info/help required............UPDATED

[wetdog]

.................please.

just joined the site, a week back, and going viewing a surf tomorrow. all i know is its a 2.4 paraffin pi55er,auto, on an 'L' plate.

i have no knowledgs at all on surfs, so can you guys put together a few pointers on what to look out for, and what the ssgrx etc trim letters mean.

i thank you,
mick.

[TobyJug]

ehh I don't think that 2.4's are on an L plate, you sure it's not a 3ltr?

You are not far from me I am in Weston (Runcorn), where abouts is the truck?

[MudSurfer]

The Toyota Hilux Surf is an off-road vehicle manufactured by Toyota, sold mainly in Japan, with large numbers imported as used vehicles to the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. The original Surf was little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a mid-size Off-road vehicle.
The Hilux Surf is sold outside Japan, primarily in the United States as the Toyota 4Runner. The second generation models were also briefly marketed in the United Kingdom as the Toyota 4Runner. Initially all models were built at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Japan, but starting with the 3rd Generation models production was split between both the Tahara plant and Hino Motors' Hamura, Japan plant.


First generation Hilux Surf (1984–1989)
The Toyota Hilux pickup (upon which the Surf was originally based) underwent a major redesign in 1983 for the 1984 model year. Instead of developing an entirely new model, Toyota took an existing short-bed pickup body, made some simple modifications, and added a removable fiberglass top.

Thus, the first generation Surf is nearly mechanically identical to the Toyota Hilux pickup. All first generation Surfs had two-doors and were indistinguishable from the pickups from the dashboard forward. Nearly all changes were to the latter half of the body; in fact, because the rear springs were actually downgraded with one leaf less than the pickup, with the additional weight of the rear seats and fiberglass top, these models tend to suffer from sagging rear suspensions (a problem which continued to afflict later generations of the Surf).

The first Surfs were introduced in 1984 as 1984 1/2 models. For this first year, all models were equipped with black or white fiberglass tops.

In 1986, the Surf underwent a major front suspension design change as it was changed from a solid front axle to the Hi-Trac independent front suspension. This change made the Surf more drivable at highway speeds and increased the space in the engine compartment (necessary to fit larger engines, such as the V6 introduced in 1988) but arguably decreased the truck's off-road capabilities. The Hilux at this point retained the more rugged and capable, if less refined, solid axle configuration
Small cosmetic and option changes were made in 1989, but the model was left largely untouched in lieu of the replacement model then undergoing final development.


Second generation Hilux Surf (1990–1995)
The 1990 model year Surf continued its reliance on the Hilux pickup, as the pickup was redesigned the surf followed. It remained virtually identical to the Hilux from the 'B' pillars forward, but this time gained a full steel integrated body in place of the prior fiberglass cap. It also gained an all new coil sprung rear suspension system, which unfortunately proved to be just as prone to sagging as the leaf springs on the rear of the previous models.

Nearly all second generation Surfs are 5-door models, however from 1990 to 1992, a 3-door model was also produced. These vehicles are somewhat rarer and were discontinued in August 1992.

It was available with a range of diesel engines, including a 2.4 L turbodiesel I4 up to 1993, followed by a 3.0 L turbodiesel I4. Small numbers were also made with a normally aspirated 2.8 L diesels and 2.0 L I4 naturally-aspirated petrol engines. The majority of petrol versions having the 3.0 L V6.

Most other full-body Off-road vehicles produced at the time featured tailgates that opened upward with the glass closed. In contrast, the second generation Surf carried over the retractable-glass tailgate from the first generation. Opening these tailgates requires first retracting the rear window into the tailgate and then lowering the tailgate, much like as on a pickup truck.
In 1992, the Surf received minor cosmetic updates, including larger 'Aero' headlamps and one-piece front bumpers. At this time a Wide body version was introduced featuring extended wheel arch flares along with wider wheels and tyres. This facelift distanced them somewhat from the Hilux pickups which did not receive the same cosmetic changes.

Various trim levels were offered ranging from the base model 'SSR' through 'SSR Ltd', 'SSR-V' 'SSR-X' and 'SSR-X Ltd' to the range topping 'SSR-G'.



