Hilux 4x4 Forum

Just to give all of you some of my background and why I bought my new Hilux. I have a very long driveway of 1,8 Km, Yup it is a two track farm road which is fine in the winter months (No Rain), but in the Summer months it is one long mud river.(Black Turf soil that sticks to everything) I got a quote to have the road fixed / upgrades about two years ago using suitable soil which they dig out of my farm. They wanted the price of two new bakkies to do this and I was suppling the fill material…So this was not a good idea.

Next I went to plan “B”..I bought a Mazda BT 50 with DIFF LOCK. Now I would have no more problems and I could forget about the road….Wrong again. (I have no complaints about the Mazda BT 50, in fact I was and still am impressed with it.) but it still got stuck in the mud even with diff lock.

I have had three Toyota 4x4 bakkies in my past and was not very impressed with the performance especially the last 2.8 Diesel which was a Donkey.

I have also got a Suzuki SJ413 which I really abuse, It has been lifted, auto front lockers, crawler gears, 1600 Toyota Twin cam motor and most important Cooper STT’s…It has never got stuck (on my mud road) but is not suite for any long distance,50Km max or towing a trailer.

NOW I have a new Hilux S/Cab and as I said Now the fun begins. This is my “Shopping List” in priority

1. Old Man Emu suspension lift..(Medium back and front)
2. Coopers 265 / 75 / 16 and new 16’rims / Mags “Blink”
3. ARB Front Lockers
4. ARB front Sahara Bumper / Bull Bar
5. Long Range Tank
6. Will decide once 1 to 5 have been achieved but will include canopy, maybe RRT, Winch, UHF Radio which will also be used daily,
Other items that I hope to get while trying for 1 to 5 would be bash plates and rock sliders.

If anyone has any help or suggestions I would really appreciate it. We also do get the chance to go away 3 times a year for "Walk about" The front lockers might seem too high in the priority list so I need to mention that at Least twice a week I tow a five meter long trailer which does not weigh to much but when the road is muddy I can not pull it out of the farm even with a 4x4… Hence the front locker move up the priority list.

Below I have a pic of my Suzuki and also the Virgin Hilux as I have read “No pic’s mean you don’t have it."
I also take this opportunity to thank this forum which has assisted me in making my choice of the above equipment and Brands. I have also read about the support that 4x4 MeggaWorld has given to members on this forum recently as well as there good after sale service. Base on this they will be getting all my business. They start next week with the OME suspension. I will keep this post updated as I go along.

Very nice lux, Barry. Enjoy

PS- I dig your zook

Great to see another single cab on the forum, Barry. I have always wondered about the neccessity for those heavy front bumpers. One can fit a winch without them. Anyway, my personal preference would be for the bash plates before a bumper. Even a dual battery system before that, for the fridge/freezer for those walk abouts. Enjoy the fun!

Really impressive looking Lux that

Witblits wrote:Great to see another single cab on the forum, Barry. I have always wondered about the neccessity for those heavy front bumpers. One can fit a winch without them. Anyway, my personal preference would be for the bash plates before a bumper. Even a dual battery system before that, for the fridge/freezer for those walk abouts. Enjoy the fun!

I am working on the bash plates. Told Swambo that they are cheap..

As far as the duel battery system is concerned I have read ALL the thread about them on two forums and can report in all honesty that now I am really confused. and dont have a cooking clue what to do.

Rollercoaster639 wrote:

Witblits wrote:Great to see another single cab on the forum, Barry. I have always wondered about the neccessity for those heavy front bumpers. One can fit a winch without them. Anyway, my personal preference would be for the bash plates before a bumper. Even a dual battery system before that, for the fridge/freezer for those walk abouts. Enjoy the fun!

I am working on the bash plates. Told Swambo that they are cheap..

As far as the duel battery system is concerned I have read ALL the thread about them on two forums and can report in all honesty that now I am really confused. and dont have a cooking clue what to do.

What are you confused about?

