I need this id'd.

"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes) 12/18/2016 at 14:06 • Filed to: None

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I thought it was an Asuna Sunrunner, but it’s not.

I’ve been informed that’s a 4x4 Mazda MPV. This one had a 5spd, what appeared very little rust.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/18/2016 at 14:09

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Mazda MPV. 1st gen (1988-’99), Minivan based on the Luce/929 body pan and frame rails with many shared driveline and suspension components with the B-series pickups (via subframe), meaning they could be had with locking difs and low-range 4X4 as well as basic RWD.

404 - User No Longer Available > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/18/2016 at 14:09

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Mazda MPV. I think that’s the only minivan ever to sport a 4x4 locking diff.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/18/2016 at 14:24

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Mazda MPV 4x4. I fucking love those.

HammerheadFistpunch > 404 - User No Longer Available 12/18/2016 at 14:27

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Locking center diff, not axles diffs.

HammerheadFistpunch > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 12/18/2016 at 14:28

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They were never available with axle locks, only a central diff lock.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > HammerheadFistpunch 12/18/2016 at 14:42

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It would appear you are correct, I have ridden in one with lockers, but it was quite modified, lifted and had a soild front axle too. The switch sure looked factory, but knowing the builder it is entirely possible they had a custom button printed up for a standard mazda switch...

EDIT: further Googling provides evidence that several third parties offered rear axles and front differentials with lockers to fit the MPV... it was actually possible to retain the IFS but replace the factory differential with a locking unit (these units may or may not be exactly the same as the ones offered for B-series pickups)

gmctavish needs more space > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/18/2016 at 15:50

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Holy crap, I’ve seen 4x4 MPVs, and 5 speed ones, but never at the same time. Want.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > gmctavish needs more space 12/18/2016 at 15:52

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They sold the 4x4/5spd from 1989-1991, so it had to be a rare one.

HammerheadFistpunch > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 12/18/2016 at 16:08

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That’s cool to know, I would love to hear more about this uber mpv one day too, sounds really cool

gmctavish needs more space > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/18/2016 at 16:59

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I also had no idea that the 2WD ones were RWD, so now I’m trying to convince my friend to get a manual one since he’s gonna be having a baby soon and will have to give up the E30 vert as a daily driver

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > HammerheadFistpunch 12/18/2016 at 17:12

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it was a minor acquaintance’s years ago, a friend of a friend.... it was used on Nantucket as a dune/party hauler. More seats than a pickup but easier to get places than a full-size SUV like a Suburban, The thing was at least as capable as a Cherokee offroad, and bigger and more comfortable. Further Googleing indicates that the B-Series pickups and the MPV had nearly identical front suspension and differentials, and it was/is pretty simple to interchange bits, including solid axle kits designed for the B-series. The rear axle was actually “harder” to change as the MPV had coil springs and the B-Series pickups had leafs, of course.