Plastic Snorkel Install Guide: 3rd Gen Hilux Surf 185

This snorkel kit was designed for the Hilux 167 and it fits the 3rd Gen Hilux Surf 185 with one important difference: the supplied template won't line up exactly with the Surf's guard. Take your time marking out and this is a very achievable home job. If you're not confident cutting and drilling panels, a professional fit is worth it.

What's in the box and what you'll need

In the box

• Snorkel body
• Air ram head
• Inner guard ducting or joining pipe
• Mounting bracket
• Template (needs adjusting for the Surf, see below)
• Rubber joiners and hose clamps
• Fitting hardware: nuts, bolts, washers and rivets

Tools

• Drill and a set of drill bits, plus a step drill for pilot holes
• Hole saw, usually 89 to 95mm (go by the template)
• Angle grinder or a deburring tool
• Ratchet set and spanners
• Rivet gun
• Masking tape and a marker pen
• Rust-proof primer or paint, and automotive silicone sealant
• Safety glasses and gloves

The template: read this first

The template has no fixed reference marks for the Surf, so the snorkel body itself is your best guide. Tape the template on, then hold the snorkel up against it and check every hole lines up before you mark anything.

Getting ready

1. Park on level ground, put the handbrake on and disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the inner guard liner and the factory air intake ducting.
3. Clean the guard where the snorkel will sit.
4. Cover the area with masking tape so the paint doesn't chip when you drill.

Fitting it, step by step

Step 1: Position the template

Tape the template to the guard roughly where the snorkel will sit. Hold the snorkel body in place and check the holes line up. Move your marks to suit the Surf guard.

Step 2: Mark and drill

Centre punch each adjusted hole. Drill pilot holes for the bolts, then cut the main inlet hole with the hole saw. Deburr every edge and paint any bare metal with rust-proof paint.

Step 3: Fit the snorkel to the guard

Sit the snorkel body on the guard and bolt it on loosely. Fit the upper bracket to the A-pillar with the rivets or supplied hardware. Check the door and bonnet both open and close freely.

Step 4: Connect it to the airbox

Fit the ducting through the inner guard and join the snorkel to the factory airbox with the rubber joiner and clamps. Some trucks need the ducting trimmed or moved slightly to sit right. Tighten all the clamps.

Step 5: Seal it

Run silicone around every joint, bolt and hole so it's watertight. Refit the inner guard liner.

Step 6: Finish off

Tighten all the snorkel hardware, fit the air ram head and clamp it on. Reconnect the battery.

Checks when you're done

• The bonnet and door both clear the snorkel.
• Every clamp and bolt is tight.
• Leak test: with the engine idling, cover the snorkel head. If it's sealed properly the engine will stumble or stall.

From then on, check the bolts, clamps and seals now and then, and clean the head and air filter at each service. In heavy rain you can turn the head to face backwards.

Common questions

Which side does the snorkel go on?

It goes on the side your airbox intake is. Check which side yours is on before you order, and if you're unsure, send us a photo of your engine bay.

Can I buy the rubber joiner on its own?

We don't stock spare joiners at the moment, so a local hose or exhaust shop is your best bet for a matching size.