17 minute read
Suspension & Load Carrying
TAG EXTREME RECOVERY TOWBAR LAUNCHED
Built in Australia, the new TAG Extreme Recovery (XR) Towbar has been engineered for professional trade and fleet applications as well as adventurous off-roaders who need to get themselves and their convoy out of challenging recovery situations. The TAG XR bar reportedly provides a more useful and versatile alternative to your standard towbar, fitted with loads of features to make it a must have for all four-wheel drives. The TAG XR Towbar is a Class Four Towbar featuring a 50mm Square Hitch Receiver, including two WLL 4500kg Load-Rated Recovery Points integrated into Three-Piece Design sidearms with bevelled edges to suit soft-shackles. TAG Towbars says for “unrivalled strength and pulling power,” the XR features an 89mm x 89mm Extreme Duty Reinforced Crossbar, finished in a textured powder-coat for style and durability. It states off-roaders will appreciate the flush chassis-mounted profile which provides maximum offroad clearance for improved departure angles. The Trailer and Anderson Plug Mounts are protected from ground impacts as they are both mounted on top of the bar, providing peace of mind and ease of access. The TAG XR Towbar includes an Extreme Duty Drop Hitch in a matching powder-coat finish and TAG Towbar’s Zinc Tow Ball to reduce corrosion and wear. Rated at 3500kg towing capacity/350kg ball weight, the kit comes with high quality Pin and Clip and D-Shackles for performance and reliability across the whole system. TAG Towbars says the TAG XR Towbar has been engineered using state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology, ensuring precise fitment to vehicle OEM mounting points. The bars are a Three-Piece bolt-on design for ease of fitment, only requiring one person to install. The TAG Extreme Recovery Towbar is available across most current 4x4 Cab Chassis vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, Mitsubishi Triton, Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota Hilux and Landcruiser. TAG Towbars says more models are regularly added to the range, including some style-side Ute and SUV applications coming very soon. TAG Towbars says the new TAG Extreme Recovery (XR) Towbar is a must have for any 4x4 vehicle. It is available now. For more information, visit www.tagtowbars.com.au
COMPLETE SUSPENSION SOLUTIONS
Raw 4x4 says it has you covered
Whether it is a lift for a customer’s 4WD to give it that greater street presence, or if it is for some serious 4WDriving and hitting those corrugated tracks, Raw 4x4 states it can customise a suspension solution to meet the individual needs of the driver. Raw 4x4 knows that Australia’s unforgiving terrain is some of the most diverse and demanding in the world and says that it is essential that every 4x4 is equipped with the right suspension components to tackle these conditions. It explains that the technology used to design and develop Raw 4x4 shock absorbers and struts is based on years of experience designing and developing products specifically for Australia’s harsh operating conditions. The Raw 4x4 brand was created by Powerdown, which has been designing and developing suspension components for the heavy commercial vehicle industry since 1983. Raw 4x4 says its engineering team, based in Beresfield, New South Wales, is dedicated to researching and developing shock absorbers and suspension components, with some of the most advanced testing facilities in Australia; including one of the largest dynamometers in the country; accurately measuring the dampening capabilities of a shock absorber. This testing of performance and durability is followed by on-road testing carried out on Australia’s diversified road and climatic conditions. Raw 4x4 explains that upgrading suspension is essential for vehicles that have been fitted with load bearing aftermarket accessories, travelling prolonged periods on corrugated tracks, or for customers who want to improve the performance of their 4WD. Allowing for the fitment of bigger tyres for increased ground clearance, Raw 4x4 suspension also reportedly improves the overall feel of the vehicle, enhances the load carrying ability, and improves off road articulation, whilst increasing comfort and control. The team at Raw 4x4 says that they do not believe in a one size fits all approach to suspension design, with an understanding that every 4WDriver has a unique purpose for their vehicle. Raw 4x4 designs and develops a complete range of heavy duty suspension equipment to survive the toughest of conditions; with the range offering multiple leaf, coil springs and shock absorber options; to design the perfect package to suit load carrying and ride handling needs. Raw 4x4 says it can give you the confidence to take your 4WDriving adventures to the next level with its complete suspension solutions, and states that finding the perfect upgrade is simple with the RAW 4x4 online kit builder at www.raw4x4.com.au or by speaking to one of its sales team on 02 4949 0000. For more information, visit www.raw4x4.com.au
TERRAIN TAMER HEAVY DUTY PARABOLIC SPRINGS
The springs are proving very popular
