Offroad-Express

Im looking at changing vehicles (will need to change log in name too) selling the Pajero and buying a single cab Hilux ute.

Im looking at two beam axle Hilux's, 84 and 87, on with the 2L (2.4 turbo diesel) and on with a 3L (2.8 diesel) both in the $4,500 - $6,000 price range, both sellers are considering taking the Pajero plus cash in exchange

Do either of these engines have any known issues (other than less HP than my 919cc road bike)?

Anything else to look for when buying an older Hilux?

the 2lt's are bad at cracking heads, bigger exhaust from turbo back seems to be the common to fix this i think.

cracked heads have nothing to do with the size of the exhaust. its airlocking the water jacket that cracks heads. because when you put a taller block in an engine bay designed for a shorter block and forget to raise the radiator thats what you get. dumb arses.........anyway...go with the earlier 2.4 if you want reliable. same model they trashed(or tried to) on topgear.

Thanks for your replies.

My Pajero has the 4M40 motor (known for doing heads) and 192,000km no issues, it just doesnt have a tray and we now own a lifestyle block.

Go with the 3L ( 2.8 ) - reliable as anything out there and they can be quite successfully (and reliably if done properly) turbo'd using parts from a 2LT engine for more go if you ever feel the need...

The 2LT has a bad reputation for doing heads - regardless of the reason... They go well... while they are going. Not an engine I'd choose to own.

Whatever you choose, get it checked by a diesel mechanic first if you're not sure what you're looking at though... just for your own peace of mind.

Steve

I think there is some confusion here. The beam axle hilux with the 2L is a naturally aspirated 2.4 diesel. Like has already been said, Top Gear had a good attempt at killing it - worth a look on youtube. The 2L does not have the same issues as the 2LT or 2LT-e for cracking heads. 2L is a good engine; it is by no means a massive power plant.

Might be worth checking that the newer 2.8 hilux is a beam axle as well. Some had ifs

jagni401 wrote:I think there is some confusion here. The beam axle hilux with the 2L is a naturally aspirated 2.4 diesel.

Regardless, the OP said it was a turbo... and that conversion has been done plenty of times on the older trucks... I've done two of those 'conversions' myself in the past for people who wanted them.

jagni401 wrote:2L is a good engine; it is by no means a massive power plant.

Agreed

jagni401 wrote:Might be worth checking that the newer 2.8 hilux is a beam axle as well. Some had ifs

Very very rare and almost unheard of outside of Uncle Sams playground. The US market went to IFS around '87, but the rest of the world stayed beam until around '97. In all the years I worked with and drove Hiluxes I only ever saw one pre-'97 Hilux ute with IFS in it.

Yea I didn't even know they made the 2.8 hilux with ifs, but my flatmate has nz new one. Quite odd

if you go 2.4, find one with a 5 speed box, means you can cruise over 80kph

there simple little engines and reliable, just no good if your in a rush all the time

northland_pajero wrote:Thanks for your replies.

My Pajero has the 4M40 motor (known for doing heads) and 192,000km no issues, it just doesnt have a tray and we now own a lifestyle block.

Why not stick with the Devil you know, and just buy a decent trailer?
keeps your reg cost down too if you don't need a ute.

I have had the Pajero for 6 years and 92,000kms, time for a change.

Up until 3 weeks ago I was registering the Pajero and a big (over 600cc) road bike, about $1,000 a year to register them both, and about the same in insurance.

The insurance company has decided my crash was enough to write the bike off, so the bike is gone now.

Registering and insuring and maintaining one vehicle (a ute) will be a saving, and will leave $$ for repairs if needed

Ended up buying this one on trademe http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 289624.htm

Good price and dealer will pay rail freight to Auckland, just need to go down an pick it up next week.

Looks like it'll be a good truck.