Originally Posted by
some_fool
Hi Ronnie,
We have a 2002 100 series 4.5 lt petrol, last of the live axle before the V8's, I would assume the one you looking at is a livey also, can't say whether or not they handle the rough stuff any better than the IFS's, popular opinion is they do, I know the front end on ours has not dropped, like my ute with the torsion bar setup as soon as I put a bullbar on it!
Motor is great, only has 116,000k's on it, but very strong, however I did find fuel economy worsened when I changed the orginial 265's of it and put 285's which in the new dueler AT's gave me a little more lift, but like I say fuel economy not as good. Maybe due to change in power range? Feels better on the beach than with the 265's am looking at fuel economy options this year, about the only thing that sucks with a cruiser, but you want the big power you get the big bill!
Am half assed home mechanic and service it myself unless a major service, is exceptionally easy, for an expensive car to buy new, they are quite simple to service. Spare parts are about as easy to get for any brand out there, have not been to my local toyota dealer(sci fleet) and not been able to get the parts I have needed.
Great car to drive, great on the beach, great to tow, for the purchase price we paid, and the small amount of towing we do with this vehicle(boat/caravan on holidays once or twice a year) was far more economical to get the petrol than diesel, cheaper servicing, cheaper purchase price(by 15K average for comparable k's), and nagging wife(who must be obeyed) who "didn't want to drive a diesel".
If you have any other questions mate give me a PM,
Cheers
Michael