My new Mazda Expedition project

[deadbeat son]

I had an 87 B2000 reg cab 2wd, and that truck was ultra-reliable until I got t-boned by a Ford Tempo. It was so long ago I forgot I even owned it until I saw the photos of your interior and had deja vu (even though mine was grey cloth).

Although the stock engine was pretty peppy in the flatlands of Kansas where I grew up, I think if you're going to install a pop-up you'll want something with a bit more grunt to help carry the load. Maybe the Mitsubishi diesel you've mentioned fits the bill. I once drove an Isuzu P'up Spacecab with the turbo diesel, and it was plenty powerful for that little truck. My dad had a non-turbo P'up and although it towed well, it had difficulty getting out of its own way.

Congrats, good luck, and great find!

[Jeff@QuadShop]

The motor in mine is the 2.6L EFI. It's actually pretty powerful, I've been towing my tractor and motorcycles with it the last few weeks. It has way more power than my old 22RE Toyota. I'm just more of a diesel guy.

[4Rescue]

...It has way more power than my old 22RE Toyota. I'm just more of a diesel guy.

Whoa buddy... Now I'm angry... My 22RE is SO POWERFUL... oh wait, no, it's not... But it sure isa reliable little motor. I hear you though, had it been a direct bolt in to the 1KZ-T I would have one in my 4Runner. As it was I didn't like the sound of the 2L or 2LT-E nor do I think that VW swaps make much sence in trucks of this size. (Suzi's are fine, but there's alot more "truck" to my 4Runner then a Suzuki Samurai) I sure do wish I had a diesel though. Good luck on the swap, I can't wait to see this build.

Cheers

Dave

[inked33]

wow....that thing looks brand new. my first truck was actually a 4x2 b200 cant remember the exact year but it was from the 80s. that truck went forever and never let me down. im looking forward to seeing the build on this...

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Whoa buddy... Now I'm angry... My 22RE is SO POWERFUL... oh wait, no, it's not... But it sure isa reliable little motor. I hear you though, had it been a direct bolt in to the 1KZ-T I would have one in my 4Runner. As it was I didn't like the sound of the 2L or 2LT-E nor do I think that VW swaps make much sence in trucks of this size. (Suzi's are fine, but there's alot more "truck" to my 4Runner then a Suzuki Samurai) I sure do wish I had a diesel though. Good luck on the swap, I can't wait to see this build.

Cheers

Dave

What year is your 4-runner? I hear that the 2LT's do pretty well in the lighter first generation runners and are a bolt in.
I was actually looking for a Toyota to do a diesel swap when I ran across this Mazda.

[Jeff@QuadShop]

I recently found out that ARB makes a Bull Bar and OME makes a lift for my truck but there are none to be found in the US.



TJM also makes a Bull Bar but they pulled out of the US market last year.

[4Rescue]

I recently found out that ARB makes a Bull Bar and OME makes a lift for my truck but there are none to be found in the US.



TJM also makes a Bull Bar but they pulled out of the US market last year.

That is AWESOME... You will not be let down by ARB/OME I have an OME suspension on my 4Runner and it rides great empty and even better loaded down.

Yeah my Runner is a 1st Gen and I've heard that the 2LT can be made (like nearly any diesel) to do well it's just got overheating and HG issues that I'm not willing to take over the unbelivabley reliable 22RE I have right now. And, honestly, I feel like the 1st Gen's might be alittle porkier then the 2nd Gen's what witht that big thick glass top on the back. It's not light by any means... With it off however the truck feels like it FLIES even with the 33's and 4.10's.

What size tires are you thinking of running??? I say Expo approved and loved 33/10.50 or 255/85's. Tall and skinny would look SAWEET!!!!

Cheers

Dave

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Has anyone heard of Ironman suspension, I found that they make a 2" lift for my Mazda but I don't know much about them.

[Jeff@QuadShop]

What size tires are you thinking of running??? I say Expo approved and loved 33/10.50 or 255/85's. Tall and skinny would look SAWEET!!!!

Cheers

Dave

I couldn't agree more, I hate wide tires. I'm thinking some Goodyear MTR's. Maybe something like a 31x9.5?

[FourByLand]

Wow, that truck has been babied!

I am looking forward to seeing your plans come together and hearing more about the engine swap!