Newsletters - Summer 2010 (Combined Edition)

Q&A WITH RICK O'BRIEN FROM 4WD 'EXTREME'

Q: 4WD Extreme is a great new publication in addition to 4WD Action. Why the new mag, and what makes it different to 4WD Action?

Thanks for the kind words! Like 4WD Action, Extreme is put together by a bunch of guys that eat, sleep and breath the extreme 4WD scene. The major point of difference between the two is that Extreme 4WD is dedicated to those who like to push the boundaries of what a 4WD is capable of. We like to challenge ourselves and our rigs to the max!

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?

At the moment I am wheeling a 95 XJ Cherokee. It is running a 4.5in lift, 32in muddies, lockers front and rear and a host of other enhancements and goodies. Plans for the future include a larger tyre (undecided about size at the moment) and I’d love to re-power the beast with either a stroked Jeep engine, or make the jump to a V8 of some description.

Q: No expense spared, what is your 'dream' 4WD?

Jeez, that is such a tough question! I’d love to build a VW Beetle-bodied Rangie with Maxi Drive portal axles and V8/auto trans. The transfer case would be an Atlas II. I’d keep the tyre size to a modest 40in, probably a sticky Trepadore. When can we start?

Q: What is the best off-road destination you have been to, and where else would you love to go?

It’s hard to go past the Coffs Coast for that elusive combination of sheer beauty and challenging tracks. There is tougher wheeling closer to home, but none of it is as stunning as Coffs.

I’d love to go and take a look at the Cape before too long, I want to see what all the fuss is about!

Q: What is your favourite beer and camp-cooked meal?

This might take you by surprise, but I go alright with the tongs in hand. I actually used to own an Italian restaurant, so it would have to be one of my pasta dishes. So how about a creamy Tortellini Boscaiolia with a side of crunchy garlic bread, washed down with a can of Bonded Beam & Cola? Sorry, Im not a beer drinker.

Q: What is the best part about your job at 4WD Extreme, and what is the hardest?

Without question the best part of my job is getting to drive some of the wildest rigs in the country! I have been lucky enough to wheel nearly a dozen Tuff Truck competitor’s rigs, a real Monster Truck and a couple of tough club-level rigs.

The hardest part of my job? Switching off when I get home is tough because I just love what I do. I am always thinking about the next track, the next rig or the next mod to my truck. It never stops!

Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?)

I am a mad fisho! A tragic! I used to compete in a lot of forum-based Bream comps and I have spent countless hours chasing fish up and down the NSW coast.

Even though I can barely play, I love guitars! I had nine at one point, but I have faced the harsh reality that I am not going to be a rock star, and I now own just two.

Probably the only other thing that I do a lot of is cooking. As I mentioned earlier, I used to have a restaurant back in the 90’s and I like to get the boys around for a BBQ whenever I can to cook up an old favorite or try out some new ideas. Italian is the specialty, but seafood is the fave!

(above: issue 10: 4WD Extreme) – out now!

Learn more from Rick, myself and other industry experts…. If you have been considering a suspension upgrade, or if your current setup is giving you grief, this is the issue you can’t afford to miss!

Get to your local newsagent, or better still, subscribe here.

RTC XHD STEERING DAMPER IN ACTION

"Hey Kirk, Hello from the States!

The e-mag looks great!

I would like to link to my YouTube channel "Rudedogii" but don’t know how.

That’s my 2000 F250 with the Tough Dog RTC on a custom mount."

*Thanks rudedogii. The clip you made is a beauty! Cheers..Kirk

GU 2" B4 & AFTER PICS

A picture says a thousand words.

Depicts the Tough Dog stage-2 kit from here utilising the 41mm bore foam-cell shocks and castor bush correction kit.

Don’t need a castor bush kit for 50mm lift? That’s what some suspension salespeople say - They think, "If I quote too high, I might not get the job…"

We don’t operate like that. As a rule of thumb, for every inch of lift above new vehicle ride height, the castor angle changes one degree.

You can of course still drive a Patrol without the castor correction kit, but the steering (from a driver’s perspective) feels extra “light” and you lose some sense of “feel “ for the road.

The Tough Dog stage-2 kit from here allows pleny of room for 33's too.

