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Newsletters - April 2011 (Combined Edition)
Q&A WITH SHAUN WHALE EDITOR: 4WD ACTION
Q: ‘4WD Action’ is the best 4WD-related publication in the world. In your own view, what is it that makes the mag so special, and also, so popular? This is a magazine put together from start to finish by people who live and breathe 4WDing. Just like our audience, we’re enthusiasts and very passionate about the offroad lifestyle. I believe we are much loved because we give readers what they want (as simple as that sounds). We will spend over a month testing, fitting and breaking lockers for example, just so we can deliver the no bull information that 4WDers crave and can’t get anywhere else. Giving fellow 4WDers great value for money is also a big hit with our audience – where else can you get a 308 page magazine filled with tech articles, hard-hitting features, great customs, 4WD travel and a movie length DVD each issue for under $10? Q: In issue 159, you had the opportunity (we are jealous!) to drive the same Arctic Hilux that was on the famous North Pole expedition (Top Gear) and that drove up the side of a live volcano in Iceland. What was it like to see that car in the flesh, and go for a decent drive? Talk about an experience, I’m still trying to wipe the smile from my face! The Arctic Hilux is without a doubt a beast and much to my surprise a very capable truck…Almost as good as the 60. Q: What's your ride? Have you made any changes or modifications to it? Do you have any plans for other mods in the future? I have LandCruiser 60 series turbo diesel. I’ve built it for touring and the odd tough track. Mods so far include, lockers front and back, 2in lift, 33in muddies, winch bar, HID spotties, UHF, 3in exhaust, front mount intercooler, re-built transmission with billet torque converter and custom valve body, rear bar, dual batteries, mounted compressor and air tank… probably a few other things, but that usually keeps me out of trouble! Future mods? Where does it end…never I suppose that’s what’s so good about modifying your 4WD. Probably a set of sliders. Q: No expense spared, what is your 'dream' 4WD? A 60 Series of course! If money wasn’t an issue I would have a new LandCruiser 76 Series wagon with all the fruit and a fuel card that would last me a few laps of Oz. Q: What is the best off-road destination you have been to, and where else would you love to go? I would have to say the Simpson Desert. There’s nothing like driving for four days and not seeing another soul. Mix that with sitting around a desert camp with mates and watching a piece of mulga wood burn while you have a coldie and as the sun disappears behind a red sand dune. It’s an experience of a lifetime and what keeps me addicted to this great lifestyle of ours. I would love to go to the Kimberley and drive the Canning – another two must see places! Q: What is your favourite beer and camp-cooked meal? Beer would have to be a cold tinny of Carlton Draught. Meal? It doesn’t get much better than a roast slow cooked in a camp oven or my famous (for all the wrong reasons) curried sausages! Q: What is the best part about your job as editor of 4WD Action, and what is the hardest? Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?) Other than 4WDing and camping, I am right into fishing and spear fishing. If I’m not 4WDing you’ll find me out on (or under) the water. Q: What is your favourite off-road driving tip? Traction – it’s everything off road. If you’re driving a challenging rocky incline for instance, make sure you plan exactly where you want your tyres to be and plan out the entire obstacle from start to finish. Pick enough throttle to get you past the obstacle, but not so much that you break traction or end up bouncing all over the place. Pick how much throttle you need and stick with it, don’t vary your revs all over the place. Get your throttle control right and you’ll be out-driving your mates in no time!
LIKE US? (ON FACEBOOK) RECEIVE A 4WD1 MOUSEPAD - GRATIS!
Wherever you are in Oz, 'Like Us' on Facebook and we'll post you a sharp-looking 4WD1 mousepad (pictured above) gratis!. To get to our Facebook page (click here) After you've hit the "Like Us' button, to receive the pad, email us your full name and postal address and we'll get it on its way.
RANCHO.COM.AU
Outback John has been at it again with the latest version of www.rancho.com.au. Good stuff JB! The new Rancho site not only looks good: It's easy to navigate, find your vehicle model, make an intelligent purchase decision, check-out and pay. The site works internationally (Low freight rates world-wide). At present, orders within Australia are sent delivery-free by insured post. For seasoned 4WDers, Rancho products need no introduction. For those new to the 4WD scene, in a market saturated with many different brands, Rancho shocks are recognised as one of the very best, offering quality, features and benefits unmatched by other sock absorber labels. Rancho's beginnings go way back to 1955, when a group of 4WD enthusiasts started modifying vehicles for desert treks. The original workshop was next to the Rancho Los Amigos (House of Friends) Hospital in Southern California and, as a customers trended to call it "the Rancho place", the name was adopted for the rapidly-growing business. Rancho did not become the world's best-selling 4WD aftermarket shock absorber brand by accident. Apart from their superior design, engineering and quality, Rancho RS5000 and RS9000XL shocks also provide the best on-road and off-road ride. Today, Rancho is the world's largest 4WD aftermarket suspension manufacturer. The quality of the product is second-to-none, in which purchases direct from 4WD1 are backed with a money-where-our-mouth-is 3-year warranty (with no restriction to the kilometres traveled within the 3-year period). Check it out at www.rancho.com.au. Why not enjoy a set of Rancho's today?
