NewHilux.net

Hi all,

Thought Id start a thread on my new hilux.. Only got it about 2 weeks ago.. It was stock as a rock when i got it. Put a TJM T13 steel bar and Tigerz11 2 speed winch on it last week. We are going around Australia next May for 3 months so Ive got to hurry and get it kitted out.. Anyone whos done it please tell me everything you know. We have so much learning to do in so little time..

Its going into opposite Lock next week for a 2inch tough Dog lift kit.

Then ill be getting some wheels and tyres. Cant decide between 265/75/16 or 285/75/16 any tips? (dont really want to cut anything). Next on the list will be Flares Snorkel which are on there way from Utemart. Then its:

UHF
Home made draw system in the back
Long range tank
Water tank
Roof top tent
Front locker
Strong side steps
Might make a rear bar

Its got a ARB high top canopy on it which I want to swap for a normal level one..

Heres a pic when I got it.

And The new Bar and winch, tryed on a mates 265/70/16.

Heres some pics of my first 4wd outing at Zig Zag.
The bash plate on the bar came loose on the way there. Bit poor that TJM didnt tighten them properly.






Got a bit stuck. Lucky I have the winch.



Cheers,

Chris.

Move the stronger side step up the list

Yeah your probably right the stock ones coped a flogging..

You have a good mod list going
How about second battery for fridge?
Best suggestion is to get in as many weekends away as you can to try different pack ups and setups to find out what works best for you
In doing so you will most likely also find out things that you don't need and can leave behind

Alby,

Thanks for the reply. We will deffinatly be getting a fridge, rerearching the best value brand at the moment. I might be doing the dual battery system this weekend as well as a UHF. Ill post pics and a bit of a report..

We are planning a week away over Xmas so im trying to get as much done buy then as possible so it can be a bit of a test run..

Thanks,

Chris.

Bit of an update.. Ive been pretty busy latly getting a few mods done..

First thing I did was install a GME TX3420. After hours of trying to make the main unit fit behind the glove box with no luck I ended up with it up under the dash on the drivers side wall.. The remote face I put on the side of the center console near my left leg. Probably not the best spot in hindsite but it will do for now..

Pics soon.

Also had a 2 inch tough dog kit put in by opposite lock in Rockdale. Got the adjustable shocks and loving it.. So nice to be able to set it to suit the terrain..

Dual battery system is in too. Got the tray from opposite lock as well. Im using a projecta controler which dad had lying around bolted it and a 150amp fuse to the side of the tray and put a fuse block ontop for all my accessories..



Also got a snorkel and flares from Utemart. Put the snorkel on myself last weekend. Was an interesting job.. Didnt like drilling into the guard much.. Leon did me a good deal if I sent him pics of the install for his website..



Cant put the flares on yet because I had a bit of a run in with a brick fence when I was reversing into a driveway. So so so pissed off. Put a big ding and scrached up the passanger side guard.. Also tried my mate's 265's on 0 offset wheels to see how they fit with the flares. Even with the flares they stuck out about 30 - 40mm so im looking at 90 series Prado wheels at the moment as they are +20 so should be pretty close...





We also bought a rooftop tent and awning which is on new Ryno Racks on the cab at the moment. Will put it on the canopy when I get a level roof one..



That will do me for tonight. Ill get pics up asap.

Cheers,

Chris.

I went out to Skog07's place last weekend and tried on his Prado Wheels.. They are perfect so ill be getting some asap..

Some pics.





And Ill just chuck this one in.. Wend to Boat harbour for a swim the other day and got stuck playing in the rocks..



And this one is great. My girlfriend just about tried to jump out the window..



Cheers,

Chris.

Nice

Chris...
The best bang for buck I reckon is the 15" SR5 rim....and run a 31" tyre....
Ive got 9 or so that you might want to try on and I have and also found a 265/70 on the 90 series rim as well.
I rate the best touring tyre the BFG AT LT in 31' X 10.5 X 15's... Run a set of 5 and rotate.
Cheers
Mark

Chris as Mark said, the SR5 rim will do a 31 x 10.5 15 or if you are looking for a bigger tyre a 33 x 10.5 15. Horse on here is currently running them and is very happy. Noidea (Josh) will also be running these tyres (if he can ever get a hold of some in a BFG muddie). Don't know if your 2inch lift in the front will be able to fit these though, I think you may need to go to a 3 inch in the front.