IRONMAN SURVIVAL KIT

Now and again a new product becomes available in which once you’ve used it – you wonder how you ever travelled without. Think Leatherman tool or Swiss Army knife, matches, self-recovery winch, portable fridge, BEER - you get it.

Well, when we first saw the brochure for the Ironman survival rescue kit, we wondered if it was a little bit ‘gimmicky’. However, check out the video clip below.

The Ironman survival rescue kit, is in fact, a good addition to your gear. And, like a bloke with a new cordless drill for his birthday, you may even ‘invent’ some uses for it!

Don't just survive.. Thrive! Click here to order. Also makes a great (hint) Xmas gift.

TORSION BAR TRUTHS

There is a notion within 4wd circles that the fitment of aftermarket or heavy-duty torsion bars can make your vehicle ride 'harsh'.

The opposite is in fact, true.

Adjusting the original equipment bars for extra ride-height (or to compensate for additonal weight) uses up the components spring action - resulting in a harsh ride.

This is because the adjustment or “cranking” action replicates (and replaces) the torsion bars natural movement.

New ‘beefier’ torsion bars, much better resist the ‘stress’ of the cranking action, nor require as much adjustment to achieve the same level of ride height.

This means that the spring action (and therefore the ride quality) is maintained.

Find out what's available for your vehicle here.

ADJUSTABLE DRAGLINK

On a solid-axle Hilux, a drop-draglink (adjustable draglink) is usually required for suspension lifts of 3” and up.

The purpose of the drop-draglink is to provide the proper clearance over the driver’s side spring pack when turning.

The factory draglink is straight in shape. Bigger suspension lifts cause the original unit to operate at an angle that fouls the driver’s side spring pack when steering.

The new dropped draglink is z-shaped to resolve the issue.

To get yours, click here.

REPLACEMENT REMOTE

Have you bought a 4WD that was fitted with a winch, but didn’t get the matching remote in order to be able to operate it?

Have you put your hand-held remote in a “safe place”. So safe in fact that you can’t remember where you put it!

Get a replacement hand-held remote today here.

This Warn winch remote features an ergonomic design for easy operation, even while wearing gloves.

Suits most types of Warn winches.

RANCHO/ROCKCRAWLER HILUX FIT-UP

Solid-axle Hilux vehicles (1979-1997) are pure gold.

With most modern 4WDs sporting independent front suspension (IFS), prices for a good solid-axle Hilux have skyrocketed.

And why wouldn’t they? This vehicle is super tough, easy to modify, customise and repair, practical, and of course, offers great off-road performance.

If you own a good one - it’s a keeper.

Recently we fitted one of our stage-2 Rancho/Rockcrawler kits to a 94 dual-cab. The Rancho/Rockcrawler kit costs a little more than average, but it doesn’t take an accountant to work out that it represents maximum value for $$.

The basics of the Rancho/Rockcrawler kit include:

- 4 X 50mm lift Rockcrawler brand leaf springs (various spring rates available depending on purpose)

- 24 x shore-A grade urethane bushes with rifled bores or knurling

- 8 x high-tensile u-bolts

- Choice of Rancho RS5000 or Rancho RS9000XL ride-adjustable long-travel shocks

- 1 x adjustable torque rod (adjustable diff locator)

What’s the adjustable torque rod for? Even on a 2” lift, the fixed length of the original unit can cause undue (constant) tension on the drivers-side front spring pack. This results in limited wheel travel and premature failure of the driver’s side front spring.

Most Hilux’s you see on the road with a 2” lift are also sitting down a little on the driver’s side front. Most people think this is due to the weight of the driver.

However, aftermarket springs (andy brand) are designed to cater for the extra weight. An extended-length or adjustable torque rod probably would have been the preventive solution.

Optional extras include greaseable shackles and greaseable fixed pins, and your choice of steering damper.

Here are the pics of the recent fit-up. Invest in your own Rancho/Rockcrawler kit here.

(above) The rattle gun is Ian's favourite tool. You've got to watch him though!

(above) See! Told you so!... Seriously, snapping the OE u-bolts is common on an older vehicle.

(above) Trade-secret. Finger-grease every working surface prior to installation.

