Driveline & Brakes

FORD RANGER/BT-50 REAR DIFF HOUSINGS

Dwiz Diff Housings now has “super strong” diff housings with 2550kg load rating in production

With a growing demand for customers who want to carry more and more weight, Dwiz Diff Housings has designed another new product to add to its product range. “We now have started production of Ford Ranger PXI,II,III/Mazda Bt-50 Rear housings to suit with an increased load rating of 2550kgs,” Dwiz Diff Housings’ Todd Gerbich said. “Dwiz has been able to increase the rear axle load 700kg over the original factory rating of 1850kg. “We have incorporated our patented design of inner tubing, and blocking to the outer case which has seen great success in our Rear Track Correction kit. By using this design, we are able to retain a similar look to factory, without sacrificing ground clearance. “All of our Housings come with relevant engineering certification to allow for use in GVM increases. They are designed to suit all OEM parts, and it is a simple, bolt on, replacement job. “These diffs are completely manufactured from locally sourced components, and tested in our 4WD hire fleet on Fraser Island over seven years.” Dwiz Diff Housings says the benefits of its front housing design include: • Inner Tubing and Blocking to outer case • Uses Factory components • Chrome moly spindles • Strengthened in critical areas • Thicker bracketry • Retains factory axle design • Coated black in Raptor Coating • Increased axle load rating • Suitable for both Ford Ranger and BT-50 • Australian designed, manufactured and tested • Increased strength (up to 199 percent stronger than standard) • SSM and ADR Approved • Retail price of $3950.00 including GST plus shipping “Other products in our range include our Rear Track Correction kit for the VDJ Landcruiser including Chrome Moly Axles, high Clearance Plates and a massive 3020kg Load Rating with a retail price of $4750.00 incl GST plus shipping,” Todd said. “We also have GU Patrol/80/105/70 series Front housings available with significant load increases.” If you believe there is a demand for these products within your local customer network, Dwiz Diff Housings invites you to contact Todd on 0450 256 355 or todd@dwizdiffhousings.com.au to make an enquiry to become an agent. For more information, visit www.dwizdiffhousings.com.au

DBA VENTURING FURTHER INTO 4X4 TERRITORY

DBA has stepped up its presence in the 4WD and off-road space this year with new products and an increased market presence

As the financial year draws to a close, iconic brake manufacturer Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) is looking back on a successful 12 months, with the 4WD and off-road segment being no exception. Earlier this year the company decided to take its 4WD product offering to one of the leading industry shows, the National 4x4 Outdoors Show in Brisbane, Melbourne and, for the first time, Sydney. The Brisbane leg back in March provided the perfect opportunity for the business to present its multi-tiered range of 4WD brakes to the market. “The business is entering a new phase, backed by our aspiration to offer the optimal braking solution for every application,” DBA General Manager of Sales ANZ, Shane Jeffreys, said. “We are now in a position to provide the customer with a complete brake package, from high-volume deals for fleet, mining and direct replacement applications, all the way to brake upgrades for the most discerning 4WD enthusiast.” The backbone of DBA’s 4WD and off-road range is its tried and tested range of 4000 Series brake rotors. Cast from high-carbon alloyed iron and undergoing Thermal Stability Profiling (TSP), the rotor’s unique metallurgy performs exceptionally well under intense braking, be it off-road or when carrying or towing extra weight. The rotor features DBA’s patented Kangaroo Paw design for improved cooling characteristics and optionally the unique T3 slot design, amongst other available surface designs. The rotors are complemented by two upgrade brake pad options - DBA’s Street Performance and Xtreme Performance ranges. While the former offers a slightly smoother braking experience with its semi-metallic friction composition to suit daily street driving and offroad use, the latter uses low-copper, carbon fibre infused friction, allowing drivers to push their vehicle to its limits whilst enjoying uncompromised stopping power. Recognising the use of many 4WD and pick-up vehicles in fleets performing either on- or off-road duties, and even as daily drivers, DBA has released a complete range of OE-replacement brake rotors and pads under its Street Series brand, complemented by brake calipers and brake cylinders. Featuring most of DBA’s hallmark technologies, the Street Series range offers unparalleled value for money whilst providing an improved braking experience compared with the original equipment. DBA’s offering would not be complete without a special mention of arguably the most important new vehicle release in the off-road segment for 2022, the Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series. True to its ambition of being ‘First to Market,’ DBA recently released the OE-replacement Street Series and upgrade 4000 Series brake rotors for the allnew Cruiser. Street Series brake pads and various upgrade and performance pad options will follow within the next six months, together with calipers and brake cylinders. To find the right parts for any 4WD or utility vehicle, DBA invites you to go to ‘Part Finder’ at www.dba.com.au For more information, call DBA’s Customer Service on 1800 730 039.

