hilux, surf, 4runner...?

[Rumpig]

Gidday, I've been thinking about selling my ute and buying something with slightly better offroad capabilities and was thinking about buying either a lux, a surf or a 4runner.
I have always owned a ute so was thinknig about moving away from this due to storage issues.
So that really leaves me with the surf and 4runner.

What are the pros and cons?
I know about the head gaskets and was wondering if there are any 4runners or surfs that have the hilux engine/running gear fitted?

What are the SSR models?

Why do some of them have hilux on the back?

Are these vehicles any different?

Thanks

Mick

[GBC]

www.4wdlinks.com.au/4x4378.htm - 14k

Surf owners forum.
Will have answers for all questions allready.

SSR's are import surfs.
4Runners are Aust released.

[Mudlux]

Hi Rumpig,

If you are looking at serious offroading a surf is probably not for you. They can be quite limited due to the Independant Front Suspension in some offroad situations. Although in saying this a mate has a surf and I have a 98 hilux with IFS. If you are really set on a surf the best thing you can do is add a diff lock to the front, which among other things is what I have done. Makes a world of difference off road. The early 4 runners had the old solid axle suspension but they too changed to IFS, not sure on the year this changed. Where are you situated, I am on the south side of Brisbane, feel free to send me a PM if you want to see the difference the diff lock makes.

[Rumpig]

Cheers Mudlux,
I'm in Sydney which makes it a bit difficult

I'm not loooking to do any crazy offroading, I just want something that can deal with dirt better than my VS commy!

Cheers

Mick

[Just_One_More_Cast]

Rumpig, One major consideration I would take into account with Surfs is that they are a lot more difficult to get properly serviced or btain some parts.

4-runners are basically hiluxes in a different body (apart from the IFS which I think came in with the 2.8L diesels), so any bush mechanic can work on them.

I had a small truck with a Surf engine in it and mechanics used to run a mile. Apparently, being Japanese, they tend to modify the engine and a lot of other stuff very regularly (sometimes every few months)

I also have a mate who used to own a Surf - very flash looking and very comfy, but nowhere near as reliable as the three Hiluxes I have owned.

Hope you've braced yourself for the slight drop n performance. Better look for a turbo diesel or a late model petrol as these will still be a significant step down on the highway.

[bart_simpson]

i have just bought a hilux and am more then happy with it it is a 1986 model it is the first deisel i have owned and it performs well offroad where i have taken it it is only a 2.4 tho it does lack road performanc e it xcels in the bush

[Just_One_More_Cast]

Hard to beat a Hilux in the bush or as a work ute - I've owned an '84, 88 and 95 model. They're tough inside and out and have plenty of guts down low. Just don't expect them to be too comfy or powerful on the road if you're driving it everyday.

Don't think you want one if you're driving around Sydney most the time and don't plan to do too much 4WDing. Surfs and 4 Runners a bit better, especially with TD