Downsized* 1985 BJ70

[Hltoppr]

Thanks for the diesel explainations and tips. This is my first oil burner, so I'm learning as I go!

In planning for the Mexico trip, I'm pretty pleased not to have to take the ignition bits as spares....

To be perfectly honest, with the 33s and 4.56 gears, I don't quite feel the need for a turbo right now, but I do know on the highway it'd be nice...I'll wait and see how she does through Baja, then make some decisions.

I love the extra space in the garage, though. I can close the door and still have plenty of room to work all the way around the truck!

-H-

 

[lowenbrau]

A suggestion that I meant to talk to Bull about. 70 series with OMEs will benefit from a pittman arm swap from a 60 series. You'll end up with a lot less bump steer and its a 1/2 hour bolt on job, no mods to anything else.

 

[Hltoppr]

I'm assuming a stock 60 series pitman arm? I gotta make a SOR order, so I might as well just add it to the list if so.

Thanks!

-H-

 

[lowenbrau]

Stock, yup, but I wouldn't pay too much. There's plenty of 60s being parted out.

 

[redthies]

I drove a stock geared BJ60 with 33-9.50BFG muds to Michoacan and back to BC. The lack of turbo was not much of an issue except when traveling with gas powered rigs. Although I would only fuel up every second stop the gasers or big diesels would. The big negative was the enlarged right thigh from trying to put the go pedal through the floor. Take along a spare injector pump diaphragm as they are made of leather and do let go at inopportune times. That is a sweet rig you got. Enjoy it!

 

[gjackson]

That is one trick ride Andrew! Looking forward to that 70 / 110 comparison run!
:victory:

cheers

 

[Pskhaat]

What is the vast difference in the pitman arm, angle|length?

 

[lowenbrau]

What is the vast difference in the pitman arm, angle|length?

It just drops about 25 or 30mm more. Takes a bunch of angle out of the draglink and that helps bumpsteer. You can often find somebody with a Springover 60 who will happily trade because the flatter arm from the 70 works better for S/O 60s

 

[MoGas]

I went over with the wife's 62 to compare the arms, and the 62 arm definitely drops more than the stock 70 one. Great tip, lowenbrau.

Dave

 

[uzj100]

Sweet rig.

Sweet LC. Does it have factory AC?

 

[Hltoppr]

No A/C since it is Canadian spec. Easy to add, but a bit pricey for the parts. I'm not too concerned, as I rarely use A/C even when I've got it....

I'm lookin' on 'mud for a pitman arm...SOR wants $50 for a used one!

-H-

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

Nice rig, Andrew, congrats!...you scored! Wonder if we can get the two 70s together for a trail ride one day. I don't use the AC much neither, love the heat! R12 might need pressurizing and you can get that cheapo in MX. Got my R12 totally replaced and a new AC filter and compressor gasket for $50 USD.

BTW a BAJA rack would look good on it!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...I'm lookin' on 'mud for a pitman arm...SOR wants $50 for a used one...

PM solidfrontaxle, he had one for sale just a couple days ago (on another forum) for $15 as I recall.

 

[Grease Cruiser]

We've got tons of 60 pitman arms around. Call us (Proffitt's Cruisers) if you like.
1-877-PROFFITT or 970-874-1272

John

 

[Hltoppr]

Thanks John & GreaseCruiser, I found one on 'mud pretty easily.

John, I was just reviewing your 75 series writeup in OJ for some ideas! Did you ever get the OEM snorkel?

-H-