(above) Factory Hilux front spring vs Rockcrawler leaf pack.

(above) Factory Hilux rear shock vs (longer) Rancho shock.

(above) Come on Sam!

(above) Steering damper comparo. A wee bit different!

(above) Greasable shackles ensure optimum shackle pin/bush rotation (good ride).

(above) Don't forget the fixed end chassis-mounted pins.

(above) Front end.

(above) Rear end.

(above) Job done.

(above) Can we keep it?

(above) Nice!

(above) Plenty of room for the tyres to move.

This Hilux now looks and rides great. Ready for action.

Here’s a few more pics of the stage-2 Rancho/Rockcrawler kit on another vehicle in the bush.

FORD EXPLORER STRUTS

We’ve received calls from owners of Gen II Ford Explorers, seeking replacement suspension struts - “The dealer wants $800 per corner, and nothing else is available!” they say.

And it’s been true – until now.

Introducing the new Rancho "Loaded" QuickkLift units - a complete, pre-assembled, all-in-one fitment system, resulting in easier, safer, and faster-fitting installation.

Although the Rancho’s provide a huge cost saving compared to the original-equipment units – don’t buy them for that reason.

The Rancho QuickLifts for Ford Explorer improve vehicle ride-height, leveling the front stance (removes factory rake) and allows for the fitment of bigger tyres.

Inclusive of new coil springs, upper spring seat, bushes, and bearing plates, the Rancho QuickLift's guarantee your investment for hassle-free fitment and long-term performance.

These Rancho's do not require compression of the springs for installation, but are a simple bolt-up procedure. Great for do-it-yourselfer!

If your vehicle doubles as a family/work vehicle, or family taxi/off-roader, the new "Loaded" Rancho Quicklift units are a virtual satisfaction guarantee. An external 9-position (finger tuned) ride-adjustment knob allows the best of all worlds, no matter what the terrain.

Sound gimmicky? There is around 400% difference between the softest and firmest setting.

Don't need it? Just set and forget.

Plus, Ranchos are backed by the best warranty in the industry.

Stocks are limited. Click here to order.

JEEP WRANGLER FLARES

Jeep Wrangler owners can get that aggressive off-road look with the NEW All-Terrain Fender Flares from Rugged Ridge.

These 6” flares feature a stylish design while protecting your Jeep’s paint from flying rocks and mud.

Constructed from durable UV-treated ABS with a slight texture, these paintable flares provide a great look while being able to handle whatever nature throws at them.

Each All-Terrain Flare is designed to fit to the factory mounting points with durable rust-proof, stainless-steel fasteners. Uses your existing side marker lights by easily attaching to custom-light cut-outs.

These flares will really set you apart from the crowd! Get yours here.

BILSTEIN BEST FOR PAJERO

Here's Johnny!

His family ride? - an NM V6 Pajero.

The beers and cheers is thanks to the performance of some recently fitted Bilstein shocks and struts.

2000-2010 model Pajero's have independent front and rear suspension, integrated to a monocoque frame (no solid chassis). That means it's easier for noise and vibration to transmit from the road surface into the vehicle's cabin.

Johnny's trialed and tested just about every brand of strut/shock unit, in search of greater performance.

The best of the best? - Bilsteins.

The internal build-quality of the Bilstein product can be likened to that of micro-surgery. It's massive 46mm diametre piston head means (like a comparatively beefier oil pump or coffee plunger) they don’t need to work as hard in order to provide the same service. This results in greater control and a more comfortable ride.

Plus, the Bilsteins, despite being fitted to this uni-body Pajero, don't squeak, knock, or rattle.

To invest in yours, click here.

MASSIVE TRAVEL SHOCKS

We're in the news! Issue 10 of 4WD "Extreme" reports...

“Everyone knows that Rancho have been offering the hardcore wheeler some of the best options for shock absorbers that also cater to the specific needs unique to hardcore guys, like super-long travel for one example.

The guys from 4WD1 sure know this and for over two decades they have been working with Rancho to help Aussie wheelers make the most of their 4WDs by supplying some of the longest-travel adjustable shock absorbers available.

Check out the stats on these popular Rancho models!

