Vehicle Type:
Compact SUV / Off-roader / Kei Truck variant (depending on specific body style of F50 Taft).
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain, repair, and restore their Daihatsu Taft F50, including those with off-road applications.
Segment Competitors:
Early Suzuki Jimny, Jeep CJ series, Toyota Land Cruiser (earlier models), Mitsubishi Pajero (early models) in terms of ruggedness and off-road capability.
Vehicle Key Attributes:
Robust chassis, capable off-road performance, compact dimensions, reliable diesel engine, simplicity of design.
Manual Value:
Provides comprehensive technical guidance, enabling owners to perform most maintenance and repair tasks, thus saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission control systems.
Fuel System:
Diesel injection pump, injectors, fuel lines, filters, glow plug system.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system (glow plugs), lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, power distribution.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (gearbox), transfer case, propeller shafts, differentials (front and rear), axles, hubs.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings), steering gearbox, tie rods, linkages, power steering system (if applicable).
Brakes:
Brake system components (master cylinder, wheel cylinders/calipers, brake shoes/pads, drums/rotors), brake lines, parking brake system.
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, glass, bumpers, interior trim, seats, convertible top mechanism (if applicable).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components (if equipped).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug/glow plug replacement, belt adjustments, battery maintenance, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem identification and solutions.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic data.
Depth Of Information:
Complete, ranging from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete mechanical rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Model:
Likely DL51 series
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, Diesel
Horsepower Estimate:
Approximately 50-65 HP (typical for this displacement and era).
Torque Estimate:
Around 100-120 Nm (typical for this displacement and era).
Injection System:
Indirect Injection (likely, common for older diesels) with rotary or inline injection pump.
Cooling Method:
Water-cooled
Oil Type Recommendation:
API CD or CE grade diesel engine oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate (refer to manual for exact specs).
Ignition System Type:
Glow plug system for cold starting.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
Likely 4-speed Automatic (less common for diesel variants of this era).
Drivetrain Layout:
Part-time 4WD with selectable 2WD/4WD and often a low-range transfer case.
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 - refer to manual for exact specification).
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
GL-4 Gear Oil (similar to transmission).
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise interval).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km or annually (refer to manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 km or annually, or as needed based on operating conditions (refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (refer to manual).
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6-7 Liters (refer to manual for exact capacity and type, likely ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Likely Dexron II/III Automatic Transmission Fluid or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual).
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, leaf spring components, clutch wear, exhaust system corrosion, glow plug reliability, rust on body panels, injector pump seals.
Diesel Specific Concerns:
Potential for injector pump wear, fuel system contamination if poor quality fuel is used, glow plug circuit issues.
Daihatsu Heritage:
Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, has a long history of producing small, fuel-efficient, and capable vehicles, particularly in the Kei and compact SUV segments.
Taft Evolution:
The Taft (Toyota Rugged) was a precursor to Daihatsu's modern SUV offerings, known for its ruggedness and off-road prowess. The F50 is an early generation.
Production Period:
The Daihatsu Taft F-series was produced from the late 1970s into the 1980s. The 2.2L diesel variant likely falls within the mid-to-late production run.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
