Project LXXIV - 1988 BJ74 Land Cruiser Build

[cruiseroutfit]

Introducing Project LXXIV

Project LXXIV as she sat in port awaiting transport to the US earlier this year

Check out all that chrome

That will clean up nicely!

Basic Specs:
1988 Toyota Land Cruiser
Model: BJ74V-MNX LX Trim
Engine: 13BT 3.4L Turbo-Diesel
Trans/TC: H55F 5 Speed & Split-Case
Axles: 9.5"/4.11 R&P & Factory Cable Locking Diffs

Purpose/Scope: The purpose is straightforward, build a simple yet highly functional Land Cruiser while highlighting the JDM platforms. We have partnered with LandCruisersDirect.com to source these and other models and will be using this particular BJ74 throughout the year at various 4x4 events as a showcase of both their vehicle platforms and our product offerings. CruiserOutfitters.com is in the process of adding JDM specific parts to our growing inventory and we are now stocking parts ranging from tune up items specific to the diesel power plants to suspension and weatherstripping for these non-US rigs.

Phase 1 Build Plans:

Front Wincbar
24V Winch
Sliders
Suspension
Rear Bumper
+2 Tire Size

Future: I'll get a good feel for the vehicle as I enjoy a few days of remote travel as part of the Cruise Moab event next week. From there I'll formulate a list of follow-up needs and future mods that would benefit the vehicle and my needs for future travel plans.

With that all said, it's time to get started on this build... after all Cruise Moab is next week! Thankfully I'm able to put the call out to my pals in the Wasatch Cruiser club and we'll have some ringers here tomorrow to help rock this thing out in Death Star fashion. Pics to come!

 

[Kevin B.]

Axles: 9.5"/4.11 R&P & Factory Cable Locking Diffs

Oh really. I don't want to derail your thread, but remind me to ask you about those next time I see you.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Oh really. I don't want to derail your thread, but remind me to ask you about those next time I see you.

No worries, that is what threads are for.

Land Cruiser variants outside of the US could be ordered with locking diffs, cable operated on early models and of course e-locker much like the US spec. 80/100 Series. They are very stalwart units and engage/disengage fairly effortlessly using a pair of pull handles under the dash. I'll snag some pics of them tomorrow (make that tonight) during our rally build

 

[Bart]

Love it. The Death Star video rocks. Looking forward to the build.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Love it. The Death Star video rocks. Looking forward to the build.

Thanks! I have Jason Goates (camera man) and Steve Hulme (video producer) to thank for the video, the both did a fantastic job!

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'd be happy to produce another video if you've got cameras there.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I'd be happy to produce another video if you've got cameras there.

That could easily be arranged

 

[Stephen]

Rockin' and Rollin tonight at Cruiser Outfitters!

 

[Skylinerider]

Kurt, your zipper is down.

 

[Stephen]

Front end coming along. Kurt's zipper is still not up...

 

[STAG]

Wow that yota looks immaculately clean in those last pics.

 

[jentzschman]

Subscribed! Looks amazing!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I'm in love!

 

[sixstringsteve]

You guys and your japanese imports! You guys are going to ruin me. I can't look at many more of these without ordering one myself...

 

[scoutabout]

Drool!! This is why we do it.

The Expedition One bumper looks great! Can't wait to see more of the build thread!!

Here are a few more sneak peek photos from clean-up work at Land Cruisers Direct:

Getting detailed and polished:

Most JDM rigs have some easter egg inside waiting to be discovered, this one had a delivery slip for "baby kitten in mouth" delivery company:

The cable locker engagement levers:

Many have the original jack and toolkit:

The Japan Automobile Federation grille badge:

Great work guys, can't wait to see the results!!

 

[sixstringsteve]

scoutabout, your business may be the ruin of me. So far I've only seen two rigs you guys have sold, and they've been impeccable. It's an awesome thing you guys are doing.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

You guys and your japanese imports! You guys are going to ruin me. I can't look at many more of these without ordering one myself...

Why order, come test drive. There are 4 7x's here today

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Tonight went super smooth and we made a huge, huge dent in the task list. Ended the night with a 6-up rally in the old girl around the block. Thanks again for all the help everyone!

 

[chans]

So when these rigs get a certain age they can be imported into the US? Just curious, can you register them for the road by getting a waiver for I/M or do you need to make them OHV?

 

[theferg]

So when these rigs get a certain age they can be imported into the US? Just curious, can you register them for the road by getting a waiver for I/M or do you need to make them OHV?

At a certain age they are non longer required to meet federal EPA and NHTSA rules and can be freely imported other than regular auto import taxes (basically).

However, they must still comply with local state/county reg rules such as safety and emissions.

(I'm sure Steve and Kurt have some details and trade secrets that they've had to work for...)