RS999012 opens to 819mm and compresses to 492mm
RS999036 opens to 918mm and compresses to 537mm
Massive 70mm body
9-position externally ride-adjustable
Made in the USA
Cost $440 (pair)

Visit www.4wd1.com or phone 02 9634 2238"

TOYOTA TARGETS HUNTERS

This “Tundra Sportsman” concept pickup truck featured at the recent SEMA show, Las Vegas(USA). Toyota teamed up with business partner Bass Pro Shops for the build to create a unique show truck, inspired by the outdoor tradition - hunting.

Check out the pics. Specs are below.

I wonder if Sarah Palin has ordered one of these?

Truck Technical Specs

- Base Truck: 2011MY Tundra Double Cab 4X4 with the TRD Rock Warrior Package 5.7L V8 with 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

- Three-inch suspension lift

- Custom exhaust

- A custom air intake and snorkel

- ATX 18-inch Teflon coated wheels and 33 x 12.5" Nitto Mud Grapplers tires

- Custom front "Bull Bar"

Interior

- Weather station and GPS

- Camouflage pattern all weather Browning branded floor mats

- Reupholstered bucket seats in waterproof black and gray material

- The stock JBL 10 Speaker sound system remains with JBL all weather outdoor speakers were wired into the bed area; four sets of paired mid-range and tweeter speakers in the shell area; and a sub-woofer mounted under the bed floor.

Bed Modifications

- Fabricated bed cap or shell with vertical opening; entire bed side swings out to a 90 degree angle from the truck.

- Two steel, locking rifle cases and pistol safe integrated into cabinetry.

- Foldable work bench.

- Driver side dedicated to firearms.

- Passenger side dedicated to bow hunting and camping accessories.

- Room for two bows and archery accessories is built into the upper cabinet areas.

- Closet to accommodate camouflage hunting clothing and foul weather gear.

- Tailgate dedicated as a Food Preparation Zone.

- Mobile kitchen includes a small stove, sink, work surface, storage for cooking utensils, and a built-in seven-gallon water tank.

- 86 square foot platform with collapsible hand rails and ladder for use as living/sleeping quarters, hunting blind, 7’ x 7’ two-man tent, and to safely transport game.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT KIRK BARKER

As a kid

During the 70s, my father worked for a high-profile auto-dealer and car racing family. It was the beginning of the 4WD recreation boom. Every day (seemingly) dad brought home different vehicles, from CJ Jeep Renegades and V8 Cherokees, Suzuki LJ80’s and Sierras, FJ series Landcruisers, Rovers, Patrols - whatever the dealership sold at the time.

Dad was also a regular contributor to the (then) popular 'Bushdriver' off-road magazine. Many a weekend was spent in search of suitable testing ground and dynamic photographic opportunities. My brother and I usually bounced around together on the back seat. This, combined with watching endless episodes of the ‘Leyland Brothers’, and my passion for all things 4WD began to evolve.

First 4WD

My first 4WD was a 1976 FJ55 I bought with my brother John. We got it off a clown at a circus - literally! (It was Perry Bros), although as it turned out, JB and I proved to be greater clowns.

The FJ55 was unregistered, and in order to get in on the road, it needed a major service, and well as rust removed.

We worked out that by the time we cut the rust out of it, we would have ourselves (like the old farmer’s joke) approximately five tyres left sitting in our driveway, so we moved the FJ on for parts to a happy buyer.

My first (road-registered) 4WD was a 1995 model Suzuki Sierra (the last of the leaf-sprung models). I bought it brand-new with borrowed money in my first year out of school. I was a first year apprentice then and also 'moonlighted' as a pizza delivery boy at night in order to keep it on the road.

The mods were limited to a set of 15X7” CSA alloy wheels, mounted to 30-inch Yokohama Super-Diggers. I had to trim the guards in order to fit them with the stock suspension. While the modifications were simple, the little Suzuki had a strong-shouldered look and (combined with the right attitude) took me pretty much anywhere I wanted to go.

Favourite 4WD?

I am driving it! It’s a 4-door JK Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I love the Jeep’s practical size, comfort and off-road capability. The factory-fitted front and rear diff locks, combined with electronic remote-operated front sway-bar disconnect and super-low 4.10 gearing make the Jeep extremely difficult to get stuck or bogged. This one also has a high-articulating Rancho 4” short-arm suspension kit and 35” tyres mounted on 16x10 wheels.

