New Hilux (4R) owner

[Kiwisurf]

Hi all, Newbie here from NZ - recently traded in my Gen2 Hilux Surf(4R to you folks Stateside!) for a 1997 Hilux Surf. Just arrived on a boat from Singapore, with about 55K miles on it.

Has the 1KZ-TE Diesel engine, with turbo and intercooler. So far loving it!

In the 2 weeks that I've had it, have replaced the factory head HU with a Sony HU, Pioneer TSD speakers in the factory locations, a SONY 1506 and 222 amplifier and am in the process of building a sub box to live in the rear, holding a Pioneer 12" sub.

I've also fitted air horns (the standard meep meep horn from Japan just doesnt cut it I'm sorry to say!) and had an alarm installed to protect my new baby!

At some stage in its life its had a scrape repaired on the RHS and not been re-finished very well, so its off to the panel shop next week for some minor body work (little nicks here and there) and a respray to the factory metallic Blue paint.

The only other mods to come are a tow hitch to be fitted, and some driving lights to be fitted into the front bumper below the factory indicator housing. I'm still trying to track down a factory Fog or Driving light switch for this model, but so far havent had any luck! (If anyone can help would appreciate it!! )

Also - Great forum - was very helpful when trying to figure out how to get the dash apart to install the HU!!!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Nice truck but definetly unclutter the rear of the truck by getting rid of that spoiler since that looks like a bad afterthought and does nothing to compliment the lines of the rear.

Otherwise it's SWEEEEET!!

 

[JB.]

Hi all, Newbie here from NZ -... ...Great forum - was very helpful when trying to figure out how to get the dash apart to install the HU!!!

Great lookin' truck. The two tone works perfectly on it. I have a real soft spot in my heart for the stock off-road capability of 3 Gens.

 

[GatorGreg]

Welcome Kiwi, in case you haven't see it there's a subforum here for New Zealand , but no one's posted in it yet

 

[2000Runner]

Welcome Kiwi, I wish I have your 3Gen! It's such a beauty! Is it stick?

 

[Kiwisurf]

Welcome Kiwi, I wish I have your 3Gen! It's such a beauty! Is it stick?

Unfortunately its an Auto - I hunted high and low for a stick, Intercooled model, but was not able to find one. I did find a non intercooled stick model, but when I drove it I found the gearbox to be clunky, and the truck its self wasnt in good shape, lots of rattles and just felt unsteady on the road so I passed on it!

All that being said, I'm quite enjoying driving an auto (my last 4R was a stick, and I swore I'd never drive an auto) - who knows, maybe I'm just gettin old! hehe

 

[2000Runner]

Sometimes it's difficult to find a stick in good condition. I think it doesn't matter as long as you like it! Enjoy!

 

[Jason B]

Great truck! Be sure to take a look at my site.

 

[broncosi]

sweet truck! Maybe its just me but it seems like everything is bigger on the hilux's, bigger venti-shades, bigger spoiler, and the spare on the back tailgate and whats with the mirror on the front quarter panel?

 

[02sport]

Nice Surf!! I like it! I wish the tire carrier were an option on the US models.

 

[Kiwisurf]

Great truck! Be sure to take a look at my site.

I have no idea what that mirror is for, it doesnt seem to show anything useful! I suspect its for people who have trouble with getting close to the pavement to use!

 

[Kiwisurf]

Nice Surf!! I like it! I wish the tire carrier were an option on the US models.

Actually its a PITA! it swing out when you want to open the rear door, which is fine, as long as you're parked on a level surface. If youre on a hill, the thing comes back to bruise the heck out of your leg if you're not paying attention!

To Toyota's credit they have provided a pin that slots in to stop it swinging back, but the clip that holds it is also a PITA, and is hard to get the pin back into when its dark!!!

I'm sure I will get used to it though - handy if you misjudge backing up too - tyres dont tend to dent (I'm guessing here, thats not from experience!!)

 

[peter78]

The 4 things that stand out as different than a American 4Runner is:

1.) Spare Tire, we have ours under the trunk. I bet you get more ground clearance.

2.) Rear Spoiler, ours look nothing like that on the 3rd generation model.

3.) Roof Rack, ours is well different.

4.) Running Boards, yours look much nicer.

And of course of important changes like maybe the engine, etc. It fits together well. Nice looking rig & welcome.

 

[broncosi]

The 4 things that stand out as different than a American 4Runner is:

and their color schemes are kind of cool too!!

 

[Bill42]

Very nice color scheme. I like the tire on the back. Gives it a rugged look. Looks like you found one in pretty good shape.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I have no idea what that mirror is for, it doesnt seem to show anything useful! I suspect its for people who have trouble with getting close to the pavement to use!

I think the mirror is mandatory in soem countries since I see those mirrors in that location in Japan too.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

Hi Kiwi,

Aren't you a member of the Australian Hilux Surf Owners Forum too?

BTW, is that an SSR-G or an SSR-X Limited?

That small mirror on the left fender is called Side-under Mirror. JDM vehicles have the driver on the right side so it allows the driver to see the left-lower part. This is particularly useful when parking in tight places.

Also, the dust deflector has a power rear-under mirror to help you see the rear when backing up.