[dezza]

Hi Everyone,

I used to have a 1994 Sierra but sold it. I am now looking at getting something again either a Sierra or a Jimny.
I went to have a look at a 1996 Sierra (coily) today and just have a few questions I was hoping someone might be able to help me with:

1. Do the ARB Bullbar's fit on these newer models (e.g the same bullbar that fitted my 1994 model)? If they do fit does anyone have a photo of one?
2. Do the ARB air lockers fit on these models, and/or are there any other brands of lockers that are good for them?
3. There seemed to be a rattley kind of noise coming from the engine when putting your foot down (even at higher revs), I vaguely remember my old one having it a bit but perhaps not as noisy as this one. It may not be anything but does anyone know what it might be or if its normal?
4. How easy is it to raise the suspension on these models, perhaps around 50mm? Is it just a matter of longer coils and shockers or do you need to do more than that to them to correct caster etc?
5. Is there anything specific to look out for problem wise with these models?

Any help will be very much appreciated!

Thanks!

[Fatzook]

1. Yes they fit. But they don't match the curvier profile of the coily front end as well as they do on a leafy, and the resulting gaps under the headlight look funky IMO.
2. Yes. Rear only. Front is high pinion, and there is no off-the-shelf locker option for the coily front.
3. Rattles are not normal. I'd advise a thorough mechanical inspection. Could be terminal.
4. 40-50mm lift is easy, and cheap. You can also fit a body lift kit for more guard clearance.
5. Yes. Check the upper strut mounts for cracking. Check the rear panhard mounts and all radius arm mounts on the diffs for cracks or damage. These are common coily specific problems. Otherwise, their issues are fairly similar to a leafy. Rust, and cracks in floor around seat mounts.

Its also worth noting that if you plan to run larger than 30" tyres, you will need to address the gearing. Your only option is to swap in a leafy transfer case with gears. There is no fabrication involved with this mod.

Also, there are no aftermarket CRMO CV's available for the coily, so you will need to drive sympathetic on high traction surfaces to avoid axle failure.

[Gwagensteve]

As for 3, It's quite possible the engine has dropped a piston skirt. This is very common in coil sierra motors. It's likely to be sitting in the sump. Rebuild is the only option if this is the case.

Steve.

[dezza]

The rattle wasnt that bad that I thought something major was wrong, it was perhaps even what you might class as pinging perhaps? I have heard similar noises from other engines but perhaps not as noticable as this one. It seemed to run ok and was told that it doesnt use any oil/water etc (so long as they were being honest). It has done approximately 150,000km. Would you still think something could be wrong with it?

It seems like the older leaf spring models may be better suited for mods and possibly stronger overall?

Thanks for your help!

[Gwagensteve]

dezza wrote:

It seems like the older leaf spring models may be better suited for mods and possibly stronger overall?

Thanks for your help!

Yes. Very much yes.

If you want to daily at 30" or less, coily's are ok. Beyond that, it's time for a leaf car.

Steve.

[McBane]

good chance 3 is just a bit of detonation with the crap fuel around these days

[just_cruizin]

No. 3 is, as Pete said a piston skirt. My 96 leafy has the first of those engines and you try and convince yourself it's not the skirt because the rattle isn't there when cruising just under load, however it is the skirt and the more denial you have the more damage you do till its new block stage due to the scoring in the cylinder/s

[McBane]

dude thats a bold statement whilst i agree there have been issues with these engines there are heaps of things thats can cause an engine rattle under load a more helpful statement would be if " it seems like a good deal have it checked out by a pro as there are piston skirt problems"