XT versus LT

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wessa #400
Member
Posts: 67
The feedback and knowledge shared through the forum site is fantastic., spending quite a bit of time pouring over and digesting the posts (much to my wifes irritation sometimes). I have read various comments regarding XT's and LT's. Some saying it is better to buy and XT than an LT however very little is ever said regarding why!!. I own an XT (120) and am looking at an LT. I would appreciate any comments / feedback regarding the pro's and con's of the different modes. I am sure there is a lot of knowledge and experience out there and I'm always willing to learn.
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October 11, 2010 at 4:20 PM Flag Quote & Reply

David Hallandal
Member
Posts: 133
From driving both over time I have found the LT to have a lighter Clutch Pedal, and lighter steering wheel feel, The XT had a much better Transfer Box, the engine cover is wider and with the radiator further back is quieter but Dyna-Lyna and carpet fixes this well.
The earlier XTs vary from later XTs. Dual cabs and bus bodies are shorter on 001 to 136, these OKAs also received on going series of upgrades.
A large update from 137 to 250 included Longer bodies and a TRW Steering Box.
October 11, 2010 at 4:44 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Outback Jack
Member
Posts: 381
From my little experience and being a little bias I guess.
Late VIN number XT are suppose to be the best. They have the same steering box as LT. With XT although the vent controls maybe a little crude, it is functional and will last forever, where the LT is no longer available from what I understand.
LT have Hyradulic clutch, so may seem a little lighter.
As mentioned the XT has the better transfer case.


The LT looks a little better IMHO.
Having a more plastic dash and also new front.





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October 11, 2010 at 7:52 PM Flag Quote & Reply

joseph baz
Member
Posts: 331
The good thing about OKA's is the process of evolution and the fact that upgrades can be done,they moved from the NP205 because these were no longer available after the Israelies bought all that was left at the factory and they have to look for another transfer case,putting a low volume vehicle together is not an easy task,many people tried (Leader,RFW) and due to indiference from the market they have to close down,it's a funny situation how people criticise and after they close down every body puts up with inferior vehicles and no one says boooh.
Better not get tooo carried away
Joe
October 11, 2010 at 10:05 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Outback Jack
Member
Posts: 381
Also how many vehicles that are 15 yo and you can upgrade body panels etc to the latest model, like you can with the OKA,
My XT is having a NT new roof, coffin panels and air cleaner, windows to scissor lifts etc etc.
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October 11, 2010 at 10:28 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Paul Scherek
Member
Posts: 136
For what it is worth, two years ago knowing nothing at all about Okas I decided to buy one. During my search - through three states - I drove I think every one on the market.

I ended up with a short list of two - one an LT dual cab, registered, privately owned from new, under 100,000 k's, locking diffs front and rear, all sorts of radios and heaps of extras, near new Michelins and very, very tidy for about $40,000.

I ended up buying an unregistered single cab XT at 300,000 k's with no extras, but in tidy - if not great - condition for $38,000.

The reason for this seemingly crazy choice? The LT transfer boxes cause so much low frequency noise and vibration that the vehicles just don't seem as nice to drive - and I drove about 4 LT's and 3 XT's. The XT seemed light and breezy to drive, while the LT's seemed heavy and wheezy.

I am still very pleased with my choice - the XT is a great vehicle to drive. And at last I have started on a motorhome conversion.

Cheers all,

Paul
October 12, 2010 at 7:26 AM Flag Quote & Reply

wessa #400
Member
Posts: 67
Thanks for the feedback, from what I have heard and some of the comments in previous forums I thought this subject would have created a wider range of views. Am I right in assumming that the only major difference is the quality of the transfer case and after that it's personal preference or loyalty.
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October 12, 2010 at 7:50 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Peter_n_Margaret
Member
Posts: 198
Transfer case is the biggy.
Paul N. has converted at least one LT back to a 205 transfer case, but it costs a few bob...

Cheers,
Peter
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Cheers Peter, OKA196 Motorhome. www.oka4wd.com/xt196.htm



October 12, 2010 at 8:18 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Hal Harvey
Site Owner
Posts: 510
Wessa, would you be the proud new owner of #420?

I've only ever driven an LT, and had no idea that there were two different models until well after I'd bought it. Perhaps ignorance is bliss - still happy with buying the first one I ever looked at, and I prefer the LT front styling and double dash myself. Transfer case has always behaved itself - hasn't had a spanner on it in 15 years. Touch wood.
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Hal

October 12, 2010 at 9:34 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Aussie Bight Expeditions
Member
Posts: 109
I own 2 LT OKA's and have driven a few that have not been and the higher in the build number the better they seem to be.
I can also tell you my LT's are both different to drive and are identical in all the parts as they interchange between them.
The one advantage the rockwell transfer case is that in the bush if it does fail ( have had one do it) you can remove and connect the gear box straight to the rear diff and use the front tail shaft for that and maybe get out of the bush.
Cannot do that with the other transfer. They are good and most likely easier to use, as mine jams in low range sometimes due to what I do with it, but if I had one I certainly would put in Pauls heavy conversion to remove weak link in that system.
One of my OKA's the lower numbered one had a lighter model Rockwell transfer case in it and they made I believe they only put in 13 of them. They are easy to tell, if you have one the hand brake section of it is only 50 mm wide compared to the better one that has a 75 mm hand brake section.
I really believe any one who owns an OKA is after something different to drive and that we are all lucky to own them whether it is for business or pleasure and the model really is not that important as long as you are pleased with it yourself and does what you yourself want to do with it.

Live and enjoy them
ABE TONY
Esperance
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October 12, 2010 at 10:45 PM Flag Quote & Reply

okadoc
Member
Posts: 98
Hi all, type in Lomax transfer case in your search engine and have a squizzy
October 13, 2010 at 5:53 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Aussie Bight Expeditions
Member
Posts: 109
Yes, they do look impressive and also have the heavier spline joiner in the list as well as Paul makes. The price is cheap at the moment for unit as well so they might be well worth a look at bringing in, as I am fitting a Phaser 6 cylinder to mine and 80 series diffs made in Melbourne very soon, as I am relocating to Melbourne in a few days time, tourism in this state has fallen 80% in 3 seasons in Esperance.

ABE TONY
Esperance
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October 13, 2010 at 6:16 PM Flag Quote & Reply

wessa #400
Member
Posts: 67
Hi Hal,
How did you pick that. By the way it is build #400 not 420 they had the wrong books for it. The reason for the XT - LT discussion was probably to allay any feeling of disloyalty to the XT. it is a great vehicle hasn't given an once of trouble, in excellant condition, no rust, maintained to public transport requirements and is ready for this season yet I go and buy an LT???? don't know whether I need my head read or what. Thanks for all the feed, I guess I will just find out for myself. As for the XT would love to keep it and turn it into a camper ( however my missus would c......... me, 2 Oka's?????)
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October 13, 2010 at 7:04 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Hal Harvey
Site Owner
Posts: 510
Ha, nothing special, just doing a bit of a background search after being asked by John Dabner to change his ad from 'for sale' to 'sold'.

I'd love to have a second Oka - but I'm dreaming. Thanks for the alert re #420 - #400.
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Hal

October 13, 2010 at 9:53 PM