Third generation Hilux Surf (1996–2002)
1996 marked another significant redesign of the Surf. Whilst the third generation Surf looks very similar to the second generation, this similarity largely ended with its looks. It carried over the basic design and concept, but executed it differently with an all-new bodyshell on an all-new chassis. This time, it shared virtually nothing with the pickup it had originally evolved from, and had more in common with the Land Cruiser, as it shared its chassis with that of the LWB Land Cruiser Prado.

Significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a longer wheelbase, increased interior space, increased cargo space, twin airbags, coil sprung suspension front and rear, ABS brakes, lift-up tailgate, rack and pinion steering and 16 in wheels. One of the biggest mechanical changes was the addition of a center differential, enabling the use of four wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication for the first time. The prior ADD system was also retained to give on-the-fly shifting between rear and four wheel drive as before.

Trim and model designations remain similar to those used for the second generation models.



Fourth generation Hilux Surf (2003–present)
The fourth generation Surf incorporated serious changes to the chassis and body of the vehicle, but was targeted at approximately the same demographics as the third generation. The updated Surf looks very different from the older Surfs, but is still targeted as a mid-size quasi-luxury Off-road vehicle. It continues to share most of its underpinnings with the LWB Land Cruisers of similar age.

When Toyota introduced Toyota Hilux Vigo in December 2004 and it became an overnight sensation and Asia's and Africa's largest selling pickup, it was expected that an SUV will be soon be introduced. Sure enough Toyota introduced the Toyota Fortuner based on the Toyota Hilux Vigo. The Toyota Fortuner is a luxury sports-utility vehicle (SUV) but in the price range of a regular SUV. It comes with seven seats, top-notch quality, high performance engine and a fine balance between on- and off-roading capability. This popular SUV is based on not only wildly popular Hilux Vigo but also on luxury Lexus. It comes with a 2.7-liter petrol (118 bhp @5200 rpm, 241 Nm @ 3800 rpm), a 3-liter D4D turbo- intercooled diesel engine (163 bhp @ 3400 rpm, 343 @ 1400 rpm), or a 2.5 liter D4D turbo (non-intercooler in Malaysia) [102PS (75 kW) @ 3600 rpm, 260Nm @ 1600 to 2400 rpm]. Four- or five-speed automatic gearboxes are available.
Fortuner SUV completed the Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up together with the Hilux Vigo pick-up and the Innova Multipurpose Vehicle launched February 2005.

[stormforce]

ehh I don't think that 2.4's are on an L plate, you sure it's not a 3ltr?

You are not far from me I am in Weston (Runcorn), where abouts is the truck?

The very last of the 2.4's were on a L plate.Theres not many going round and there was also one on ebay spares or repair last week aswell as i was thinking of getting it.
Someone on the forum also had a L reg 2.4 but can't remember who it was now.They were at one of the Salisbury meets i went to

[POPEYE]

Jeez Slevin!! bet he's sorry he asked!!


Just test it like you would any car! plus engage the 4x4 and make sure it works (ok for a very short run on the road, unless thes some softish ground about), if he says the heads been done professionaly! ask for the paperwork to proove it, if everything works and drives ok/ sounds ok and the price is right (ya can get a decent 2.4 for around 1-1 1/2 K even cheaper if your lucky) then it's your call

[wetdog]

thanks for the prompt replies guys.

Tobyjug, the car is in Leigh. an associate of mine owns a garage and he has a surf with a stuffed engine, bottom end. one of his associates owns a sales pitch in wigan, and the surf he had for sale someone nicked the head off it, overnight. so he bought and is replacing the head. if i buy the vehicle i get the other one free.

Mudsurfer, a little bit vague that mate, but i think i can muddle through....................nice answer. thank you.

Stormforce,Tobyjug, the 'L' plate was just a guess, the last time i spoke to him he couldnt remember the reg.

Popeye, i will be doing the usual car, 4x4, and auto box checks. i was just wondering if there are anythings to look out for.............like the bmw 525 diesal pump thing, and other endemic faults.


