Can't get this out of my head..

[Yardstick]

Ok so title hopefully raised your eyebrows..

So this is my dilemma..

Currently looking to get back into a surf as mentioned previously. Ideally I wanted a manual but these days they seem few and far between so I've got my head round the whole settling for an Auto thing..

I had a 3.0 as my first surf no issues with it at all. Even when the clutch was almost dead and slipping all the time it still made it to the Alps and back..

The last Surf I had was a nice 2.4 manual SSRX. Now obviously I was acutely aware of the head related issues but I (thankfully) never had an issue with mine despite the hot summer and working it hard.

A few issues popped up with her but the list of what I swapped out was fairly short, new Ali Rad, ditched the viscous fan for a better one and a new alternator after taking mine for a swim more than it enjoyed!

Now I've found a couple of nice trucks in my price range near to me but all of them 2.4's.

So now I've got this whole 'will the head fail' question stuck in my mind.

Are the updated ones from Roughtrax decent? See the thing is whilst I can do basic mechanic stuff swapping out a head is way beyond my abilities; I have neither the garage or the ability to tackle that.

Just curious as to people's thoughts, experiences and generally any advice you think is worth giving!!

I won't be giving the new truck a hammering but it's going to need to get me through some shitty lanes/fields etc and likely the occasional flood to by the looks of it.

If the head is the weak point then I guess I could save and get it done as and when but is it just better do you think to hold out for a 3.0?

[M8WHR]

I know a fella selling a 4.0 V8........

[Yardstick]

I know a fella selling a 4.0 V8........

Open to anything right now. Drop me a pm with pics and a link.

[M8WHR]

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthread.php?t=80543

[shokenore]

Why the dilemma?
Get the vehicle you want.

The 3.0 heads are not bulletproof either though.

Whatever you get you should always allow a budget for running repairs and maintenance, they are after all getting a bit long in the tooth, and even with a supposed legendary reliability bits will break fail or wear out.
Factor in for new brakes,oils and filters and belts and you are getting towards £100, add in fresh coolant and a few tyres and you are at nearer £350.

[M8WHR]

The 3.0 heads are not bulletproof either though.

I can vouch for that. Mine blew 5 months ago.

[Yardstick]

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthread.php?t=80543

I've seen that. Not my thing tbh.

I always factor in costs for on-going repairs and maintenance etc. I play about with VW Campers so know what it's like to have an ageing vehicle that needs some tlc ha!

Difference there is I know then well and if things go pear shaped know what to do and where to go.

I'm not bothered by having to replace a head as long as I know once it's done it'll live on for a couple of years without giving me any more grief!

[wishbone]

The difference in price between buying a 2.4 and a 3.0 is so small that you should not even consider the 2.4.

I've owned both (and replaced heads on both) and the difference in performance is so big that I would never consider another 2.4.

If you're prepared to replace the head on either model then do yourself a favour and buy a 3.0. Be prepared to spend around £1200 if you do the head though - It would be false economy not to replace the radiator / water pump/ hoses etc while you're doing it.

Also as Shokenore said factor in the cost of a major service- If you spend around £300 you could probably do all the filters / fluids / belts / balljoints / rod ends / steering idler etc and end up with a sorted truck.

[yoshie]

I wish everyone would get this head nonsense into context.
20yr old truck so what if it needs a 1k head replacement. I have spent that on four tires.

You won't find a better more reliable truck for the normal £1500 price tag.
Buy it have fun fix it when it breaks have more fun

[Trunks]

I wish everyone would get this head nonsense into context.
20yr old truck so what if it needs a 1k head replacement. I have spent that on four tires.

You won't find a better more reliable truck for the normal £1500 price tag.
Buy it have fun fix it when it breaks have more fun

If there was a "LIKE" button, i would press it for this answer, could not agree more

[andyverran]

If there was a "LIKE" button, i would press it for this answer, could not agree more

It is a good point...though you don't generally HAVE to buy 4 tyres all at once...

[yoshie]

It is a good point...though you don't generally HAVE to buy 4 tyres all at once...

Most buy at least 4 when going from road to mud or from say 31s to 33s.

[andyverran]

Most buy at least 4 when going from road to mud or from say 31s to 33s.

I wasn't suggesting they don't get bought, just that its not compulsory and a head is.

[yoshie]

I wasn't suggesting they don't get bought, just that its not compulsory and a head is.

"all at once" ??

[andyverran]

"all at once" ??

Huh?