RANCHO LIFT FOR FJ CRUISER
Long-awaited, the 'retro' FJ 'Cruiser has hit Aussie shores! To get yours, visit www.rancho.com.au
Above & below: The Rancho FJ kit makes the Cruiser into cool bruiser
IRONMAN "SPEEDY" TYRE DEFLATOR
Like more time 4WDing? Get yourself an Ironman “Speedy” Tyre Deflator. The Ironman ‘Speedy’ deflator screws onto your 4WD’s tyre valve, and (unlike screw-on automatic tyre deflators) allows you to remove its valve-core for rapid air-down of even the biggest rubber. During deflation, you can monitor the pressure with the easy-to-read in-built gauge. Cost $66. Vinyl carry pouch included. Get it from www.4WD1.com or phone 02-96342238. We'll get it to you pronto. Last week when I was out in the TJ, I decided to make (adhoc) a video of the Speedy's function. The clip is a little rough. I had no script, and it was take on my pocket camera mounted to a tree branch (Just do it!) - but still, it shows how the unit works and why.
CAMPER CANTER
Q: G'day Stuart. Mate - that's a terrific looking setup! (Can we borrow it?) Tell us about your ride. Why a Canter? How long have you had it for? A: Thanks; Well in a nutshell after doing 27 years in the Navy the dragon and I decided work was something we were going to do when we wanted to not because we had to, so we sold up everything and hit the road in a GU patrol and a 24’ van, after 2 years of travel we decided we could do it better so sat down and designed a van custom built to our requirements. The truck came about more as a necessity rather than by choice, although now I wouldn't’t trade it for anything. The Millard is 33’ tow bar to spare wheel and weighs in at some 3.5 tonne ish which kind of limited the choice of tow vehicle. My short list ended up as a very expensive 79 cab chassis cruiser, an equally expensive second hand F250 or a truck. We chose the Mitsi over the Isuzu because its 12 volt, has 16” tires and comes in an extra short wheelbase. (This one is only a tad longer than a cruiser) We purchased it new as a cab chassis in 2007, downgraded the GVM to 4.5 tonne so the dragon could drive it, and had Kustom Metal in Bundaberg build the body. I then set about fitting it out with all the must haves. Q: Have you made any changes or modifications to it? Do you have any plans for other mods in the future? A: Like all your readers Kirk the wish list could be endless although in saying that accessories for a Canter aren’t as common as those for a cruiser or patrol so the name of the game is custom & adaptation. The body was custom built so I could carry my camping gear, tools and toys (you have to have toys), it’s fully self sufficient with lighting and sound and carries an 80 liter Waeco and 2Kva Gen set. Our intention was to have the truck and van as 2 separate self contained units that can be used independently of each other. The modifications to date include: - An additional stock fuel tank to bring capacity up to about 300 litres; My wish list on the other hand is getting smaller but more expensive. - To match the shocks and finish off the suspension I'm waiting on a set of parabolic springs with 4" lift from overseas.
Q: What is the best off-road destination you have been to, and where else would you love to go? A: Don’t really have a favorite off roading destination, traveling the country you come across a good spot every time you stop. In my younger days we used to spend a lot of time 4wding all over southern NSW in an old 82 hilux, of course those were the days when you could hardly afford tyres and fuel let alone accessories so when you got seriously stuck and you couldn't’t get out with your jack the option was to leave the car, walk out and come back when the mud dried out a bit. Nowadays Im happy to take on mild challenges, one problem with the mitsi is its 2.1 meters wide and without the boat on its near 2.4 meters high not the sort of thing for closed in tracks. We are planning on hitting the Northern Territory in 2011-12 and from there across the top. I plan to take it up the Cape York but at the end of the day its sole purpose is to get to those secluded little spots where the fishing is good preferably with the van it tow.