Tobyjug, if the price and truck seem right i may have a test run out your way if thats ok with you mate?

regards,
mick.

[Storm]

hi i have 2.4 auto on a l reg truck

just look over it as said above test all the bits and test drive it
also turn up a bit early to see the truck to make sure you get to start it from cold ( see if it smokes or hard to start)

[stormforce]

thanks for the prompt replies guys.

Tobyjug, the car is in Leigh. an associate of mine owns a garage and he has a surf with a stuffed engine, bottom end. one of his associates owns a sales pitch in wigan, and the surf he had for sale someone nicked the head off it, overnight. so he bought and is replacing the head. if i buy the vehicle i get the other one free.

Mudsurfer, a little bit vague that mate, but i think i can muddle through....................nice answer. thank you.

Stormforce,Tobyjug, the 'L' plate was just a guess, the last time i spoke to him he couldnt remember the reg.

Popeye, i will be doing the usual car, 4x4, and auto box checks. i was just wondering if there are anythings to look out for.............like the bmw 525 diesal pump thing, and other endemic faults.


Tobyjug, if the price and truck seem right i may have a test run out your way if thats ok with you mate?

regards,
mick.

If needed i will have a bottom end for a J reg 2.4 in the next week or so once i get the truck back to mine or to the lock up ready for stripping it.
There's only about 70km's on the clock so mnot done much and it was the head that blew.

[Growler]

If needed i will have a bottom end for a J reg 2.4
There's only about 70km's on the clock

Jeez I wish my mileage was that low

[Bibs]

Whats a parafin p1sser?

[Bibs]

The Toyota Hilux Surf is an off-road vehicle manufactured by Toyota, sold mainly in Japan, with large numbers imported as used vehicles to the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. The original Surf was little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a mid-size Off-road vehicle.
The Hilux Surf is sold outside Japan, primarily in the United States as the Toyota 4Runner. The second generation models were also briefly marketed in the United Kingdom as the Toyota 4Runner. Initially all models were built at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Japan, but starting with the 3rd Generation models production was split between both the Tahara plant and Hino Motors' Hamura, Japan plant.


First generation Hilux Surf (1984–1989)
The Toyota Hilux pickup (upon which the Surf was originally based) underwent a major redesign in 1983 for the 1984 model year. Instead of developing an entirely new model, Toyota took an existing short-bed pickup body, made some simple modifications, and added a removable fiberglass top.

Thus, the first generation Surf is nearly mechanically identical to the Toyota Hilux pickup. All first generation Surfs had two-doors and were indistinguishable from the pickups from the dashboard forward. Nearly all changes were to the latter half of the body; in fact, because the rear springs were actually downgraded with one leaf less than the pickup, with the additional weight of the rear seats and fiberglass top, these models tend to suffer from sagging rear suspensions (a problem which continued to afflict later generations of the Surf).

The first Surfs were introduced in 1984 as 1984 1/2 models. For this first year, all models were equipped with black or white fiberglass tops.

In 1986, the Surf underwent a major front suspension design change as it was changed from a solid front axle to the Hi-Trac independent front suspension. This change made the Surf more drivable at highway speeds and increased the space in the engine compartment (necessary to fit larger engines, such as the V6 introduced in 1988) but arguably decreased the truck's off-road capabilities. The Hilux at this point retained the more rugged and capable, if less refined, solid axle configuration
Small cosmetic and option changes were made in 1989, but the model was left largely untouched in lieu of the replacement model then undergoing final development.


Second generation Hilux Surf (1990–1995)
The 1990 model year Surf continued its reliance on the Hilux pickup, as the pickup was redesigned the surf followed. It remained virtually identical to the Hilux from the 'B' pillars forward, but this time gained a full steel integrated body in place of the prior fiberglass cap. It also gained an all new coil sprung rear suspension system, which unfortunately proved to be just as prone to sagging as the leaf springs on the rear of the previous models.

Nearly all second generation Surfs are 5-door models, however from 1990 to 1992, a 3-door model was also produced. These vehicles are somewhat rarer and were discontinued in August 1992.

