Will I be happy if I buy a Rocky??

[Longbaser]

G'day Daihatsu people.
My first time in here, I'm usually in the Suzuki forum, but I'm considering a big change of vehicle!

My current drive is a 1985 LWB Sierra softop. I've owned it for 20 years but milady and I no longer have enough "sense of adventure" to enjoy the rough ride of its billy-cart leaf spring suspension on camping trips.

There is nothing in the new vehicle range that offers a 4WD convertible with decent cargo space, so I'm looking about for a Rocky Sport of as late a model as I can find - that would be 1996, wouldn't it?

I'm hoping some Rocky owners might be able to offer tips on what to look out for (yes, I've used Search in the FAQ section).

I realise that any of the late model diesels might be getting up in kms and just about ready for a rebuild, but are there any weak points in the suspension or drivetrain that I should watch for? How easy is it to find replacement parts, are they still available from Toyota dealers?

Any advice will be most appreciated.

Cheers - Longbaser.

[RockyF75]

Only weak points in the newer Rocky's are IFS Apart from that they are bulletproof. And I know of much older Rocky diesels still going strong without a rebuild. With the IFS you may be taking a backward step from a sierra as far as offroad is concerned. Pre 1993 have solid axle, also, the older models have a much larger boot. But its probly not worth the compromise with comfort .

[tabrocky]

Post '93 models also had coil rear as well as the IFS so ride quality is much better than the old models.
Just remeber your still buying a short wheelbase 4wd ride's not going to compare to a cruiser or patrol for example.

Last ones to hit Oz were in '98 or '99. Good luck finding one...
I read they only sold about 50 new vehicles Australia wide the year before they were withdrawn.

Parts are available from selected Toyota dealers. Can take a while to get them though.
Engines last well if looked after. Try and get one with a service history. Look for 5000k oil changes. If not looked after/serviced they can be an expensive time bomb.
Turbo intercooled motor (post '90 ish) is the pick of the bunch. Intercooler reduces manifold temps and helps to increase engine life. More go as well than straight turbo ones.

Gearbox should be relatively smooth to operate. Check for any noise particullarly in 4th and 5th gear. Check to see if an electric brake controller has been fitted... could indicate previous heavy towing duties.

Otherwise a bulletproof little truck. You won't find too many people with bad things to say about them.

Cheers.

[Longbaser]

Thanks for the input, fellas, it is reassuring me that I'm on the right track.

I'll be looking for a '96-'98 Rocky Sport as I want the torsion bar IFS and coil rear end. Yep, RockyF70, I know that seems a backward step for offroad use but the toughest work it will do is the beach or semi-desert tracks, so the greater articulation of leaf springs is not that important.

And it may be a SWB, tabrocky, but the Rocky's overall length is 295mm longer than my LWB Sierra, it's 320mm wider overall, wheelbase is 155mm longer and the track is 260mm wider!

With its more road-oriented suspension, I reckon it would be luxurious in comparison to the Sierra!

Cheers - Longbaser.

[HotFourOk]

The one you are looking for is a post August 1993 model Rocky, model code F78.

I have one of these and the onroad ride is very comfortable and there is ample power when you need it.
If looked after the motors will go forever.. so just do the simple checks before buying.

Don't get fooled by the 'IFS is crap' rubbish that a lot of people will tell you either... Mine has held its own against solid rigs so far... Especially on the beach... I left a few solid rigs behind Hey F70

For touring (which it sounds like you want to do) you can easily get lifted and/or stiffer coils for the rear, and uprated torsion bars for the front.

There is no major weak points to look for when buying.. although with the later models, make sure the electronic 4WD engagement works correctly. There is a push button 4HI button on the dash, and the 4LO is selected with the stick.
Mine didnt work when I first bought it... I had to replace a vacuum switch in the transfer case... I didnt know what I was doing so I let a gearbox specialist do it for me.... 1000 bucks later So just check for that.

[RockyF75]

Don't get fooled by the 'IFS is crap' rubbish that a lot of people will tell you either... Mine has held its own against solid rigs so far... Especially on the beach... I left a few solid rigs behind Hey F70

Never mistake the ability to drive on sand as offroad prowess

And I think your turbo had more to do with it than the IFS

[Longbaser]

Now now, settle fellas!

As it happens, I was a muttering rotter (motoring writer) for 21 years and I do know the difference between leaf-sprung and IFS (and IRS, for that matter). The vertical articulation of leaf spring is better in the rough stuff but torsion bars and coils offer a better ride on-road.

