Off-road Vehicle Modification Tips

[LX]

Check this out:
https://youtu.be/XDWsyNE4l9E?si=r7jZf9WvmtWyYABp
I came across the above video, I agree with some of his pointers, I have never modified any of my off-road vehicles (well only 2). I have waded in waters above 800mm in a stock Hilux D4D without a Snorkel and no issues, drove it for more than 220 000km, Site steps, , I have damaged those things at simple trails like Moegatle, Hennops, and Berakah, almost every time, I removed them and changed tyres one size up from stock, picked up the nose a little bit, and never had any problems. So No Snorkel, No Rocksliders for the Hilux, Never really did long dusty trips.
Now with the Hummer, again, did a lot of trails with out rock sliders, with stock side steps, the first time I took it to Moegatle, I damaged the Site steps, Anthony Patrolly assisted me to remove them and put them on the roof rack, they have been off my car ever since, with 35" tyres, I can clear most obstacles, again, No Snorkel, not Aftermarket front diff Locker, No changes.
What are the modifications on your Off-road Vehicle? How have they advantaged/disadvantaged you on a trail? What mods are you still going to do and why? Let's hear it...

[HenriSteyn]

Pajie has 45mm lift, 70 profile tires and side steps removed.

Last trial I did was here at Outeniqua Game Lodge. I could not get the removable tow hitch out, so had to give some obstacles with serious departure angles a miss.

Before that I did dune driving at Vleesbaai and Roggeveld sand trail. Not scraping the middelmannetjie and accordingly able to keep my momentum up, made a huge difference, cleared all the obstacles.

Then of course my Xplorer van has a high tow angle to get the van level. And some of you may know, due to the spare wheel hanging out the back, the tow hitch cannot be raised to the top bolts. Even with a lift plate to get the spare wheel higher, the van used to be uncomfortably nose down when towing. The mods helps hugely for this.

[Mad Manny]

Last trial I did was here at Outeniqua Game Lodge.

In a Fortuner it's a Trail, in a Pajero it's a Trial.

[Mad Manny]

This should prove to be an interesting Thread.

[Paul#25]

I have fitted a raised air intake, a front bash-plate below the front bumper, and an aftermarket steel rear bumper to the Disco since I bought it.
It already had a second fuel tank and steel front bumper fitted when I got it. The tire size is slightly wider and is a 70 profile instead of a 65 profile.
The replacement of the rear bumper was necessitated after the Mountain Passes trip where the left side of the standard bumper got pulled loose by a rock going up Ben Macdhui. It was also on this trip that I realized how much dust was drawn into the airbox from the standard intake inside the left front mudguard. The raised air intake has sorted that problem out.
The steering rods are quite exposed ahead of the front axle on the Disco. The bash-plate that I fitted covers and protects this are nicely and has been money well spent lookin at the scrapes on it.
The additional 45 liter fuel tank is great for long distance traveling, especially when towing the heavy Xplorer.
The only other mod I want to do on the exterior is to fit rock-sliders to the sills that have flimsy covers over the bodywork. The drivers side one got damaged by a rock on the River Trip. I've got plans for nice rock-sliders that protect the sills and have a narrow step that I must get around to making. The addition of a step will be greatly appreciated by the wife so I can score lots of brownie points by doing that mod.

[Johannes]

My Defender i had , was stock. Only had snorkel and mud terrain tyres .


By the way , keep a look out if you see it . I miss it

[Rechardt]

My Defender i had , was stock. Only had snorkel and mud terrain tyres .


By the way , keep a look out if you see it . I miss it

That might be difficult since they all look pretty much the same.

Sent from my SM-G780G using Tapatalk

[HenriSteyn]

Last trial I did was here at Outeniqua Game Lodge.

In a Fortuner it's a Trail, in a Pajero it's a Trial.

Phixed, well spotted old chap. Bed was calling

[LX]

Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead Paul. I had a friend who sold his Hummer and bought a Disco 3. The first thing he did was under car protection including the rods as you mentioned. And winch which he removed from the Hummer. He loves his winch.

The Hummer comes standard with the cover plate and mine even has a frame that extends all the way back for more protecrion. I think for me, a 2nd fuel tank and raised air intake will be great to have. I do plan to do a 5000km trip in my life time. Maybe rockslider/step for the Madam and kids.

