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78 Datsun Sunrader 4x4?


Highdesertrat

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I recently (ok its been year already) acquired this 78 Sunrader . It has just a little over 54k miles and other than a weber carb appears to be bone stock. That's the good news. The bad was it had been sitting for the last 15 years and as far as I can tell had travelled less than 2k miles since 1991.I have been slowly going through the truck and so far have gotten to:

6 new tires,new windshield , new radiator, new coolant and heater hoses, new fuel line and filters, new house and starting batteries, replaced cracked exhaust manifold,valve job, rear differential fluid ,etc.....

Finally have it running really well and really enjoy driving it. Recently averaged just shy of 23 MPG driving over the pass to Portland and back . My only complaint is the ridiculously low ground clearance. Which finally leads me to my question.: I have been toying with the idea of a 4x4 conversion and am curious about the viability and or opinion on such a conversion? I have read most of the threads on the forum regarding converting a 620 , it seems the least expensive route would be to find an older 620 with a Dana 30 and T20 transfer case and swap them over , but would be open to any suggestions. As a note it is in no way my intention to do any serious offroad work, would like to be able to explore mostly fire roads and some rutted two track out in eastern Oregon.

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Although I don't foresee any rock crawling , I would like to be able to cross a few streams and be able to deal with the crazy springtime mud around here. So the extra traction in addition to the ground clearance would be handy. Do you really think it would be an additional 1000# ? Divorced transfer case and solid front axle w/leaf springs , replacing the existing front suspension. I was guessing 4-500# additional weight.

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Get a locked or limited-slip rear end and raise it up to a desirable height, don't worry about 4x4.

 

Torsion bars let you adjust the ride height!

 

 

 

PS, I am insanely jealous!! Does yours have fake brick paneling on the inside??

E-mail me if you want to talk sale or trade!

 

justin@flynnmail.net

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  • 3 years later...

Well I have the exact same style sunrader,I'am getting 18mpg with a tail wind. My concern and I saw this in eastern Oregon,the guy with the sunrader roof ripped off by low hangin branches.After that I changed my mind...just an idea,that fiberglass is not to forgiving.

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