Hilux LN106 1992

Our Hilux was acquired back in September 2010. The previous owner were operating some tractors and this Hilux was used as a maintenance vehicle. The engine had been changed to a 2-LT, 2,400 cc turbo engine from the original 2,800 cc NA diesel engine.

 When we took delivery, the body work were done up to cover all the flaws. Most of the parts had been modified to non standard and it was just functional.

Our first major problem came and it was the steering rod that break if the steering is turned to the maximum while reversing. We found this out after breaking the steering rod 4 times. The first 3 times, we replaced the rod with the original standard item. The fourth time we used the broke off rod, welded it back with reinforcement. By not putting the steering to maximum, it had not broke since.

 The next major problem were the front axle, the drive shaft broke. The rear axle was even worse, we had a broken final drive gear.
The spring, we had it replaced back to the original, but the front right had shag off. I am contemplating to replace it with a heavy duty type. The engine mounting had been replaced 3 times, but only once for the gearbox mounting. There was an incident when we could not engaged the gear, due to the broken engine mounting which made the engine misaligned.

We had lots of minor problems such as leaking clutch activator, leaking break piston housing, leaking break pump, leaking clutch pump, worn off drive shaft, front & rear and many others.

The most recent breakdown is the turbo charger (again). It was repaired late last year, refurbished, with the bearing and oil seal replaced. It seems that the oil seal had broke and caused engine oil leaking into the compress air intake. This time I manage to order a new turbo center housing, whereby we just use back the outside housing. It had been fitted and shall test it out after I go back to the farm (away at the moment).

This truck has served us so well, most of the time we manage to "sense" the about to break down. There were only a couple of time when our truck had let us down. I guess that due to our daily usage we are very 'in-tune' with the truck.
Overall we are very satisfied with our truck, as it had taken us through very bad weather, rough and tough roads. It had also help us to haul more than 1 ton at a go. Guess it does live up to the 'bullet proof' image.