Ironing out the kinks before transferring overseas.

[MN1(SW)]

I just bought this truck in August with the intention of taking it with me to Japan when I get orders. I want to make sure that this isn't something that's going to give me issues since there will be no dealerships to cover warranty work out there.

 

I've heard pros and cons for both leaving the AFM on and off.

 

How exactly does it work?

 

Is it only in the programming or is it mechanical?

 

Does it randomly change the deactivated cylinders or is it always the same 4; will the wear be even across all cylinders?

 

Some of the people I've talked to have said that turning it off is just as bad as leaving it on. They said the AFM is mechanical and if the ECU doesn't periodically turn on AFM, then the mechanical parts will break from lack of use. Is that true?

 

Are there any other common issues that could go wrong and screw me over while I'm over there? The truck now has 4700 miles and will probably have about 10,000 miles on it when I ship it. I understand things will eventually break and nothing's certain, I just want to make sure nothing is likely to go wrong within 50,000 miles. If I can get at least 50,000 miles of it before I have to do anything drastic, I'll be happy.

 

Thanks!

[Chris]

Nothing is likely to mechanically go wrong. AFM is both programming and mechanical. It can be disabled through programming though. Also it is always the same 4 cylinders

[JRaschke11]

Are you in the U.S. military? Not sure you will be able to bring your truck to Japan...

[Chris]

Last i remember it was only classics, but i got out in 2011

[JRaschke11]

Japan has an import embargo on anything newer than March 1976. Also I just came from Okinawa a few months ago and I see absolutely zero chance of you taking a truck to Japan. It would be a horrible idea anyway even if it was allowed because their roads are narrow and not designed for big vehicles. There are a lot of alleys and side roads you simply wouldn't fit down.

[MN1(SW)]

Nothing is likely to mechanically go wrong. AFM is both programming and mechanical. It can be disabled through programming though. Also it is always the same 4 cylinders

Mechanical and Electrical, got it. How exactly does it work? Is it through the camshaft or what?

[MN1(SW)]

Japan has an import embargo on anything newer than March 1976. Also I just came from Okinawa a few months ago and I see absolutely zero chance of you taking a truck to Japan. It would be a horrible idea anyway even if it was allowed because their roads are narrow and not designed for big vehicles. There are a lot of alleys and side roads you simply wouldn't fit down.

 

 

Last i remember it was only classics, but i got out in 2011

 

 

Are you in the U.S. military? Not sure you will be able to bring your truck to Japan...

Yeah, I'm in the military. I already served 5 years in Sasebo. I won't have a problem getting it over there. One of my buddy's is a Japanese guy that imports and registers American bikes and cars. I've been to Okinawa quite a few times, mainland definitely has more space to move around. I'll be going back to Sasebo so I already know where I can and can't go with it.

 

I don't know anything about an embargo but I've seen a few dodge rams, toyota tundras, and even a newer ford f-450. In fact, right before I left in January of 2014, there was a guy that just imported and registered his brand new Cadillac Escalade.

[JRaschke11]

I've been to mainland and there is more room than Okinawa, but still a lot of parking lots and places you won't be able to go. Bikes are completely different, it's super easy to get a bike there. You can import any bike and get it inspected and brought to code and ride it.

 

To bring your vehicle you need an actual two-star to sign off on your paperwork, and every single one is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

I can't sit here and tell you it won't happen but... I don't see it happening.

 

I would love to know the steps you take and the $$ amount if you actually pull it off.