Favourite specialised product?

Currently we are involved in providing suspension solutions for armoured vehicles in various parts of the world. Most of the vehicles are popular Australian-sold types (Hilux, Patrol and Landcruiser) but the application in terms of suspension is different compared to the normal touring vehicle.

I have enjoyed the challenge of “getting it right” and establishing good working relationships with conversion specialists and service companies.

The context of the work is also interesting. In the first decade of the “noughties”, war and terror around the world, plus the expansion of industry into countries with turbulent political environments, has seen demand for armour-protected passenger vehicles increase significantly.

This has brought many opportunists to the market, with not all firms being equal in their performance. There are plenty of small workshops and ex “chop-shops” grabbing the current opportunity. It’s like “pimp-my-ride” for some, rather than the business of saving lives.

Favourite "oops!" moment?

In the mid 90’s when I first began selling suspension, I supplied a pair of front shocks for a D21 Navara that I had “matched” from the almost identical D21 Pathfinder.

However, the Navara has a different upper wishbone, requiring the fitment of a smaller body shock. During my customer’s travel through central Queensland, he discovered this when the inside area of the wishbone jammed onto the shock body and fused.

Upon inspection (on the side of the road) my customer was bitten by a brown snake. While he was OK, he had a fair way to travel back for medical assistance.

Weeks after the experience, he rang our office to tell us about it. His main concern was if it would be alright to post the shocks back to us for a refund!

Fortunately, I have learnt a lot since then.

Best tips?

Know the inherent strengths and weaknesses of your 4WD type, before you spend money on accessories. Remember this before you buy your next 4WD too.

Some vehicles with independent front suspension really suffer from the fitment of the traditional steel bar, winch and dual-battery fit-up. It can make for a very demanding suspension application, particularly on corrugated roads.

Always try to keep weight (accessories and load) to a minimum. Always think safety. Ask yourself (or find out) if the modifications you plan to make will have some other effect on the vehicle that needs to be compensated for, or at least be taken into account.

From experience, higher-priced products provide the best value-for-money.

When making any type of product purchase, be certain about the features, benefits and responsibilities that come with fitting and using it.

Don’t spoil your time away with a highly-accessorised, yet under-serviced vehicle. Generally, vehicle reliability issues are the first consideration to ensure you have safe travels and a good time off-road.

Thank to?

John (Barker) joined 4WD1 in 2005 after an established career in real estate and banking. John and I are different in what we bring to the business, but our skill-base and talent is complimentary.

In terms of relationship to the 4WD community, JB’s role appears quiet. However, his work has been instrumental in helping 4WD1 achieve its current success. And so if a bloke is willing to give his brother a good rap for something - he must be pretty good.

XMAS IS NOW!

I did this one last year…..

The photo above is a picture of Darren. He’s hiding behind the counter with plugs in his ears. It’s the last two weeks before Christmas.

He might even be hiding from you. Fair-dinkum!

That’s because year after year, we’ve found that so many people want to order their 4WD suspension kit, shocks, or winch etc. at the very last minute - and expect all to go well.

There are a few reasons why this might not happen.

Firstly, it’s the Christmas rush. While we plan ahead to cater for the extra business – it’s intense. If you live in the suburbs, you know yourself what it’s like to visit the local mall. It’s bedlam! Lot’s of things sold out. It’s hard to get good service. You get what you can get.

Secondly, most sections of any industry are looking forward to their Christmas/New Year shut-down. From mechanical workshops and fitters, manufacturers, transport companies and even Australia Post, everyone is under pressure.

Lastly, many products (such as in the case of a suspension kit) should ideally be fitted weeks before a big trip. This gives the components a chance to settle in and be adjusted if required - and have a proper wheel alignment.

It also gives you a chance as a driver to get to know your vehicle’s characteristics with the newly fitted suspension – compared to the tired old components you’ve just replaced.

That makes for a more relaxed, enjoyable trip.

So if you phone us or walk into our store on Christmas Eve to enquire and collect your premium Rancho/Rockcrawler kit for your Hilux, please don’t be upset if we offer you a beer instead!