1997 Hilux Surf 2.7L SSR-X

spoiler, and factory rainguards. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scratches, the paint is in fine shape, and this terrific turn-key Toyota is ready to roll. Perfect as a family ferry, frugal daily driver, or wicked weekend playtoy, this Japanese Classic 4×4 is a surefire bet! The cabin is simple and ergonomic. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS airbags are standard. A Pioneer radio supplies the cabin with tunes, and above is a simple-to-use auto climate control system. It belches out cold A/C and piping hot heat so you can enjoy this SUV year-round. If you prefer more natural ventilation, an electric moonroof tilts and retracts, the side windows power down, as does the rear glass. To make daily use more enjoyable, power-folding mirrors and electric locks are on standby. It even has a backup mirror that unfolds from the spoiler. The seats are trimmed in a durable charcoal cloth, which is exclusive to the Limited trim. The material lacks any major rips, stains, or tears, and the rear row can split fold or tumble forward to create a flat loading floor. The headliner and door cards are in fine shape, and the carpets have escaped major abuse aside from some light staining. On the positive side, OEM carpet mats are included with the purchase and cover up the carpet blemishes nicely. The mechanicals are easy to service, and parts and modifications are plentiful and can be had on the cheap, too. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3RZ-FE cranks to life with the twist of the key courtesy of a new 12V battery. A new engine air filter, distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, and wires were installed immediately as part of our tune-up. So that the 2.7L could withstand the rigors of daily use and abuse, we refreshed the cooling system. A new radiator and water pump have been installed, and we replaced the coolant for good measure. One of our trained techs also shored up a few pesky oil leaks. A new oil pump seal and a new distributor o-ring were replaced so that the oil level stays full. The 3RZ feels healthy and pulls hard to redline with our newly installed MAF sensor. The automatic gearbox shifts like a champ and sends power to the rear or both axles, depending on the driver’s preference. 4WD can be engaged on the fly, and for your off-roading adventures, a low range can be deployed. On the tarmac, it gets up to highway speeds in a jiffy. It slows down with confidence, too. ABS is standard, and new front brake calipers, rotors, and pads keep stopping distances short. We also flushed the fluid for a better pedal feel. The suspension rides like a dream and was fully rehabbed on our lift. New front and rear shocks deliver decent ride quality. The rear upper and lower control arms were taken care of, too, and we also replaced the front swaybar links. A fresh alignment keeps this rig tracking straight as an arrow, and we have overhauled the power steering system completely. The rack was rebuilt, new fluid flushed in, and the boots and bushings were replaced. New inner and outer tie rods were installed to dial in a proper alignment, and grip is handled by four new 31′′ Falken tires that we mounted and balanced all around. The new rubber looks mean, quells road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.