Issue 58: Readers’ Rigs

By Unsealed 4X4 6 Min Read

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THOMAS’ ZOOK
200kW. 30Nm. Zook. Got your attention now? Thomas has had the SJ70 Sierra for seven years now and it has undergone quite the transformation. The old 1.3-litre carby was retired and in went a shiny GTI Swift engine with a big GT2860RS Garrett turbo hanging off the side. No expense was spared on the donk – in went a bigger cam and injectors, forged pistons and conrods, upgraded head studs and much more. Fresh air is fed through the stainless snorkel alongside custom pipework and a front mount intercooler that fit snugly under the bonnet. A power steering pump upgrade and a disc conversion on the rear axle means Thomas can control the power. He doesn’t have to worry about breaking an axle on the disc-converted rear end as he threw in some fully floating chromoly axles. A roof exo-cage fits under the soft top and will work with the 4-point roll cage in the event of things going south. To top it all off, a plethora of touring mods have allowed Thomas and his partner to tour around in a small, yet capable beast. Lights, lockers, storage and suspension are just the beginning. Should we feature the Zook in an upcoming issue?

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CLIVE’S RANGER
There isn’t enough love for PJ Rangers in the world, but Clive is here to change that. After owning it for nearly four years, the Ranger is set up to suit his needs. Some mates also had Rangers, so he was able to take the best bits and start building off a stock platform. Straight away, you notice the tub rack that holds the rooftop tent. A Wildtrak roller door makes tray access nice and easy, and setting up camp is simple with all the LED lights in strategic positions. Importantly, the front end is protected from the abundant wildlife thanks to the deluxe ARB bar. The rear leaf packs have been replaced after a couple of leaves let go, but since upgrading there hasn’t been a repeat. A modest two-inch lift allows Clive to get the full benefit of the 32-inch rubber while exploring his favourite area, Coffin Bay in South Australia. The triple battery set-up is a solid, reliable system that allows him to escape for days at a time and keep charging his drone and camera gear. Keep those pics coming, Clive!

JAMES’ 80 SERIES
We were about due for a ‘Cruiser, don’t you think? This fine specimen belongs to James, and it isn’t his first either. Starting off in a BJ40, the 80 was always going to be the next step. Unfortunately, a few months after purchase, the motor let go, leaving James in a difficult place. The call was made to throw in the 1HDT donk, and he hasn’t looked back. Now the 80 is loving life as a weekend warrior and tourer for the annual family hunting trip into inland Queensland. The methodical mods are slowly stacking up, but because he has a daily run around for work, he can take the time and do them properly. 33s aren’t a problem for the new heart, and there is even less front-end noise since the part-time transfer case went in. The winch bar, roof cage, tyre carriers and battery system add a bit of weight, but thankfully she wasn’t bought for fuel economy! The dual snorkels attract some attention out on the tracks, but overall James can’t wait to see where the 80 will take him in the future!

JARROD’S HILUX
We love a good N70 HiLux, especially one with big plans in place. Jarrod got the ‘Lux about 12 months ago in pretty good condition. Ever since he has set about finding the limits of the set-up, testing it thoroughly up and down the NSW coast, all the way from casual weekend trips to tackling Monkey Gum with a few mates. He has pulled a little more poke from the D4D with a performance chip and free flowing, better sounding exhaust. The three-inch lift and 35-inch tyres help get him through the tough stuff, plus the added approach of the Xrox bar and improved departure granted by the rear quarter chop has proved useful on many occasions. Jarrod notes the noises that the IFS set-up makes while working through the difficult terrain, and he isn’t a fan. Keep an eye on this one, rumour has it the front end has a date with a grinder!


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