[LX]

Very interesring you mentioned tow height and level Oom Henri. I have seen a lot of trailer pulers giving absolutely no consideration for that part. Good point for me to explore further.

[grips]

The level of mods is directly related to what you use your 4x4 for. The most basic mods I do is Bash Plate, Rock Sliders, Front and rear Off Road bumpers and a max lift of 50mm. Reason for front and rear bumpers they just make the recovery of a vehicle so much easier. Solid recovery and high lift jack points.

[jakeslouw]

The Wrangler is standard as it is mostly a street queen, we only do rough dirt roads and 2-spoor tracks, no heavy stuff as it is a daily drive.

However my Defender 110 V8 had a 4 inch lift, proper offroad front bumper, and skid plates under the engine, gearbox and transfer case. Was fully fitted with a drawer system, roof rack, water tank and long range fuel tank.
It didn't have rock sliders, nor did it have lockers: those would have been added, but the Defender had to be sold to fund offspring tuition.........

Currently looking for a TJ or early JK : prices are just wild at the moment.

[BushWacker]

I’ve driven the 130 HCPU DC for over 20 years now
so its near to its 1st 1/2 Life.
Cant think of any significant Suspension or engine
modifications that have been done or warranted.
Though I have two heavy 100*75*3mm ? rectangular
Tubes as inter-arch RockSliders on each side.
I have highlift eyes in the bars for side jacking etc.
I have , (with Leon Venters assistance !) , adapted a rear swingarm for my spare wheel . All wheels are standard 235/65/16 with steel Wolf Rims … dont come stronger.
I find the effective clearance is higher than most
(~Rubicon) so no lift necessary imo though some may query
wrt break-over angle.
My modifications have really only been done for
camping & overlanding and not really for tricks on mountains etc . ( A 130 has a v large turning circle and is long and feels v susceptible to side tilt inclines etc )
I have a v nice Fukawi Canvas Canopy but mainly travel with my steel canopy fitted. I have a 4-drawer FrontRunner draw system that supports a full platform to Wheel-arch height in the bin. Also in the basement I have 2*40L water tanks and keep wood, tools, and critical spares down there.
I have replaced the two heavy steel gullwings with DIY Aluminium ones and have installed a kitchen shelf cupboard on the drivers side of the canopy. I have a clip in Al side shelf for the side of the Defender ( v. nice )
I travel with just the single folding back seat and no bench seat at the back of the cab … mainly for 35L fridge, storage , aux battery system w 200w panels etc.
Ive got a steel winch cradle to hold a modern
Warn 9000lb or an vintage 5687 ‘upright’ 8000lb Warn.
No Winch on board at the mo.
I have a roof rack fitted with an 2.3m long, 2m out awning fitted with DIY side panels.
I generally have the option of OzTent RV1, Tentco dome 2.1*2.1*2m, or an EaziAwn RTT or I sleep on the platform in the canopy if the Shumba give me insomnia.

So thats all folks!
Pretty complete for remote, independent overlanding etc.

No groundbreaking offroad mods etc
as Defenders come as pretty good
complete and capable offroad rigs.

[Martin de Jager]

Well fortunately I am not known to modify or convert, my Prado is still stock standard, only fitted the radio and aerial, as Grips puts it, everything has a purpose. I intend keeping the Prado stock. The Jimny is my way to get rid of my stresses, modified for a reason, I am still to competitive to just stop. The Jimny is on a 3" lift, 31" tires, its a mini overlander as well as a nimble toy to play with.

[Bugjuic]

Start from the bottom up(literally). And stop where you feel you are now comfortable with your rig.

1. Tires (70 profile) and good side walls.
2. Good suspension (Load dependent or adjustable)
3. Underbelly protection ( very important) lifted or standard.
4. Rock sliders

Then add bumpers, roofrack, drawers etc… As needed or when driven off. My reasoning with things like bumpers are, drive, if you drive them off, replace them with aftermarket ones. But before you spend your hard earned cash. Make sure its really needed. People believe thay HAVE to have everything before going outdoors. Even a stock vehicle can do a hell of a lot. But as stated above, when pushing any vehicle, make sure your vital items are protected. Hence underbody protection and good tires you can trust in and air down as needed…