1994 Bighorn 3.1td automatic

[jafaandproud]

Description:
New here and in the 24 hours of owning my truck I have already found so much useful info on these forums - enough to the point of fixing 2 of the 3 issues it has for a grand cost of nothing

My names Hayden, 24 years old and I live in Queenstown working as a local scenic pilot. This is my first truck and I'm loving it! Drove it up from Invercargill yesterday where I got it from (just over 2 hour drive), and already had it on its first offroad mission with 2 friends trucks (the 2 Hilux's in the pics). Loads of great trails around Queenstown so lots of fun to be had this summer. This is my second vehicle so won't be my daily driver, main reason for purchase was for some fun and also going up the ski fields to save the massive amount of stone chips my other car already collected this winter just been

Its pretty stock at the moment, and will stay that way for a while other than snorkel which I have ordered from Mudstuck. That doesn't stop me from starting to compile a wish list though

Modifications and Accessories:

Suspension: 2" lift
Body Lift: Factory
Tyres/Wheels: Factory wheels with 265/75r16 Achilles XMT tyres
Traction Aids: Superwinch manual hubs
Bullbar: Factory with plastic cover removed
Spot lights and Lighting: Aftermarket front spotlights
Communications/GPS: Hand held 2 way radios
Dual Batteries: Single only
Engine: Factory with Airflow snorkel
Exhaust: Rear muffler removed
Sound system: Not really worth talking about
External: Factory
Internal: Factory (but very well specced being an Irmscher)
Other: Recovery hooks front and rear

Pictures

See posts below

[jafaandproud]

Some new pics here. I have put on an Airflow snorkel, and removed the plastic trim off the bullbars. Also got a few bins in the back filled with the essentials; snatch strap, tow rope, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, gumboots, spade, etc, etc.

Next stop will be to upgrade to some bright LED spotlights (these ones are a bit useless), front bash plate (protect sump and front diff), replace a leaky seal on my rear diff which is letting water in (first on the list actually), fit my second tow hook for the front, get some custom tow points made for the back.

[geeves]

nice pics. Which seal is leaking in the diff?
Pinion seal is much easier if you have access to a hoist.

[jafaandproud]

Thanks

From what I can tell, it is the pinion seal. I'll probably just give it a crack in my driveway, doesn't seem like it will be too hard (famous last words)

Unfortunatly I have some problems with my other vehicle as well so now I have to work out which one gets priority to be fixed, tough call...

[geeves]

I did a pinion seal in my bighorn a few years ago Its not hard but do ensure there are no children in earshot. Lying under a car trying to tap a seal in while holding it perfectly square may cause the emission of words not normally used. Took me 2 hours to get that seal started but you might be lucky and get it first time.
The book says to replace the crush washer under the pinion nut at the same time This is the preload on the pinion so setting it wrong can destroy the diff. If you count the turns on the nut as you take it off you can reuse the existing washer by putting on the exact same no turns rather than by the torque. Lots of others will now come up with many good reasons to not do it that way but it worked for me

[jafaandproud]

I have been meaning to do it for the last 2 weeks now and keep procrastinating so have booked it in to get done next week - I generally find if I procrastinate work for more than a few weeks then I'll never do it haha

[jafaandproud]

A couple of pics from our most recent trip. Into the Nevis from the Bungy road, along The Horn Range, down to the hut on the Doolans Creek Left Branch, and up Coal Pit Saddle.

Amazing trip with such varied conditions from loose rock, mud, sodden grass, ruts, ice, snow, rivers... Best trip I have done yet

Here's some pics along the way:

Crossing the Nevis:


Crossing the Nevis:


A very frozen "puddle" up on the Horn Range:


A splash through some mud by the hut:


Crossing Doolans Creek by the hut, the exact moment my front number plate got ripped off:

[geeves]

use the upload image button at the bottom of the post

[jafaandproud]

A bit has changed since this post.

I now have:

- Rated tow hooks front and rear (2 at each end)
- Superwinch manual hubs
- 2" suspension lift
- 265/75/16 mud tyres
- New front spot lights

Bit of snow fall a few months ago


Lift + new tyres


New tyres


Local club trip up to Macetown


Club trip up the Godley Valley at head of Lake Tekapo


Near the head of the Godley Valley


Looking back down the Godley Valley


Towing out a stuck 80 series between Poolburn and Serpentine


Crossing a slip on the way to Macetown

[geeves]

Your getting out and about?