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By
EWAN KENNEDY
23 October 2006
Daihatsu’s Rocky is a solid, reliable 4WD that
will appeal to the buyer who is more interested in off-road
capability than in the latest fads and fashions that
fascinate the suburban 4WD owner.
Because the Rocky is a tough, old-style 4WD
that was launched way back in 1984 and continued to be sold
as a new vehicle in Australia for the next 15 years. There
were some modifications to give it some sort of a chance
against much more modern competitors, but the old character
remained the same throughout its life.
The biggest problem for most buyers,
particularly the suburban runner, is likely to be the Rocky’s
rocky ride caused by the rather crude leaf-spring suspension
used in almost all models. Though good for load carrying,
leaf springs cause a rough ride and sometimes create a
pitching motion that makes the vehicle less than comfortable
to ride in.
From mid-1993 Daihatsu offered a Rocky
Sports Wagon that used suspension with torsion bars at the
front and coil springs at the rear. At the same time the
front and rear tracks were widened. The result was a more
comfortable vehicle with greater stability, though it still
lagged behind many in its class.
As well as the three-door station wagons,
some with soft-tops others with hardtops, there were also
cab-chassis and pick-up Rockys. The commercials could have
had a rough life in genuine off-road conditions.
Interior room in the front is good, but the
rear seat can be rather cramped for adults in the
short-wheelbase models.
Some early Rockys had a four-cylinder
2.0-litre petrol engine, but most have a four-cylinder
diesel. The latter engine had a capacity of 2.8 litres. It
was sold with or without a turbocharger, with the non-turbo
engine being withdrawn in 1990 in the wagon and 1993 in the
cab-chassis. Petrol engines ceased to be imported in 1989.
Transmission is by five-speed manual in all
models as this type of vehicle isn’t really aimed at those
looking at for an automatic transmission.
Daihatsu Rocky uses part time four-wheel
drive with the rear wheels being the ones normally driven.
The front wheels are brought into play by the driver when
required by way of a two-speed transfer box. The front hubs
are manually operated.
Models in the passenger range are Rocky,
Rocky DX, Rocky EX, Rocky EX Turbo, Rocky Sports Afield and
Rocky Sports. The commercial variants were called just plain
Rocky.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
An engine that is slow to start, especially
when cold, or which is reluctant to rev freely in normal use
may be due for an expensive overhaul. Also check for smoke
from the exhaust tailpipe and oil filler cap.
Check that both the gear lever and the
transfer box lever move reasonably smoothly. The latter can
be rather stiff even when there are no problems.
Many Rockys are used in tough off-road
conditions. Look for signs of chassis or body damage caused
by off-road use and abuse. The areas likely to suffer first
are the protection plates, the door sills, the corners of
the bumper bars and the sides of the body.
The body sides may simply have scratches
caused by bushes, but could have rust where the paint has
been scraped off.
Rust can also get into the chassis rails.
Pay particular attention to the suspension mounting points
and the areas where the body is bolted to the chassis.
Look also for rust in the door bottoms,
guards, door sills and the lower areas of the back door.
Check the interior of a soft-top for rust in
the floor of the cabin and severe weathering or other damage
in the trim and dashboard top. In any body, check the
condition of the seats and trim for signs of mistreatment.
Uneven tyre wear could mean the suspension,
possibly even the chassis, has been twisted by harsh use or
a crash. If there's the slightest doubt get a professional
check out the body and chassis.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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