new hilux on 80 series?

[melbplumma]

just a discussion, love the old 80 series for the suspension system, or rather don't like indepent front ends of the new hilux. Was talking to an engineer on this topic and his thoughts were it is fine to have an 80 series chassis and running gear, then bolt on a new body.

Can be done, just have to come up to the aussie design rules for when the 80 was engineered by toyota. any thoughts guys????

Engineer is based in vic too.

[jimO]

yea but why

[amitch888]

I was speaking to a guy off here last year, since sold his Hilux, he had plans and had spoken to an engineer who would ok it, providing its done right obviously. He was going to use a 60 series chassis though, why I'm not sure, 80 series would be the better choice I would have thought.

How does it go with air bags? Or is it classed as an 80 series so you no longer need them?

Keeping the d4d drive train I'd guess?

Making the drive train bolt in, making Hilux bullbar bolt upto the chassis, are the wheel arches in the right spot? Pretty sure it would be easier to SAS the Hilux?

[lmichie]

Be easier to just drive the 80 series as it is. If you really want a ute, chop the 80 and put a tray on it.

[Alby]

Be easier to just drive the 80 series as it is. If you really want a ute, chop the 80 and put a tray on it.

X2

[amitch888]

Just read it again, Would the 80 series running gear fit, engine is much bigger.

X3 on cutting the 80 down to a ute. Bit ugly though

[KTM525EXC]

I'm with Mitch, it would be heaps easier to SAS a Hilux than trying to graft a 80 series to it.

[melbplumma]

but a sas is illegal. once you go in front of the b pillar it is a night mare to engineer in victoria.

[Bull]

Just read it again, Would the 80 series running gear fit, engine is much bigger.

There is no way a straight 6 will fit between the firewall and grille. I've already measured. Even if you relocate the radiator, you'd still have to bring the firewall back about 8". The running gear isn't a problem though. The RH drop transfer case and front diff are a big positive and there's room for the tailshaft beside the sump. Huge job. Can't imagine why you wouldn't just SAS it. All the hard design stuffs been done and ready to go.

[amitch888]

On the other hand if you have an engineer to work with and you have worked out how to go about getting the job done, I'd love to see the build of it! Once done no doubt it would be an awsom rig!

[Hilux Max]

Personally I'd "ute" the 80 if need be...it would be much easier, perform better and probably cheaper.

Heres a 100 series that's been "uted" well -



Regarding registration, the vehicle would be registered as what the chassis was....pretty sure Boof mentioned this also when he was working on his hilux bodies 80 series.

[amitch888]

Talking about a single cab or dual cab? If it's a single cab just buy a gq or gu ute?

[melbplumma]

gq and gu are too small for me, i want an extra cab, hence the reson for the discussion. would love just to sas a extra cab, juice the engine a bit and be done, but cant sas a new hilux in vic due to the engineering . i love the extra cabs of the hilux and navara range, love the suicide rear doors of the navara extra cab.