Ive been reading through some of the threads and have decided to do a bit of a overview of whats what in the UK trucks
Mk1 and Mk2 were pretty much as the US versions.
However the MK3 '89-'95 had a solid axle up front, G series gearboxes (G58 on diesel) with RF1A t/cases and either 4.5:1 diffs in the 4Y petrol and 4.3:1 in the 2L Diesel trucks.
The 2L was relatively reliable as long as looked after despite the occasional cracked head and shredded timing belt. The 4Y petrol went on and on and on.
MK4 (96-00)Trucks transitioned to IFS and and retained the diesel engine of the mk3 and im convinced there was a turbo version, although we lost the 4Y Petrol from the options list
the G series transmission was retained as was the RF1A.
MK5 (00-05)Trucks gained the 2.5 D4D Diesel which was developed from the 1KZ diesel (shares the same bellhousing pattern) which was mated to R151F and VF1A trans case, you know the one fitted to the surf... same thing without the honking great motor hanging out the back, features the same shift pattern as the RF1A. Some trucks (not sure which but some had the option of an electric locking rear diff)
MK6 (06-12) trucks have been completely redesigned (sort of). New chassis, new body, same reliable stuff that made em great. Think Tacoma but different. Available with 125hp 2.5 D4d Diesel or 162hp 3.0 D4D diesel on either R151F manual or 4spd auto available in three cab models however the 3ltr is only available on double cab models. There is a 1GR-FE V6 on South African, Venezuelan and Australian models, we can dream cant we?!
There are several trim specs available from basic to luxurious
HL, manual windows no air con etc
HL2, electric windows, a/c, better radio etc and a electronic locking diff (rear)
HL3, as HL2 but with a few more mod cons (if anyone really wants to know the options ill dig the brochure out...) with an LSD (rear)
If theres anything youd like to know please ask..
All details correct as far as i know etc etc
Regards Steve.