To clarify the transfer cases between the L300 and the L400, in the L300 is a basic or "standard" transfer case, meaning the front/rear run at a fixed, constant, ratio. in contrast, the L400 has a differential in the transfer case, which is open by default but can be locked. that differential in the transfer case means the 4WD can be used on dry pavement (and shifted on the fly), the front and rear wheel speed can vary. It's the same difference between the American market Montero Sport (L300 style) and the Montero Full size (L400 style) (the open center diff is the "super select").
Hey mate, we've had both L300 and L400s in Australia since they were new- L300 4d56t any day over any version of the L400 (apart from not having airbags😂) The 4m40s are notorious for weak heads that warp and crack, you WILL have issues with it, the oem alloy they used is pretty much made of cheese. Every wreckers here always has one or 2 in the yard. The L400 has a quater more weight to it, theyre not bad off road but serious off road the L300 will leave it behind at the bottom of a gully. The L300 is pretty much the 80s pajero running gear and chassis with a van body. They were winning Paris- Dakar with that setup back then. Definitely intercool it and slap a vt16 variable geometry turbo on it, cheap kw and way less lag. You either have a Km145 or V5M21 gear box, better being the later as they were updated and stronger. They are interchangable. Mechanical 50/50 with solid diffs and lockers or lsd are proven and reliable for serious off roading. Belts only snap when you dont do maintenance and replace them -which your supposed to do- chains stretch and can break also. The rattling means its stretched, also means you probs have metal shavings and chain guide plastic bits all through your motor. Oil pumps love it *NEVER tow anything up a gradient in 5th, it will blow the gearbox Enjoy the tin cans❤
I’m also 6’2” but when I looked at a 300 several years ago, I figured there was no way I could drive that. People have told me my legs are too long for the 400 but I might have to reconsider that. Tom
I agree, the L400 definitely has a bigger presence on the road. That’s cool you you like the L400. The L300 certainly seems to be the favorite amongst Delica fans.
Love the L400! How did you get around registering these in CA, especially with the smog testing requirements? I see an exemption rule about 1997 and older diesels, but wasn't sure if that's the only hurdle for registering one of these.
They are not registered in California, however if you are able to provide an out of state title it makes for registration in California a lot easier. I recommend looking at out of state titling, then doing a title transfer in California which makes the DMV a lot less suspicious of these alien vans or any right hand drive powered vehicle for that matter.
Thanks for this. All your vids are so helpful! Great job sharing your thoughts. I am trying to choose between a L300 and a L400 LWB, for camping but also semi-daily driver. How bad is the engine heat or smell getting into the cab for L300 in your experience?
You definitely notice the heat from the engine, but during the colder nights it’s honestly nice because it keeps the van relatively warm. If you are daily driving the vehicle I’d say definitely go L4 given it has a lot better road ergonomics than the L3 does. I’ve put over 14,000kms on the L4 since I got it. It’s been less than 6 months ago and have been very much impressed with how consistent and well it drives. As long as you are up to date on maintenance and do some preventative modifications like steel braided brake lines and upgrading the cooling system, then you are in for a treat of reliability, capability, and style 😎
I have never felt extra heat in my L300, and I even have removed the driver seat and sit directly on the service panel with a basket ball as a back rest, Doh!. I've also removed the more rearwards air cleaner service panel, and hear more road noise thru it, haha. Maybe the aluminum radiator w/o shroud is contributing. I'm in SoCal. I off road and daily it. My van is the green and white van on the wikipedia page and in the DONUT video for unknown reasons to me........lol. Feel free to remove my long winded comments if they annoy you, I appreciate your posts and info, thanks.
@@wesleyrice21384x4 system for instance. L300 has no center diff which means 4H/L is rigid 50/50 front rear split at all times, 4H/L are good for off-road but not for on road. L400 has vacuum actuated super select system which is less reliable than the mechanical transfer case on L300. It can unlock the center diff for on road use in 4H/L, but its 4HLC/LLC have exactly the same functions as the 4H/L on L300. L300 is better off-road in every aspect.
Yes there are a few mis-informative items, but, this video also contains some of the best informed nuances I ever seen on the UA-cams, credit due. I could mention a 1/2 dozen things, but you will will have to pay me....lololololol.
I just got an L400 to deliver mail. I definitely love it and never heard of one until I found mine. Thanks for the very insightful video!
I definitely go L300 because it stands out the most!! the L400 kinda looks like a lifted Dodge Caravan and a little too bubbly for me...
That is definitely true! The L3 definitely stands out from the rest of the heard.
To clarify the transfer cases between the L300 and the L400, in the L300 is a basic or "standard" transfer case, meaning the front/rear run at a fixed, constant, ratio. in contrast, the L400 has a differential in the transfer case, which is open by default but can be locked. that differential in the transfer case means the 4WD can be used on dry pavement (and shifted on the fly), the front and rear wheel speed can vary.