Q: What is your favorite beer and camp-cooked meal? A: When I'm not drinking whisky I'm ashamed to admit I'm a Carlton Cold drinker, yes I know its a girls beer but like solo you can slam it down fast which makes for a good mix in your mouth boilermaker. Camp cooking has to be curry. It goes with everything, and it doesn’t matter what state of intoxication you’re in when you start cooking, you can always turn out a meal. (the dragon eats toast). Q: What is the best part about owning a rig like this, and what is your least favourite part? A: The best thing about the mitsi is its different, doesn’t matter where you are it draws stares, particularly from 12 year old boys and their fathers which can be somewhat nerving when they are driving past you at 110 and dads pointing out the features to his son. Its purpose built primarily as a tow vehicle and self contained instant tent, its competent off road, although its downfall is sand. It has great presence and is a lot of fun to drive, especially on those steep down hill sections (the absence of a hood really affects your sense of security). The only down side apart from its size is it rides like a truck (funny that), standard it has 25mm of bump stop clearance and sits on springs designed to carry a 6 tonne payload, the replacement parabolic springs will give it 125mm travel and make it a whole lot softer. Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?) A: I like the simple things in life; motorcycles, fishing and golf anything to do with water. If I go riding it rains, fishing, well that kind of goes without saying, and if I hit a golf ball ill always find water. One of the requirements when building the truck was to carry the toys, its all “one man” operation to load and unload the bike and boat. The under floor area has storage for all the camping and fishing gear as well as a small workshop of tools. The sleeping area houses the golf clubs and fishing rods and the beer fridge (which also holds food on camping trips), the up side is you can be set up, have a line in the water and a beer in the hand while others are still hammering in tent pegs.
RUGGED RIDGE DETACHALE TRAIL BAG
From recovery gear to personal items, kids toys and baby accessories, Rugged Ridge has the answer for your on-board storage needs. These soft-side storage bags feature heavy canvas construction and over-size zippers. Made to suit any seat type, the trail bag’s buckle straps keep your gear in place - even while tackling the toughest terrain. On demand, the bag detaches to become handy carry pack, re-attaching with ease. So whatever you drive, get your gear off the floor with some Rugged Ridge trail bags. They look smart too! Cost $66 each. Buy from www.4WD1.com or phone 02-96342238. (Don't forget to pack the latest issue of 4WD Action!)
MEET GRAHAME MCCRAW: 4WD COUNCIL (AAAA)
Q: G’day Grahame. Thanks for meeting with us. What is the AAAA about, and what benefits does it bring to both its members, and vehicle owners? The AAAA is a national organisation, focused on promoting the present and the future of the automotive aftermarket Industry. We formulate an industry response to growing regulatory restrictions on the modification of vehicles. To strengthen our representation, the AAAA has formed two specialist Councils … the Performance, Racing and Tuning Council and the Australian 4WD Industry Council. These Councils bring together specialists in the relevant product areas to address industry concerns. For consumers, the benefit is that they have a professional Industry Association, prepared to promote safe vehicle modification and respond to threats by interest groups and others who would unreasonably attempt to restrict vehicle modification. The AAAA/PRTC/4WD Councils bring to the table, specialists and experienced people to speak on behalf of consumers and business … to minimise the chance of unforeseen consequences of regulation affecting vehicles. Not only do these Councils respond, but they initiate pertinent matters. For example, the Choice of Repairer Campaign is aimed squarely at allowing consumers to choose who repairs their vehicle and with the parts of their choice … If consumers are to exercise that choice the independent aftermarket service and supply sector must have access to the specifications, diagnostic and service information and tools to complete the task. With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles this will be increasingly important for the future of consumer choice of repairer and the independent aftermarket industry. Q: The 4WD Council was launched in 2006. What is the role of the 4WD Council, and what functions does it perform. The Australian 4WD Industry Council has a specific focus on 4WD issues. It is governed and directed by a committee elected from the 4WD Council membership. My role in the committee is to coordinate the actions arising from committee decisions and do the admin stuff. Where the AAAA is involved in 4WD matters – the 4WD Council takes the lead. Q: Late last year, there was lot of discussion among 4WD clubs and online about the NSW VSI 50 Suspension Policy, regarding vehicle suspension system modification and ride-heights. What is the policy and the nature of the situation about, and where are we up to now regarding regulation on such mods? The VSI 50 was created to improve safety for road users. However it was drafted without consultation with stakeholders – (industry and users). The July 2009 VSI was unreasonable in its restrictions and after strong community response and representation to the Minister for Transport by the Industry and 4WD NSW/ACT, a working party was formed. The AAAA/4WD Council, MTA and 4WD NSW/ACT combined to work through