Dmax opinions
Submitted: Saturday, Jul 26, 2014 at 18:33
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Trev6
Hi All,
I am looking into the 2009 model Dmax space cab to replace my Hilux work ute, I had a look at one today (tray back) just before closing time for the dealer so I never got a chance to have a
test drive, only got to have a look around the outside of it.
Can anyone share their thoughts on them good or bad as to what they are like and I am very interested in hearing what people think of the torsion bar front end as to weather they give a rough ride or not? as my Lux is not all that good in the front end. This one has 81,000 km on it
Thanks for your time,
Trevor
Reply By: The Bantam - Saturday, Jul 26, 2014 at 23:12
Saturday, Jul 26, 2014 at 23:12
Mate I don't know what is wrong with your hilux..I've got 2 of em 2wd and 4wd.....the tortion bar front ends are fine.
They ride and steer way better than the leaf spring arrangement that they replaced.
The thing to remember with all utes is that they like a bit of weight in em.
and because of the stiff springing they eat shockies and depend on em for a good ride.
don't worry about the tortion bar front end.
If I was in the market for a leate model desle ute...the dmax would be right at the top of my list.
cheers
AnswerID:
536652
Reply By: Ross M - Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 15:47
Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 15:47
Trev6
You didn't say if the Hilux was leaf or torsion bars to begin to compare ride quality.
They are both utes and not cars.
The Dmax If it has the original shocks, will have many/multiple rebounds of the front
suspension when hitting a bump. The OE shocks don't work very
well at all and the handling and
suspension feel and action, is greatly improved with good quality shocks fitted.
If they are the originals consider what you feel during a
test drive and be prepared to immediately replace the shocks. Maybe a good point to have the "delayer" replace them to clinch the sale.
My 2011 is firm but not too hard. Now with Bilsteins it is a totally different vehicle to drive, brake and corner with. Also absorbs bumps which the OE shocks could not even attempt to do, they are rubbish. The OE never leak and seem to stay looking like a shock should so good rubbish. Made for sale only.
It's wheel base is probably 3200mm. If lifting it, some
suspension considerations have to be done to avoid shudder of centre bearing and vibes in the tailshaft.
AnswerID:
536676
Follow Up By: Sigmund - Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 18:57
Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 18:57
My new MU-X sounds similar in the suspender department: high-speed-compression damping is overdone and rebound damping is underdone.
Sadly Bilsteins would have to be modded to fit the rear at a shocker price (cough!).
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820890
Follow Up By: Ross M - Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 19:32
Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 19:32
Sigmund
The pre 2012 Dmax had no resistance either way. You could bounce it up and down easily at 5000km where a 100,000km BT50 just wouldn't budge.
Dmax had at least 5 rebounds when hitting a bump. An immediate change of shocks off a Mazda 4wd fixed that. Bravo I think it was, same stroke length and fitting sizes.
FollowupID:
820894
Reply By: Sigmund - Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 17:57
Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 17:57
The Isuzus have a rep for a tough engine.
AnswerID:
536684
Follow Up By: Trev6 - Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 18:42
Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 18:42
Thanks all for the replies so far, sounds like the shocks are done in the Hilux, hopefully I will get to have a
test drive of the Dmax during the week and will see how it goes.
Trevor
FollowupID:
820887
Follow Up By: Top End Az - Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 19:46
Sunday, Jul 27, 2014 at 19:46
Hi Trev.
I have a current Dmax. Engines and transmissions are tough. Isuzu are one of the worlds biggest truck engine makers, and one of Japan's oldest vehicle manufacturers. Good rigs. Underrated. Don't have the marketing hype of other brands but they are good solid trucks and plenty around on the road. We love ours for what it's worth.
FollowupID:
820895
Follow Up By: Sigmund - Monday, Jul 28, 2014 at 06:06
Monday, Jul 28, 2014 at 06:06
Yep.
A bit of trivia: Isuzu made Wolseleys in Japan under license in 1918.
FollowupID:
820912
Reply By: Les PK Ranger - Monday, Jul 28, 2014 at 07:38
Monday, Jul 28, 2014 at 07:38
Looked these over with my brother in QLD 6 months ago.
Love the looks flexibility of those suicide door space cabs . . . so much flexibility.
I would have the back
seat out and fridge setup behind the pax
seat pretty smartly :)
An extra foot of tub as
well.
AnswerID:
536704
Follow Up By: Thinkin - Monday, Jul 28, 2014 at 09:20
Monday, Jul 28, 2014 at 09:20
Don't think 2009 model Dmax has suicide doors as Trevor is asking about. Those doors didn't come till current model
FollowupID:
820923
Reply By: Trev6 - Saturday, Aug 02, 2014 at 17:37
Saturday, Aug 02, 2014 at 17:37
Update on the Dmax,
Took it for a
test drive and loved it so much it now sits in my shed.
While on the
test drive I went sorting through the papers in the glovebox and found out that it has a full "Ultimate"
suspension upgrade put in it so it rides very nicley with a certain degree of stiffness which makes it good cornering on the road, also comes with a 50L extra tank built into the headboard of the tray.
Couldn't stop smiling all the way
home.
Thanks all for your input
regards, Trevor
AnswerID:
537014