Modifications

[Brett1907]

Does anyone know a good engineer on the Gold Coast who can modify my tow/protection bar. I need more exit angle clearance. I have a panel beater who will cut and reshape the tub but I need someone to cut and remake the mounts for the tow bar so it can be raised flush with the bottom of the guards. I need to keep my insurance man happy so it needs to be engineered and possible mod plated.

Brett

[murf]

where do you get hung up on the rear without having probs with the running boards or the low ground clearance front end?
the tow bar goose neck will still have to be within reason for the tow height.
I run the tow hitch with the ball in the highest position, downfall is that the tailgate can not be dropped.
have you a better photo of the rear end to see what you mean?
Cheers Murf

[Brett1907]

The rear bar sits below the number plate at the back, so it is the lowest point (I will post a photo tomorrow). Itake out the neck when playing so that isn't the drama. The front bar gives me awesome aproach angle so the tyres hit the incline first. I'm talking about some pretty steep slopes on earthworks sites and 4X4 parks. Had the problem down at Crystalvale 4X4 park doing some of the steephills. The back hits when leveling out at the bottom.

The bash plate at the front has been beaten a bit, but I take the clearance into account.

The steps haven't been a problem yet as haven't tried any really rocky spots. They are only there ubtil they break. Then a set of rock sliders will go on. Don't know which brand yet. Maybe Snake Racing, there is a guy in mudgeeraba who makes them, or I might get them custom made the match the shape of the sills.

Brett

[murf]

Okay you like to play in the cushy 4X4
can relate to that
dont do it much anymore, just use it to get to where I want to camp/fish.
have you put a suspension lift kit under it yet?
bent my running boards twice now on what I call easy 4WD stuff
even when I had the old Hilux with a 100mm lift under her I did still drag its rear end around
Murf

[Brett1907]

I do like to play in the mud, but I also like to do it in STYLE!!!!



Here is a pic of the rear. The bottom of the bar will be where the bottom of the guard is currently. The number plate will have to be recessed into the tailgate mini truck style and I may need a modified goose neck so the trailer hitch isn't too high. I don't take a trailer 4X4ing and don't have a boat so it should be fine.

My mechanic has given me more ideas though. Possibly modify the front wheel arches where thay join onto the side steps. Cut them back further so 33's will fit. As it is my 32's rub every now and then.
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[Fishin_Dan]

Brett - You can get tongues for the Hayman Reese towbars that drop 4" as standard. They are relatively common... Mate of mine has one on his GQ for when he tows the boat.

If you can get the rear of your car mod'd so that the towbar is where your number plate is, and you use one of those tongues, the towball will be in roughly the same place.

Obviously you would only put the tongue in when you actually need it...

[candogu]

How about putting in a spring lift kit or a bigger 1 if you have already got some lift ???

[Brett1907]

Already has a 2in lift, OME springs and shockies. Snake racing has a 4in kit but I need to retain the on road performance as the car doubles as my work ute and the family car.

Brett

[murf]

thats a big job your your getting into Brett
just been helping a mate lift his 97 D/C up, 50mm springs, 50mm body and the big spring hangers. put the 33 12.5s on. gutless as but fun offroad
you will have long legs in first and reverse with 33's
when you get hung up on the rear bar does it stop you? or can you just keep driving and drag it off? and be happy with that?
yeh I know, when I get an idea I usually have to follow it through
good luck with it
Murf

[Brett1907]

The mod for the front wheel arches may remain an idea, but who knows?? Already has long legs in first and reverse with 32's.

The rear bar mod would definitely make it unique. And I won't hear that BANG... what the f*@% was that? Did I break my baby??

I haven't been stopped on the rear end yet, come to think about it, I haven't been bogged yet!!

Think I may need to try harder!!

Brett

[murf]

you must be a good driver
I must be a drover spent many hours bogged on Fraser in the soft sand with groselly overloaded boat behind.
almost went playing the other day on a mates test track but when he couldn't get out with the big rig I chickened out. too many trees and logs to slip into will give it a go when the rain stops to see how far she will go.
Murf

[Brett1907]

This is the first time I've had a style side so I am a little cautious. Alloy trays are easier and cheaper to fix!!!

Where's the test track???

Was going to go to Fraser next year but am going over seas in may so probably can't afford to. Also am a little worried about the dingos as I have a 3yo and 8wk old.

Brett

[murf]

test track down at Corindi Beach, its just a mates property that we play a few games on down through an old creek line

I will be doing the Fraser comp again, take the boat up for an adventure.

Fraser is fine with the kids with a little common sense. 20 years ago dingos were everywhere through your camp getting free hand outs but now your not allowed to feed them and the Rangers activelly chase them off to make them more affraid of humans. Just be very aware and read all the literature.

worked on mates Hilux last night till midnight doing mods. wasn.t happy with the way the new springs sit in the front so did a check and found that the wrong ones were supplied His Hilux is looking good with the lift kit and the 33s especially when next to my Lolux sorry Hilux

Murf