OOOOMS wrote:

Rollercoaster639 wrote:

Witblits wrote:Great to see another single cab on the forum, Barry. I have always wondered about the neccessity for those heavy front bumpers. One can fit a winch without them. Anyway, my personal preference would be for the bash plates before a bumper. Even a dual battery system before that, for the fridge/freezer for those walk abouts. Enjoy the fun!

I am working on the bash plates. Told Swambo that they are cheap..

As far as the duel battery system is concerned I have read ALL the thread about them on two forums and can report in all honesty that now I am really confused. and dont have a cooking clue what to do.

What are you confused about?

Do I use my existing battery and additional D/C battery with DC-DC gharger or NL charger...I read the loooong post started by Uys and somewere I came to the conclusion that the DC battery will not be charged fully and would eventually go flat. The other deduction that I made was to use a normal battery as the second but this does not suite the Fridge...Like I said Confused

Sit die nuwe DC2DC charger in.

Too much forum research does that to you, Barry, I know the feeling. I am technically challenged, so what I do is to read up as much as I can take, ask my 4x4 fitment guy all the clever questions so researched and then follow his advice if he can answer my questions to my satisfaction. In this way I had a National Luna system fitted for the D/C battery to run my NL twin. And it works well for us - one 15 day Namibia tour and some 4 camping/route trips later.

Well the hilux has gone in today for OME suspension and front lockers. Should be finished by tomorrow.

Barry, let us know how the lux handles the long mud river with the new lockers and suspension. Can't wait to hear. Hope you've had good rain!

Got my Hilux back today..OME suspension fitted....ARB front lockers and compressor fitted...The difference measured before and after up front was 60mm. Having read a lot of posts I am expecting to settle down to about 30 or 40mm.

Tomorrow it will go to have the tyres and rims fitted. Changing the rims to 16' and the tyres to 265/75/16. I have also taken delivery of the bottom bash plates from Uys. Will also try and fit them between now and Monday.
Insurance want a "Tracker" fitted so they will come and fit it also tomorrow night.

Front ARB Bumper must be colour coded and hopefully will be fitted on Monday if all goes as per plan.

Some Pic's

Excellent, Barry!


-F_D

Barry, excellent work done.

Awesome, makes one want to start all over again!

Very, very neat
I wish...

Barry, you also going to fit an additional diesel filter?

@Traveler: I will be but I do not have all the info on what to fit and where to get it.

Tyres are getting fitted as we speak. 265/75/16 on new 16' rims. I have just been informed that when turning the steering wheel the tyres catch on the mud flap....Any sujestion what to do now. I read that I can ask the wheel alligianment specilist to move it forward??? or must I just remove the mud flaps...(Only talking about the front)

Traveler wrote:Barry, you also going to fit an additional diesel filter?

Contact Turboformance in Nelspruit for a Racor DIY kit, comes with EVERYTHING you might need.

http://www.turboformance.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



On the tyres rubbing the mud flaps, mine was only rubbing when under articulation, not normal conditions, so I took the belt sander to the mud flaps.

Donaldson hase branches throughout SA.

I had a look at their diesel filter and water trap - VERY NICE ! and under a R1k for the unit, but I am not sure if that includes the bracket or pipes.

I particularly like the water trap as it is clear, and one would be able to see water in it.

@Chris..I think this is what I will do...I must still read up on what size filters but if you have all the info/spec then let me have it. Our Diesel is always dirty....We buy it in 200l drums and if the tractor is anything to go by then I need the filters.

Just a quick update: 265/75/16 tyres and new 16' mag rims have been fitted. The front tyres was scraping against the mud flaps when doing a sharp turn. Had to remove the mud flaps for now. Once the front bumper is fitted (on Monday) I will then ask a wheel alignment centre to move them as far forward as the spec will allow. I know the new rims are "bling" but I wanted to keep with the theme of the Hilux 40 hence the chrome.

Also fitted Uys Bash Plate.

Our 1.8Km mud road is at its best. We have had23mm rain yesterday and 90mm rain just Today. It is absolutely no problem now to get out of the farm. The mud tyres do throw a lot of mud all over the show, while driving one just see mud flying.