Anyway mate just some more options to confuse you more.

Thats a great looking buildup Chris. Just a note on the awning. With the large rear overhang and offroad touring keep a close eye on the rivets that hold the alloy mounting extrusions together. I had mine setup exactly the same as yours and the rivets broke. Luckily found it before they broke off.

I replaced the rivets with 6mm bolts and now its no problem.

I hate to say it but I agree with Alby. Pack and repack before travelling and reduce your weight.

Good luck with the trip.

Cheers for the replies guys..

Mark, Mick - Yeah I see what your saying.. Ive already got a set of prado wheels lined up now. Ill stick with them for now and maybe set up a bit like you later when I can afford to have two sets of rubber.. I really like the look of the Prado wheels too.. I recon Ill probably go for a 265/70/16..

McSumWay - Cheers for the heads up mate.. Ill definatly be having a look at that.

Cheers,

Chris.

hey buddy was wondering where you have to drill the guard to fit the utemart flares??? as in are the holes on the exterior of the panel or under the lip??

All the holes are already under the lip of the guard, mate, where the plastic clips are. The top end of the flares have a double sided taped seal that goes on between the guard and the flare. Pretty easy job... Even I did it without too much swearing.

I havent put them on yet as I dinged the guard in and have to fix it first. What Luxative said is dead right though. I didnt want to drill any holes either.. Apparently they work pretty well..

Alloy tray going on this weekend! Then ill get getting a Gull wing canopy for it too..

Cheers,

Chris.

I got the constant load tough dog springs on the back of mine and found over a few months they drooped down to a level I was not quite happy with, if ya find that ya ass end starts boppin round like chubby checka on smack, throw a set of double bellows air bags in the rear. Easy to install and around 500 buckos. I'd be lost with out mine. A few pumps with me bike pump and there up around the 30 pound mark(carry around 500 kg easy. Or 10 Mexicans across the border).

KEEP ON TRUCKIN!

crankskee - Tough dog have two different quality springs. I dont know what you have but I have the better ones. The guy at opposite lock recons they are the only way to go.. I got the softest ones because I dont carry much wieght.. Do the air bags restrict your rear travel?

Cheers,

Chris.

Love it I have an Sr myself with ARB flares just fitted, you obviously have more disposable cash than I, spose thats the difference between having a girl friend and having a wife. On your fridge if you haven't bought one yet go the extra mile and get the Engel. I.ve had mine 5 years never missed a beat mist blokes I know have Engels there just made better. There the Toyota of the fridge world.
Cheers.
Kyle

Gday mate,
I got the heavy load/constant springs cause I carry a fare bit, they were the most expensive, and because of that I thought they'd be the pick for me. Driving out of the fitters they were rigid and had a little bounce. Then after a few months and a few loads they dropped, (over time of course, I only noticed when i got the tape out). I realised that this is something that "just happens".

The bags are just like having standard suspension with the standard bump stops when at low pressure, the rear acts like it would out of the factory. The air bags just replace the bump stops and give you the added benefit of carrying extra weight. And drastically reduce body roll. I carry an 80 kilo compressor on one side of the car, and the good thing about having the airbags independent is that I can inflate the one side to even them up making the ride more pleasant. Good if ya have a 60 ltr fridge on one side or whatever. Knowing what I know now I would have resprung the factory springs and added the bags.

Sounds like it'll be a good trip dude, all the best.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN!

Dono about disposable cash, im just lucky this trip has given me an excuse to go mad on the truck. Starting to run out now though..

As far as fridges are concerned im still researching. I like the bushman one but havent looked at many yet..

I need to get the tray on and get our trip weight on it to see how much the suspension sags if at all.. If it does then ill need to think about adding airbags or extra leaves..

Cheers,

Chris.