Introduce yourself

Hi guys, new to the world of micro vans / mini trucks. The 4x4 ones are my interest, anyone on here specialise in them?

Cheers.

Helirazor

I've worked on one!

What do you want to know?

On a YouTube video I saw a Suzuki Carry 4x4 that had high and low box and what appeared to be front and rear diff locks. Is this a very rare model? Also are there similar spec models made by Daihatsu?

Thanks,

Helirazor.

A typical Daihatsu Hijet 4x4 are just selectable 4wd or Rwd. (I would say common -but they are ultra rare on the grand scale of things) They have a vacuum activated clutch in the transfer box which is part of the gearbox.

But then there were some earlier Japanese ones, one was called the "Climber" model, this had High/Low box and diff locks. Some Jap 4x4 hijets had an "Axle Lock" button, which I am unsure of its function.

If it has a rear diff lock, it will have a diff like the lower left one in this picture:-

Here is a "Climber" http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/1992-daihatsu-hijet-climber-4wd-high-low-2wd-5432.html

As there only are only a handful of Daihatsu Hijets in the UK and the rest are badged Piaggio Porters, What about the Piaggio Donkey conversion, Hi/low box too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lR9JA19jsYo

Thanks guys! The "Climber" looks a cracking bit of kit!

Never heard of Piaggio Porters, who manufacture them please?

Piaggio is the manufacturer, thet made the Hijets for the UK and european market

Oh right sorry I didn't know, where are they from don't sound Japanese?

Italy, where do you live then?

In the UK, South Yorkshire. You? Anyone run a 4x4 hiace or Suzuki on the forum?

Im in Stafford, I have a 4x4 Piaggio and a friend does have the Suzuki Carrry 4x4 Kei import, most if not all import have the 660cc engines but if you want one talk to Darren on the IOW, he will get you one from Japan if you want one, you will get his number of Woody

OK that's great, thank you for your help d1hoh. I am just trying to find out more about these vehicles, whats good and maybe not so good and how they compare to each other etc so your help is really appreciated. Are spare parts easily available at sensible prices?

Lots of bits are the same as the non 4wd models, but the 4x4 specific parts are pretty rare round here.

A standard 4wd hijet shares parts with a Daihatsu Terios 4x4.

Ok thanks HighlyJetted

@d1hoh who's "Darren on the IOW" and sorry I don't know "Woody"?

woody will be along soon to say hi

Ok I'll wait to hear from him.

Do you know what sort of money would one be imported by Darren?

Hi Guys, can anyone give me Darren's contact details please?

I don't know Darren either.

I have got a Hijet 4x4 in though for sale - no diff locks though.

Hi Highly Jetted, please can you PM me info & pics?

Thank you!

Sorry but I DON'T have Darrens contact number. There is a slim possibility I might be able to get his number from a friend of mine whose Pasty Shop Darren and his girlfriend rented for a while but they didn't leave on very good terms so Bev may not still have his number-- but doubtful. I will do my best to find out for you by asking a few friends I have in the Motor Trade in and around Freshwater where he was living.
When I last saw him he was talking telephone numbers for the 4x4's he was bringing in from Japan. You will need pretty deep pockets I think. So before I do start chasing around just email me and let me know if you have got sufficient funds or are really interested. When I saw him last he was selling a very clean 4X4 Subaru Pickup for around £3,500.
He was also making and fitting those ridiculous looking VW imitations to Subaru's Vans and Pickups. hi.jetmaniow@gmail.com. Mobile 0786 303030 9

£3500 is strong money I can get a decent Jimny for that!