Buy Mu, what to look for?

[rcolijn]

Hi guys,

What a great forum, looks like everybody is really helpfull, read lots of good stuff!!!!

Ok, so I have decided I really like the Mu, so checking out some sites and cars. What should I look for when I check them out?

I'd like:
1) Turbo Diesel
2) Preferably Manual
3) Used for a lot of road driving, but also hardcore 4WD with the mates

- is there a great difference between the 2.8 and 3.1?
- Have they both got all the good stuff (looking at LSD, not the drug that is)
- Which ones can you take the roof of, the look really great.

Any ideas and suggestion appreciated, and may score a beer if your arround Goulburn / Yass / Canberra!

Thanks again, Ronald

[wbski007]

missymu has a nice one for sale,94 MU 3.1 manual, in the for sale section, I'll take a Millerlite, cheers, Wayne

[Demonic]

I think the 2.8 is the better of the 2, but everyone has there own preference. One thing to check is the steering box - looking for freeplay and leaks. Dont know how mechanicly minded you are but there a fairly simple vehicle to work on.

Not all have LSD, apparently its stamped on the diff housing if it does have one.

The Mus are great, ive had mine 11months and love it to bits, but i do find it got more guts off road then on road.

[rcolijn]

Thanks fellas, I think I'll give him a call and ask about it, looks like a nice truck indeed.

Besides the freeplay in the steering box, anything else to check?

I know people sometimes flog the guts out of older 4wd's so just wondering what would go if they do, and how I'd find that out during sale?

Thanks for your help guys!

Next club meeting or so a Miller comin up!

[dasnoboarder]

A MU with factory LSD should have the G80 code stamped on firewall plate.

If not, you can jack car up so rear wheels are off the ground, spin one wheel, if the other turns the same way it's LSD, if it goes the other way it's open.

I got my LSD from a wrecker and just swapped them over. LSD from 3.1's fit into the 2.8 housing.

Good to check handbrake operation as the Isuzu system is known to be crap. Also that none of the brake calipers are seized on.

If you can, check the body mounts behind driver & passenger seats from the interior, if anything gets into them, it can't get out, and rusts away.

Andy.

[Fly3r]

Hi guys,

What a great forum, looks like everybody is really helpfull, read lots of good stuff!!!!

Ok, so I have decided I really like the Mu, so checking out some sites and cars. What should I look for when I check them out?

I'd like:
1) Turbo Diesel
2) Preferably Manual
3) Used for a lot of road driving, but also hardcore 4WD with the mates

- is there a great difference between the 2.8 and 3.1?
- Have they both got all the good stuff (looking at LSD, not the drug that is)
- Which ones can you take the roof of, the look really great.

Any ideas and suggestion appreciated, and may score a beer if your arround Goulburn / Yass / Canberra!

Thanks again, Ronald

HI and Welcome,

majority of the MU in AUS are Turbo Diesel,
The difference btw the 2.8 and 3.1 isn't too much, I "tested the acceleration" between mine and Muvits (2.8 auto) and mine was infront... the 3.1 is out of a Jackaroo, and the 2.8 is out of a rodeo
with a few mods you can get them going nice on the road and off, have a look through the modified section and you'll see what people are upto...

As far as inspecting them, I can't really think of anything special to look out for that is not mentioned, just the standard test, eg rust on the bottom of the doors where the joins are, andin the sunroof if its got one.
I think you'll be hard pressed to find a MU with a removable hard top in Aus, (I've never seen one) but with enough money or an angle grinder you can get it done...

Missymu's Mu does look very nice, i'd be having a look at that if i was looking again

[geeves]

Best advice would be if you drive it and still like it to get a mechanical report from a reputable diesel mechanic. This might cost a hundred or so but should pick up the realy bad things. Only unusual things to watch out for are brakes,steering and check the level of oil in the transfer case.If its very overfull you have a big gearbox repair on the horizon. (its just a couple of dollar seal but everything comes apart to get at it)
Of the 2 motors the 3.1 will slug all day from any revs and on paper has more power but uses more fuel and can blow heads. the 2.8 likes to rev (by diesel standards) and is easier to get more power out of and amazingly economical. Neither motor tolerates bad maintenance so if there is evidence of neglect run away. If its been used off road expect a few unfixable rattles but nothing serious

[rcolijn]

Awesome guys, thanks very much, I am going up to Richmond to have a look at Missymu's truck. If I like it I'll buy it probably, if he works on the price a bit (hint if he's reading this lol).

Apparently its got the LSD in it so thats good. I will check all points mentioned and want to make sure it is comfortably enough to do the distances. I commute 180k's a day so it better be comfy (or have really fluffy seats and a big sound system:))...

Further really looking forward to driving one, and maybe meet up with some of you on here, you sound like a nice bunch. Do you guys do any club meetings round ACT or Sydney?

Thanks again fella's!

[Demonic]

Awesome guys, thanks very much, I am going up to Richmond to have a look at Missymu's truck. If I like it I'll buy it probably, if he works on the price a bit (hint if he's reading this lol).

*cough* SHE *cough*

[rcolijn]

Hahaha, she, as in owner of the car, he, as in the guy I spoke to, probably hubby I presume.

But... so if he is a she which should be called a he, hey I aplogize, hihi

[Demonic]