Main Mistakes When Modifying a 4×4

Indeed, many of us have made the mistake of purchasing an unsuitable four-wheel drive right from the start. It’s a common pitfall to avoid. Before embarking on your first 4X4 adventure, take a moment to reflect on your intentions. Engage in reading articles, watching videos, and thoroughly determining what you truly desire from your four-wheel drive. If your aim is to engage in rock crawling, then investing in a brand-new, expensive four-wheel drive worth $100,000 might not be the wisest decision, unless you’re willing to spend an additional $60,000 on modifications and don’t mind if it sustains damage. In that case, go ahead and have a blast (and don’t forget to share videos with us!). Similarly, if you seek a dependable vehicle for long-distance touring across Australia, a $2000 TB42 powered petrol GQ might not be the most ideal choice (although some individuals have indeed accomplished it). There are specific vehicles tailored for specific purposes, and while nothing is impossible, certain choices can significantly simplify your life.

GET THE ORDER RIGHT

There’s no purpose in purchasing 35-inch tires for your Landcruiser 300 Series if you haven’t performed a lift yet. They simply won’t fit. Similarly, obtaining the world’s greatest awning won’t be useful if you don’t have anything on top to attach it to. Consider the necessary accompanying modifications you’ll require to utilize that equipment and whether you need them simultaneously with the modification you’re envisioning. Some tasks can be done in close proximity but in the wrong order, such as acquiring a fridge before installing a dual battery system to power it. However, you’ll quickly realize that having a drained starter battery every morning is far from ideal.

GET THE RIGHT MODS

A majority of tasks, particularly those involving suspension, will require additional modifications for optimal functionality. If you plan to perform a suspension lift on an Independent Front Suspension (IFS) 4X4 vehicle, it’s highly likely that you will need a differential drop kit, and potentially Upper Control Arms (UCAs) and extended brake lines as well. Attempting a substantial lift without the appropriate accompanying modifications can result in a CV joint failure during the initial use or even a brake line rupture when the wheel is lifted, causing a complete loss of downward suspension travel.

BIGGER IS BETTER… MOST TIMES

Eight-inch lifts, 40-inch boggers, super-flex arms, and flexy-coils may appear impressive and offer exceptional articulation, but they are not suitable for everyday use in the congested cityscape of Sydney. Besides the constant hassle of law enforcement attempting to issue tickets for minor violations, there have been instances where excessive size has proved to be a drawback. This explains why most experienced off-roaders opt for four-inch lift kits instead of six or eight-inch lifts. It is advisable to avoid going to extremes.

HAVE A END GAME

It’s important to note that no four-wheel drive vehicle is ever truly complete, although many have come close. However, no one has achieved perfection in this regard. Considering this, it is advisable to have a clear end goal in mind. Think about all the modifications you desire and prioritize them according to their importance to you. As you proceed with modifying your vehicle, this prioritized list may change, with items being added or removed. Remember to consider the compatibility of your chosen modifications and the necessary steps for each one, and then begin implementing them as time and resources allow. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to commence the build with a well-defined vision of your desired outcome.

BUYING THE CHEAPEST STUFF

Avoid engaging in such purchases. The majority of items available on eBay are of poor quality and come at a low price for a reason. If you come across imitation parts, such as the HKS/GReddy catch cans from the past, they will not function properly or serve their intended purpose. In some cases, they may even fail catastrophically, posing a risk to your safety, your valued possession, or others. Quality gear generally comes with a higher price for a reason, but be cautious not to be swayed solely by the most expensive options, which brings us to our next point…

BUYING THE MOST EXPENSIVE BRAND NAME

On the flip side, refrain from hastily embracing something solely based on its association with a well-known brand. Let me clarify, certain equipment from established brand names unquestionably justifies its price. However, at times, you might be paying solely for the brand name, while superior and more affordable alternatives exist. Take, for instance, the newly introduced ‘winch-rings’ that function like snatch blocks. Some brand-name versions of these rings are priced at over $300 for a piece of aluminum. As long as the alloy used is of good quality, do you truly require the visually appealing brand name CNC machined onto its side, just to impress your friends, for an additional $200?

HOW ONE MOD CAN EFFECT ANOTHER

As mentioned previously, it is crucial to prioritize both the correct order and suitable accompanying modifications. Take the time to comprehend the intended effects of each modification and evaluate if it might disrupt the overall balance. Suspension plays a significant role, so tampering with suspension geometry should be approached cautiously. Another critical aspect is the tires and final drive ratios. If you opt for larger tires, it will have implications on your speedometer and gear ratio. Familiarize yourself with these mechanics and explore potential remedies for such issues.

LEGALITIES

Regrettably, we are bound by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) when it comes to operating on the road. These regulations primarily ensure our safety, acting as an extension of the law. Certain modifications to your four-wheel drive can blatantly violate the ADRs, while others may bend them to some extent. If you intend to make significant changes, such as altering the suspension, wheels, or tires, it’s highly likely that you’ll require an engineer’s approval. Therefore, when modifying your vehicle, it’s important to observe what others have done and the measures they took to maintain legality. In addition to law enforcement, insurance companies strongly prefer that modifications on your four-wheel drive comply with the established regulations.

WEIGHT

Recently, we’ve become more conscious about our weight, and it’s not just because the holiday season has passed. Each Australian state has its own police force and transportation agencies actively overseeing vehicle and towing weights. Several weight calculators are available to assist you in estimating the additional load on your four-wheel drive. However, it’s important to ensure that you stay within the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) limit. If you anticipate exceeding it, it might be time to consider a GVM upgrade.

ONE LAST THING..

It’s a delightful experience to modify your 4X4, and you’ll often find yourself enjoying beers and family barbecues with friends on weekends while doing so. Despite the advice in this article, it’s likely that you’ll still encounter a few mistakes along the way. However, that’s part of the excitement of building up or owning four-wheel drives. Personally, my entire life with four-wheel drives has served as a lesson on what not to do, but we’re constantly learning. I genuinely hope that this article can help you avoid the same mistakes I’ve made. Yes, I must admit, I’ve been referring to my own experiences throughout this discussion.