12 minute read
4WD
NEW FROM TUFF TONNEAUS
New products are now available to suit the Next-Gen Ford Ranger
Tuff Tonneaus has introduced a range of tonneau covers and rubber mats to suit the recently released Next-Gen Ford Ranger. Amongst the new products released is Tuff Tonneaus No Drill 2.0 Clip On Tonneau Cover, which is now available for all tub configurations including sports bars, headboard and standard. Also available for those looking for extra tub protection and to stop items rolling around, is Tuff Tonneau’s new ribbed heavy duty 10mm matting cut to suit the Next-Gen Ranger, with and without the factory tub liner installed. No Drill 2.0 Clip On Tonneau Cover
Tuff Tonneaus says its Clip On 2.0 Tonneau Cover has reinvigorated the Clip On cover with a host of new features, and it is now even easier to install and simple to use. With sleek lines and soft curves, the cover goes on and comes off in seconds thanks to a new no drill clamping system. It has been designed, manufactured and assembled in Melbourne, Australia, and takes 15 minutes to install even with no experience following the supplied, easy to read instructions. “Our professionally created, easy to read fitting instructions means you can finish the job in under 15 minutes, even with no experience. You will feel like it was installed by an expert!” Tuff Tonneaus Managing Director, David Wilson, said. Other key features include: • No need for drill holes inside or outside your ute, which also means, no rust • Patented adjustable tonneau support bar design allows the cover to maintain a tight fit and great looks in extreme temperatures and all weather conditions. • Stretch cord, clip on system attached to the underside of the cover, enabling you to secure your cover and handle over size loads with ease. • Comes with everything needed for fitting including a bonus six-in-one multi-tool. • Unlimited five-year warranty. • Comes complete with a bottle of 303
Aerospace Protectant. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, Tuff Tonneaus says it has mastered the design of its tonneau covers, so it can guarantee with confidence that its covers are a perfect fit for your ute. All covers are made to order and dispatched in less than 24 hours. Tuff Tonneaus says its extensive tonneau cover range provides excellent value and premium quality to both customers and retailers, while offering “a simple install at the right price – and one that is made and backed by Australia’s leading tonneau cover manufacturer.” Trade Pricing is available for Business Customers. For more information, visit www.tto.com.au or email sales@tto.com.au or call 03 8720 0700.
NEW BENDIX ULTIMATE 4WD BIG BRAKE UPGRADE KITS
Bendix says the new kits offer huge braking gains
New ADR-compliant Ultimate 4WD Big Brake Upgrade Kits from Bendix are said to deliver vastly improved braking performance for owners of dual cab utes and their wagon derivatives, in the convenience of two comprehensive kits (front and rear). The front kit includes larger diameter Ultimate 4WD Disc Brake Rotors, Bendix 6-Piston monoblock calipers with bracket mounting kit, as well as Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads and Ultimate 4WD Braided Brake Hoses. The larger Ultimate 4WD Disc Brake Rotors are a generous 365mm in diameter and feature a ‘Diamond Tip Slot’ that allows gases to escape in demanding driving situations, maintaining braking performance and consistent pedal feel. The rotor design also offers improved self-cleaning qualities. Other benefits of the rotors include High Carbon Metallurgy which improves noise dampening while lowering thermal conductivity – together this results in improved durability and stopping power, while robust pillar construction aids thermal stability. Additionally, the Ultimate 4WD Disc Brake Rotors come with SwiftFit surface protection allowing the rotors to be fitted immediately and without the need to clean or treat them with anti-rust oil. Complementing the Ultimate 4WD Disc Brake Rotors are the proven Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads which have been specially designed for use with slotted rotors. Also included is a Mechanical Retention System (MRS) backing plate. Another important component of the front kit is the Bendix 6-Piston calipers – with additional pistons compared to OEM calipers, greater pressure is applied to the brake pads, resulting in shorter stopping distances. Also included are SAEj1401-approved Ultimate 4WD Brake Hoses which comply to international design standards and offer the added protection of a braided line with sleeve, leading to firm and consistent brake feel. Rounding-out this exciting offering is a litre of Bendix Heavy Duty Brake Fluid, a can of Bendix Clean-up, a tube of Ceramasil brake parts lubricant and a 60 litre Bendix branded icebox. The rear Ultimate 4WD Big Brake Upgrade Kit is a full drum to disc conversion kit, which removes all OE drum assembly and replaces it with the Bendix Ultimate 4WD disc rotors and hydraulic calipers. The kit comes complete with replacement bearings and seals (ABS rings and collars depending on vehicle model). The kit also includes a replacement park brake mechanism that’s actuated using the OE park brake cable, Bendix Brake Hoses, Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads and all the ancillary components and accessories mentioned for the front kits. For more information, visit www.bendix.com.au
VEHICLE-SPECIFIC DEVIATIONS DURING SHOCK ABSORBER INSTALLATION
The Bilstein Academy answers: why is the CR-V higher after replacing shock absorbers?
