I would give my left nut to have an Amorok. I wish the USA had a small frame diesel truck.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Amarok

 

Ask your Congressman to repeal the Chicken Tax: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax

robert

 

It is unlikely the diesel would come over even without the chicken tax. EU and US emission laws are too different.

 

^thats one of those really frustrating bits... See, that same TDI engine is already in the jetta, golf, Passat, and beetle. Yet they haven't put it in the Tiguan here. Bizarre.

 

Didn't GM just announce the Isuzu diesel for the new Canyon next model year? The VW is a nice rig though.

 

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.

 

Toyota diesel would be ideal here...

Isuzu makes fantastic diesel engines that last forever also. I'd really have to hold my nose to buy a Chevy Canyon, though.

 

Dodge Ram 1500 Eco-diesel?

An Amorak would cost the same if they sold it in the US...

 

Tundra getting new Billies up front with tighter sport valving to stop "Buick float".

 

Finally joined the towing club. Let the WRX DD go for an 04 GMC Yukon Denali. And picked up this nice trailer for $2200. Both local and tow great! Lowered my monthly payments by $200 and have a much more functional vehicle. PS the trailer came with the Mazda sticker.




Tow rig

 

<p></p><p>IIRC you have a first gen Tundra. I have an 03 Tundra now - did you ever look into/install air bags?</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).

 

<p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>how did you go about the rear leaf spring? &nbsp;I am looking to make some changes on the van as the rear sags quite a bit with a full load. &nbsp;I assume you add some of the shorter leafs? &nbsp;How much stiffer is a spring? or did you buy a kit on line? &nbsp;I assume you installed it yourself or does this require special tools?</p>

 

I did leaves in my tacoma. You can buy add-a-leafs sized for your truck from sites like Quality Off Road Parts & Accessories Since 1999

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.

 

I installed something like this from the local parts store behind the axle and on top of the leaf, between the axle and the rear shackle. It reduces the ease with which the longest leaf flexes, thereby tightening up the ride. There are other ways as well.

AutoCraft Overleaf Help Spring 2.5" AC111030/11-103: Advance Auto Parts

 

I don't think its an isuzu. Its a navistar spin off but it was announced a while ago.

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.

 

<br />
<br /><br /><br />
<br /><br /><img src="images/smilies/hahano.gif" border="0" alt="" title="" smilieid="55" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<br /><br /><br />
<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.
<br />
<br />Source: I sell GMC Canyons at my dealer. Gas models can already almost hit $40k.

 

<p></p><p>I wasn't aware Navistar (or a spinoff) was the current supplier for the Thailand produced engines.&nbsp; They're available now in the international models.&nbsp; But you may be right.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

 

If memory serves the Colorado will require the high end trim package for the diesel. That "little" truck got me excited, but all the things I want come with much more expensive things I don't want.