What’s the point of an XU4?

**ambientgoat** · 09-06-2010, 08:21 PM

I have a van that I constantly argue with myself where it’s worth restoring, extensive rust plus what looks like fairly significant accident damage that was repaired more than poorly.

One thing I do wonder about is if it’s an XU3 or an XU4.

This gets me to wondering, why back in the day would you order a de-rated van if not a sandman?

Andrei

**stickthis** · 09-06-2010, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by ambientgoat

I have a van that I constantly argue with myself where it’s worth restoring, extensive rust plus what looks like fairly significant accident damage that was repaired more than poorly.

One thing I do wonder about is if it’s an XU3 or an XU4.

This gets me to wondering, why back in the day would you order a de-rated van if not a sandman?

Andrei

XU4 is simply a de rated van or ute like you suggest. Basically the reason for a derated van or ute is it came from the factory with sedan tyres. Not commercial tyres. So they handled better. Due to the less ply rating of the tyres they couldn't handle as much weight. This giving you the less weight rating.

XU3 is the sandman package. Non derated van or ute.

XX7 is the sandman package with sedan tyres (derated)

There was no derated sandman pre October 1976. So early HJ and all HQ where not derated and where all classed as a XX7.

XU3 only started in October 76.

XU4 not sure when it started. It may have started in October 76 like the derated XX7.

Cheers
Jason

**wbute** · 09-06-2010, 08:42 PM

Did it have anything to do with what set of springs they had on the rear?

**stickthis** · 09-06-2010, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by wbute

Did it have anything to do with what set of springs they had on the rear?

not that I am aware of. I believe it was just to do with the tyres. All the springs where the same? except for the tonners. From what I am aware of.

**wbute** · 09-06-2010, 08:45 PM

So all the utes and vans had the smaller spring pack? I actually swapped my springs for the 6 leaf ones on my WB to stiffen it up and make it handle better.

**stickthis** · 09-06-2010, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by wbute

So all the utes and vans had the smaller spring pack? I actually swapped my springs for the 6 leaf ones on my WB to stiffen it up and make it handle better.

From what im aware yes. Might have to look in my parts books when I get a spare 5. =)

**ambientgoat** · 09-06-2010, 10:30 PM

I get the different tyres thing. It just seems odd to me that you'd order a commercial vehicle and then lower the carrying capacity purely based on different set of tyres.

I guess I also just want to believe I have an XX7 not an XU4.

**HZSandman** · 10-06-2010, 07:27 AM

cost would be a factor. Sandmans were much more expensive than the base model.

**stickthis** · 10-06-2010, 08:06 AM

Cost yes. But the XX7 and the XU3 where a sports package. gts bits n pieces etc.

XX7 and XU4 both got sedan tyres. So the reason for this is they handle better. The commersial tyres where not as good on the road.

only differance between the XX7 and XU4 is that XX7 got the gts bits aswell. =)

You say you have a XU4. What model is it?

**ambientgoat** · 10-06-2010, 09:27 AM

I'm not sure if it's an XU4 or an XX7. It is a Mint Julep HX 2 seater, derated, 254 aussie 4 speed. However the interior is 67V and the headlining strip is either removed or missing.
I've spoken to you about it in an email before. If you remember the van that has the random bits of station wagon and scrap metal welded together and covered in bog to make a side.