4WD

MARKS 4WD TRANSMISSION HANDBRAKE

For the Toyota LandCruiser

Marks 4WD has developed a transmission handbrake upgrade to suit Toyota LandCruisers (VDJ 76/79 Dual Cab/ Wagons). Designed and manufactured at Marks 4WD’s Dingley Headquarters in Victoria, the new handbrake is designed to replace the factory drum in disc setup. Marks 4WD says the factory handbrake is well known for filling with debris, quickly getting out of adjustment and giving the driver little confidence in its effectiveness. Marks 4WD explains it has relocated the handbrake to the transfer case, allowing the brake to be up and out of the road of grime and debris, which it says maximises the servicing life and reduces service intervals.

A clear advantage of the transmission brake is that it locks the entire drive-train, including all four wheels, when the transfer case is locked in 4WD. As the handbrake is mounted before the differential, you also gain the 3.9:1 differential ratio advantage over braking at the wheels. Marks 4WD says the Transmission handbrake has shown to work exceptionally well in mining environments, offering increased reliability and safety, reduced service intervals and a large 240mm diameter drum designed for 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles with GVMs up to 6000kg Installation of the handbrake is said to be straightforward and supplied with an Adaptor Housing, Handbrake drum, Bash Plate, fitting kit and instructions. For more information on the Marks 4WD Transmission Handbrake or other products, visit www.marks4wd.com or call the Marks 4WD sales team on 03 9552 6555.

INTRODUCING NEXT-GEN FORD RANGER ARB ACCESSORIES

Two iconic brands have joined forces to bring a best-in-class personalisation of the NextGeneration Ford Ranger

Those behind the strategic collaboration between Ford and ARB say the partnership has resulted in the best range of accessories available, so you can take your new Ford Ranger to the next level. The exclusive partnership offers a wide range of accessories that have undergone a rigorous evaluation process by both Ford and ARB engineers to ensure they are fully compatible with the Next Generation Ford Ranger, delivering optimal integration and performance. The collaboration between Ford and ARB began in early 2019, with ARB and Ford engineers joining forces to design, test, and validate before ultimately manufacturing over 160 Rangerspecific parts. Amongst the range are the following: • Summit Bar • Ascent Canopy • Old Man Emu BP-51 Suspension • Rear Step Tow Bar • Base Rack Roof Rack • Modular Drawer System You can find the full range of ARB NextGeneration Ford Ranger accessories at your local Ford dealerships, or ARB dealer. For more information, visit www.arb.com.au

FRAM 4WD FILTER KITS

A complete servicing solution

Filpro Automotive explains that its range of Fram 4WD Filter Kits cover a wide range of common 4WD models, providing “maximum performance and durability” on and off road. Conveniently packaged in the one box, with one reference number, Filpro explains that the Fram 4WD Filter Kits are the solution for complete servicing requirements. Filpro says that whether it is for off road driving, or the everyday drive, Fram 4WD Filter Kits are optimised for both on and off road performance. Every Fram Filter is designed, developed, tested and manufactured to meet or exceed OEM filtration specifications, with a warranty to meet OE specified vehicle service intervals, and will not void New Car Warranties. Filpro Automotive explains that each Fram 4WD Filter Kit contains Oil Filter, Air Filter, Fuel Filter, and Cabin Air Filter (where required) as follows. Fram Air Filters provide superior protection, for strenuous driving conditions, from idling in heavy traffic, to driving on dusty roads and towing heavy loads. The advanced filter media has been stringently tested and has an increased dirt holding capacity- surpassing ISO 5011 testing standards. Fram Fuel Filters serve a vital function in today’s modern tight-tolerance engine fuel systems, says Filpro Automotive. By removing rust and dirt particles from petrol or diesel, fuel filters protect fuel pumps and injectors from rapid wear and failure. Fram Oil Filters are ideal for drivers who push their vehicles, whether in stop and go traffic, by towing, or driving in extreme weather conditions. Filpro Automotive states that a blend of cellulose and synthetic microscopic fibres provide an ideal balance of dirt-trapping and dirt-holding capacity, whilst providing optimum oil flow to the engine for lubrication of moving engine parts. Fram Cabin Air Filters (where required) allow travelers inside the vehicle to breathe cleaner air by filtering out pollen, allergens, exhaust fumes, dirt and dust that enter the vehicle through the cooling/heating system. Fram Cabin Air Filters can eliminate up to 98 percent* of these impurities, providing a more enjoyable ride. To find the right filter fitment, visit www.framfilters.com.au to use the online catalogue tool. For further information, contact Filpro Automotive on 08 8193 9675 or info@filpro.com.au

