Looking at a Sierra hardtop 4/82 model

[racer135]

Hey guys. I'm checking out a Suzuki Sierra hardtop (van?), 1982 according to the plates. Has the 995cc engine with the sidedraught carb, 5spd box. What should I be looking out for in this particular model (where is rust hiding, where do cracks appear in chassis if any) and what should I listen for when I test drive it next weekend (what little test manouvres do I pull to look for the sounds)?

It has been legally modified for use as a "trailer" behind a grey nomad bus (trailer plug on bullbar to operate the taillights from the bus, A-frame on bullbar with tow socket on end). Apparently it has been around Australia 2 times and a trip from here (Hervey Bay) to Darwin and back behind the bus. Only has about 288000km's racked up on the dash.

See how much detailed info you can give me before next Sunday!

[pyrosian]

I've just spent the last 3 weeks cutting a soft top 87 model (1Litre) to pieces (removed every panel bar the floor and firewall) for use as a comp car, its not exactly the same but it will give you a start... The problems we've encountered so far are rust in the floor where the drain plugs are in the drivers and passengers foot wells, rust in the corners behind the front seats where the body mounts are, cracks in the cast extractors, holes in the exhaust, rust in the bottom of the tailgate/rear door frame... over all it hasn't been to bad, i bought it sight unseen off eBay and for what i'm using it for its been a very good purchase... got it for $670!! had a slightly bent chassis but thats all fixed now!!

[Zookster]

Now im know mechanical genius, but i will tell you as a proud owner of a very similar sierra (1980 sj50 jx Highroof 1300cc) a couple of things to try out. Press the clutch and listening for any difference in noise, if there is a difference i don't know what it is (somebody else will) but i know its not good. Also try and get to use the car in all of its gears and listen for any dodgy noises which could mean new bearings. Also check the oil cap for any white foam as this indicates water/coolant in the engine which can be either as simple as condensation mixing with the oil or a blown headgasket or cracked cyclinder head which is'nt so good. The good thing is most parts for sierras are cheap as chips and are easily avalable from Suzuki sierra specialists.

[flyin-bogga]

hey if u engage the clutch and there is no noise and then u disengage the clutch and there is a whining noise it is 90% the time a throw out race which sometimes means the clutch is on its way out or they have put a new clutch in and have not changed the race.. nothing to serious mine had been noisy for about 12 months now...

[racer135]

Righto. What about the transfer case and the hub uni's/CV's in the front-end? Any ideas how to know theyre buggered?

Suzuki Sierra specialists such as?