Mini Truck Info

Our New Mini Truck Info Page
More and better information than before!
Suzuki Carry Truck - New Body Style

Make:
Suzuki 
Models:
DB52T (1999-2001), DA62T (2001-2001), DA63T (2003)
Year Range:
1999 to 2003 
Body Style:
Long Wheel Base, Wheel Forward
Engine Type:
EFI 3 cylinder gas 
Engine CC:
660 
Transmission:
5 Speed 
Transfer Case:
Hi/Low 
Typical Options:
AC, Dump 
Available Options:
Power Steering, Turbo
Lift Kit Options:
2 1/4", 4" Available Soon 
Tire Options: 
23" (2 1/4"), 25" & 26" (4")
Advantages:
The new style Suzuki has many plusses including a large cab, wheel forward design, EFI engine, and is readily modified and lifted.  The Suzuki is the most versatile of all the new style trucks, and most easily lifted to greater than 3" allowing for larger tire options.  The wheel forward configuration makes a much greater angle of aproach posible, and practical.  The truck is 6" longer than the older body style.  All 6" has been added to the cab of the truck.  Leg room and comfort are excellent.  The new EFI engine starts well in the cold, runs smooth, and lasts.
 
  • Large Cab - Great Leg Room
  • Increased Angle of Aproach
  • EFI Engine
  • Hi/Low Transfer
  • Cold Weather Start
  • Many Options
  • Wide Lift Selection
  • Wide Tire Selection
Disadvantages:
 There are not many disadvantages to these trucks.  The cab and leg room is not as large as a comprable Subaru.  There is no coman differential lock for them.  We are working on this issue.
 
  • No differential lock
  • Cab not as large as Subaru

 
 Suzuki Carry Truck - Old Body Style 660cc

Make:
Suzuki 
Models:
DD51T, DB51T
Year Range:
1990 to 1998
Body Style:
Short Wheel Base, Wheel Under Seat
Engine Type:
3 cylinder gas 
Engine CC:
660 
Transmission:
5 Speedw /Hi/Low or Extra Low Plus 5 Speed
Transfer Case:
Hi/Low (most likely)
Typical Options:
AC, Dump, Differential Lock, Axel Lock 
Available Options:
Power Steering, Turbo (not many)
Lift Kit Options:
2 1/4", 3" 
Tire Options: 
23" (2 1/4"), 25"(3")
Advantages:
The early to late 90's Suzuki has been the most popular truck in the US for most of the time they have been imported.  This is because the Suzuki is a tough, reliable, & easily modified work horse.  The mid engine design has been the most sought after as is more readily addapts to lifts, and larger tires.  The engine is powerful, & easy to maintain.  It is the most likely of all the makes to have sought after features like differential, & axle lock. Many Suzuki trucks will also have the dump bed.
 
  • Highly modifiable
  • Powerfull Durable Engine
  • Hi/Low Transfer
  • Many Options
  • Wide Lift Selection
  • Wide Tire Selection
Disadvantages:
 The early Suzuki has the smallest cab of all the mini truck models.  This is a disadvantage for taller and larger drivers.
 
  • Small Cab
  • No EFI Engine

 
Daihatsu HiJet Truck - New Body Style 

Make:
Daihatsu
Models:
S210P
Year Range:
1999 to 2003 
Body Style:
Long Wheel Base, Wheel Under Seat
Engine Type:
EFI 3 cylinder gas 
Engine CC:
660 
Transmission:
5 Speed 
Transfer Case:
Hi/Low(not on all trucks)
Typical Options:
AC, Dump
Available Options:
Jumbo Cab, Power Steering
Lift Kit Options:
2 1/4", 3" (in house install)
Tire Options: 
23" (2 1/4"), 25" (3")
Advantages:
  The new style Daihatsu has some advantages over the S83P, and S110P trucks including a large cab, & EFI engine, and is readily modified and lifted.  The S210P is easily lifted 2 ¼” to allow the installation of 23” tires. We can lift the truck 3” in house and install 25” tires. We should have a kit out for this in mid to late 2008.  The truck is 6" longer than the older body style.  All 6" has been added to the cab of the truck.  Leg room and comfort are excellent. The availability of a Jumbo Cab option provides even more leg room for even the tallest drivers.  The new EFI engine starts well in the cold, runs smooth, and lasts.
 
  • Large Cab - Great Leg Room
  • EFI Engine
  • Hi/Low Transfer
  • Jumbo Cabs Available
  • Cold Weather Start
  • Many Options
  • Wide Lift Selection
  • Wide Tire Selection
Disadvantages:
 There are not many disadvantages to these trucks. The front wheel is still under the seat.  There is no common differential lock for them.  We are working on this issue.
 