If workshop employees are already familiar with a product, it is tempting to simply get started without finding out about any special features during installation. After all, this saves time, and the steps are always the same anyway – aren’t they? However, this is often not the case if the shock absorbers are the same model, but the vehicle type is different. If there are any special features that need to be taken into account, Bilstein says it always encloses appropriate installation information. Mustafa Yavuz from Bilstein Technical Support explains this using the example of the first generation of the Honda CR-V, which was produced from 1996 to 2001. “In the case described to us by a workshop, the odd situation occurred in which the SUV suddenly stood higher than before after Bilstein B6 shock absorbers had been installed,” Mustafa said. First of all, Bilstein notes a few details about the product. It states the Bilstein B6 is an improved OE replacement shock absorber which is ideal for SUVs in particular, as it compensates for the disadvantage of the high centre of gravity in terms of handling by providing more damping force. Additional lowering is not necessary. However, it says the vehicle should by no means stand higher after installation. So, what went wrong with the damper installation in the example case? After all, longer springs are normally required to lift the body, and these were definitely not used. Bilstein says the answer to this problem is interesting and instructive: as a special feature of the first-generation CR-V, a special tube is included in the scope of delivery of the vehiclespecific Bilstein B6. This does not remain permanently on the Honda, but merely serves as a mounting aid to fasten the brake hose holder. In this case, the mounting tube was mistakenly attached permanently above the snap ring. However, this is actually intended to accommodate the spring plate. As a result of the incorrect installation described above, the spring plate of the shock absorber is now in a raised position. This results in significantly increased ground clearance on the front axle. Bilstein says workshops that have experienced similar oddities themselves or need help with suspension installation or component selection can contact Bilstein’s Technical Support by e-mail on technik@bilstein.de for assistance For more information, visit www.workshop.bilstein.com Photos: Copyright Bilstein 2022
HULK 4X4 SWITCH PANELS
The Hulk 4x4 product range at CoolDrive Auto Parts continues to grow, with a range of switch panels now available. The 12-24V DC Four, Six and Eight Way Switch Panels are supplied prewired to simplify installation, and come with switch sticker sets for easy identification. Designed specifically for Hulk 4x4, these switch panels are said to be unique from others in the market, with the inclusion of the dual Anderson style plugs in the middle of the panel. The HU7060B Four Way and HU7065B Six Way Switch Panels come with four or six rocker switches with blue LEDs (20 amps at 12V) respectively, including two 50A Anderson style connectors with covers, an accessory power socket (20 amps at 12V) and a Quickcharge dual USB socket. The HU7070B Switch Panel features eight rocker switches with blue LEDs (20 amps at 12V), including two 50A Anderson style connectors with covers, two accessory power sockets, one Quickcharge dual USB socket and one 12-24V DC voltmeter. All three of the Hulk 4x4 Switch Panels are 12-24V and come housed in a nylon panel with M4 stainless screws. For further information on the new Hulk 4x4 Switch Panels and the entire Hulk 4x4 product range available through CoolDrive, visit www.cooldrive.com.au
TAKE YOUR ADVENTURE OFF ROAD
With Repco’s range of 4x4 accessories
Repco says it has an ever-expanding range of high-quality off-road equipment and gear to provide security and peace of mind to the adventure-driven 4x4 driver. “We stock a wide range of 4x4 equipment from trusted brands such as GME, Safari, Runva, Rhino Rack and Drivetech 4x4,” Repco 4x4 Adventure and Escape Assistant Merchandise Manager, Melissa Holford, said. “Our products are high quality and fit for the demands of the adventurer at heart. We are certain you’ll find the right gear to suit you.” When shopping the entire collection of off-road equipment, Repco says you can enjoy browsing products such as recovery equipment, 4x4 accessories, load carrying equipment, winches, compressors and much more.
