Beam axle Surf good 1st 4x4?

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4x4Matt
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Posts: 45
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Auckland

Beam axle Surf good 1st 4x4?

Post by 4x4Matt »

Hi there, have just sold my Toyota Corolla FXGT and am looking for a 4x4. I'm rather loyal to the Toyota brand and due to my budget of around $3K im looking at some '80s Hilux Surf's for a first 4x4 to learn the ropes and stuff... is this a good choice? I know they are popular with their beam axle fronts for articulation but I've heard their 2.4 diesel's are prone to cracking cylinder heads. Any input and advice would be most appreciated! :D

Cheers, Matt
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wopass
Hard Yaka
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Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: Godzone

yep

Post by wopass »

:D TOYOTA :D

2.4 turbos are prone to head cracks yes, the non turbo 2.4 is a very reliable motor,,under powered but reliable. if you can find a 2.8 version it would be the better choice :wink:
If you already know everything, DON'T ask bloody questions!!
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Jungle
Hard Yaka
Posts: 447
Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Rotorua

Post by Jungle »

If you can get a beam axle surf your most of the way there to having a great truck. You can always start over with another power plant. Saw an add for a 4.6 rover V8. It goes real well.
Heaps of engine options for surfs too. supra's and Lexus's. That didn't sound right.
For some reason you can always sell those 2LT's for a few dollars. I suppose its cause they are always destroying themselves. Although I've heard of many people that have had great runs out of this turbo motor. You just gotta watch them and maintain them well.

Good luck

G
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tomsoffroad
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Location: North Canterbury

Post by tomsoffroad »

The primary reason they crack head is either..........
1: They get over heated or.......
2: Their exhaust is too small and causes too much heat around the exhaust manifold.

However the one I had in my Surf was over heated heaps of times :oops: :oops: :roll: and never cracked the head. Go figure :roll:

The Supra swap is the way to go. Its easy, cheap and goes truck loads better.

Cheers Thomas
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