Hi all,

I have just bought a 2nd gen hilux surf for a rtw trip and i was wondering if there is a list of mods and general matainance that anyone has got that would be a good starting point??

Thanks Luke

Not sure specifically about Toyotas, yours specifically or your skill. But...

I would recommend as a minimum that you carry out a major service, if it has cam belt(s) get that done unless you have physical proof of it being done recently, not someones word. I would also get the cooling system flushed and ensure all oils and fluids are replaced. Obviously get the chassis checked and any structural defects sorted.

Once that is done, make sure you have suitable wheels and tyres, then move on from there.

heres a link to my prep of a Landcruiser Colorado

My KZJ95 Mods & Kit | MOROCCO 4x4 FORUM

It shares the same 3L diesel lump and chassis with the later surfs. My trips have only been a month at a time so mechanical prep was limited to full service, new engines belts and brake pads. Probably a little less than for a full rtw trip.

On my first trip I had a major issue with the rear axle limk bar bracket shearing. Make sure you check all the suspension mounting points for corrosion.

Might be worth checking out Hilux Surf Forum - Powered by vBulletin for surf specific issues

Thanks i am on that forum.

I will be uprating all the supension and lifting it by a couple of inchs. A major service and belt change will be one of the first things. I am not leaving till next year so the prep is going to be slow and sure...

Luke

Try around the world in 800 days blog, they have a surf(gen 3) also I think africa-overland one of the journeys there used a surf (gen 2)it was zebra stripe paint job if I remember rightly.
Surf owners clubs are also on the net they have good info.

First thing to check is that it doesn't have the 2.4 turbo engine, which is a liability for cracking heads. If it does I would change to a different vehicle!

Or, if you can find a 3L (2779 cc ) head, put that on.

Next, after the service stuff thats been mentioned, put the best suspension on that you can.

Spend the money now, because it will cost much more down the line. Surfs are ten a penny being broken on eBay etc, so it's a buyer's market!

Change the timing belt unless you know it has been done recently, and check the tensioner and idler pulleys for noise and corrosion.

Make sure the radiator has no signs of leakage, check all the joints in the propshafts and driveshafts. Jack the vehicle up and check for noise and freeplay in the bearings.

Check the steering ball joints, track rod ends, all the rubber bushes (I am not entirely sure on the surf setup, as mine has solid axles), exhaust mounts.

Look for any oil leaks, find out why they are leaking, replace seal and take any remedial action.

Make sure the clutch bites nicely, or that the AT sounds fine in all gears, check for any adverse noises or virations from the gearbox.

Check the chassis for rot, inspect the fuel and brake lines, the fuel lines tend to rot where they come out of the tank, and the brake lines in the rear axle area do the same.

Finally, make sure you use genuine parts, or at least a reputable source which sells parts you are sure are OEM (i.e. Japanese; Koyo bearings, AISIN clutch etc)

Let me know if you have any specific issues!

Daniel

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4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
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I am prepping my 2nd Gen 4Runner for a Magadan trip next year. The truck is suffering from rear end sag. Where do I go ? Rough trax or Milner. I am on a budget and am not going overboard with bling. I have have had good service from both companies in the past but they vary alot on price with their rear spings. Anybodys advice would be much appreciated.

I would strongly advise going to here:

Hilux Pickup Owners Club & Online Community

and picking some brains and looking through some old posts. Although a Hilux forum, there are lots of smurd owners on there. Many have used both these companies.
There are issues with equipment from both