NEW WINCH SHACKLE

Saber Offroad says this new shackle is the strongest in its class

A new 4x4 winch shackle, made from 7075 aviation-grade aluminium, is the strongest in its class and will make winch recoveries safer, according to Ben Bartlett and Steve Handbury of Saber Offroad. The owners of the leading four-wheel-drive recovery company based in Melbourne say they are significantly changing the 4x4 recovery game in Australia with the release of the new design-registered and patent-pending Saber Alloy Winch Shackle Pro (AWS Pro). “A winch recovery is one of the more dangerous recovery situations you will encounter. At Saber Offroad, we are always looking to innovate by making recovery gear that’s safer, smarter and stronger – and the newly released AWS Pro is a testament to that,” Saber Offroad Director of Product Development, Steve Handbury, said. “The Saber Offroad AWS Pro replaces the need for a standard winch hook and being that it’s made from aircraft-grade alloy and for soft shackle use only, means the overall winch system is lighter, fully contained and therefore safer. “Typically, a winch hook can weigh up to 1.62kg, but the new AWS Pro weighs in at only 900g, giving a 45 percent reduction in weight.” Steve said the company was working through the patent process for AWS Pro as it represented a unique way of connecting the winch shackle to a soft shackle that focused on a much larger bend radius. “The patented channel through the AWS Pro offers optimal support for soft shackles, another safer 4x4 recovery option than the metal bow shackle, and it also eliminates the risk of damage to the soft shackle, compared to other products with a smaller bend radius,” Steve said. “Any sharp bend in a rope under load decreases its strength substantially and may cause premature damage and failure. Where a rope bends more than 10 degrees across any surface, the diameter of the contact surface should not be less than three times the rope diameter. “A ratio of four to one (or larger) would be better because the rope durability increases as the diameter of the surface over which it is worked increases. “The AWS Pro has a diameter of 60mm, making it almost double the radius required on our larger soft shackles. Its design makes it exclusively for use with soft shackles. “The AWS Pro is the only design of its kind on the market, and conveniently holds the winch rope tightly against the fairlead to protect it, while also allowing for quick and easy use when needed.” Meanwhile, Saber Offroad Founder and Director, Ben Bartlett, said the worldclass design made the AWS Pro the strongest aluminium winch shackle on market. “The AWS Pro is rated to 18,000kg and far lighter than many lower-rated standard winch hooks on the market,” Ben said. “And each batch of our aluminium products are individually tested at a NATA facility in Australia. We believe this is the ultimate winch hook replacement.” The AWS Pro is cleaned, coated, finished and packaged right here in Australia using a number of local Victorian suppliers passionate about their craft. While the CNC work is done offshore, Saber says it is driven to involve Australian manufacturing as much as possible while still allowing the AWS Pro to remain at an obtainable price point. Key product information:

• Manufactured from aircraft grade 7075 aluminium • 40mm thick aluminium, weighing 900g • Winch rope eye is held in place by a 16mm 304 stainless steel pin and internal circlip • Three Rubber Fairlead Engagement Pads (RFEP) softly engage with, and protect the surface of, an aluminium fairlead • Black powder coated finish (from Prismatic Powders USA) gives strong UV stability, and a durable hard-wearing surface • Saber Offroad specific product, designed in-house in Melbourne, Victoria. • Designed and finished in Australia • Batch tested in Australia at a NATA testing facility The Saber Alloy Winch Shackle Pro (AWS Pro) can be purchased from 110 Saber Offroad dealers around the world, or online at the company’s website. For more information, visit www.saberoffroad.com