Buying my first zook

[thebends]

Hey everyone, ive decided to buy a sierra because my mates both have them (spoa sierra and a spoa lj80) and my 87 pajero while awesome when it comes to power really sucks for more hardcore 4x4ing due to the IFS. i'm on budget and only looking at spending a max $1500 for the base vechile. for this price most sierras for sale were built in the low to mid 80s. I was wondering if all of these models are NT and if not what year did the WT come out? id much prefer a WT due to stability when i start modding it but if i can only afford/find a NT model is it still worth buying it or should i just try and wait for a WT to come by?

If a NT is all i can get i can use rims with a bigger offset to counterbalance the stability, will this be stable enough or similar to the WT at least (keeping in mind that it will have SPOA and i'll most likely run 32s if not 33s)? Also how much extra will it cost to get rims with a bigger offset, im only looking at getting the cheap speedy rims etc.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks Jason

[Acca Dacca]

Widetrack was released in 88. Mines an 89 and I got it for $3000 with a dodgy donk. I reckon it was a bargain as the body was straight, had rarely been off-road and very little rust. Only problem was the engine, which was fixed quite cheaply but it will need a rebuild due to age and kays.

Checking the paper I find it rare to find a widetrack model for less than around $3000. I think it would be hard to get one for as little as $1500. Although you could find a bargain. Otherwise you could maybe buy a damaged one. Thats the only chance I see of getting a widetrack.

Sierras really hold their value.

You can convert to widetrack although I have no idea waht that entails. Of course it would be easier just getting a widtrack.

I would try and get one made after 84 though. Then you can get a 1.3L engine instead of the 1L.

I thought the widetrack only had 60mm wider diffs and stronger sway bars. Didn't think it had a wider wheelbase. But I'm probably not the best to go by on that.

[Nev]

Hey there, as acca dacca said, WT came out in mid-late 88. However, i have heard that a decent set of WT diffs can be had for around $600 and is pretty easy to install. Either move the spring on the car out or the mounts on the new diffs in..the later is easier. Although that info was based on changing a 1.3L NT and the 1L as in ur price range may be different. You can get your rims cut and rewelded to improve track...takes a bit of work..no idea how much it costs..however it will wear out components such as wheel bearings much quicker especially if put bigger tyres on it like 32's. good luck with finding a good car. cheers

[munga]

IMHO if spoa is the plan, hold out for a wt or look into fitting lux diffs maybe.
32" + spoa + nt sounds like a formula for a flat head. Others may disagree of course.. personally id pass on the spoa alltogether.

[nicbeer]

Be warey if this is for wa and you want to register this again.

As SPOA is a Grimace thing to the fun police.

Go for the NT 1.3 and convert it for WT diffs later or hilux diffs if you are going to spoa it.

cheers

[DiddyZook]

Why have a budget of $1500 to buy a Zook? Think things through and you will quickly realise that even if you find a decent Zook (either NT or WT) for $1500, you are intending on spending more than that on modifications. Have you only got $1500? if so forget the SPOA or bigger rubber, each of these can cost more than that alone. Or do you have $5-6 grand and only plan to spend $1500 on the base vehicle? Do you know what you are doing for a SPOA conversion or are you going to have to find more $$$ to get someone to do it for you. Have you looked into the legalities and engineering requirements of your plans? Hopefully your mates have already been down this track and can advise you of some of the costs and pitfalls in what you are considering. It would be a real bitch to build an awesome car and then have it defected or worse damaged only to find that your mods void rego and insurance, so no matter what you are at fault.

Bear in mind anything you get for $1500 may well have some maintenance requirements.

I support Munga's comment that you should not consider the SPOA. IMHO working with such a limited budget you would be best to find the Zook in best mechanical condition either NT or WT (even though my preference is WT). Learn to drive it to it's capabilities, let it teach you somethings about small, lightweight, nimble 4WDs. You will probably be surprised by how capable they are even in stock form. Then when you are in a better financial position and have a clearer idea of what you really need/want to modify, do it right the first time, even if it means having to shell out for a new car to build up.

[thebends]

Yeah im only looking at spending 1500 on the base vechile alone and im not too worried if the body isnt in 100% condition although im certainly not after anything covered in bog, as long as its mechanically fine im happy. when i sell my pajero i'll have money to start modding it, i can stretch the budget a little higher, but i cant afford to spend 3000 just for a WT so it looks like the NT will have to do for now until i convert to WT or go with the hilux diffs. I am definantly after the 1.3L engine though. A NT wouldnt be bad at all to buy if i decide to go with the hilux diffs as i would save alot of money. Also whats the difference from using the hilux diffs which has already has a spoa over a standard zook spoa? like how much wider are the hilux diffs over a WT and whats the difference in the overall lift height roughly? im not after exact figures just an idea.

Also i have seen a 83 sierra with a datsun 1200 motor and gear box, it needs a little attention to the carby and rear diff but the price is right, the only thing that is stopping me is the 1200 engine/gearbox have any of you guys come across this modification? if so do you think it would be a reliable/good motor for 4x4?

Thanks for the information so far its been a great help.
Jason

[thebends]

btw im going 4x4ing down south this weekend probably the paj's last 4x4 session so i wont be back on until monday. cheers