  • Front Tire Under Seat
  • No differential lock
 

 
 Daihatsu HiJet Truck - Old Body Style 660cc

Make:
Daihatsu
Models:
S83P (1990-1993), S110P (1994-1998)
Year Range:
1990 to 1998 
Body Style:
Short Wheel Base, Wheel Under Seat
Engine Type:
3 cylinder gas 
Engine CC:
660 
Transmission:
4 or 5 Speed
Transfer Case:
Hi/Low(not on all trucks)
Typical Options:
AC, Dump, Differential Lock, Axel Lock
Available Options:
Jumbo Cab, Power Steering
Lift Kit Options:
2 1/4", 3"
Tire Options: 
23" (2 1/4"), 25" (3")
Advantages:
  The early to late 90's Daihatsu is second to only the Suzuki in popularity in the US for most of the time they have been imported.  This is because the Daihatsu is a tough, reliable, & easily modified work horse.  The mid engine design has been the most sought after as it more readily adapts to lifts, and larger tires.  The engine is powerful, & easy to maintain.  It is the second most likely of all the makes to have sought after features like differential, & axle lock. Many Daihatsu trucks will also have the dump bed. The cab of the Daihatsu is larger than the same year Suzuki.
 
  • Cab Larger Than Suzuki
  • Hi/Low Transfer
  • Jumbo Cabs Available
  • Many Options
  • Wide Lift Selection
  • Wide Tire Selection
Disadvantages:
  
 
  • Front Tire Under Seat
 

 

 Mitsubishi MiniCab Truck - New Body Style 

Make:
Mitsubishi
Models:
U62T
Year Range:
1999 to 2003 
Body Style:
Long Wheel Base, Wheel Forward
Engine Type:
EFI 3 cylinder gas 
Engine CC:
660 
Transmission:
5 Speed 
Transfer Case:
Hi/Low
Typical Options:
AC
Available Options:
Power Steering
Lift Kit Options:
1 3/4"
Tire Options: 
23" (1 3/4")
Advantages:
  The new style Mitsubishi has some advantages over the U42T trucks including a large cab, & EFI engine.  The U62T is easily lifted 1 3/4” to allow the installation of 23” tires.  The truck is 6" longer than the older body style.  All 6" has been added to the cab of the truck.  Leg room and comfort are excellent. The new EFI engine starts well in the cold, runs smooth, and lasts.
 
  • Large Cab - Great Leg Room
  • EFI Engine
  • Hi/Low Transfer Case
  • Cold Weather Start
  • Many Options
Disadvantages:
 The main disadvantage to this truck is the availability of lifts.  The Mitsubishi is limited to 23" tires.  In most situations and uses this is not a draw back at all.
 
  • Limited Tire Selection
  • No differential lock
 

   

What is a Mini Truck?

The trucks imported by Crossroads Import are kei class mini trucks from Japan. They are either 550cc or 660cc trucks used for work and everyday driving in Japan. The older 550cc models were made before 1990. All trucks made in 1990 and newer are 660 cc trucks.
Generally Shared Characteristics:

1. 4x4 Drive Train w/ Auto Hubs
2. 660cc Liquid Cooled 3 Cylinder In Line Gas Engine
3. 4 or 5 Speed manual transmission
4. High/Low Transfer Case
5. 10 ½ ft Long x 4 ½” Wide
6. 6 ft Long x 4 ft Wide Bed
7. Weigh 1,500 lbs
8. Payload 1,400 lbs
9. Drive 60 MPH(speed limited to 25 MPH)
10. Get 30-40 MPG
Options Available On Some Truck:

1. Air Conditioning
2. Hydraulic Dump Bed
3. Differential Lock
4. Axle Lock
Truck Models Available in Limited Quantity:

1. Dump Trucks
2. 4x4 Mini Vans
3. Deck Vans
4. Jumbo Cab (extended cab)
5. Pajero – As far as I know the only ones imported to the US.
Mini Truck Models

Crossroads Import imports trucks from all 6 major Japanese manufacturers. These include Daihatsu (Toyota), Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Mazda (Suzuki), Honda, & Subaru.

All mini trucks look very similar. There are some differences though. The major design difference is the location of the engine. The Daihatsu, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Mazda are all mid engine design trucks. The Honda and Subaru are rear engine design trucks.
Mid Engine Design

Mid engine trucks have the engine and transmission located just under the seats and behind the cab. Access to the engine is gained by folding up the seats, removing the bed located access panel and from under the truck.

Mid engine trucks all utilize a solid rear axle. The rear axle is supported by leaf springs. Some trucks will have a spring under and others will have a spring over configuration. The front drive utilizes a differential and independent front suspension.

Mid engine trucks are conducive to aftermarket lifts of up to 3” and some trucks can be lifted higher. When lifted 3” 25 inch tires can be utilized with many different ATV tires available.

Rear Engine Design

Rear engine trucks have the engine located near the rear wheels. The Honda has the engine located just ahead of the rear wheels, while the Subaru engine is located just to the rear of the rear wheels.

The engine of the Honda is accessed through the bed located access panel and from under the truck. The Subaru engine is accessed thought bed located access panel as well as from the rear swinging engine cover.

Rear engine trucks feature a front and rear differential. The front is supported by an independent suspension. The rear is a modified independent suspension with the rear wheels joined by a stabilization bar. The Subaru has rear coil springs while the Honda features rear leaf springs.

Rear engine trucks can be lifted up to 2 inches at this time. We are presently developing and testing 1 ½”, and 2” lift kits for the Honda and Subaru. When lifted 23” tires can be installed.