General frontera questions.

[FlyingBrick]

Hi guys, just posted in the newbie section

Basicly im looking for a simple (not in a bad way) rugged 4x4 to prepair for offroading etc.

Love fronteras so wasent hard to decide what i wanted.

going to be looking for a lwb, prefer diesel, but may consider the 2.4i

not too fussed if its leaf sprung as im guessing there easyer to lift?

Might have the oppertunity to get a 2.8tdi at the weekend in a deal with my t5, but wouldent mind a 2.3, 2.5tds look ok but dont like electrical stuff

So what would peoples opinion be on best model to go for? ill be looking for a 2.0 sport after ive got a lwb too as more of a run around so that i can focus on the lwb.

dual mass flywheels? all diesels got them? would be looking at bolting it up straight away as i bloody hate them

anyhow, any info, opinions much appreciated.

Rob

[horses45]

well it all depends on what your going to do with it Rob, i have had the 2.0 swb and loved it but just a little underpowered but still did the job and even pulled my little caravan but it was a c20ne engine and a leafer so easy to lift with shackles,the 2.5 was great lots of power and lifted with spring lifters but i changed the No 1 injector a couple of times but again liked this and finally have the 2.8 tdi and this sounds like a tractor when first started but mine is lifted and drives great, but you will get lots of different opinions on here as everyone likes different things. which ever you choose they will be loads of info on here when you need it and look out for our local meets so come along and see what other trucks are like.maybe nick someones idea.

[adyclemo]

My suggestion would be the 2.8. Rugged, easy to repair, not much in the way electrics to go wrong, if the dual mass fly wheel fails it can be welded up and the trooper clutch plate fitted and last of all a bloody big hammer usually solves problems. Most motor factors charge the earth for parts so just plan a head what you going need as mail order is usually alot cheaper.

Unless of course you want to keep some of that power then I know where there is 3.2v6 shorty up for sale if she still has it

[stevd]

Or you could consider a 2.2 dti, it is everything you have said you dont want...but its the right choice really!! It has DMF, but mine hasnt given any problems and I am on my 3rd clutch. It is all electrics but they are fine. just get one over 110k miles which has had the fuel pump changed. This is the only downside to them in my opinion. They are very comfortable too!!! What more could you ever want.

[Mr Mud]

I don't have one Rob, but I think looking around the different 4x4 forums the 2.8 dti seems to be the kiddie to go for

[jmc]

I have had a 2.3 and a 2..5 both of which I still have.I loved my 2.3 which did 35 mpg plus ,but opinions are they are underpowered.I would still be driving it blissfully happily but for circumstances. Its heater wasnt good but it looks like gregsters solved that one with a new matrix. It has an internal chaindrive for the camshaft which I like.
The spare wheel swing arm is an issue as its so heavy. I took mine off and put a door on but it was not a quick job.
I may put the drop down back door back on but then wouldnt put the swingarm on again so where would the spare go?
I also much prefer the old style dash I love the clunky switches and the shelf.
The 2.5 goes much faster but only gets 32mpg on Shell regular diesel but has a fab heater.I am stll nervous about the ECU and all the electronics but its been fine and my wife actually likes driving it.It has an internal gear driven cam so again no cambelt.
I would always have a lwb as I need the length of them for work and I prfer the look of them.
Hope this helps.

[FlyingBrick]

thanks all for the replies plenty to think about indeed,

need to shift on this volvo t5 and get a fronty,