Some Pic...let me know what you think

Looks real good Barry.

Eish dis darem maar baie mooi!!! Ek het presies dieselfde probleem gehad met die wiele wat geskuur het en nadat Dawie by Hi-Q Menlyn die wiele vorentoe geskuif het was die probleem 100% opgelos.

Frederick wrote:Eish dis darem maar baie mooi!!! Ek het presies dieselfde probleem gehad met die wiele wat geskuur het en nadat Dawie by Hi-Q Menlyn die wiele vorentoe geskuif het was die probleem 100% opgelos.

Frederick kon jy die mud flaps terug sit toe Hi-Q klaar die wiele vorentoe geskuif het

ek dink jou rim en kleur keuse was perfect. Daai Lux se net een ding....WINDGAT

Rollercoaster639 wrote:

Frederick wrote:Eish dis darem maar baie mooi!!! Ek het presies dieselfde probleem gehad met die wiele wat geskuur het en nadat Dawie by Hi-Q Menlyn die wiele vorentoe geskuif het was die probleem 100% opgelos.

Frederick kon jy die mud flaps terug sit toe Hi-Q klaar die wiele vorentoe geskuif het

Jip. Ek het hulle nooit eens afgehaal nie!

Just a quick update....Front aftermarket bumper added which we had colour coded.

Looks like youre enjoying yourself Barry... Well done, it looks really funky!!

Now that looks very very nice!!

Barry, your truck looks impressive!!!

Having lived in Bethal a few years (and loved it) i would think your truck stands out well in the parking lot between all the boere bakkies. Even though most boere that side drive Land Cruisers nowadays.

There are a few pics missing though.... we need to see the ones where the Lux is eating the drive way turf. I promise you theres not many guys who really knows how snotty and sticky the black turf found in those parts get.....a couple of the Hilux Club guys may just pay you a visit to learn first hand.

Well we have fitted the canopy and I don't know if I like it on. Suppose it will grow on me. On the positive side we now have plenty space and a comfortable ride bearing in mind that our little Suzuki sj 413 lacked both of these qualities. It is also very nice just to throw the stuff in the back and lock the canopy. ( I don't have to sit in the van and make sure that someone does not break the window for a loaf of bread in a plastic bag left on the seat while Swambo does the shopping....Now I can sit in the Pub)

The canopy will not be able to be left on the van as from Monday to friday it is the farms workhorse so not to bad. Next will be long range tank and second battery. Was going to remove the second battery system from the Suzuki but decided against it.
Easter weekend will see us in Moz for our first overland test with the new rig. (Still in planning phase) We have done Dewilt, Lake Eland in Natal(easy) and Sani pass with no problems and felt safe. OME suspension is working OK. I have a lot of trust in our Suzuki's 4 wheel drive capability so the Hilux will have to start to earn our trust.
Some picks..Once again feel free to comment, positive or negative.

Looks awesome, Barry. Methinks the alu colour and that funky blue is a perfect fit. All that trouble just to get off the farm [imagine an appropriate smiling thingie here]!

Like the look, just the alu rims aren't my favourite... I would rather go for a set of beadlocker rims, will make it look potent... but yes it are looking fantastic!

Barry
Looks fantaaaastic.... very very nice
I will keep on dreaming :)

Looking good. Must be sucking the bank account somewhat.... I would have put the d/c side step or rock slider to protect the load body in front of the rear wheels. Looks almost tooooo nice to bundu bash with.

Well the Hilux is busy getting the long range tank and `dc2dc duel battery system fitted. Also getting some issues with the canopy repaired. Will post a pick once I get it back.
I will also be able to give some comparison of the two different types of duel battery systems in due course. The Suzuki has a plain and simple solenoid with one HC and one DC battery in. This works fine for long weekends but not much longer. (We are heavy on the fridge with it been opened and closed a lot but has never let us down over a long week end. We have been left with a flat DC battery on longer trips. (60% bad power management and 40% insufficient charging)

Jy moet aangaan met jou lus maakery Barry...'n nuwe bakkie en al die kit gaan my bank bestuurder weer terug in sy rolstoel sit!!!