the original VSI 50 of July 2009 to a most recent draft which allows modification of vehicle suspension, with significantly less restrictions than the original document, indeed would permit the most common vehicle height variation (+/- 50mm) to remain as owner-certified. The working party has not yet completed the review process, with a couple of outstanding matters to be agreed upon. The AAAA understands that there will always be some who want more, but the negotiating direction has always been to gain the greatest benefit for the majority. Q: Currently, the Federal Government is considering regulations which will significantly affect the type of bull bars that can be fitted to motor vehicles. What are some of the specifics of these regulations, and how is the 4WD Industry Council involved? The Federal Government is presently considering adopting European regulations that relate to the frontal design and safety performance of motor vehicles. It is the belief of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Industry that it will not be possible to develop bull bars that will meet this European standard. Therefore, full adoption of the standard is likely to lead to bull bars being effectively regulated out of existence which will have a knock on effect for other bumper mounted accessories such as winches and driving lights. Given the unique nature of Australian roads and conditions, it is the industry's belief that the European regulations are inappropriate for this country. The Australian 4WD Industry Council is preparing submissions on this subject, and is collecting data on vehicle usage. At present, by completing a short survey, you will be able to provide us with invaluable information on your experience as an Australian motorist. For every completed survey, the 4WD Industry will be donating $1 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to a maximum of $20,000. (Editing note: Since my meet with Grahame, the Federal Government has made the decision to withdraw the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on Pedestrian Safety on the basis that the proposal was not suitable for Australian conditions. Special thanks to the AAAA and the 4WD Council for their lobby efforts, as well as many other industry stakeholders..... Well done guys!) Q: What's your ride? Have you made any changes or modifications to it? Do you have any plans for other mods in the future? It may surprise you, but my current stress-release ride is a 1962 Morris Minor 1000. I guess that emphasises that the Industry’s representatives are the ones who drive the 4WD Council. That said – I have a keen interest in things 4WD and spent many years in New Guinea, where 4WDing was every day! And if you weren’t traveling by 4x4, you were on a motor bike!
Q: No expense spared, what is your 'dream' 4WD? Looking to my retirement in the next couple of years, I have my eye on something like a Prado GXL, diesel powered – With the sales history and the good reports on the vehicle – very high on my interest level. Q: What off-road destination would you love to go? I’d like to get to the Cape – and if I have anything to do with it, I will! Q: What is your favourite beer? A nice RED in a relaxing situation! Q: What is the best part about your work with the AAAA and the 4WD Council. I enjoy dealing with real people and real situations. The way in which this Industry can pull together when required to combat unreasonable issues … that is exciting to see --- in the marketplace they are competitors, but when Industry wide matters are seriously at stake – they are the strength of the AAAA/4WD Council/PRTC Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?) My favourite stress relief (and isn’t that what hobbies and holidays are about) … is traveling our great country. An early morning departure brings the best of the day to your windscreen. I also have a keen interest in photography, and getting out is the best way to find subjects. Q: For people and entities that work in the 4WD Industry or otherwise general automotive industry, how do they go about becoming members and getting involved? If you are in business in the automotive aftermarket industry, then drop me an email and I will be happy to talk with you about the AAAA and the sector specific Councils. Your readers could check out the AAAA Web site: www.aaaa.com.au and if you have a 4WD issue – register it on the Issues Register (www.4wdcouncil.com.au).
(CUSTOM)er's JK
The JK above belongs to Steve Sharp of WA. We supplied Steve with the Warn PowerPlant winch mid last year amongst other goodies. Steve's Jeep looks both tough and classy. One he's proud to drive. Stay tuned for the next emag. We'll cover this JK in detail with plenty of cool pics. JK owners click here to build your own.
TUFF TRUCK CHALLENGE WRANGLER FLARES
If you could only go to one 4WD event ever, make sure it's the Tuff Truck Challenge. TTC is a three day, hard as they come, 4WD competition event. Grueling and enduring, it provides a real test for competing teams as they push themselves and their vehicles to the absolute limit. Boulders, rocks, mud, giant tyres, deep (deep) holes and ruts make up the terrain that competitors must conquer… in hope of taking out the annual perpetual Tuff Truck trophy. Just as impressive as the action, is the way that Tuff Events and Promotions P/L run the show. And, it's one of the reasons it attracts (literally) tens of thousands of people each year. From an organised Police presence, to common-sense safety requirements, the TTC is geared for a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. Get full details at www.tufftruck.com.au Click on the clip below for a taste of what to expect. See you there!
