Info on surf needed

[richc]

Hi all

Surf Newby here

Interested in a surf or 4 runner as a a faster , basic expedition vehicle (i have a 4.5 tonne Iveco camper too)

Looks like there are not many maunal surfs around ?

Which is the simpler engine (less electrics) , don't like codes and limp home mode in the middle of a sandy piste in morocco

Whats the PCD of the wheels - I have a set of steel LC78 rims in the garage - wonder if they would fit ?

Thanks for any info

Rich

[MWS]

Hi all

Surf Newby here

Interested in a surf or 4 runner as a a faster , basic expedition vehicle (i have a 4.5 tonne Iveco camper too)

Looks like there are not many maunal surfs around ?

Which is the simpler engine (less electrics) , don't like codes and limp home mode in the middle of a sandy piste in morocco

Whats the PCD of the wheels - I have a set of steel LC78 rims in the garage - wonder if they would fit ?

Thanks for any info

Rich

Hello Rich. Welcome to the forum. If you're looking for the least complicated variant, then a U.K. 4Runner may be for you. The LC78 rims that you have are the same PCD as a Surf/4Runner, but you may have to check the offset, depending on tyre choice and suspension height.......Cheers....Mick.

[puddlesurfer]

Hello welcome

[red barron]

UK 4Runner

The UK 4runner like mine 5 speed manual and no electronic fuel pump!

[richc]

thanks all

Head problems seem to be common on these vehicles, is it worth overhauling the cooling system, new rad , hoses etc when you buy a vehicle or is the problem endemic in these vehicles

Thanks for all the help so far - looks like a 4 runner maybe what i need

Rich

[Rustinho]

thanks all

Head problems seem to be common on these vehicles, is it worth overhauling the cooling system, new rad , hoses etc when you buy a vehicle or is the problem endemic in these vehicles

Thanks for all the help so far - looks like a 4 runner maybe what i need

Rich

My personal opinion would be that unless you have proof that it has been done already then you might as well do it given that you are planning a potentially demanding long distance trip. Probably better safe than sorry given that it isn't the most simple job to do at the side of the road!

You might want to source a bigger (or aux) fuel tank too. I find the 65 litre tank a bit too small for long journeys across the UK so travelling internationally might get really annoying!

[Overland Tonka]

My personal opinion would be that unless you have proof that it has been done already then you might as well do it given that you are planning a potentially demanding long distance trip. Probably better safe than sorry given that it isn't the most simple job to do at the side of the road!

You might want to source a bigger (or aux) fuel tank too. I find the 65 litre tank a bit too small for long journeys across the UK so travelling internationally might get really annoying!

Ooooo yeah that.... And hi there...see you in Zagora..

[richc]

@rustinho - bigger fuel tank will be jerrycans :-) , I carry 260+ litres on the Iveco but this will be a multi use vehicle (bit of overlanding, tow truck for wood for woodburners and member of 4x4 response team, and backup when the other half nicks the astra to go see her mum)

@overjand tonka - seeya there , we should be back at xmas in the Iveco for its first overland run with me

OK so I've seen the FAQ on what to look for on surfs etc but it didn't mention anything bodywork specific, anything to look for in way of body, chassis etc

and are all 4-runners (diesel) non electric pumps etc and is it the 3 litre engine only available here

Cheers

Rich

[Sancho]

Bodywork is not normally an issue on surfs. The bumpers (especially rear) will probably be rusty in the rear quarters, but aren't we all....

It's slightly different on runners as they tend to have led a harder life. Bottoms of doors are the usual area to look out for. The chassis is pretty hardcore, but you can easily get under them for a look with a torch anyway. It's fairly clear down there.

4runners were available as the 3.0TD with a mechanical pump or as a 3 litre petrol. Unless you own shell, you don't want a petrol one as an expedition vehicle.

[s car go]

Rear arches,and rear ends of the outer sill rot like the clappers,tailgates rot out at the top,bottom of doors as mentioned,and all around the windscreen rubber. The chassis will be rusty all over especially the rear,unless your lucky,and the panhard rod bracket seems to fall victim to the british winters!
Having said that,the chassis is of thick grade steel and even if very rusty,is still plenty strong enough.
I'd agree with Rustinho about the head,take it into accout when buying and treat it as a once only service item. My 3.0 TD returns about 200-220 per tank of fuel.

Best of Luck

Mark

[Ambobeer]

Bodywork is not normally an issue on surfs. The bumpers (especially rear) will probably be rusty in the rear quarters, but aren't we all....

It's slightly different on runners as they tend to have led a harder life. Bottoms of doors are the usual area to look out for. The chassis is pretty hardcore, but you can easily get under them for a look with a torch anyway. It's fairly clear down there.

4runners were available as the 3.0TD with a mechanical pump or as a 3 litre petrol. Unless you own shell, you don't want a petrol one as an expedition vehicle.

Most people who own petrol Surfs will tell you that they do the same MPG as the 3.0 diesel. Add to that the cheaper fuel cost and the fact that generally petrols are easier and cheaper to mend when they go wrong....I'm beginning to wish I'd bought one.

[Rustinho]

Most people who own petrol Surfs will tell you that they do the same MPG as the 3.0 diesel. Add to that the cheaper fuel cost and the fact that generally petrols are easier and cheaper to mend when they go wrong....I'm beginning to wish I'd bought one.

I'd guess the thing would be to make sure that all your vehicles are running the same fuel on an expedition for ease of carrying the 260 litres of jerrycans of the one fuel rather than a mix n match. Matches probably not being a very good thing to mix with the fuel. *ahem*

I was always intruiged by the diesel motorbike used by the army & available from some army surplus suppliers from time to time...



115mpg and the latest model apparently runs on veggie oil. Nice, cheap, fun motoring!

[TonyN]

Most people who own petrol Surfs will tell you that they do the same MPG as the 3.0 diesel. Add to that the cheaper fuel cost and the fact that generally petrols are easier and cheaper to mend when they go wrong....I'm beginning to wish I'd bought one.

Not the 2nd Gen V6, no way!

The 3rd Gen 2.7's driven sensibly will, but its a whole different truck.

Apart from the head very goes wrong with a diesel, the V6 3.0 petrol motors are very complex and offer amazingly confusing ways to go wrong.

[Ambobeer]

Sorry, I'd forgotten about the thirsty V6. I was thinking 2.7 four pot as the be all and end all. Was this not available in the Mk2?

[Sancho]

Sorry, I'd forgotten about the thirsty V6. I was thinking 2.7 four pot as the be all and end all. Was this not available in the Mk2?

Nope. And, I was talking about 4runners, not surfs. And I've owned a 3L V6. And, whilst I am mechanicaly very inept, that engine is the only one I've ever looked at where it filled the entire engine bay and I couldn't begin to figure out what all those wires and pipes were for and and and and