Daihatsu F50 (skat , TAFT , Wild cat )

[mohawk]

Ive found a mint original low milage one... Its cute as hell 1 owner , 2.5 diesel 4spd and only 60,000 km .

Here in New Zealand you dont see many though and if i buy it will be a driver for my missus so knowing what bits are common with other vehicals and any inherant problems would be helpfull if i decide too buy it.
From what ive found out the 2.5 DL engine is bullet proof , but the latter 2,8 GL wasnt so flash ??
If anyone can help with info , id be most greatfull
Thanks SP

 

[hj 60]

We had one and it is pretty good in 4x4, lightweight but powerful 60hp and full 4x4 drive train and low gear, cheapest 4x4 I think.
My father preferred the taft in the city traffic instead of a landcruiser, drives like a normal car (no problem gearbox)
They rust like a cruiser, parts I don't know, I don't think it is a problem.
Dutch parts site, seems a lot is in stock: DAIHATSU TAFT 2.5 D 4x4 (F50, F55) 61 PS van 1978. Onderdelen goedkope online - Besteonderdelen.nl

 

[roscoFJ73]

We haven't had much debate about the engines on this site. I think they are similar to the L diesels but not exactly. They seem to be something Daihatsu made for their own range of 4wds. A dedicated Daihatsu site would be the best place to ask.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

I remember reading somewhere that the F50 shares parts with the Toyota Hilux.

I also remember reading that both the gasoline/petrol and diesel engines are almost bulletproof, again sharing components with Hilux power plants of the same period.





Juan

 

[mohawk]

Thanks guys , ill have too see how much hes willing too take for it ..

 

[dare]

We haven't had much debate about the engines on this site. I think they are similar to the L diesels but not exactly. They seem to be something Daihatsu made for their own range of 4wds. A dedicated Daihatsu site would be the best place to ask.

They don't have anything to do with L series aside from being similar displacement 4cyl IDIs. They're pushrod motors with an A type inline pump.

AFIAK these are all Daihatsu mechanically, the petrol and Toyota Blizzard derivative shared motors with the Hilux.

I've always wanted one, there's a neat 2.8 mustard trayback that gets around here I've had my eye on for years. Sadly I have enough oddball projects and I think something like that with no aftermarket support would drive me nuts.

 

[KevinNY]

I had a 2.8 put in my Series III Land Rover. Excellent, simple and plenty of power.

 

[mohawk]

i see you can get patch panels and new parts out of Australia and the motors must be shared with some of the Daihatsu trucks over here....gearboxes and diffs im not so sure about.