I don't think any of them have decent suspension standard. It is only $2100 for a full OME suspension for the Hilux. The D40 Navara that was in my Company was done, totally changed the vehicle. Just make sure you know what is going on the ute's front weight wise eg bullbar etc before getting it done. Rears are easy, go soft and fit airbags.
you should drive the v8 cruiser ute, its like are you sure you want to turn, i had to do a 3 point turn to get into the shed at work to fit a tray, every other ute will go staight in, the new bt-50/ford ranger go hard, real hard, it would obliterate a hilux(on road, dunno about off road), mate of dads killed the box in the ford in the mud, was a brand new ute, drove a new diesel 4x4 hilux the other day, was auto, was really wierd, first time id even seen a auto 4x4 hiluxOriginally Posted by Gunna Do
sounds like the colorado its normally drive straight in in the hilux but two goes in the colorado.
Anything will kill the D4D Hilux on the road, they are dogs. Even the old BT-50 went better! Any of the 4cyl diesel ones won't even come withing coeee of a 4.0L V6 Hilux though, especially one with a proper exhaust. These go as well as a heavier HQ-HZ with a 308 eg Statesman. You are right, those diesel auto Hiluxes are wierd, the 4spd auto is a bit of a pig, pretty weak box though, they can't put it behind the V6 only the 4cyl diesel. The V6 gets the 5spd box from the 100 and 200 series 'cruisers.
Are you sure it was the box in the Ford that was killed in the mud? I've heard a lot of these having clutch problems in similar situations. Not just the Ford but anything with these stupid dual mass flywheels.
yeah the v6s fly mum and dads prado is a 4.0 thought the mountains its the best fun, the accletration is the best part, i reckon with a exhaust it would sound like a beast, even the little work mate hiluxes with the little motor what ever they are go allright, grandfathers got one with a alloy tray, handling is appauling, needs a steel tray to get a bit of wait in the back to get the suspension working, the new D4D is a big inprovement, dads is a 06 hilux, the boss got a brand new one month or so ago i took it into town with the car trailer, even with the trailer you could feel a big difference, dont know what toyota did but it seemed to rev that bit harder
They probably just changed the programming, like Nissan did to the 2.5L diesel in the Navara. Makes a huge difference. The difference between the D4D and the V6 is huge though. Think 4cyl Falcon vs the 4.0L straight six. For my usage ie 99% road with some towing, as a secondhand buyer i'm not sure why you'd buy a D4D Hilux. The V6 uses at most $400-$500pa more in fuel for average annual kM, and 2nd hand for the same condition and age you'll buy one up to $15k cheaper.
Strongly disagree on the D4D being a dog.Its the only good point in what is really a crap car.(They are too low to the ground, they are made out of tin foil.) It goes hard for a diesel and had heaps more grunt than a Colarado I test drove last year. It also has way more power than any of the V8 Cruisers at work.
The new Prado D4D we have seems to have less power than the 08 Prado we traded it on. Actually the new Prado is the worst handling car I have ever driven. Wish we still had the 08 one.
However no manufacturer makes a decent 4wd ute to sell in Australia. I reckon if they took a early 90's leaf spring Hilux and stuck a decent diesel or a nice little V8 in it they would fill a market. Thats what I want anyway.
I meant on the road they are dogs. I tried them all and it was the least road friendly diesel. The Navaras (the 2.5L) are underpowered but drive like a car, the old BT-50 had heaps more pull. As a road car the D4D falls way short of the V6 Hilux, but it too has its downfalls: it suffers from lack of sub 2000rpm torque and this makes it bad as a manual, but this is basically a non issue with the auto. The D4D 3.0L goes OK, but it is too small for a 2 tonne vehicle.
I agree with you that a bigger diesel AND a V8 would fix the niche. A 4.0L (even a V6) Turbo diesel or a 5L+ long stroke V8 in a Hilux sized vehicle would be great (something like the bore/stroke of a 307 SBC). I don't have an issue with the Hilux as it is as a road vehicle and an occasional tower. It is strong enough for that, and I rarely go off road. I don't think any of them should be rated higher than 2.5 tonnes tow capacity.
Most of the hiluxes i ridden in handle and feel like crap on the road but then most 4wds do until you do suspension work
had my 04 mazda suspension done with old man emu wow what a diffence no more body roll money well spent they all need it done imho
I got a 04 diesel navara with ome kit under along with 3 '' exhaust and all other fruit. Still rides shocking, goes shocking but its got 210k on clock and apart from services, 1 set of brakes it hasn't been touched. Tows 2 tonne 90% of time and I cant see any new dual cab doing it much better so I'll drive it through the pearly gates. Give me a live axle coil sprung any day, that with a nice v6 turbo diesel and wont care what badge is on it.
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