Barry, dit lyk super awsome Gaan jy ook een van daai Fox Awnings aansit? Toe ons nou in Nam was het hulle super gewerk! Beslis die geldjies werd

Barry daai bakkie van jou lyk stunning. Ek was nog altyd lief vir daai kleur blou op 'n voertuig.

Barry,that is one super nice bakkie.Wish mine looked like that

OOOOMS wrote:Barry, dit lyk super awsome Gaan jy ook een van daai Fox Awnings aansit? Toe ons nou in Nam was het hulle super gewerk! Beslis die geldjies werd

Mark die idea is om n awning aantesit later....eers die RTT. Het nog nie kans gehad om te kyk watter maak. Enige raad sal welkom wees. Ons will die hilux prakties maak die keer. Die laaste bakkie het ons nie reg gedoen (niks vir die bakkie en alles wat n mens nie nodig het nie ) en n klom geld gemors op onnodige dinge. Ons gaan op n trip of uit kamp elke 3 maande vir omtrent 2 weeke. So ons het al baie voute gemaak om gemorse en onnodige dinge te koop. Skoolgelde is duur en meer as een keur betaal.

Hoeveel van julle kamp? Jou vrou en jy, en..........

Sal beslis na 'n 1.4 x 2.4 kyk in elke geval, die 1.2 x 2.4 is bietjie nou....

Howling Moon is nogals netjies en jy kan die kant kamertjie aan-zip vir die kinners

OOOOMS wrote:Hoeveel van julle kamp? Jou vrou en jy, en..........

Sal beslis na 'n 1.4 x 2.4 kyk in elke geval, die 1.2 x 2.4 is bietjie nou....

Howling Moon is nogals netjies en jy kan die kant kamertjie aan-zip vir die kinners

Net ek en die vrou. As die kinders saamgaan moet hulle in hul eier karre en tente kom. Hulle al groot en uit die huis. (Maar die een nog nie uit my wallet nie)

Ja ek het al baie gelees oor die RTT. Ons is van plan om die 1.4x2.4 HM te kry. Weet nog nie as dit die Delux of Tourer gaan wees. Kan n mense die kamertjie onder altwee van hulle aan zip. Het julle enige raad oor die awnings. Ek het maar bitter min oor hulle gelees.

Fox awning Moet nie na namaaksels kyk nie.

Ek het 's 2.5 x 2.5 easy-awn en 3.0 x 2.5 serengeti awning....maar fox is by verre die maklikste en effektiefste :!:

Got the Hilux back and everything looks good. Long range tank fitted and duel battery system (DC2DC). Canopy has had the minor repairs and is looking much better.
We had some issues with the finishing on the inside but as the pic shows it is looking very neat now. I added a solenoid to the battery system to connect the two batteries if using a winch or in an emergency situation.

Netjies, sien jou 2de battery is sideway's gemonteer, lyk netjies. Maak net 100% seker daai brackets onder die battery is sterk en stewig. Het al gesien by Toy van wheel-arches wat geknak het onder die gewig.

Wat gaan jy binne die canopy doen? Drawer sisteem? Sien die kante is toe!

Nicely Done...Very Nicely Done...

Jou bakkie lyk flippen mooi.Om net by Mark aan te las,wil ek dit beklemtoon dat daar geen ander awning is as n Fox wing nie,as jy klein kinders sal hulle dit kan opslaan en opvou,so maklik is dit.Ek sal n foto post net om jou n idee te gee.Ons het sterk winde ervaar en die foxwing staan dood stil,reen werk hy ook baie goed,as die seil styf gespan is,soos met enige tent loop die water af.Die pale het "eyebolts"op die punte,sou jy dit wou verstewig.Daar is ook nou kant sele wat jy aan kan sit sou jy wou.

