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first post wanting info on deck van help

Discussion in 'Daihatsu Hi jet' started by etb75, Jan 28, 2010.

  1. etb75

    etb75 New Member

    OK, my brother bought a carry and got me looking for a mini truck. I have pretty much decided to get a deck van(someday). I know from my searching theyre not easy to find. But since I have time I want to start learing more. Thats what forums are for right... OK so im a dork, bc from the few i have found pics of i like the 03 version because I like that the wheelbase is larger at least in comparison to the body than some of the older models. I know it has a smaller bed but i like the look more. But I want to look at more. So my questions are:

    Any place I can find more pics of different year models?
    Any suggestions on what years might have been bad years?
    Any other need to knows?

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. fupabox

    fupabox Well-Known Member

  3. etb75

    etb75 New Member

    Nice, I am looking to make it off road ready... But good to see and 2002 version. Hoping to find a good mix of bed space like the older versions and look of the newer ones. Good lookin out...
     
  4. Badgerland

    Badgerland Member

    Also know that you will not find High/Low range in the 4x4 Deck Vans. This has been a real deal-breaker for other customers in the past. Other than that, the Deck Vans are one of the coolest models you will find with the additional interior space and ability to comfortably fit larger drivers.

    Here is a picture of the most recent Deck Van we sold - 2003 4x4:

    [​IMG]
     
  5. etb75

    etb75 New Member

    How much difference really does it make though? I mean if ai find a 5 speed 4wd, being there is no low/high how much difference does that make both offroad and street...?
     
  6. o8k

    o8k Member

    From my experience in off roading, the main benefit of hi/lo is crawling. Hi/low makes a MUCH bigger difference if you have a manual transmisison so you arent crawling slower than idle in 1st gear burning your clutch to dust. If you have an automatic, the fluid coupling takes the place of burning clutch and doesnt switch to mechanical lock till way above idle speeds. So you can creep and crawl along w/ an automatic way easier than w/ a manual. and thus (IMHO) dont even need HI/LO.

    I am exlcuding the advantages of Hi/Lo from the perspective of torque mechanical advantage which allows you to haul heavy loads etc. becuase your question was pointed specifically at off roading, not work duty etc. I have never needed Low gear off roading with respect to the extra torque you get at the wheel. There never seems to be enough wheel traction for that to do anything advantagous. Only ever used Lo to crawl slower....

    I believe lots of Deck vans are automatics and if you encounter a manual, you may want to keep that in mind... Not to mention the deck van isnt a truck and the work duty of it is less and thus less need for hi/lo again....

    Another note: For anyone after the ultimate Low low gear this product may be an interesting read. It is a "double" low transfercase that hangs off your transfercase for ratios that approach 600:1!

    On another note: automatics have another inherent feature that can be used in an emergency in place of lost traction due to open differentials... GAS+BREAK (light break or feather break) at same time provides some extra traction to spinning wheel(s) (try that in a manual :D). I say emergencies b/c this is an unfriendly assault on your torque converter. This mainly applies to front end wheel slip, as most vehicles come w/ an Emergency Break wich performs the same function, automatic and manual alike.

    Hope this helps...

    o8k
     
  7. greg0187

    greg0187 Moderator Staff Member

    If your serious at all about using it off-road. You need the H/L transfer period.
     
  8. Badgerland

    Badgerland Member

    Spot-on advice Greg.

    Low range is indeed well-suited for crawling but it is the charastics of having max torque & horsepower available at an extremely low speed that makes it desirable for many utility purposes: soft terrain, snowplowing, pulling heavy loads, steep inclines, specialty applications like tracks, etc. Most truck owners will rarely use the low range on their trucks while there is a percentage that may use it often depending on their application. Even for occasional off-roading in soft terrains, I would highly recommend having a truck equipped with High/Low range.

    It's there when you need it! :cool:
     
  9. o8k

    o8k Member

    I dont agree based on all things i said in my post. If you have an automatic, Hi/Lo provides very litttle advantage in most **all offroading situations.

    * "serious" is not clearly defined.
    ** The Term "all" is also not clearly defined

    IF the excluded items in the term "all" coencide with the what items qualify as being "serious" THEN we are then in agreement, otherwise No.

    :D
     

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