Traditional 4WD leaf springs are often thick, heavy and clunky, adding to the weight of vehicles that are often dangerously close to meeting their GVM limit. Terrain Tamer has developed a range of Parabolic Leaf Springs, applying its own carefully researched design and modern technology to an already wellestablished idea from the trucking industry. The popularity of these springs was such that in 2020, Terrain Tamer expanded the range to include both Heavy Duty and Extra Heavy Duty Parabolic Spring Designs. These springs utilise all of the same features as the original range of Parabolics springs, but are designed for more robust capacity vehicles, such as those used in military and mining applications, where a load of up to 700kg might be required. Terrain Tamer’s Parabolic Springs contain fewer leaves than regular leaf springs and get their name from their tapered ‘parabolic’ design, meaning the spring is thicker in the centre and thinner toward the ends, rather than the usual linear style. This design directly addresses the GVM issue, eliminating the weight of often heavy, thick, traditional leaf packs and dramatically reducing the unsprung weight of the vehicle, essentially freeing up the weight needed for practical use. This makes them both safer on the road, and in the workshop where a two-man-lift to fit a heavier leaf spring might prove to be impractical, or impossible. This lower unsprung weight also acts to create a more comfortable right when the vehicle is unloaded, addressing the varying and everchanging applications that the modern day 4WD is used for and ensuring it is comfortable whether empty or loaded. Effectively coupling a more comfortable ride with a strength not afforded to traditional springs, the Parabolic design also helps the spring to flex while still providing the strength needed to bear the weight of heavy loads. This is particularly useful in 4WD applications that carry excessive load on the driveline, or when challenged with difficult terrain, as the flex afforded with a Parabolic Spring allows the spring to give a little when the driver hits a bump in the road. This allows the differential housing to rotate with the springs and effectively providing a smoother ride, reducing the shock transferred to the crown wheel and pinion, stopping the wheel from spinning and maintaining safety and drive. Further, Terrain Tamer says its extensive research and development has shown that the new shape provides better axle articulation, as well as almost no interleaf friction, allowing the spring to compress or extend with ease without touching each other until there is a reasonable load on the vehicle. This feature means the springs are not only quieter, but also acts to help minimise issues with rust build up. For more information, visit www.terraintamer.com.au
BILSTEIN OFFERS SUSPENSION OPTIMISATION
Optimum protection against dust even without a tube for Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander
Jeeps of all kinds are among the stars of the offroad scene. Even the rather comfortable Grand Cherokee III (WH, WK, built 2004-2011) and Commander (XK, XH, built 2005-2010) models perform impressively off-road. What’s more, Bilstein says it has various options in its range to further improve the handling of both models – both on and off the road. Workshops will wonder, however, why most of these Bilstein shock absorbers have neither a boot nor a tube to protect against dust. After all, this important detail is found on every passenger car shock absorber and should be present on an off-road vehicle all the more – shouldn’t it? Were the accessories simply forgotten in the end? Rainer Popiol, head of the BILSTEIN Academy, gives the all-clear, explaining that “on both models, Chrysler engineers already decided not to use dust boots or tubes with the original shock absorbers. The problem was solved elsewhere in terms of design. That’s why various Bilstein shock absorbers for Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander are also supplied without additional dust protection and can be installed as they are without hesitation.” The Bilstein B6 4600 shock absorber, for example, is available as a suspension upgrade for the two Jeep models. Bilstein says it stands for better handling for off-road and on-road while its precise tuning reduces the uncontrolled movements of the high body typical of off-road vehicles and SUVs. At the same time, steering precision and suspension load capacity are increased, ensuring more vehicle control, safer handling and better traction. Bilstein says its B8 5100, in turn, is the ideal shock absorber for increased ground clearance and optimum grip. Thanks to its extended design, it also fits perfectly with height-adjustment kits. Grand Cherokee and Commander Jeeps can be raised by up to 50 millimetres and the Bilstein monotube technology and the patented degressive valve system of the Bilstein B8 5100 are specially designed for these requirements. For the Grand Cherokee, the “normal” Bilstein B6 is also available, which is not a dedicated off-road damper but an improved OE replacement. Bilstein states that its additional damping force ensures more traction, more precise handling, optimum road grip and increased track stability in everyday use. At the same time, body movements are reduced. Bilstein says those who use their Jeep as a towing vehicle for horse trailers and the like can also look forward to improved handling and enhanced driving safety – although this naturally also applies to the Bilstein B6 4600 and B8 5100. For more information, visit workshop.bilstein.com Photos: Copyright Bilstein 2022
PEDDERS EXPANDS TOWING AND LOAD-CARRYING RANGE
