Newbie - Help is this a 4x4 Bongo

[udhi]

Hi all,
Newbie here. I am more comfortable with older Land Rovers.

I am under orders to get a Mazda Bongo for the ex and kids. I would like them to have a 4x4 version. I am interested in a Bongo that is faaaaaar away. Before I went over, I asked the owner if it was a 4x4, they were not sure but took the time to send me these pics. Could someone please have a look and tell me if it is a 4x4, please? (I assume it is rear wheel drive and the Bellhousing is to the rear)

Appreciate any help.

[udhi]

and two more:

[gilly99]

You really want to travel and see a bongo where the owner does not know if 2 or 4-wheel drive and looks like that underneath??

[g8dhe]

I don't believe that is a 4x4 I can't see the transfer case that drives from the rear prop shaft to create the front prop shaft. See https://www.lushprojects.com/bongoparts ... 5tr.html#5 various pages on this list.
Why do you want a 4x4 ?
The 4x4 has a special clutch - viscous clutch - that causes the front wheels to be driven when the rear wheels start slipping, these are no longer available as spares. If it fails, and a lot have, then you have no option but to disconnect the entire front drive mechanism.
Unless your ex plans on doing a lot of mud work there is very little purpose on modern campsites in having a 4x4 other than costing more fuel to run them!

[udhi]

Thank you both -
@Gilly99
I do want to go and see the vehicle, but I am pretty set that the ex will need a 4x4 (she has a reputation for left-field adventure, having travelled across Africa on her own and other odd shenanigans. The African trip is what made her ask me to get a Bongo, apparently, these are commonly used in Africa. This adventurous spirit will do no end of good for my kids but it might lead her to wilder camping too, I need to get a her a capable vehicle, when the erm...wheel falls off?

Dirty undersides and minor rust is to be expected on a 30 year old Japanese Import - especially at my price point.

G8DHE
Thank You the owner has sent further pics (attached) that support your idea, that its a 4x2.

I had no idea that it was a Viscous drive with parts NLA! This really does put a tilt on my plans.

I have tried to get her interested in using my Land Rover (difflocked, roll cage, twin fuel tanks) - but it was "robustly declined".

I will keep reading here.

[g8dhe]

OK, that last photo clearly shows no transfer case or front prop shaft. the gap between exhaust pipe and gearbox is where the transfer case and front prop shaft sit.
Understand need for the 4x4 if your talking about off-road travel, however be aware that there is very little clearance on a Friendee between road and the engine undercover and hence the oil sump, especially on well pitted tracks! Its not really a vehicle well suited to rough terrain work, whilst the 4x4 gives you good pulling power and grip being so low slung your very likely to find yourself suspended on deep ruts. Something with a lot more ground clearance would be a much better choice!
Ah yes knew something was missing there isn't an engine undercover fitted on the photo's, this plays an important part in engine ventilation and cooling as it funnels the incoming air thru the engine compartment and out the back, with it missing the air tends to dive under the engine also noise levels are lot higher as the undercover also acts as a baffle for road noise.

[g8dhe]

Useful link here viewtopic.php?p=273011#p273011
The ground clearance is around 6-7 inches it seems!

[udhi]

See, little conversations lead to big things! - the other Bongo that I was looking at, also does not have an underbody shroud. I hear that the 2.5 Diesels can overheat which compounds the problem.

I have had a read on the Viscous Couplings:

• It seems to have a 100K Km life span before the fluids deteriorate (unfounded, but relevant)

• There are a couple of ideas on how to check the VC's condition

• The VC is sealed, nothing online found on how to replace this fluid

• Nothing found on new replacements, only to hunt breakers for a less damaged part

So many enthusiasts still cannot be wrong on Bongo as a choice, so I will keep looking for 4x4 and 4x2 Bongos. I have had a flat no to the Delica (too old, too narrow), Land Rover ("it gives me a headache, and its loud...and crude"). She likes the T4s - not seen a syncro in a while, so a 4x2 there too I expect.. Things are going to get very stabby if there is no resolution.

[BromGo]

if off-road is a major concern, a smaller 4x4 with a roof tent might be a better option. Jimny / Land Cruiser / Pajero etc.

[WestyK]

Isn't a Bongo even smaller and narrower than a Delica?
I could be wrong but always thought it was a bigger vehicle and based on a Showgun / Pajero running gear?

I Don't want to put you off a Bongo they are great and I love mine. But as they are up to 30 years old so do need looking after in all respects.
If properly maintained they can be reliable but do need to be kept on top of.

[Bob]

Isn't a Bongo even smaller and narrower than a Delica?
I could be wrong but always thought it was a bigger vehicle and based on a Showgun / Pajero running gear?

I Don't want to put you off a Bongo they are great and I love mine. But as they are up to 30 years old so do need looking after in all respects.
If properly maintained they can be reliable but do need to be kept on top of.

Spot on.

A lot of good advice here, and maybe ask her what she does want?