It's the same difference between the American market Montero Sport (L300 style) and the Montero Full size (L400 style) (the open center diff is the "super select").
Hey mate, we've had both L300 and L400s in Australia since they were new-
L300 4d56t any day over any version of the L400 (apart from not having airbags😂)
The 4m40s are notorious for weak heads that warp and crack, you WILL have issues with it, the oem alloy they used is pretty much made of cheese.
Every wreckers here always has one or 2 in the yard.
The L400 has a quater more weight to it, theyre not bad off road but serious off road the L300 will leave it behind at the bottom of a gully.
The L300 is pretty much the 80s pajero running gear and chassis with a van body. They were winning Paris- Dakar with that setup back then.
Definitely intercool it and slap a vt16 variable geometry turbo on it, cheap kw and way less lag.
You either have a Km145 or V5M21 gear box, better being the later as they were updated and stronger. They are interchangable.
Mechanical 50/50 with solid diffs and lockers or lsd are proven and reliable for serious off roading.
Belts only snap when you dont do maintenance and replace them -which your supposed to do- chains stretch and can break also.
The rattling means its stretched, also means you probs have metal shavings and chain guide plastic bits all through your motor.
Oil pumps love it
*NEVER tow anything up a gradient in 5th, it will blow the gearbox
Enjoy the tin cans❤
Good video bring more L300 content
Appreciate the feedback, we have a lot in store for both vans.
Yes we will
I’m also 6’2” but when I looked at a 300 several years ago, I figured there was no way I could drive that. People have told me my legs are too long for the 400 but I might have to reconsider that.
Tom
If it weren’t for the safety and performance factors, I’d definitely go for the l300
Depending on how you tune the 4d56, it can out perform the 4m40
Awesome video man !! Thank you !!
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I like the looks of the L400 better. Cute as well as tough looking.
I agree, the L400 definitely has a bigger presence on the road. That’s cool you you like the L400. The L300 certainly seems to be the favorite amongst Delica fans.
Film this under the underpass in sausalito by chance?? Sweet delicas duder!
Thank you! Yeah you know it
Love the L400! How did you get around registering these in CA, especially with the smog testing requirements? I see an exemption rule about 1997 and older diesels, but wasn't sure if that's the only hurdle for registering one of these.
They are not registered in California, however if you are able to provide an out of state title it makes for registration in California a lot easier. I recommend looking at out of state titling, then doing a title transfer in California which makes the DMV a lot less suspicious of these alien vans or any right hand drive powered vehicle for that matter.
How much was your L400
L300 is a beast tho
Are you not in Aotearoa bro
I wish bro
Thanks for this. All your vids are so helpful! Great job sharing your thoughts.
I am trying to choose between a L300 and a L400 LWB, for camping but also semi-daily driver. How bad is the engine heat or smell getting into the cab for L300 in your experience?
You definitely notice the heat from the engine, but during the colder nights it’s honestly nice because it keeps the van relatively warm. If you are daily driving the vehicle I’d say definitely go L4 given it has a lot better road ergonomics than the L3 does. I’ve put over 14,000kms on the L4 since I got it. It’s been less than 6 months ago and have been very much impressed with how consistent and well it drives. As long as you are up to date on maintenance and do some preventative modifications like steel braided brake lines and upgrading the cooling system, then you are in for a treat of reliability, capability, and style 😎
I have never felt extra heat in my L300, and I even have removed the driver seat and sit directly on the service panel with a basket ball as a back rest, Doh!. I've also removed the more rearwards air cleaner service panel, and hear more road noise thru it, haha. Maybe the aluminum radiator w/o shroud is contributing. I'm in SoCal. I off road and daily it. My van is the green and white van on the wikipedia page and in the DONUT video for unknown reasons to me........lol. Feel free to remove my long winded comments if they annoy you, I appreciate your posts and info, thanks.
Sham-Oh-Nee...Not Sharm-nee. It's named after an area in France.
Excuse my french.
@@NamelessCo I like how u say it ;)
Do your own research. MANY things in this video are not correct.
Like what? Thanks in advance
@@wesleyrice21384x4 system for instance. L300 has no center diff which means 4H/L is rigid 50/50 front rear split at all times, 4H/L are good for off-road but not for on road. L400 has vacuum actuated super select system which is less reliable than the mechanical transfer case on L300. It can unlock the center diff for on road use in 4H/L, but its 4HLC/LLC have exactly the same functions as the 4H/L on L300. L300 is better off-road in every aspect.
@@NOCTKINETICS better in every aspect? Not sure that’s accurate. L400 has coil rear springs and bigger axles, arguably better for off road.
@@WEOWNTHESKIES far better angle of attack too...
Yes there are a few mis-informative items, but, this video also contains some of the best informed nuances I ever seen on the UA-cams, credit due. I could mention a 1/2 dozen things, but you will will have to pay me....lololololol.