Pedders Suspension and Brakes, an Australian family-owned business, is continuing to expand its product offering in the towing and load-carrying space with a heavy emphasis on safety. As more and more Aussies load up their 4x4s with accessories, equipment and trailers that are tailored to make their vehicles a home away from home, businesses like Pedders have an obligation to educate consumers on the effects of weight on their vehicles. It is no surprise that adding weight to a vehicle reduces its braking performance and increases it’s stopping distance, however it also reduces handling capability, creates wheel alignment issues and irregular tyre wear, and puts a strain on the vehicle’s suspension and driveline. This is where the Pedders GVM+ program comes in. Pedders offers a range of GVM+ Upgrade packages to suit popular 4x4s and Utes that – via a second stage manufacturer license and engineering certification – provide a boost in certified GVM rating and Payload capacity. These upgrades to suspension and often the braking system, plus axles, have been engineered to safely carry additional weight over and above OEM specification. The benefit to the consumer is peace of mind that they have additional load-carrying capacity for things like dual batteries, water tanks, fridges and other touring items, plus they remain legal in all states and territories of Australia. The latest addition to the Pedders GVM+ program is the popular new 2021-onwards Isuzu MU-X. After the Pedders GVM+ upgrade, the MU-X is certified with a 3200kg GVM rating, which equals a boost in Payload capacity of up to 400kg. Pedders offers GVM+ Upgrades pre-registration on brand-new vehicles as well as post-registration on vehicles that have already been registered, and the range of vehicles is always expanding. With the new MU-X kit now in market, the team at Pedders are working on GVM+ Upgrade kits for the 2022 Ford Ranger, Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and other new 4x4s. Pedders’ commitment to safe towing and loadcarrying doesn’t stop with GVM+ Upgrades – the business is now investing heavily in braking systems and innovative new brake products. Pedders offers a range of brake upgrade solutions for popular 4x4s and Utes, from performance rotors and brake pads right through to complete brake replacement packages like the Pedders Rear Drum to Disc Conversion for dual-cab utes and the Big Front Brake Kit. When combined, Pedders says a Pedders brake upgrade and GVM+ kit provide a total towing and load-carrying undercar solution that’s fit for purpose and designed to handle heavy loads. For more information, contact your local Pedders outlet or visit www.pedders.com.au
OVERLOADED FLEET VEHICLE SOLUTIONS
Six Wheeler Conversions says it has the answer to this common problem
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of fleet and service vehicles on the roads, particularly in the recreational market. One concern that many of these vehicle operators have in common is overloading. A number of fleet and service vehicles with trays and canopies have reached their weight capacity even before the vehicles are loaded with people, fuel, tools, and other accessories. Depending on the vehicle, this can be the case even after the standard 300kg GVM upgrades have been fitted. When fleet and service vehicles require loads to complete their daily tasks, overloading becomes all too common. However, an overloaded vehicle is not only a safety concern but also a violation of the law. It can lead to considerable fines for the driver and company and can also void any insurance policies. The operators of these vehicles are taking a risk every time they pull onto the highway and Six Wheeler Conversions says it offers a solution that will help operators avoid this unnecessary risk. The company provides GVM upgrades on a range of standard utes that will ensure the vehicles are safe and compliant. It can be applied to vehicles with a wide range of carrying and towing applications. The conversion typically increases usable payloads up to 1.8 tonnes with GVMs of 4,495Kg, providing a more comfortable, user-friendly drive. The company says this payload increase is often close to one tonne above the base vehicle’s specifications. It also retains the OEM vehicle’s original safety systems and car handling characteristics. Six Wheeler Conversions say its builds increase payloads, increase load space with larger trays, and improve vehicle ride, stability, and performance. It says this investment will ultimately save businesses money while making drivers safer with vehicles that comply with the law. All of the conversions are fully compliant with Six Wheeler’s federally certified Second Stage Manufacturer approvals on a range of vehicles. These include the Toyota Landcruiser 70 series, Toyota Landcruiser 200 series, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50, VW Amarok, and Isuzu Dmax. For more information, visit www.sixwheeler.com.au
GO MAX
With SACHS Shock Absorbers
For those consumers looking to upgrade their vehicle’s shock absorbers, ZF says they should look no further than SACHS MAX, a range of SACHS shock absorbers for four-wheel-drives, off-road and utility vehicles. A brand of ZF Aftermarket, SACHS shock absorbers are distinguished by their original equipment quality and innovative technology and are now reportedly ranked as the number one shock absorber in European car parc coverage. With the ideal combination of performance and dynamics, ZF says SACHS shock absorbers ensure perfect grip and cornering behaviour – with these benefits, and more, extending to the SACHS MAX range. Supporting vehicles with up to a two-inch lift, SACHS MAX shocks absorbers have been designed specifically with Australia’s harsh conditions in mind.