Ons het n HM RTT star gazer met die ekstra kamer onder aan,ek wou eers net n gewone tent kry maar is baie bly dat my friende my oortuig het.Die kamer onder is seker 2x2m groot en jy klim direk vanuit jou tent binne in die kamer gedeelte.Soosmark gese het lekker vir die kinders,maar baie meer voordelig wanner mamma in die aand wil aantrek,porta pot,ens.En seker die grootste voordeel vir my is wanneer dit reen het hy n skuiling waar jy minstens die nodige droog kan hou ens,glo jy kry die punt.Sover ek weet kan die extention kry vir die tourer en star gazer.As jy nie lus is om die extention op te sit nie dan werk jou tent soos normaal weg.

Hier is n foto van die Fox wing en ook sommer die tent indie agtergrond,kan n idee kry van die grootte.

Marius dankie vir die pic's. Wa kan ek die Fox wing awning koop of navraag doen oor hulle en uitvind wat kos hulle. Ek het dit ge google maar niks nie.
So ver die RTT gaan het ons al besluit op die HM. Almal wat raad gee oor hulle se ook maar die tourer so ons sal maar so een koop. Weerens dankie

Barry hulle, dis nou die Fox Awning kos so........R6300.00. Pricy maar die moeite werd en sal op jou LWB mooi pas! Ek dink LA Sport doen hulle

Hi Barry,

Ek besef vanoggend ek het die awning verkeerdelik benoem.Dit is n OSTRICH WING,en nie n fox wing nie.Die verskil tussen die twee sover ek dit het is die volgende.
OSTRICH WING,het nie pote nie en hang vanaf die construksie wat aan jou roofrack vas is.Hy het die oogies op die punte om n tou aan vas te maak of self n poot aan te sit.

Fox wing,werk baie die selfde,maar die awning het pote wat hom ondersteun.Meer dinge on vas en los te maak,op te slaan ens.

OSTRICH WING,word deur Mega 4x4 versprei,dis al plek waar ek dit nog gesien het.

LA Sport het hulle eie een ontwerp wat nie te sleg is nie,maar nie naastenby so sterk soos die Ostrich wing nie en boonop is al drie(OSTRICH WING,Fox wing en La Sport wing) se prys binne R1000 van mekaar af Die laaste wat ek gesien het was die prys van die OSTRICH WING R6800.00 Fitted met die ripstop materiaal,die sy kante is ek nie seker van nie.

Hoop dit help.

Barry, ek kyk nou weer deur die thread, seker die mooiste SC wat ek al gesien het

Barry, jou blou Hilux is baie-baie netjies.

Hi Guys, just to update this post a bit and give some of the positive and negative points so far.

I have installed the following since my last post:

As far as the awning goes I decided to go with the Ostrich awnings not because I wanted to or not but because I could not find a supplier of the fox. So Ostrich it is.

I also had the African outback draw system installed (I will post some pics later) with the extension section as is normal for the single cab.

The two way radio was installed between the seats secured to the back of the cab. The antenna is mounted on the front ARB bumper as I did not want to drill holes in my bakkie just yet.

Next to the radio behind the drivers seat I mounted the 1500w inverter. I had some concerns that the DC2DC battery charger mounted behind the passenger seat and the inverter would plat havoc with the VHF two way radio but no such nonsense.


We were also lucky to be able to take a short trip to Mozambique during the Easter break and found the following points:

Negative Points:

The mud terrain tires are noisy and eat some of your power. I did read on the forum that the mud tires are noisy but thought that it cant be too bad. Don’t believe it, they are noisy to a point that I have taken them off. I will only use them for our trips and not for day to day use. For someone who is considering mud tires as there only set of tires to be used for day to day as well as off road I would not recommend them. BUT they do look good and really do perform in the mud. I stuck my original tires back on and immediately felt the increase in power to the point that I am now considering a smaller all purpose tire.

The next problem was that the draw system comes with a fridge slide which is actually the cover of the draw. If you open the draws and there is loose stuff around the fridge then it falls into the draw and you can not close the fridge slide. The other problem with the slide is that with a larger fridge the slide does not extend far enough to open the door of the fridge. (It hits against the canopy door) We have a NL 74liter and we have this problem. With a smaller fridge this would not be a problem so be careful.