You are right on the money, HotFourOk, it is intended for touring above all else. If I go ahead with this, the Rocky will have to start out stock and mostly stay that way. Just like my Sierra has all these years, it sits on standard height suspension with 7x15 alloy rims wearing 235/75 Pirelli Scorpion ATs. It would be made to look stupid by any decent rock-crawler on really rough ground, but I don't go there.

Comfortable highway cruising and a bit of sand, that'll do fine thanks!

Now for the really hard part - finding a good enough Rocky and persuading she-who-is-obeyed that it's a great idea...

Thanks for the comments, really helpful. (If I pull it off, I think I'll enjoy this forum as much as the Suzuki one.)

Cheers - Longbaser.

[HotFourOk]

You will love the power of the newer motor compared to the sierra above anything else... nothing like a diesel for touring

I don't think a stock Sierra and stock Rocky would be too different in offroad ability anyways... Sierra's are great due to the aftermarket parts available mostly.. rather than out of the box ability.

It's not the leaf spring that allows greater articulation, it is the solid front axel of the Sierra. Even better is a solid axel with coils generally, like the Rocky has in the back or the newer coily Sierras.

This is maybe a little dear, but its what you're after and only 105,000kms If I was looking again, I'd buy it for sure.
CarSales ROCKY

[lay80n]

Don't get fooled by the 'IFS is crap' rubbish that a lot of people will tell you either... Mine has held its own against solid rigs so far... Especially on the beach... I left a few solid rigs behind Hey F70

Never mistake the ability to drive on sand as offroad prowess

And I think your turbo had more to do with it than the IFS

IFS is crap Nick, i left you for dead when we went for a drive

Rocky is a great choice for what you want. My old one had a fair bit of work done to it, and was great to go away in. 85 TD with 31's, custom springs and heaps of lother stuff. Went for ever too, and reliable. That said, i would rather the zook but thats me

Layto....

[rOd]

Don't get fooled by the 'IFS is crap' rubbish that a lot of people will tell you either....

Thats a big call mate.

[r0ck_m0nkey]

Don't get fooled by the 'IFS is crap' rubbish that a lot of people will tell you either....

Thats a big call mate.

I don't think it is. For the average punter as a trail rig they can be more then capable. IFS doesn't mean you need to stop at the first pothole as you won't get through which some people like to make others believe. May not be able to take the hardest line all the time, but it will typically get you through most tracks. Sure it has it's limitations, but i reckon a fair number of people have blamed IFS as their limiting factor when it was really just their ability to drive.

[Longbaser]

Omigawd, what have I started !!

Leaf springs keep the wheel from dropping too far inwards. I've seen some coil-sprung live axle jobbies running on the shoulder of the tyre instead of its tread.

But for most 4WDers who see big rocks as something to drive around instead of a challenge, coils are fine whether on rigid or independent axles. (Or air-bag suspension, now we're talking plush!)

Anyway, to each his own and what does it matter...

RockFourOk, I followed that link and I think I've fallen in lust. If I could afford it I'd buy it and either drive or rail it home across the Nullarbor! And you're right about the 'diesel' part, that is what appeals most.

Now stop arguing you buggers - I started this thread to learn more about the Rocky, not to re-start an ancient argument!

Cheers - Longbaser.

[RockyF75]

Omigawd, what have I started !!

Leaf springs keep the wheel from dropping too far inwards. I've seen some coil-sprung live axle jobbies running on the shoulder of the tyre instead of its tread.

But for most 4WDers who see big rocks as something to drive around instead of a challenge, coils are fine whether on rigid or independent axles. (Or air-bag suspension, now we're talking plush!)

Anyway, to each his own and what does it matter...

RockFourOk, I followed that link and I think I've fallen in lust. If I could afford it I'd buy it and either drive or rail it home across the Nullarbor! And you're right about the 'diesel' part, that is what appeals most.

Now stop arguing you buggers - I started this thread to learn more about the Rocky, not to re-start an ancient argument!

Cheers - Longbaser.

Sorry, but it haunts the daihatsu section. Love it or leave it Hot4 started it anyway

[HotFourOk]

Don't get fooled by the 'IFS is crap' rubbish that a lot of people will tell you either....

Thats a big call mate.

Why?

Gee I wonder what bandwagon you're on... lol

I stated that for hardcore stuff IFS is not the best option, but for touring it is most probably better than a solid rig in terms of comfort/handling.

