Suzuki Jimny Specifications

So, I'm looking at picking up a Jimny, and have been reading up on them quite a bit. I'm a mechanical engineer so I'm quite interested in what's going on under the body. I'm looking really at an early Jimny 2002 or older but wonder if there are any differences between years that I should try to get. I understand 2006 was a big year, but thats perhaps a bit more than my budget.

- Could anyone answer the following, keeping in mind, I'm just referring to UK spec Jimny's.

I gather I'll be getting a G13BB engine as fitted to the late leaf sprung Suzuki (2nd gen chassis)?
- I've seen it referred to as early, and late - what's the differences
- and how can you tell the difference (is it that "late" is fitted to the 3rd gen 98-on know as the "Jimny" in the UK)

In terms of the transmission, I'm a little unfamiliar with 4x4's. We have a transfer box, with high and low range..

-I understand it's chain driven - is it geared/direct for high range, and simply disengages and routes power through the chain only when running in 4wd low?

what are the diffs? I gather we have a live axle front and rear, and I guess some sort of differential in the transfer box?
- are they all open, or limited slip,
do any of them lock, or does the inter lock automatically in 4wd low to give a little more grip?
- im I talking testicles....?


Thanks for reading.

The big difference is that at Y reg the tax went up a lot as it is based on emissions not engine size.
The Twin cam came out at X reg for the hard top, depending on how long it was in stock before it was registered.

The transfer drives through a hy-vo chain for quietness (like most modern 4wds) low range is an epycyclic reduction.

There is no centre differential, the 4wd simply dog clutches both propshafts together with a sliding collar on the front prop.

The front hubs are normally freewheeling, and are vacuum actuated to lock when 4wd is selected.

Both axle diffs are open, no limited slip as standard.

Right, big thanks, huge difference to what I thought, I'm sure Wikipedia states something very different but thats exactly what I'm asking on here - Wikipedia is the source of most online nonsense.

So on most/all pre 2000's are we looking at single over head cam, 8 valves (non-interference valves) - this is not what I thought, is it still fuel injected and does it have electronic ignition timing or points?

I'm going to look at a 99' Jimny tomorrow, I've seen some photo's of the underside, its in good shape a bit rusty, no dents or scrapes, the engines a bit more than damp so it's obviously weeping a bit of oil or something. Head gasket was done a year ago not sure why, generally kept well maintained but nothing more than basic servicing and MOT failures - not sure if things like diff oil will have been done.

I gather I need to give it some stick from standing in forwards and reverse when no ones looking to listen to the transfer box for clicking or chain noises?

Also, to give the kingpins some stick (I'll take a tire lever and give them a wiggle) - although this doesn't look like to expensive of a task (£100 odd to do both sides?)

I'll keep an eye out for any weeping from the diffs, and listen carefully on the test drive.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks again,

All Jimny's are 16 valve. The G13BB is a non-interference design. Don't know if the newer M13 engine is.

Russ-41 wrote:
Wikipedia is the source of most online nonsense.

Don't diss Wikipedia: it is the repository of the sum of all Human Knowledge. :ohmy:

I gave them £5 this year to keep going add free

www.bigjimny.com/index.php/information/g...y-model-range-v15-73