With larger pistons and an increased bore size, the shock absorbers are incredibly durable, while continuing to offer the ultimate in safety. This big bore design results in a reduction of heat and subsequently an improvement of consistency with heavy loads in rough terrain, especially when towing. ZF says the advantages of SACHS MAX extend beyond off-road usage though, with the shock absorbers also offering superior comfort in the day-to-day city driving environment. The SACHS MAX range has fitments for the most popular four-wheel drive, off-road and utility vehicles from manufacturers including Toyota, Ford, Holden, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Mazda and Nissan. The SACHS MAX range consists of almost 60 part numbers and has been very recently updated to cover an additional 580,000 vehicles on road to add to its already extensive coverage. For more information, including fitment details, visit www.sachsmaxshocks.com.au
NEW LOOK ROADSAFE LEADING THE WAY
Roadsafe has been an Australian specialist in steering and suspension products for more than 40 years and with its recent vibrant brand refresh comes a renewed focus on its constantly growing 4WD product range. Roadsafe says it is renowned for its industry leading on and off-road product development expertise and innovation that continues to lead the way in quality replacement parts for Australia’s highly specific and discerning 4WD market. “There are four key elements to the Roadsafe 4WD value proposition, which is reflected in the new “4” themed branding, packaging, and marketing for this 4WD product range,” Roadsafe General Manager, Tania Allatt, said. “Passion – designed by four-wheel drivers for four-wheel drivers. It’s what we do, it’s what we know. “Innovation – it is in our DNA. We are innovators, leading the industry with our team of best-inclass engineers, parts interpreters and our R&D Innovation Centre. “Performance – engineered beyond standard OE specification to offer exceptional performance, you’ll notice both on and off the road. “Sustainability – we care about our impact, so we source ethically through our supply chain and ensure that our suppliers respect their local environments.” Roadsafe says it now has one of the largest 4WD parts ranges across a number of key product groups, including rated recovery tow points, diff drops and upper control arms, panhard rods, long rods, trailing arms, driveline spacers, bracketry, strut mounts, battery trays and underbody protection. By offering such a detailed 4WD product range, Roadsafe says it provides application specific solutions that are comprehensively tested and constantly updated to best suit the highly diverse Australian 4WD car parc. The Roadsafe 4WD range covers everything from daily driving 4WDs to Specialist Offroad vehicles. Roadsafe says total quality is assured through Roadsafe’s in-house research and development that includes gruelling cyclic, FEA, destruction and drop testing regimes that ensure only the most durable and reliable parts make it to your 4WD workshop. Drawing on one of the largest ranges of automotive chassis parts available in Australia, these resources enable Roadsafe to innovate by providing complete solutions for 4WD vehicle specific applications, focusing on each vehicle’s steering geometry and driveability. All Roadsafe 4WD replacement parts meet or exceed OE specifications, offering exceptional performance that is supported by a comprehensive national warranty. “The quality engineering behind every Roadsafe 4WD component ensures exceptional performance and reliability,” BAPCOR Specialist Wholesale Product and R&D Manager, Troy Schipper, said. “The Roadsafe 4WD range is without a doubt one of the largest available, backed by four decades of experience and knowledge from our people who know and understand the specifics of 4WD vehicles.” To find out more about the Roadsafe 4WD product range, visit www.roadsafe.com.au
