What’s the point of an XU4?

[ambientgoat]

I have a van that I constantly argue with myself where it’s worth restoring, extensive rust plus what looks like fairly significant accident damage that was repaired more than poorly.

One thing I do wonder about is if it’s an XU3 or an XU4.

This gets me to wondering, why back in the day would you order a de-rated van if not a sandman?

Andrei

[stickthis]

I have a van that I constantly argue with myself where it’s worth restoring, extensive rust plus what looks like fairly significant accident damage that was repaired more than poorly.

One thing I do wonder about is if it’s an XU3 or an XU4.

This gets me to wondering, why back in the day would you order a de-rated van if not a sandman?

Andrei

XU4 is simply a de rated van or ute like you suggest. Basically the reason for a derated van or ute is it came from the factory with sedan tyres. Not commercial tyres. So they handled better. Due to the less ply rating of the tyres they couldn't handle as much weight. This giving you the less weight rating.

XU3 is the sandman package. Non derated van or ute.

XX7 is the sandman package with sedan tyres (derated)

There was no derated sandman pre October 1976. So early HJ and all HQ where not derated and where all classed as a XX7.

XU3 only started in October 76.

XU4 not sure when it started. It may have started in October 76 like the derated XX7.

Cheers
Jason

[wbute]

Did it have anything to do with what set of springs they had on the rear?

[stickthis]

Did it have anything to do with what set of springs they had on the rear?

not that I am aware of. I believe it was just to do with the tyres. All the springs where the same? except for the tonners. From what I am aware of.

[wbute]

So all the utes and vans had the smaller spring pack? I actually swapped my springs for the 6 leaf ones on my WB to stiffen it up and make it handle better.

[stickthis]

So all the utes and vans had the smaller spring pack? I actually swapped my springs for the 6 leaf ones on my WB to stiffen it up and make it handle better.

From what im aware yes. Might have to look in my parts books when I get a spare 5. =)

[ozbox]

not that I am aware of. I believe it was just to do with the tyres. All the springs where the same? except for the tonners. From what I am aware of.

ive wrecked a few sandmans over the years and most have had lighter rear springs...

[wbute]

Well.......... do you reckon if you optioned the heavier spring pack on a Sandman that you had to have the heavier duty tyres and then it went from XX7 to XU3(thats the other Sandman number I hope:o) and it wasnt the the different tyres at all, it was the spring set?
Makes sense to me as the tyres wont carry the load as the springs have to be uprated as well. Not much point in having a big load and having the arse dragging on the ground.