Rock monkey hit it on the head with his comment.
I went to the Wattagans last weekend and after all the bashing IFS rigs get, I was very timid to try many tracks... I tried some fairly good tracks and it traversed them easily, so I tried some harder ones...

It did HEAPS better than I was led to beleive by a lot of internet webwheelers.

IFS is crap Nick, i left you for dead when we went for a drive

Layto....

Shaddap laybon I was comparing stock 4x4s
Your zook is so far from stock its not funny

You leave most rigs for dead

[SimplyPV]

i agree with most comments here. ifs is pretty damn capable behind a good driver. i had so much fun with my feroza(ifs), and i was able to stomp on any stock zook (mine was mostly stock except for some lift and bigger tires), a pair of jeep wanglers that had transplated v8s, danas, blah blah blah(yeah i know its a jeep). even outdrove several ford broncos. lol!

for me, i think the limiting factor that anyone should be concerned with in regards to ifs, is A. the cv joints are weaker than a live axle, so if you were to lock the front, beware, and kiss your cv joints goodbye! B. lift is very limited on ifs. you can only go so far before you have to start hacking the front end in order to get more lift(drop the a arms, upper arms, lower diff, extend driveline, etcetc).

other than that, ifs is just as capable as a solid axle. it all comes down to how one drives. lol. as long as you can pick good lines, you can get through it. and if you cant, jus drive it!

[rOd]

Don't get fooled by the 'IFS is crap' rubbish that a lot of people will tell you either....

Thats a big call mate.

Why?

I didnt realise you were talking about touring, my mistake.

I was thinking from a mechanical point of view.

Not from a"i out drove the mog rover in my terios" hero/pornstar point of view.

What ever you feel comfy driving I guess.

Rod

[murcod]

I might have to start deleting posts soon.......

As Longbaser said - let's get back to the original question and leave the IFS/ leaf / coil arguments alone thanks. I'm sure Longbaser can find plenty of info on the differences on here by searching for other arguments .... I mean posts!

[RockyF75]

I might have to start deleting posts soon.......

As Longbaser said - let's get back to the original question and leave the IFS/ leaf / coil arguments alone thanks.

Will I be happy if I buy a Rocky??

Yes, OF COURSE you will, its a ROCKY, what a stupid question

[HotFourOk]

When it comes down to the crunch, the downside of owning a Rocky is lack of aftermarket accessories available.

As you want to keep it fairly stock, YOU WILL LOVE HAVING A ROCKY!!

They are one of the best off the shelf 4x4s around I wouldn't part with mine at all.

[The Rocky]

When it comes down to the crunch, the downside of owning a Rocky is lack of aftermarket accessories available.

As you want to keep it fairly stock, YOU WILL LOVE HAVING A ROCKY!!

They are one of the best off the shelf 4x4s around I wouldn't part with mine at all.

x2

[sly]

X3..

although it's petrol (lame) and slow as hell (also lame) and the first gen rocky (lamer) i love my little rockola to bits. never not made it somewhere with only very basic mods (31" maxxis trepadors basically it)

fun little truck that does what i say!!

[bullwinkle]

I've got a F75 rocky had it for about 4 yrs and love it. It's the t/d version, leaf sprung so not the best ride for touring I would suggest IFS, although mine has done some k's touring and me and the kids don't seem to mind it, puts the kids to sleep.

I've done over 100 000k's in mine and has had no major issue's (touch wood). Redone suspension, rear axle seals , power steer seal, radiator and water pump,and of course normal maintenence. I think thats pretty good for something thats done over 300 000kms and hasn't been treated too kindly. It is still alot faster than my tdi discovery especially on overtaking ( rocky has 31's on it, disco is standard).

Downfalls on the rocky would have to be small boot and rough ride (later models are better for these). I get about 10l/100kms but am runnning 31's so not too bad on fuel.

Well this is my opinion anyway without getting into the otharguments!!!

[Longbaser]

Well, thanks for all the good comments fellers.

The sad news is that I've finally decided not to buy a Rocky.

Instead I've bitten the bullet and bought new bits (body panels etc) for my LWB Sierra. I know it will never have the power, torque or comfort of an F78 Rocky, but after 20 years I know everything about it. Had to be one or the other, so I chose the one I already know.

Thanks again for the feedback.
Cheers - Longbaser.

[tabrocky]

Better the devil you know, than the one you don't.

[HotFourOk]

At least you can put the hard earned into the Sierra