RUGGED RIDGE SYNTHETIC WINCH ROPE & HAWSE
Upgrade your existing steel-cable winch today! Rugged Ridge high-strength Synthetic Winch Rope is constructed from genuine Dyneema SK-75 fiber (imported from the Netherlands) and is the choice of off-road enthusiasts everywhere. Stronger, lighter (won't kink, curl or splinter) upgrading your winch with Rugged Ridge Synthetic Rope makes it easier to handle and work with - You'll have more energy to focus on the recovery process... It even floats in water! Ultilises the same high-strength fiber used in ballistic body armour, then specially coated to be resistant to UV, abrasions, and chemical solvents. Protective sleeves keep the line from overheating on the winch drum. Includes a black powder-coated latched hook, stainless-steel thimble, and a pre-terminated end for ease of installation. Specification: 19,310 lbs breaking force. Dimensions 3/8” x 94’ long. Cost $495 (including matching Rugged Ridge billet aluminum hawse) Get it from www.4WD1.com or phone 02 9634 2238.
DAVE & BRENNO'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE
David Luke and Brendan Seymour are 4WD men. For the bulk of the week, they’re living the dream….Yep! Key blokes at 4WD Action. The world’s best 4x4 magazine. When they’re not on the job, they keep doing what they love: Thinking about, dreaming about, building, buying, all things 4WD – and continue to get as much time as possible behind the wheel. Above is a pic of their latest project. A highly-modified Range Rover. The intention is for use as a dedicated comp-truck. Expect to see it at many of Australia’s popular events. The Rangie has a 351 Windsor V8, GQ diffs, A-frame rear and 5-link front suspension dampened by (6) Rancho RS9000 ride-adjustable shocks. The diff centres are locked and geared low. Power transfer is by a C4 auto box. Top stuff guys! Look forward to hearing about your future mods and adventures.
WHAT DID YOU DO LAST SUMMER?
(above) A “RUSTY” (very rusty) Kirk Barker. As you can see, Christmas pudding was good to me last year. My New-Year’s resolution was to work it off, but - I’m still working on it. Over the festive period, the fam and I headed to NSW’s mid-north coast. We’ve a regular haunt there. It’s a great place to relax. My favourite past-time is ‘beach driving’. Aussies have to be the luckiest people on the planet. You could spend a lifetime doing just a one-lap tour of our country’s coastline. And that wouldn’t include a peek at the more than 7,600,000 square kilometres in the middle! Here is a clip of the JK on the sand. Annoying background music included!! What about you? What did you do last summer? We’d love to see you pics, clips or stories. Please email them here.
OLD NEWS IS GOOD NEWS
Hungry for more 4WD tips, tricks and fun stuff? Back issues of our emags can be viewed at http://www.4wd1.com/Newsletter.htm. Tell your friends!
IN THE NEWS: HD ROCK_RODS @ 4WD1
These extra heavy-duty draglinks and tie-rods from 4WD1 are the bomb. Manufactured from solid 3140 chrome molly, then zinc coated to prevent corrosion, and supplied complete with adjustable ball joints and jam nuts. Available for Patrol, Hilux, and Landcruiser, these rods far better withstand what Mother Nature (or your driving style) throws at them. Makes an economical replacement to original equipment rods too. Priced from $295. Phone 4WD1 at 02 9634 2238 or visit www.4wd1.com
3 GREAT WAYS TO SHOP
Above is our latest spread in 4WD Action magazine. Click here to have a full-size geeze. Wherever you are in Australia (or the world) we want your business. So we provide a terrific range of solutions for a variety of purposes, whatever that may be. We stock what we advertise, and give the right advice. We don't tell bull, and we ship product absolutely anywhere! If you are local to us, drop in and say G'day! We're a real company, run by real people. If you are local to us, but a bit too busy to do the run-around - take advantage of our deliveries to your home, work - anywhere! - just like ordering a pizza! Distance and remote areas are no problem. If you are from a remote mining town in far-north Western Australia - we deliver to you. If you live at Bamaga at the far-north tip of QLD - we deliver to you. Ordering online is easy, or feel free to phone or email order. No matter where you live, I can't think of any good reason not to deal with us. The number of good 4WD or suspension-related retail outlets in Australia is small. No matter where you live, 4WD1 has the right stuff, is easy to deal with, and our service is as smooth as cold beer!
NEW PRODUCT APPLICATIONS - Rancho RS9000XL struts and shocks for NM, NP, NS and NT Mitsubishi Pajero - Firestone Coil-Rite helper airbags for current model Suzuki Vitara - Spotlight hoops for TJ Wrangler factory bumper bar - Rancho RS9000XL struts and shocks for Dodge Nitro - Extra heavy-duty Kevlar-mesh versions of Firestone airbags for coil-sprung vehicles - High-flow high-performance air filters for most Jeep models Phone or email us for details.
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