“We also provide battery systems, solar panels and electrical accessories manufactured by the most trusted brands in the automotive industry,” Melissa said. “We believe in purchasing the essentials which is why at Repco our range includes communication devices, navigation tools, recovery tracks and straps to ensure you can dig or lift yourself out of any pit you might encounter in your off-road drive. “Finally, we also offer a whole lot of other off-road equipment that’s meant to ease the demands of your off-road adventures.” For those that prefer some comforts from home, Repco also offers a range of solar or gas-powered appliances such as stoves, fridge-freezers, and other travel accessories. When purchasing any of Repco’s 4x4 or touring products, consumers can take advantage of Repco’s click and collect feature. “With over 400 stores countrywide, Repco is ready to serve your needs,” Melissa said. For more information, visit www.repco.com.au Terrain Tamer says its new Front Brake Upgrade Kits provide improved brake performance for selected vehicles, combining large six and eight pot caliper designs and Kevlar ceramic brake pads and a larger slotted and dimpled rotor. Included in the kits are enlarged two-piece Aluminium forged brake calipers, along with matching caliper brackets and bolts. Each caliper features either six or eight forged Aluminium pistons. These calipers join with the 356mm 10-slot and dimpled Geomet-coated rotors, reportedly providing a 40 percent increase in swept area in comparison with OE rotors, as well as a set of Kevlar ceramic low dust brake pads and highgrade alloy steel brake pad insulators. Terrain Tamer explains that this bigger braking surface provides improved performance and more stopping power, stating that Australian engineering tests have shown an average of 14 percent improvement in braking distance for vehicles fitted with the Front Brake Upgrade only, and up to 21 percent when fitted along with a Terrain Tamer Rear Disc Conversion Kit. Also included are stainless steel abutments and braided brake hoses, which offer reduced swelling and an extended lifespan. Front Brake Upgrade Kits are currently available for a range of Toyota 79 Series and Hilux, Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado, Isuzu DMax and Mazda BT50 models. Fully engineered and ADR approved, Terrain Tamer says the kits should only be installed by a qualified mechanic and must be checked and signed off by an engineer after installation to meet state regulations. For more information, visit www.terraintamer.com
NEW FRONT BRAKE UPGRADE KITS
Available now from Terrain Tamer
MILD TO WILD
Suspension to meet your on and/or off-road needs
Powerdown says that its Raw 4x4 brand understands that Australia’s terrain is some of the most diverse and demanding in the world; and that every 4WDriver has a unique purpose for their vehicle, and they do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach. For this reason, Raw offers tailor made, built-forpurpose solutions, with a wide range of multiple leaf, coil springs and shock absorber options. The Raw 4x4 online kit builder is specifically designed to ensure that the correct combination of suspension components are chosen, to best suit your load carrying and ride handling needs. When it comes to shock absorbers, Raw explains that each of its designs are built for purpose. Raw Nitro
A gas shock absorber that will improve ride quality through reducing body roll and increasing vehicle stability; it combines an expanded body for extra oil capacity and nitrogen gas for additional cooling purposes. Raw Nitro shock absorbers are recommended for the recreational 4WDriver looking to lift their vehicle and improve overall suspension performance. Raw Nitro Max
Based on Powerdown’s proven 45mm bore, truck shock technology, it is designed, developed and manufactured for an ultra-reliable, long service life and tuned for off-road performance. Raw Nitro Max is developed specifically for vehicles operating under heavy loads over long distances, on demanding terrain. Raw Predator
A fast acting monotube design gives consistent performance on and off road. Its single wall construction efficiently dissipates heat; resulting in sharper steering response, less body roll and improved traction. The Raw Predator series is Australian made and designed specifically for 4x4 owners looking for that, sometimes elusive, combination of comfort and control, with a 50/50 balance of off-road and on-road use. For more information, visit www.raw4x4.com.au to check out the online kit builder.
