I'm looking for an HDJ81, considering importing but keeping an eye on the local market, one popped up right down the street so I went and checked it out. I'm used to working on cars, but I know little about these trucks, especially anything to do with diesel engines and turbos.
Here is what my preliminary findings were, just want an opinion on whether it's worth going further with this car.
It's a '92 HDJ81 VX Limited with 210K KM. Factory Front/Rear lockers.
AC "needs a recharge"... So no ac right now and likely the cooling box isn't working either I'd guess, unless that is cooled in another fashion.
Passenger side lock works, but the power actuator must be toast as it doesn't unlock with the central lock anymore. Power windows work, but were slow - he says they are fine in the summer, slow down when cold
Interior was clean and no rips or anything.
I accidentally hit the retract button on the mirrors, it sticks, the things went nuts, had to get a little screwdriver to unstick it. Also passenger side one didn't retract without help.
It's been sitting 6 months, it was bone cold. Started up instantly and purred, no smoke. Recent timing belt, accessory belts and water pump.
The truck ran well, it pulled really well up hills, didn't pull, just a nice ride.
Brakes were weak. I felt they were having a hard time stopping the truck, he said they were done a couple of years ago, so roughly 60K KM. Probably time.
Shifted smooth in drive, smooth to reverse and downshifted well.
rear tail gate was a bit stiff to put up and down - is that normal?
I tested the centre lock and front rear hub locks, they all engaged, but when the front hubs engaged it was as if there was no power steering any more, not sure if that is normal as I've never driving a full locking 4x4, but it was near impossible to turn the wheel.
Engine bay looked as I'd expect for a 20 year old car, no oil under where the car was parked, but oil on the block likely seeping from valve cover on pass side (where oil filter is), also a power steering leak / seepage. There was an oily rag wrapped around what seemed to be electrical wire conduits on the passenger side below where the oil filter is didn't investigate too closely as it was dark and I was in my work clothes. Also seemed to be some oil on what i think is the turbo on the drivers side, not sure though as I don't know enough about the engine.
My next step would be to get an inspection, but wanted to see if anything here screams run away to you folks who know a lot more about these trucks.
Here is what my preliminary findings were, just want an opinion on whether it's worth going further with this car.
It's a '92 HDJ81 VX Limited with 210K KM. Factory Front/Rear lockers.
AC "needs a recharge"... So no ac right now and likely the cooling box isn't working either I'd guess, unless that is cooled in another fashion.
Passenger side lock works, but the power actuator must be toast as it doesn't unlock with the central lock anymore. Power windows work, but were slow - he says they are fine in the summer, slow down when cold
Interior was clean and no rips or anything.
I accidentally hit the retract button on the mirrors, it sticks, the things went nuts, had to get a little screwdriver to unstick it. Also passenger side one didn't retract without help.
It's been sitting 6 months, it was bone cold. Started up instantly and purred, no smoke. Recent timing belt, accessory belts and water pump.
The truck ran well, it pulled really well up hills, didn't pull, just a nice ride.
Brakes were weak. I felt they were having a hard time stopping the truck, he said they were done a couple of years ago, so roughly 60K KM. Probably time.
Shifted smooth in drive, smooth to reverse and downshifted well.
rear tail gate was a bit stiff to put up and down - is that normal?
I tested the centre lock and front rear hub locks, they all engaged, but when the front hubs engaged it was as if there was no power steering any more, not sure if that is normal as I've never driving a full locking 4x4, but it was near impossible to turn the wheel.
Engine bay looked as I'd expect for a 20 year old car, no oil under where the car was parked, but oil on the block likely seeping from valve cover on pass side (where oil filter is), also a power steering leak / seepage. There was an oily rag wrapped around what seemed to be electrical wire conduits on the passenger side below where the oil filter is didn't investigate too closely as it was dark and I was in my work clothes. Also seemed to be some oil on what i think is the turbo on the drivers side, not sure though as I don't know enough about the engine.
My next step would be to get an inspection, but wanted to see if anything here screams run away to you folks who know a lot more about these trucks.
