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Need advice new project

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:07 pm
by vicelore
Hey guys kinda new to this i am shopping atm for a 2nd car mostly for taking away camping and 4 wheel driving. this will be my first 4x4 so i have decided to go for a zook as they seem relialable easy to work on and very cheep. i was thinkint somehting along the lines of this as its jsut down the street from my house and a nice price can you guys tell me what u think any problems or things i should be looking for im very open for opionions. Cheers guys.

!!! u will need to cut and paste this url into your browser as the forum dosent seem to like it sorry !!!

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales ... egory_id=3

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:27 pm
by zukirolly
Hi mate, certainly looks in good condition.
I'd check for the usual stuff like rattles in the engine, blowing smoke, etc.
Take it for a drive and listen for big end bearing noises, gearbox noises.
I'd even lock the hubs in and test 4wd to check for noises/rattles.
Have a look from underneath to make sure there hasn't been any bodgy rust repairs in the floor.

It a RWC is being supplied it should be in fairly good nick anyway, $3500 sounds pretty reasonable.

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:29 pm
by =SKB=
Look for rust. It's the main problem. Everything else you'll figure out when you take it for a test drive. Steering and suspension is nothing like a car just so you know...

If your unsure there are various services that give a car a once over for you and tell you any problems it may have.

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:35 pm
by vicelore
thanks allot for the reply very helpfull :)

i am very new to the 4x4 thing is this a fairly popular option for aftermarket parts ?
is the power useualy allright in this model ??
or do people usualy change the engine ?? as i dont want to be doin that.

i didnt really know what model people used for 4x4 i had seen a few of these with lift kits and big tyers ( what i will prob be wanting to add in future) so i took it that i was lookin at the right type.

Cheers . :D

few more qs

what are the difs / suspension like on these ??
they have coils ( i think thats what they are called ?? ) not springs just a fey plates of steel work like springs ??? is this a good thing ??? are they easly upgradable ?? are all SIERRAs fitted with this type of suspension ??
are the ks too high how long do these engines usualy live for ??

what are the expected modifications people would usualy do to the cars ??
average costs ??

i had in mind

a lift
body lift if needed
bigger tyers
exaust
air intake
winch ( if needed )


thanks again guys THANKS tons

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:40 am
by vicelore
sorry about a accedental post upstairs hit the button twice hehe.

ok so i thaught i would redo my Qs as they are all over the place

1. what is the actual model for this i think its a JX soft top ??

2. is this model a popular choice for fairly decent offroad use ??

3. are there many after market parts around for this model ??

4. what is the power like in this model the engine seems extremly small ??

5. would a engine transplant be nessacary ??

6. what type of suspension is this model using ?? ( i thaught it was called leaf springs) (no springs , as in the twirly type)

7. will this fit this type of kit ?? http://www.trailtough.com/suspension1.htm
(as i had seen it on others that look like this model.

8. are allthe older SIERRAs fitted with this type of suspension ??

9. are the ks highish how long do these engines usualy live for ??

10. what are the expected modifications people would usualy do to the cars ??
average costs ??

i had in mind

-a lift
-body lift if needed
-33in mud tyers
-exaust
-air intake
-lockers ( if needed )
-winch ( if needed )

i just have to say thanks to anyone who can help me as i took out my loan last night and am very keen to get started . Cheers again guys

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:00 pm
by lay80n
Look at the top of the page, there is the bibles. Read all of this, then ask your questions if you still got any left.
:roll:
Layto....

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:04 pm
by zukirolly
Man that's a lot of questions...i'd suggest having a read through some of the info and other peoples rigs to get an idea of what do do with a zook.
The 86 model is a narrow track and some people prefer the widetrack (88 model was the first WT i think) as they have a wider track and can be more stable - less prone to falling on there sides.
I had an '87 NT zook and had custom offset wheels made to make the track wider and it was pretty good, but some people say it adds a lot of extra pressure on the wheel bearings?
All the zooks have little 1.3l engines, quite capable but no power machines...yes you can do an engine upgrade but the 1.3 is ok with the correct gearing (with 33's you will need to modify either t/case gears or diff gears).
There are heaps of different leaf spring lift kits, OME seam to be the most favoured but you will need more than just springs for 33's.
Why the need for 33's, i have just got 31's for my '91 WT and they are pretty big on the zook?
When you think about it mate it's a 20 y/o car, most have done a fair few k's but so long the engine is not blowing smoke or rattley it should be ok - you can always pay someone like RACV to do a report for you?
Good luck!

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:27 pm
by vicelore
Hey guys yup fair few questions as i said i really know nothing about them.

thanks allot for yhe answers sorted out allot my main reason i coudnt compare it to the other ones i have seen on here are that i didnt know what type it was they all look simular.
it would be realy nice to see a suzuki page with all the models specs and a pic to identify models . but with about 3 days of searching i couldnt seem to find one.

i will have another look through the bible but 1st time it didnt really make to much sence to me . might now after i have been researching.

my next big thing is how much dif is there between the NT and WT are we talkin 3-4 inches ?
*ok now i see in the bible its 3 inches* dosent seem like much maybey a spacer on the stud bolts ?? i can see where the extra strain is that u spoke of, is it really a reason to over look this car ? dosent seem like 3 inches could change much . ( would some bigger tyers be solve this ??*

for the suspension do u guys know what year they where using leaf springs untill ?? pros / cons ?

and for the tyers i spose anyhting from a 30 upwards would be allright it was just a ballpark size as i had seen one with 33s and it looked great.

thanks again guys. sorry to post stupid questions. :roll:

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:34 pm
by smiley_smoke
just remember 35s may look great but all the additional things you need to do to run them..(transfer case + BL + spring lift) do you really need them for offroad or just want for onroad cred.
just a though

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:45 pm
by vicelore
yea as i said i dont really know much about it . they did JUST look good but iv seen 31s that do too.