Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Some Luxy questions for the collective.......

I have a 75 series ute, and a growing family. I think I want to swap the 'Cruiser for a dual-cab diesel HiLux.

I don't know much about luxies so far (and can't get the Bible thread to work). I do know a few bits and pieces though...

A friend has a 2001 dual cab, and there are many things I like about it, mostly, it's light weight, and therefore reasonable fuel consumption, the design and layout of the cab, and the apparent ease with which I could ditch the ute-tub section and fit a flat tray.

However, it has IFS, and on this particular model, both the front and rear ends have nearly zero flex. I think this means I want a pre '97 model, that would have solid axles? True?

If so, what engines are available in solid-axle luxs, and are they any good?

Also, presuming pre '97 luxies are as stiff in the rear as the '01, could this be rectified by fitting softer springs and a helper spring? Thereby allowing some flex for offroad work and still be able to carry some weight when required? or would lighter springs and polyairs be the go?

Any and all advice/opinions appreciated folks.....tell me what I need to know.....

Cheers,

YES YES YES.... sorry now i'll read the post

Depends what you want to spend with regards to poly bags and so forth.
Got a quote the other day for just the rear $1500
Softer springs and inverted / \ shocks will help flex the rear.

About half way through '97 they changed to IFS, also the extra cab models where IFS (pretty sure) so yes '90-'97 should get you a solid axle one.
If you have the cash and want the newer cab you can SAS the later model ones but be warned $8000 and up was the last price i saw to do this.

Motors you are looking at the 2.8L Diesel or petrol i can't remember the size (2.2 or 3.0 i think). Both can be good with a bit of money spent on them or you get used to the slow sluggishness of the diesel like i have had too. (need turbo money)

Steering is a weak link and either crossover or highsteer will make a huge difference. Difference like not coming home without your truck which you left in Warick cause the j-arm broke in a river bed on a corner and you have to go fix it next weekend to get it home.......for instance

Seats are another good thing to change; i used to get really sore kidneys with the standard seats. I now have some WRX seats in mine and they rule; hold you in the seat and no more pains

Let us know if there is anything i missed

Get the lux!, no doubt.
How much were u willing to spend on it all up?
New suspension will improve the ride quality, and a turbo can transform the diesel. All depends on how much u are spending.

All up I hope to spend in the 12-14K range (I hope to get at least 6K for my 75, and am happy to flog the Missus Lancer to fund the project).

I am not fussed about newness of cab shape, and am not prepared to do all the messing about involved in SASing a newer one. Really, I want to buy a solid axle TD.

A pre '97 2.8 turbo will do nicely, I think.

/ \ shock mount relocation is a sensible suggestion, thanks

Load carrying is not a huge issue, 500Kg tray capacity would do (camping gear is the main load, including water >100L)
Can I achieve a reasonable ride quality, and enough lift to fit 33's with 2" inch springs and 2" body lift on a pre '97 dual-cab? (Bearing in mind that I would remove the well-back and fit a flat tray)

P.S. My 75s is an NA 2H, so I am kinda used to sluggish diesels....

pridhac wrote: Can I achieve a reasonable ride quality, and enough lift to fit 33's with 2" inch springs and 2" body lift on a pre '97 dual-cab? (Bearing in mind that I would remove the well-back and fit a flat tray)

sure can get a decent ride quality out of em with a new suspension.
a 4inch lift should be able to fit 33's and if you want more u can chuck in a lifting block underneath the leafs. Snake racing sell a 2" lift for $265.
take advantage of the stock SPOA!