Mud-club

Vehicle & Technical => Toyota => Topic started by: Cal on March 09, 2007, 12:27:53

Title: Surfs
Post by: Cal on March 09, 2007, 12:27:53

Hi guys,

further to my post on landcruisers, I've now got some questions about Surfs.

I'm kinda thinking that a Surf might be "better" for me in the sense it's slightly smaller than a 'cruiser but just as well made.

Can you give me some info on what to look for when buying? Also, what suspension set up do Surfs have - I thought they were coils up front and leafs at back but an advert for a lift kit I saw confused me - made it sound like torsion bars at front and coils at back  :?

What's the main difference between 'cruisers and Surfs? I'm basically looking for a well built, good reliable vehicle that's also OK for laning and some P&P sites, but nothing too crazy. My old Disco was good for what I wanted, apart from the well built, reliable bit...

Anyway, thanks in advance for your help - any advice welcome really.

Title: Surfs
Post by: laser_jock99 on March 09, 2007, 13:27:31

This Toyota sales brochure from 1993 compares the Landcrusier 7 4Runner (Surf) side by side:
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/laser_jock99/cat-10.jpg)

This diagram shows the suspension set up
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/laser_jock99/TEMP/torsion_bar_adjuster_boltsjpg.jpg)

Title: Surfs
Post by: Cal on March 09, 2007, 15:52:20

Thanks very much Laser Jock - that's really helpful - I know absolutely nothing about torsion bar suspension.

Does that mean it would have less sus travel than a 'cruiser?

Hope you don't mind me asking, but where did you get your sus and body lifts done and what brand components did you use?

Thanks again,

Cal

Title: Surfs
Post by: laser_jock99 on March 14, 2007, 01:37:53

Quote from: "Cal"

Thanks very much Laser Jock - that's really helpful - I know absolutely nothing about torsion bar suspension.

Does that mean it would have less sus travel than a 'cruiser?

Hope you don't mind me asking, but where did you get your sus and body lifts done and what brand components did you use?

Thanks again,

Cal

IFS (independant front suspension) using torsion bars have less travel than live axle. There are pros and cons for each type but live axle is prefered by hard core offroader for the sheer amount of vertical travel on offer. But it's not as completely clear cut as that- what goes down at one end must go up the other end- resulting in twisting the body of the truck. With IFS if one wheel drops down a hole for instance- the position of the other wheel is not too much affected- so the cab (in theory) is more stable. The amount of travel possible is less and this considered by some restrictive. But IFS allows for a higher front diff position compared to solid axle trucks- so there is an imediate ground clearance advantage.

The suspension lift kit came from LA Supertux in Daventry. I made the body lift kit at work!
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/laser_jock99/TEMP/2_inch_body_lift_kit.jpg)

Title: Surfs
Post by: Woodzie on March 16, 2007, 16:45:26

Have a read around herehttp://www.showmesome.info/hilux/

It has a very good buying guide

Title: Surfs
Post by: 40volks on March 17, 2007, 17:46:05

Hi bud,I have a gen 3 Surf and that is on the same
running gear as a Colorado and a Prado.
 Inside it is a lot bigger than the gen 2's,has a centre diff lock as well.
 Fron suspension is coil sprung and seems to drive fantastic.

 Gotta sell mine as I need a new work van and don't wanna use the Surf for work.(mobile towbar fitter).

 If your interested give me a pm
 Cheers Pete.

Title: Surfs
Post by: Cal on March 18, 2007, 19:17:24

Cheers Woodzie - that looks a cool site.

Pete - PM sent