TOYOTA HIACE PICKUP

OVERVIEW

Also called: Toyota Commuter
Production: February 1977 – May 1985 (truck)
Assembly: Japan: Kariya, Aichi (Toyota Auto Body); Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Honsha plant); Indonesia: Sunter, Jakarta

• Body and chassis

Body style: 2-door pickup
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel drive
Related: Toyota ToyoAce

• Powertrain

Engine: Diesel: 2.2 L (2,188 cc) L I4 (LH11/20/30/40)

• Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2,845 mm (112.0 in) (Super LWB, 40-series)
Length: 4,340–4,990 mm (170.9–196.5 in)
Width: 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height: 1,890–2,115 mm (74.4–83.3 in)

HISTORY

The Toyota HiAce (pronounced as “High Ace”) is a light commercial van produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. First launched in October 1967, the HiAce has since been available in a wide range of body configurations, including a minivan/MPV, minibus, panel van, crew van, pickup truck, taxi and an ambulance. In Japan, the HiAce is exclusive to Toyopet Store locations.

After the third generation was introduced in 1982, certain variants of the second generation continued to be manufactured for several years. A majority of the second generation models were exported from Europe and Japan to African and Asian countries after production ended and are used as public transport vehicles.

DESIGN

The new HiAce of 1977 featured a longer, and more streamlined cab with single headlights. As the second generations dimensions grew, it was joined by a smaller, junior-level cabover van called the Toyota LiteAce to continue to offer dimensions closer to the first generation. In addition to the petrol engines, a 2.2-litre diesel engine was offered in certain markets. New for the “20–40 series” HiAce was a double-cab pick-up, super-long-wheelbase van, and a super long, high-roof Commuter. The Commuter models can seat up to 15 passengers. The short wheelbase truck initially carried the “H11”-series chassis codes. For the vans, 20 series vans have short wheelbases, 30 series have long, and 40 series have super long wheelbases.

HOW TO TAKE CARE YOUR TOYOTA?

Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your HiAce running reliably and reduce the risk of breakdown.

Here are the top ten preventative maintenance tips that we suggest all trucking businesses follow:

1. Check fluid levels: Verifying your engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering and other underhood fluids only takes a few minutes and is an easy way to avoid major problems. If you see a drop in a fluid level between checks, it’s a good indication that you have a consumption or leak problem and can fix it before it becomes a major problem.
2. Change fluids: The frequency for changing your fluids will depend on how many miles you drive, the weight of the loads you carry and the type of driving you do (highway, dusty roads, city traffic, etc.). Trying to get extra life out of your fluids may save in the short term but cost you big in repairs and breakdowns later on.
3. Verify tire pressures: Any trucker will tell you that tire pressure is critical to check often on your large truck or tractor-trailer.
4. Check your tires: Uneven tire wear can be related to tire pressure issues or problems with your alignment or suspension. Include a check of your tire condition and tread depth as part of your preventative maintenance plan.
5. Inspect your brakes: When you’re carrying a full load, you want to be sure you can get stopped safely. Frequently check your brakes and replace them when they reach the minimum wear condition.
6. Check air filters: A clean air filter can go a long way toward reducing your fuel consumption and helping your engine run more smoothly.
7. Do a battery load test and electrical system verification: If you operate in colder climates, a check before winter is the best way to avoid charging problems.
8. Inspect your gearbox and clutch: A regular inspection of your gearbox and verification that it is functioning properly can help you catch problems as they arise. You will also want to ensure that your clutch isn’t slipping, as this can affect reliability and fuel economy.
9. Check out your exterior lighting: A quick walk-around verification of your exterior lighting helps you catch burnt out bulbs and replace them before you hit the road.
10. Service your fifth wheel platform: Problems with your fifth wheel platform can slow you down and even keep your truck off the road if you can’t securely hook up your trailer.

Every trucking company has a unique fleet of trucks and trailers and needs to adapt their preventative maintenance list to suit their situation. Including these ten tips in your list will help ensure your trucks run more reliably and are less susceptible to breakdown.

 Source: wikipedia, globaltoyota.