre arm hidden just in front of the rad so, with you winch may be awkward to get at and therefore neglected. Other thing to check is front wheel alignment - toe in should be 3-5mm.

Regards,