XTREME OUTBACK CONTINUES TO EVOLVE

The performance is in the details

Xtreme Outback is constantly engineering heavy duty clutch solutions for 4x4s from around the world. As a division of Australian Clutch Services, Xtreme Outback products are sold throughout Australia via an extensive nationwide distribution network but are also exported to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, New Zealand and the United States. With such a large product range being required to cover so many different vehicle applications, the ACS engineering team are regularly reviewing vehicle applications and existing listings to ensure maximum market coverage. With an in-house research and development facility based in its Adelaide headquarters, ACS says it is able to accurately measure a wide variety of clutch performance parameters. “When we go to develop a new heavy duty clutch kit, we are looking to provide as much torque holding capability whilst also minimising any negative changes to the driveability,” ACS Mechanical Engineer, Stewart Furze, said. “We measure clamping force, bearing load and release characteristics to try and provide the best balance possible for that particular clutch setup. Every clutch is going to be different, so it is critical to analyse each application to ensure our products meet the quality, performance and reliability we know our customers around the world demand.” Xtreme Outback says it recognises that with constantly changing clutch technology, it is important to keep up with the latest OE products and ensure any performance upgrades are designed and developed accordingly. “As new vehicles continue to evolve in clutch technology, we are having to change our product development to suit each specific application,” Stewart said. “For example, when looking at vehicles that are fitted with dual-mass flywheels, we review that vehicle and develop a performance upgrade that is most suitable. In some cases, this means we can develop a single-mass flywheel conversion whilst in others that are more susceptible to increased noise and vibration, we are now producing heavy duty upgrades that can be installed onto the dualmass flywheel.” Another focus is offering a range of options to tailor a performance clutch solution to a specific vehicle use. “It is rare for us to just offer one upgrade kit for a vehicle. We will normally offer a variety of solutions including different friction disc materials and pressure plates to ensure the customer can select a clutch that is most suited to their driving and vehicle modifications,” Stewart said. “There is no point putting a performance clutch solution designed for motorsport use in a daily driven tow vehicle with limited performance modifications, so our range has been carefully developed to try and offer staged alternatives for our customers around the world.” For more information, visit www.xtremeoutback.com.au or call 1800 CLUTCH.

A COMPLETE 4WD BRAKING OFFER

Protex says its customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding braking solutions for their 4WDs

With a specialist Ultra 4WD range of rotors and pads right through to hydraulics and components in its Ultra range, Protex says it has all of your 4WD needs covered. Heavy duty range for 4WD, SUV and demanding off-road conditions

Whether its towing, off-road adventures or everyday city driving, four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles need high performance braking systems. Protex says its Ultra 4WD range delivers the right stopping power in all sorts of challenging driving conditions. While specifically catering to the needs of 4WD and SUV vehicles engaging in off-road driving and towing, Protex Ultra 4WD is equally suitable to everyday driving. Tough brakes for heavy-duty activities

Protex says its Ultra 4WD range is developed from the latest innovations in design and manufacturing and therefore offers many benefits including: • Anti-corrosion: the disc rotors are coated with “Ultracoat Z360” coating for anti-corrosion protection and faster fitment. • Better stability: high carbon rotor formulation provides better stability under high thermal stress such as off-road conditions and towing. • Enhanced cooling: custom slotting and various vane designs for optimised cooling and heat dissipation, especially relevant to high heat loads that often accompany heavy braking. • Environmentally friendly: copper-free brake pads for minimal environmental impact and cleaner waterways without compromising performance. • Quieter braking: optimised, multi-layered shim on all pads with the addition of chamfer and slots to reduce noise and vibration. • Short bedding-in time: ceramic pads are pre-scorched for instant braking performance straight from the box. Protex Ultra for 4WD

Perfectly suited to 4WD, the Protex Ultra range covers everything from premium hydraulics right through to components. Protex delivers high performance hydraulic braking solutions with an exceptional range of cylinders and calipers covering a wide range of 4WD vehicle applications. Key features and benefits include: • Extensive cylinder range covering all major cylinders: Brake, Clutch, Wheel and Slaves • Engineered to OE Fit, Form and Function • Quality materials for leak free performance • Proven product dependability and durability Callipers are proving to be especially popular with the 4WD market and Protex says it has one of the largest range of calipers to suit the toll that off-road driving can bring on calipers. With more part numbers continually being added, Protex Ultra 4WD covers all the popular 4WD applications including Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota LandCruiser and many other models including SUV. For more information, visit www.protexparts.com.au