Hey guys
I am new to the 4wd world, always wanted one and finally had the chance to buy one recently. I live in the West near the beach not too far away from a number of decent 4wd spots. I was looking for a Hilux, but I ended up buying a 2002 3L iTD Rodeo. For the price, the Rodeo killed all the dodgy Hilux's that I had had the horror of driving and viewing . It had been treated as a road car for the majority of its life :
After we bought it (my boyfriend still calls it ours, but it is MINE lol), we started on some modifications:
Suspension: 3 - 4"...Calmini control arms, extended shackles, new HD leafs, new Raw 4x4 HD torsions, Rancho s9000's all round, plus all new bushes, bearings and cv's.
Body Lift: None yet
Tyres/Wheels: 30.5" Kuhmo AT's on 16" rims
Traction Aids: LSD rear, front lokka waiting to be installed
Bullbar: Plastic fantastic (although suprising rigid) - came with the car
Spot lights and Lighting: 2 Hella's at the front
Communications/GPS: trusty old map book, GME CB radio with thick aerial
Dual Batteries: not yet.
Engine: 3L intercooled turbo diesel
Exhaust: stock
Sound system: Pioneer DVD player, Maestro splits front, Alpine type S rear, powered by Alpine digital amp + Underseat sub and amp.
External: Safari Snorkel
Internal: None as of yet but thinking about replacing the seats for the long trip around Australia.
Others: remote central locking and security.
More recent photos:
Over the next year I have tentative plans to complete the following (I am a uni student so the budget is somewhat limited)
Tyres: 32's
Bodylift: decrease suspension down to 2" and put a 2" body lift on
Steel: ARB bull bar and rock sliders custom made
Exhaust: 3" exhaust - either custom made or from Mandrel if they still do them
Chip: Tune it or Steinbauer - still undecided
Spotties: New hella spotties x4 on the roll bar - get rid of the 2 front ones.
Other: Long range full tank and dual battery system. Roofs racks, tub liner
I think that is all although i am probably forgetting something.
I am here for tips tricks and horrors, so make sure you pass them on. I am especially interested in chatting to anyone who has put a body lift on the Rodeo as I have heard 2" suspension and 2: body is pushing it (have to move gearstick, steering column, brake load lines, safety clips etc). Also interested in opinions re chips and exhausts!
The car is going to be taken around Australia at the end of the next year (finally finishing uni!), so it is planned to be a tourer with nothing outrageous
Cheers for your help in advance guys,
Em