G'day all!
I'm new-ish to this forum and thought that I'd share a few things that I've done to my hilux in order to help people learn from my mistakes and also to learn from others.
I am by no means a mechanic of any sort, however, I do like to give things a crack and I can share the experiences and opinions I have regarding mods to the hilux.
I have abit to write up on the hilux so I will categorise everything with pictures, facts and opinions to make things easier.
I am happy for some constructive criticism, but please take it easy on me
Current mods:
-Old man emu lift
-265 75 16 Micky Thompson mtz on +20 sunrasia
-arb bar and scrub bar with steps
-domin8r x winch
-project dual batteries
-uniden uhf
-rear led lights
-ebay spotlights
-stedi light bar
-rhino vortex rs2500 roof rack with rola flat tray and kings awning
-rear tub 12v ports
-slimline sub woofer
-ute covers direct tonneau cover
-some 12v interior mods
Future plans booked in
-MR adjustable Uca
-bash plates
- diff relocation
Future plans.
-MR adjustable coil overs
-extended rear shackles
-front and rear e lockers
-diff breathers
-285 75 16 all terrain with a 0 offset wheel
-whatever else comes to mind
Suspension:
2 inch old man emu with 15mm strut spacer to level out front.
Front heavy duty springs
Rear medium as I don't have a constant load
Rides great!
Ahh yes.. the strut spacer... even though I've read the nose down is how it's meant to be I hate how it looks... I didn't want to go down this path but I did. I couldn't bare to look at my nose down hilux everyday so I went with the spacer.
To be honest it sits perfect in my eyes however the cv doesn't seem to be happy.
That's why I've ordered monster rides diff relocation kit with bash plates to suit with adjustable upper control arms.
I will keep the shocks and spacers for now but at least I will have provisions for the monster rides front adjustable coil overs in the future.
Imo, don't waste your money like I did changing your suspension do it how you want it the first time, even if it means saving your pennies. If I could turn back time I'd just go with the monster rides full kit and sit it at a little over 3 inches of lift.
Pic of suspension CVS etc.
BEFORE, NOSE DOWN
AFTER SPACERS
UNHAPPY CV'S
Wheels/tires:
Currently have 265 75 15 micky Thompson mtz
On +20 sunrasia
Great tyre off road.
Noisy at 80kph+
I do a lot of road driving so if I could go back I would've bought all terrains to reduce noise and I'd probably go a +10 to 0 offset with a 285 tyre for the aesthetics. (Yes aesthetics matter to me)
However the +20 offset does sit good and is legal so it will do for now.
Roof racks:
I didn't want to drill into my roof thats why I went the rhino vortex.
The rhino vortex rs 2500 sits roughly 25mm lower to the roof than the standard rhino vortex and still allows for T bolts to be used.
Using the rola titan roof rack. 1500x1200.
I really like it because it has many channels to bolt accessories to.
The rack does not whistle although I can hear wind deflecting off it when it's windy.
Pics of roof rack and bolt on.
Exhaust
Gone the cheapo way out, with the muffler delete. I'm actually quite happy with how it sounds as I didn't want it to drone or be too loud, which it isn't. If you want it to be loud I'd suggest a full 3" system with a muffler delete.
12v.
Here are some photos of my dual battery setup and wiring for my rear lights and roof lights. If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer.
I know its not the neatest but I tried my best with what I had, (no experience with 12v)
REAR LIGHTS
WIRING FOR REAR LIGHTS RUNS ALONG TOP
12V POWERED SWITCHES
OTHER ACCESSORIES
EBAY LIGHT
TONNEAU COVER THAT FITS ON TOP OF GENUINE TUB LINER
Sorry about the long post. It will be great to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Cheers.