The KC spot lights that I had mounted on top of the canopy were not all that good in the first place. Also they look good on the roof but not very practical. Every tree we went under knocked them around. I have now replaced them with two 240mm Light force spots mounted on the front bumper. Hope this works better but have not had a chance to do any field test yet.

The RTT is OK to erect but not all that easy to pack away. It is quite a pain in the butt especially if you are staying in one place for two days or more and want to use the vehicle. It is also made more difficult if your vehicle is lifted and you are short. Leaving the bedding and pillows inside the tent when folding it away also make it interesting. I will be looking at a small type of step ladder of some sort next time.

The last negative point so far is the “roof rack” I have. It is not actually a roof rack but more of a frame around the top of the canopy. This does not work very well at all. If you want to install something semi permanent then you have to drill holes in the roof of the canopy. (Jerry cans holder gas cylinder holders ect). I have ordered a front runner type roof rack measuring 900mm x 1000mm to be fitted to the back half of the canopy behind the RTT.

So Now the Positive Points.

The draw system does allow for easy access. We installed a two plate gas stove in the one and this works really well. Just pull the draw out and you are ready to cook and get coffee.

The Ostrich awning is really easy and fast to erect and pack away. I did not think I would enjoy this piece of equipment as much as I did. I would recommend this product or similar product. Worth the extra money. Thanks Mark / Marius

As we travel in convoy the VHF radio is a blast and very practical piece of equipment. Thanks Erik

It really just feels good to sleep on top of the bakkie in the RTT. (Don’t make the braai to close to your tent…Smoke goes up)

The DC2DC battery charger seemed to work fine but we did not test it to its full potential but had not problems.

Now there may be a lot of okes that don’t agree with the following piece of equipment but for me is one of the best investments that you can get. The 1500watt inverter is worth every cent I paid. It runs the 1000watt hair dryer quite comfortable so no more explanation necessary. Just buy it.

The single most impressive modification that I done must be the Old Man Emu suspension. I feel the benefits of them daily from a softer ride on the farm road to a more stable feel when going around a corner. I cannot compare it to any other aftermarket suspension but compared to the original suspension it is like chalk and cheese.

I feel I need to say something about the front lockers. With a Hilux I was not given the chance to use them. I never once so far have really been in a position to use them. This must be due to the Hiluxes ability. Maybe some land rover oke can give us some feed back. BUT they do give you that nice warm feeling in your stomach.

Hope this feed back helps someone

Nice report, Barry.

Glad the VHF radio is proving useful! ;)


-F_D

Lyk goed!

Interesting and very valid points, Barry

But most you can quickly be overlooked when you are out in the bush, having something cold :!:

Its been a while since I updated this. Been to Moz twice, Lebombo Echo trail, Transfrontier echo trail and a few weekend stunts to various 4x4 trails including De Wild and Barakah.
Well to cut a long story short due to the back of the bakkie sagging I had air springs fitted then later I fitted the winch. I have the OME suspension fitted front and back. I found the original back suspension needed an extra blade which I had installed. This also proved not ideal hence the air springs.

Once the winch was fitted to the front It seemed that I had lost my hard earned ground clearance. So I fitted the front levelling spaces. Don't know if this was a good move but time will tell. Anyhow for those of you who are interested I have been taking some measurements as I was going along.

Before Air springs after OME suspension and ARB Bull bar Canopy, RTT and draw system;

FL 775 FR 765
BL 775 BR 780

After Air springs

FL 755 FR 755
BL 810 BR 810 @1BAR
BL 890 BR 890 @ 6 BAR

After front spacers

FL 760 FR 765 BEFORE
FL 805 FR 810 AFTER

I don't think we realise how heavy all the additions add up to. Also finally plucked up enough courage and sent the wife to get the snorkel fitted. No ways was I going to watch them drill that big hole into my pride and joy.

For those of you who have the front levelling spacers fitted does the above measurements not seem too much (805 and 810mm) I am sure I read something that mentioned a max of 780mm but I can not find where I read it. Starting to look at the rock sliders which will be next.

Barry, what seize spacers did you fit in front?