First factory 4x4 LUVs were 1979, but dealer installed 4x4 kits were available years prior, my '78 is an example, so it's the terminology that's not quite right not the fact that he bought a 4x4 LUV before the factory models. It wasn't just LUVs, the 4x4 kits were also available for Ford Courier/Mazda, Datsun, Toyota & Dodge/Mitsubishi, either through the dealer or as a kit for self-installation. All the kits were about the same, a Dana 30 front axle and a divorced t-case, usually a Dana 20 (but sometimes a Dana 300), mounted on it's own new crossmember behind the stock 2wd tranny. From what I remember the dealer kit included bigger white spoke tires & M&S tires, a light bar & a push bar for about $2500 above the stock LUV cost.
_________________ '78 Chevy LUV,1.9,4sp,headers,31's,SAS Dana 30,Dana 20,SOA rear w/Aussie Locker, rough body, bought new 12/4/78. '87 Trooper,2.3,5sp,headers,31's,ball joint flip & spacer,Aussie Locker rear,Superwinch hubs,brush guard w/5.5K winch,more to come.
|