Offroad-Express

Over the weekend I brought myself a toyota surf, at the moment it appears to be a fairly standard 1993 3L diesel surf. Given it a few basic test runs and played with it on a few beaches and across several rivers. Due to the warranty issues I would have to wait a while before modifying it in any serious way.

warranty aside, I do not really know where I should start with the mods. I am planning on removing the runner boards from the side, because they trap dirt and water and serve no real purpose.

Been thinking about installing a snorkel (would have to see how it would affect the warranty), and purchase a tow rope, fire extinguishers and other tools which might be useful. Maybe a bull bar although not to sure how necessary it would be.

I also noticed that it has dual batteries, are the two batteries used at the same time for everything, or is one just for starting the engine while the other is used for the electrics? Seems like a lot of battery power.

Militaris wrote:Over the weekend I brought myself a toyota surf, at the moment it appears to be a fairly standard 1993 3L diesel surf. Given it a few basic test runs and played with it on a few beaches and across several rivers. Due to the warranty issues I would have to wait a while before modifying it in any serious way.

Yep, those buggers will look for any reason to get out of paying for anything

Militaris wrote:warranty aside, I do not really know where I should start with the mods. I am planning on removing the runner boards from the side, because they trap dirt and water and serve no real purpose.

No, leave em on there... they'll stop the sills getting damaged to a certain extent, and scratched and they help the wife/gf get in the truck... they moan a lot if its too hard to climb in to

Militaris wrote:Been thinking about installing a snorkel (would have to see how it would affect the warranty), and purchase a tow rope, fire extinguishers and other tools which might be useful. Maybe a bull bar although not to sure how necessary it would be.

Yes, get the recovery equipment, and check first then install a snorkle. I duobt that would be a warranty issue since they provide cleaner air into the engine. Don't worry about a bullbar, unless you're planning to bush bash it or fit a winch.

Militaris wrote:I also noticed that it has dual batteries, are the two batteries used at the same time for everything, or is one just for starting the engine while the other is used for the electrics? Seems like a lot of battery power.

Starting only. Toyotas "cold weather starting" option... two batteries in parallel.

Hey - I wonder if the warranty would allow a SAS?

Steve

True the boards do offer a bit of protect, but they still resist the flow of water during river crossings. Also by removing them it helps keep the girlfriend agile. I might replace them with rigid metal mesh which would be less of a barrier for the water, but still provides easy access for midgets.

Mmm a SAS is fixing a manufacturers flaw so it should be allowed... but something makes me think the warranty company would see things differently.

Militaris wrote:True the boards do offer a bit of protect, but they still resist the flow of water during river crossings. Also by removing them it helps keep the girlfriend agile. I might replace them with rigid metal mesh which would be less of a barrier for the water, but still provides easy access for midgets.

Mmm a SAS is fixing a manufacturers flaw so it should be allowed... but something makes me think the warranty company would see things differently.

make sure they are strong enough to walk on.... otherwise you'll get very wet hooking strops in the mud/river

SupraLux wrote:
Hey - I wonder if the warranty would allow a SAS?

u really are the "King of the SAS" aye, but dont waste your time on boring old Surfs etc, I want to see you SAS a Austin Princess something just a little different to match your slightly eccentric personality!! :geek:

there was a LADA available somewhere wasn't there
J Top

Jafa wrote:dont waste your time on boring old Surfs etc, I want to see you SAS a Austin Princess something just a little different to match your slightly eccentric personality!! :geek:

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/modules ... 7749#17749

Someone has raised the bar... I have work to do!

Sorry about the thread HiJack... discuss this on the thread linked above...

...Oh, and if you want solid bars that won't affect your warranty, will take any abuse you can throw and won't really do anything to the water flow in rivers have a look at the ones I make... there, now officially not thread-jacking

Steve

JTop wrote:there was a LADA available somewhere wasn't there
J Top

I could do a conversion on a Lada... turn it into a 4WD

Some good solid tow points front & back - 10 000lb rated hooks - are a good start. Makes life much simpler & safer when 4x4ing with mates. If you decide to join a club they'll be mandatory anyway.

Cheers
Clint

Militaris wrote:

I brought myself a toyota surf

Don't worry, it is only and illness and you aren't responsible. It's probably a behavioural problem from unresolved chilhood trauma
Nah seriously, have fun with it and modify
Al

It's probably a behavioural problem from unresolved chilhood trauma

he didn't buy a nissan al

if he does the snorkel, will he have to do the diff breathers as well?

They are independant of each other... although if you're planning to play in rivers then high-level diff breathers are a very good idea since they help keep water out of the diff oil... saves money, time and your ring&pinions

Steve

SupraLux wrote:They are independant of each other...

Steve

yeh knew they were.. figured there;s little sense in one without the other.. just ask my boy fitzy about the Red Dragon.. snorkel looks great, but his diffs are shot