Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi Guys,

Didnt know whether to post this here or in the Toyota Forum, but here goes.

Just after some advise and assistance, I am looking at buying a 1992 dual cab Hilux 2.8 diesel.

I have one in mind and have had a look at it and everything looks OK. Runs good and doesn’t blow smoke. It has done 196,000, which I think is pretty good for a 92 model.

Now what sort of things should I be paying close attention to, such as :

- Likely rust spots
- Potential problems areas
- Etc,etc

You help is appreciated, I am getting my mechanic to have look over it for mechanical stuff and RWC inspection, but also want to look over it pretty carefully myself.


Cheers

Check all the suspension and bushings, check for oil leaks around the diffs and between the gearbox and engine

They also have a problem with 5th gear. If it jumps out dont touch it with a barge pole as the lay shaft will have to be replaced which = $$$$$.

I have Just purchased a 95 model DC. 170k

So far in the 3 months since i purchased it I have had to replace.

1. Radiator.
2. Rear Brake Shoes.
3. Rear Brake Cylinders.
4. AirCon Tensioner Pully.
5. broken Bolt in the Power Steering.
6. Heater Core. (not fixed yet)
7. Air line to the Rear Locker.
8. Tie Rod. (my fault.)

Now with a car of this age of this there are bound to be problems but you can only hope that none are of the major kind.

It wont rust as easily as you might think as the Whole body has been Gal Dipped. (Not the roof or Bonnet)
So the chasis will most likely rust before the body does.
The model before this was not dipped and rusts like you wouldn't believe.

It is a good Idea if you buy a hilux to pull out the seats, floor console. (If it was used offroad which mine was) there will be heaps of mud under the floor.)
What model /mods has it got.
Also the 4x4 Wreckers are your friends.

You might want to see what shocks and springs it has.

I found out later mine where Rancho 9000 and OME springs with Greaseable shackles.

Thanks guys for the replys,

As far I know it is pretty much stock standard and hasnt done much off road at all.

Only mods it has which I know of are the Sunraysia wheels, doesnt look like it has been lifted, no after market turbo, extractors, etc. I has had a bull bar and side steps put on, but apart form that it is stock (as far as I know).

Hopefully when my mechanic looks over it he should be able to let me know what is worn and what will need replacing soon and stuff like that as well as what is required for a RWC.

cheers

get right under the thing and check everywhere for rust or signs of any specific cleaning to hide oil leaks.

the rust will hide up in the rails and it will be pretty obvious is she's been treated to some salt water and that kind of thing.

big oil leaks could be a thing to be weary of as well