Grunt query

I read a review of the 79 done towing a van and they reckoned it wouldn't pull the skin off a custard!

It was in a caravan mag so I dunno how much credence you'd give it?

A mate of mine drives a V8 trayback everyday as a work car. Has 2 big tool boxs on it, but only part full of small fitting. Tows everyday also. He hates it, reckons its gutless heap of crap. He has been driving them for about 2 years now and doesnt like the lag and the sluggish nature of it. The Hiluxs they have pull the trailer he tows way better he reckons. He said it is so gutless and has so much lag that if he puts his foot to the floor and turns full lock on loose cracker dust it wont loose traction. The Hiluxs however with same tools spins in 2nd gear. The 2 that i have ever driven also didnt impress me, though i wasnt towing. They are far too sluggish for me, the turbo hardly does anything when it does kick in, and they need to be revved up to 3,000rpm to get them moving. They are slower then the 1HZ even we reckon.

I would keep the 1HDT-FE myself mate. Nothing wrong with that power horse. I would love to have one of those. Doesnt take a whole day to access the starter motor either.

Don't mean to be pedantic but a 79 series is not a troopy its a cab/chassis/tray back.

I have the 79 series Cab chassis extended and fitted with aluminium camper. Best mate has the mid range wagon. He is a builder and tows a 2.5 tonne trailer on a daily basis. He loves it. He traded his late model hilux in on the wagon and reckons it bleep s all over the lux. Pulling much better mileage about town than mine even towing (probably a more sedate driver ;-). More than happy with the amount of power he has.

From my viewpoint (and I’m a lot heavier than the troopy), it’s not a race car off the mark but then what do you want a Troopy or ute to do. It’s got plenty of grunt when it’s needed and I have no complaints. With the camper off, it goes like bleep out of a shanghai. Can’t make a comparison with the HDZ1 motor as it’s my first Toyota.


Cheers Mick

I have a hdj100 chipped and 3" exhaust, a mate has a 4500v8 troopy, the v8 has a little more grunt and as far as fuel consumption they are much the same towing. the 100 is better when not towing by a fair bit. In my opinion, keep the 100. The only problem with mine is that it is the 4 speed auto, I am looking to upgrade to a 5 speed auto when I can find one at a good changeover price.

I couldn't believe how sloppy the TDV8 Workmates and Troopies are in the steering - and I assume the utes are similar - a bit like steering the QEII... Gotta say I wasn't impressed with their responsiveness either (totally agree with comment above about Hilux superiority in this regard) although they're a good firetrail chugger at low revs. I'd keep the Cruiser and the comfort myself...