Suzuki Jimny Specifications

I would try to get an early twin cam before the tax increase if you can. They don't seem to suffer head gasket wise and no cam belt to worry about.

As long as you change the oil and coolant when they need it and don't let it overheat due to a radiator full of mud they are bomb proof.

The vvt ones seem to suffer with gearbox issues.

I got one without abs to have one less thing to worry about going wrong but in hindsight with the tyres I run it might have been useful.

Kirkynut

I bought one, first one I saw, which sounds a bit rash, but I was amazed by the condition of the chassis and the comprehensive service record tied up with the way it drove and moved. I gave it some stick and all seemed to work fine, noticed a few bits with the rear diff since picking it up, but I'm chuffed - I just can't believe how clean the chassis is - regardless of age.

I really should take steps to keep it that way (perhaps have it coated in something?)

Which one did you get then? Early,late. Soft top,hard top? Single cam,dual cam, vvt? Photos?

It's not the chassis you need to worry about but the boot floor, sills and behind the head lamps!

Get a piccie up then so we can see it!

Kirkynut

Russ-41 wrote: noticed a few bits with the rear diff since picking it up,

It is a 4 pin diff, and they feel as rough as anything when you turn a jacked up rear wheel.

Changed mine because it felt like the bearings had completely gone, and the replacement feels exactly the same.

[strike]Testing picture upload, I've not used this insert picture before with a dropbox link, might have to revert to the old imageshack method..[/strike] - imageshacked it

It's a bit tricky to get a photo on my rather small drive. I'll upload some photos of behind the headlight if this works, but yes, its rotten good and proper, there is a lip and that's completely shot, full thickness, just rust and paint remains.

Sills look good, but someone has clearly spotted rust starting to creep in just behind the front wheel arch and touched it up with some sort of tar or rust eating product, the colour difference is pretty obvious now with the camera flash.

I'll leave the diff for now, I've just ordered 5w30 fully synth for the engine (A5 grade, [strike]I meant to get A3 but lapsed at the checkout...[/strike] - no I did want A5, lower HTHS than A3 so it wont last as long but I change it frequently, but it will have less drag/higher efficiency - its all for nothing anyway. I doubt it makes any difference at all)
GL5 80w90 for the diffs
and fully synth 75w90 for the gearbox (1st gear is stiff to get at anything over walking pace - crunchy)

I don't normally go for fully synth but it was no more expensive than semi. I've got a fresh oil filter and a folded paper type air filter - new windscreen wipers to boot!

Regarding the Diff, it doesn't do it all the time, It'll not be back on the road for 2+ weeks but when it is with it fresh diff oil and new seal on the input shaft, I'll listen out for it. It was doing it occasionally when setting off in 1st, like a screech sound from the rear end lasting 1/2 to 1/3 of a second - thinking back, it could have been while setting of cornering so a diff/axle bearing and seal renewal could be on the cards - hopefully its got a full set of gnashers!