What do YOU use to tow your track car?
#363
#367
I have towed the MX5 on many a long trip (1,500 - 2,000 km) and I'm always surprised at its performance (Amarok). It is not a quick car but happily tows at 110 kmh, my only regret is not getting the auto, cruise control in a manual sucks.
Australia is dominated by Toyota Hilux/Landcruiser in the area where the Amarok sells, however VW have taken a fair share of the market from Toyota with the Amarok.
Australia is dominated by Toyota Hilux/Landcruiser in the area where the Amarok sells, however VW have taken a fair share of the market from Toyota with the Amarok.
#373
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Mine is an '01. I did not do air bags in the rear. I installed regular yellow aftermarket Bilsteins all around some time ago which were a big plus. I added rear leaf spring helpers which helped a lot with tightening the ride. I have contemplated rear sway bar but never pulled the trigger. I'm hoping these silver Bilsteins will be even better (now that the yellow ones have 250k miles on them and are quite tired).
#374
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</p><p> </p><p>how did you go about the rear leaf spring? I am looking to make some changes on the van as the rear sags quite a bit with a full load. I assume you add some of the shorter leafs? How much stiffer is a spring? or did you buy a kit on line? I assume you installed it yourself or does this require special tools?</p>
Mine is an '01. I did not do air bags in the rear. I installed regular yellow aftermarket Bilsteins all around some time ago which were a big plus. I added rear leaf spring helpers which helped a lot with tightening the ride. I have contemplated rear sway bar but never pulled the trigger. I'm hoping these silver Bilsteins will be even better (now that the yellow ones have 250k miles on them and are quite tired).
#375
<p></p><p> </p><p>how did you go about the rear leaf spring? I am looking to make some changes on the van as the rear sags quite a bit with a full load. I assume you add some of the shorter leafs? How much stiffer is a spring? or did you buy a kit on line? I assume you installed it yourself or does this require special tools?</p>
You buy an add-a-leaf for cheap meant for your truck and add it to the pack already on there. It'll give you however much lift in the rear and accompanying lack of squat under load. Stiffness increase shouldn't be too bad, depending on the leaf you add. You should like with any lift make sure you're not stressing your brake lines or shocks, but a typical AAL will only add an inch or two.
Installation is relatively easy: jack the rear of the truck up, pull tires, support frame and axle with jack stands (the leaf is what holds the frame up off the axle, so you have to temporarily support both). Unbolt leaf pack and pull it out. Once it's out, you can unbolt the pack, slap the new leaf in, and bolt it all back up.
No special tools, just a bit of time.
#376
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how did you go about the rear leaf spring? I am looking to make some changes on the van as the rear sags quite a bit with a full load. I assume you add some of the shorter leafs? How much stiffer is a spring? or did you buy a kit on line? I assume you installed it yourself or does this require special tools?
AutoCraft Overleaf Help Spring 2.5" AC111030/11-103: Advance Auto Parts
#377
My friend has a v6 gaser 4x4 and he gets awesome mpg. mid to high 20s. The diesel is suppose to tow 7-8k and gets low to mid 30s in mpg. With a 6 spd automatic.
I'm tempted to sell my 12v 3500 dually and down size to a 2wd diesel Colorado.
probably be $25-30k if I had to guess.
#378
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<br /><br />Expect the diesel to start at or over $30k for the simplest model. Don't be surprised if it's only available on full-boat models. If they do that, then you'll be $40k+ in your little diesel pickup.
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<br />Source: I sell GMC Canyons at my dealer. Gas models can already almost hit $40k.
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<br /><br /><img src="images/smilies/hahano.gif" border="0" alt="" title="" smilieid="55" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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<br /><br />Expect the diesel to start at or over $30k for the simplest model. Don't be surprised if it's only available on full-boat models. If they do that, then you'll be $40k+ in your little diesel pickup.
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<br />Source: I sell GMC Canyons at my dealer. Gas models can already almost hit $40k.
#379
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</p><p>I wasn't aware Navistar (or a spinoff) was the current supplier for the Thailand produced engines. They're available now in the international models. But you may be right. It's been a couple years since I did any work for the Isuzu/GM joint venture (DuraMAX engine) and I've lost track of the industry. Anyway, the engine has some decent specs.</p><p>GM 2.8L Duramax Diesel I4 XLD28 Engine Info, Power, Specs, Wiki | GM Authority</p><p> </p><p> </p>
I don't think its an isuzu. Its a navistar spin off but it was announced a while ago.</p><p> </p><p>My friend has a v6 gaser 4x4 and he gets awesome mpg. mid to high 20s. The diesel is suppose to tow 7-8k and gets low to mid 30s in mpg. With a 6 spd automatic.</p><p> </p><p>I'm tempted to sell my 12v 3500 dually and down size to a 2wd diesel Colorado.</p><p>probably be $25-30k if I had to guess.