It was available with a range of diesel engines, including a 2.4 L turbodiesel I4 up to 1993, followed by a 3.0 L turbodiesel I4. Small numbers were also made with a normally aspirated 2.8 L diesels and 2.0 L I4 naturally-aspirated petrol engines. The majority of petrol versions having the 3.0 L V6.

Most other full-body Off-road vehicles produced at the time featured tailgates that opened upward with the glass closed. In contrast, the second generation Surf carried over the retractable-glass tailgate from the first generation. Opening these tailgates requires first retracting the rear window into the tailgate and then lowering the tailgate, much like as on a pickup truck.
In 1992, the Surf received minor cosmetic updates, including larger 'Aero' headlamps and one-piece front bumpers. At this time a Wide body version was introduced featuring extended wheel arch flares along with wider wheels and tyres. This facelift distanced them somewhat from the Hilux pickups which did not receive the same cosmetic changes.

Various trim levels were offered ranging from the base model 'SSR' through 'SSR Ltd', 'SSR-V' 'SSR-X' and 'SSR-X Ltd' to the range topping 'SSR-G'.



Third generation Hilux Surf (1996–2002)
1996 marked another significant redesign of the Surf. Whilst the third generation Surf looks very similar to the second generation, this similarity largely ended with its looks. It carried over the basic design and concept, but executed it differently with an all-new bodyshell on an all-new chassis. This time, it shared virtually nothing with the pickup it had originally evolved from, and had more in common with the Land Cruiser, as it shared its chassis with that of the LWB Land Cruiser Prado.

Significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a longer wheelbase, increased interior space, increased cargo space, twin airbags, coil sprung suspension front and rear, ABS brakes, lift-up tailgate, rack and pinion steering and 16 in wheels. One of the biggest mechanical changes was the addition of a center differential, enabling the use of four wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication for the first time. The prior ADD system was also retained to give on-the-fly shifting between rear and four wheel drive as before.

Trim and model designations remain similar to those used for the second generation models.



Fourth generation Hilux Surf (2003–present)
The fourth generation Surf incorporated serious changes to the chassis and body of the vehicle, but was targeted at approximately the same demographics as the third generation. The updated Surf looks very different from the older Surfs, but is still targeted as a mid-size quasi-luxury Off-road vehicle. It continues to share most of its underpinnings with the LWB Land Cruisers of similar age.

When Toyota introduced Toyota Hilux Vigo in December 2004 and it became an overnight sensation and Asia's and Africa's largest selling pickup, it was expected that an SUV will be soon be introduced. Sure enough Toyota introduced the Toyota Fortuner based on the Toyota Hilux Vigo. The Toyota Fortuner is a luxury sports-utility vehicle (SUV) but in the price range of a regular SUV. It comes with seven seats, top-notch quality, high performance engine and a fine balance between on- and off-roading capability. This popular SUV is based on not only wildly popular Hilux Vigo but also on luxury Lexus. It comes with a 2.7-liter petrol (118 bhp @5200 rpm, 241 Nm @ 3800 rpm), a 3-liter D4D turbo- intercooled diesel engine (163 bhp @ 3400 rpm, 343 @ 1400 rpm), or a 2.5 liter D4D turbo (non-intercooler in Malaysia) [102PS (75 kW) @ 3600 rpm, 260Nm @ 1600 to 2400 rpm]. Four- or five-speed automatic gearboxes are available.
Fortuner SUV completed the Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up together with the Hilux Vigo pick-up and the Innova Multipurpose Vehicle launched February 2005.

class

[wetdog]

Whats a parafin p1sser?

diesel

mick.

[wetdog]

If needed i will have a bottom end for a J reg 2.4 in the next week or so once i get the truck back to mine or to the lock up ready for stripping it.
There's only about 70km's on the clock so mnot done much and it was the head that blew.

nice one dude, how much would that cost shipped? pm the answer please.
but that would leave me needing a head still.

mick.

[stormforce]

Hi Mick email sent with some further info also

[wetdog]

cheers dude.