buying SWB Prado what to look out for

[Heath]

Got told to have a look at a SWB 96 prado 3.0ti diesel and will check it out on Sat but want some general hints as to what to look for. Mileage is high but was told they were long miles not short trips and it doesnt smoke when started if cold or during running. What are "walk away" signs to be wary of?

This one hasnt been used offroad judging by the std of the underneath, but I'll have a good poke around before I jump.

Pics look good and the general trim/interior std is good to great.

Was looking at Mitzi's (still am) but this seemed worth a look.

Heath

[Jerry]

check service history for regular coolant changes, if the coolant is brown walk away, check the viscious fan is ok as well. 1KZ's at a higher mileage are known for cracking heads, first year of the IFS models, known to shatter centre diff locks if used too far offroad or too big tah's, round headlights can be changed for the square ones, reliable and comfy and pretty good on fuel, auto's like an aftermarket cooler if used for heavy towing, check turbo pipes for leaks

[Heath]

would be okay for tag alongs and shiney tracks I take it? I am not intending to make this into a winch chellenge truck although it may get a bar and winch way down the track if I decide to get more adventurous.

Would fitting a rear difflock help driveline faults or make it worse? How are the front hubs locked in? Or are these full time 4wd?

Dont know what size tyre I would aim for probably 32's with a possible 33 if suitable.

[Jerry]

should be as long as you are careful from what i've seen, they are permanent 4wd, I've always been advised to stick with the standard tah size. , theres a good prado forum here http://www.pradopoint.com , the aus spec ones apparantly had long range fuel tanks and factory difflocks so not sure if the weak driveline is caused by open diffs/lsd's, the shorties have airbags i think so you will need an airbag rated bar ...... maybe pm badnuz

[haydgq]

The 90 series jap import Prado's with the 1kz are the Intercooled model and dont usually suffer the head cracking issues and they have bigger rad's also which might help, The NZ new model was non-intercooled and usually allways cracks the heads around 240,000 kms even the ones with perfect service history etc.

I had a RX 3 door model KZJ90 and it was a awesome like truck with plenty of power but i was allways concerned with the the weak ifs and i had also heard many horror storys about the centre diff blowing apart and a lot of people saying they refused to tow or snatch people anymore.

I didnt have any issues with mine and it was a very capable truck for what it was.

[haydgq]

The imported LWB models also had the factory rear diff lock option but the SWB models didn't.

I had my RX lifted 2 inches and it fitted 33 inch Wranglers on Cruiser offset rims easy and with the standard height i also had 265/75/16 BFG muddies which were almost as high as the 33 inch wranglers but these were on the factory 16inch alloys and also tucked up in the guards fine with the factory offset wheels.

[Heath]

Well the one I looked at today was total crap. Knew it was too good to be true and after 5 hours of driving (there and back) it was confirmed. Freaking rear door wouldnt open, windows wouldnt open or close, drivers door had something broken ratling around in it. Interior looked better in the pics. In person it looked as if every surface had had 60 grade sand paper dragged across it (It has had a very very hard life). Transmission fluid was dark brown and smelled burned, radiator had brown water in it and over flow bottle was full of crap. Intercooler was loose in its mount and the cover was broken and flopping around. It blew black smoke and had a hell turbo lag.

Was not a happy camper! All that way for what was a wreck that should have been burned not sold.

Still on the bright side I like the concept and have decide that if I want a decent wagon (of whatever marque) I will have to spend more than I budgeted (will bung it on the morgage while the rates are low)

Heath