Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi guys.

Here's how it started. My mate bought a Suzuki Vitara 1996 4 door. We took it for a test drive and all I can say is that I had the time of my life! I just had to get one! My current and only car is a modified R33 Gts-t which I love to pieces however it's a hassle when I have to leave it places because I worry to death about it being stolen or vandalised. It's low, so it scrapes on bumpy roads, it can't hold surfboards, it's high maintenance (I'm doing over 15,000 km/year) and it drinks petrol.

So I figure I can kill 3 birds with one stone. I wish to purchase a Sierra as a second car. It will be my daily driver which will save me fuel as I'm commuting a total of 35-40km each day for work. It will save me hassles when taking it out and/or away as I can park it anywhere and not worry about jealous hooligans bombing the crap out of it or trying to steal it, and I can go 4wd'ing with my mates on the weekends!

I've been reading up here this week and have been doing my research on the Sierra and I've learnt quite a lot but I just wanted a little advice more advice based on my circumstances.

- This car will be my daily driver to work and back each day. About 40km mostly at 80km/h.
- I'm pretty sure I want a hard top as I've heard they're quieter inside and I also want the extra security as it will be parked at a train station every day and will have a decent stereo in it.
- I'll probably take it offroad anywhere from 2-4 weekends a month. Not planning on club type outings and extreme challenges but more just weekends with my mates. Bit of sand work, bit of rough dirt track work, maybe some minor rocky stuff.
- I'd like to keep it as legal as possible.

Here are my concerns. It's boiled down to the leaf vs coil thing. This car will be my daily so I'd prefer the reliability of a newer car (97, 98 model Sierra) rather than an early 90's model. I've heard that coils gives a better ride but are harder and more expensive to modify. My goals for this car would probably just be a 2" suspension lift and some larger tires (maybe 29's or 30's, depending on what's legal in QLD). I'd also consider some form of rear diff locking down the track but it will be my daily commuter so I'd probably get a decent locker rather than welding it. If I'm only going to be modifying it this much, is the disadvantage of having coils not really going to matter? How much price difference are we really looking at for a 2" suspension lift?

Thanks for the input guys. I really look forward to getting myself a Sierra and getting it off road and your assistance is appreciated.

~Drew

Dee 4x4 wrote:
Here are my concerns. It's boiled down to the leaf vs coil thing. This car will be my daily so I'd prefer the reliability of a newer car (97, 98 model Sierra) rather than an early 90's model. I've heard that coils gives a better ride but are harder and more expensive to modify. My goals for this car would probably just be a 2" suspension lift and some larger tires (maybe 29's or 30's, depending on what's legal in QLD).
~Drew

I wouldnt be worried about reliability of leaf spring models being any worse as they really didnt change at all in the engine department in the 90's to coilys. For the work your doing Id just be looking for the one with the lowest k's. Good condition engines and gearbox's can be had very cheaply due to the amount of people doing 1.6 conversions these days so maybe even this isnt of that much importance. As far as tyres go, to be legal in QLD you can only go 15mm bigger so that makes 27's about the biggest you can go which is why pretty much everyone ignores this rule. Good luck with the zook..you will have a ball.

For the primary purpose i'd say coils with solid axles should suit you fine. Bet you can't resist modding it for long though!!

Spock

if your mates have stocker looking 4wd's then go with the coily. itll hold its own, no doubt about that.
if your mates have highly modified 4wd's then consider the leafy, coz peer pressure will have you spending up on it in no time.
i'd say get a coily tintop and fit some 235/75-15 mud terrain tyres. you will love it.
if youre looking at coilys, consider a 2door vitara tintop too.

I'd suggest that for a dd that travels a lot on road and only does easy off road like you mentioned (sand dirt and little bush tracks) you'd be better off with a vitara

get one with efi, a/c and p/s and you'll be really happy. I you don't want to do really hard stuff or modify it wildly a vitara is a good and more comfortable option.

If you wanna go nuts buy a sierra

Thanks guys. Makes me feel better about getting a coily. My brother will have a stock 4x4 Hilux diesel (early 90's, getting one shortly partly as a work ute) and the other mate has a 4 door 1996 vitara which he plans to lift and do tires but that's it so considering the guys I'll be with, I'm not worried about not being able to keep up.

As for the Vitara, yeah I do like them but the Sierra looks so much tougher and I'd like something that I'm not going to cry about if I dent it. The Vitaras look a little more plastic-y whereas the Sierra looks like a mini wrangler/troup carrier :p Love them!

Besides, when it comes to having a comfortable ride I have my Skyline which on the flat is heaven on a stick so I'm very willing to sacrifice some ride smoothness for a little beasty Sierra. Good new too. Saw the bank today and my loan is pretty much approved with the money due to go in on FRIDAY! Only picked up an application on Tuesday so things have moved fast. Better start lookin!

I'll post in the rides section or wherever when/if I get one. Can't bloody wait.[/b]

hey dude, buy a coily hardtop. You will not be disappointed. Ive had mine for a few months now and absolutely adore it, practically goes anywhere. Ive got 30" muddies and a set of 26" stockies. I think the 30" are too big without gearing, so stick with the 28"s if you upgrade tyres. The only thing i dont like about the car is the 4L gearing, its too tall. No good for slow stuff unless you have small tyres on.

The coilys are a bit limited in modifications, but there are always ways around it, but a cost tag is usually associated, but im happy with the performance of mine in the stockish format.

If you want some pics and more information, feel free to PM me.

Cheers
Jayden