[TC.Barky]

Thanks Steve. Have read of the transfer case being "less strong" is that just anecdotal or do they actually tend to bust?

[Gwagensteve]

They're a chain drive case and the chain can stretch/chatter. I'm aware of people having chain problems, but the bigger problem is gearing and the cost/hassle to rectify it. it's relatively easy to swap in a Sierra transfer case, and it's arguably cheaper to do that than to fit lower gearing to the Jimny case, but that has consequences for road rpm and they can be a bit fiddly to get right (vibration etc). I think a common solution is to fit the automatic transfer case (it has more reduction) to a manual car, but I'm not sure that's low enough. Again though, it depends what you're trying to compare it to.

Oh, and there isn't really a clear answer about "not as strong"
We joke that they're made of glass, but the aftermarket has mostly overcome these problems and they really only apply to modified cars in difficult terrain. Also, running them well over GVM and beating them like a red headed stepchild will show up weaknesses, but that's hard to blame the car for. Front axle housings are a bit bendy, as are the front radius arms. There's a CV joint on the rear driveshaft that probably shouldn't be there. The CV's are smaller than Sierra if you're running big tyres and a front locker, but the aftermarket has sorted that. Some people have found the rear ring and pinion failure prone, but others seem to take a hiding. It seems that up to a 30" tyre and in moderate terrain they're pretty good.

[ZUZUKI]

There are a few early, Spanish built Jimny soft tops about, but if you think a hard top is fugly.......
For a replacement for / up-date on, a Sierra, it is nothing like a Sierra - radically different animal - with a Suzuki badge.
I've never owned a Jimny, but for mine, I think I would rather play with a 1995 onwards efi SWB soft-top Vitara than a Jimny.
But then, I drive a Grand Vitara, so biased.
Could see myself in the new 2019 on version though - in 10 years time, when they are $12-15k, not $30k+.
Rgs, Michael

[TC.Barky]

Well, just got back from driving my new (to me) 1994 Sierra about 1400KM over a couple of days.

Was a great drive, car is effectively stock. The 1.3L absolutely blew my expectations out of the water, was able to comfortably hold 110 without much fuss and didn't even slow down much on hills (holds 80-90 in 4th at about 50% throttle no worries). All with 333,xxx on the odo! Might be a different story post tyre upgrade but for now very happy with the power. Comfort levels were fine, old owner put some Hyundai seats in it though I'd still prefer something a little more springy to take the edge of the leaf springs on the bigger bumps. Only issue I had on the drive was a brown pants moment from the car getting sucked in and out when passing a truck

We did have a couple minor mechanical issues. Picked up on a nasty rumble in the rear above 70kph under load on the initial test drive. Uni was absolutely farked. Guy I bought it off was a top bloke, insisted he fix it before we took it away (given he had a hoist I was more than happy to let him and just give him a hand ha). Also had some trouble in Cooma starting it first thing in the morning (-8 degrees) but the thing is so light it was a piece of piss to roll start, haven't had any other issues with the starter.

Body wise, no bubbling anywhere and next to no visible surface rust (relatively speaking). Has had some rust proofing done on the body. Been resprayed somewhat recently (backyard job, but doesn't phase me only care about there being no rust). Old owner has put some carpet in and done a reasonable job (not sure I'd of changed out the vinyl myself but meh).

Oh and it has factory AC! Didn't realise it was an option! No idea if it works the bloke I bought it off took the belt off without testing it as he didn't want it sapping any power. But winning hehe.

Paid $5,400

Very pleased, thanks for the advice on here. Got RWC assessment Tuesday. Some questions incoming

[Joe]

looks like a good base to start with

[sideways]

Gotta be happy with that!

[bumstein]

Looks great!!! Good find for sure, looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

[greenzook89]

Nice work. Welcome to the addiction.

[pete_79]

Another tintop...