I like a small roof basket to throw random shit in. It's great for picking up bundles of nice dry firewood before we head into the trail. Usually throw them up there and bungee them down. Great for random other stuff I don't want in my car either, like our 7gal jug of water that sloshes around and makes tons of noise, a weedwhacker if we bring it for overgrown campsites. That kind of thing.

Who makes good ones nowadays? I've had a Curt basket for a while on my old whip but looking to get something nice for the top of a Land Cruiser. I figure something about 48" long mounted toward the rear of the roof should be enough.

Hey all, looking for a good shop in Monmouth or Ocean. I need a go over of my gearing and trans. I upgraded but things are getting hot so before I ruin everything new I figured I'd look for a shop. Also looking for good alignment with someone who knows 4x4s. Its a JKU BTW

Been stuck in a garage for 16 years and I’ve changed all fluids and might need some exterior detailing but finally its now up and running

I like the idea of retractable steps, but I'm wondering how well they handle proper mud and gravel. Seems like stuff could get packed behind the boards pretty easily.

If you take your truck off road, do you just wash the steps after or do you need to clean them more thoroughly? Ever had mud jam them up?

^ Not parabolic leaves. Vari Rate leafs Not sure if this is the correct forum for it but is this normal for variable rate leaf springs. Only done about 100’000km. Next gen ranger

When people ask whether 3w lasts as long as weathertech, I think a useful comparison starts well before someone says, mine still looks good. And for a real 4x4, I’d want the same rig and the same kind of use, then follow one wear point through an actual season. Repeated muddy boots, embedded grit, pulling the liners out to clean them, temperature swings, and flexing the edges every time they’re removed all seem more informative than how either set feels on day one. Even then, one winter or trail season would only show what happened with that exact fitment, not settle the question of brand durability forever. I’d rather see a boring before-and-after record than twenty quick ownership comments with no mileage or conditions. If you tracked one thing for a full off-road season, which wear point would tell you the most about long-term liner durability?

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The wiring seems pretty straightforward, but getting the rails parallel, routing the drains and positioning the canister look trickier. For those who've installed one themselves, which part took the most time to get right? And is having a second person there really necessary?

Hi guys,

Recently bought a 2014 CRD ZD30 with 133,000kms on it. Started playing up and turns out torque converter destroyed itself and sent metal chunks into the the rest of the transmission. Everywhere I’ve called, quotes about 5.5k-7k for either a rebuilt or replacement (used). I am just curious about the process of manual swapping (or even a used auto box). Currently got my eyes on a kit which includes:
Gearbox
Pedals
Crossmember
Floor hump cover
Booster and clutch line and slave
Clutch/Flywheel
Bolts and other bits needed

This all adds up to $750 (I knew a guy wrecking his manual zd30 CRD)

Does anything need to be coded? I have taken transmission out of my gq countless times but I understand that the GU isn’t just a shell on a chassis.

Cheers!

Steep down hill with turn at bottom

Hi everyone,

A friend of mine is considering buying a new Maxus T60 MAX in Germany. He's planning to use it for both his cleaning business and personal/leisure activities.

The price, specifications, and 5-year warranty seem quite attractive, especially compared to more known pickups like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and VW Amarok.

However, since Maxus isn't as well established in Germany, we're particularly interested in hearing from people who actually own or have driven one.

A few questions:

• Reliability: Have you experienced any mechanical or electrical problems?
• Fuel consumption: What's your actual consumption, especially in city driving?
• Build quality: How does the interior and overall quality hold up over time?
• Comfort: Is it comfortable for everyday driving and longer trips?
• Maintenance and spare parts: Have you had any problems getting repairs or replacement parts?
• Work use: How practical is it for carrying equipment and tools?
• Overall satisfaction: Would you buy it again, or would you choose a more established brand?

Experiences from owners outside Germany are also very welcome.

Thanks in advance!

We’ve been working on these trucks for a while now and finally got around to putting together a video. Figured some of y’all might like to check it out.

Hi everyone! 👋

I’ve got a 2010 Toyota RAV4 2.2 sr D-CAT diesel AWD 4x4 (reg Yb59fys) I’m looking to upgrade the suspension for rough roads in Africa I’d ideally like to give it a 2-inch lift for extra ground clearance. one of my shock absorbers is leaking, so I’m thinking of replacing all four shocks and springs and fitting a suitable lift kit at the same time.
I’m new to all this, so I’d really appreciate some advice!

Which shocks, springs and lift kit would you recommend for this exact model?
Are there any other parts I should replace at the same time?
Where’s the best place to buy good-quality parts online at an affordable price? How much am I looking at?
Is a 2-inch lift safe and practical for this RAV4, especially for rough roads? What should I know about when changing springs and shock absorber and a lift kit as i have never done this before.

I’m looking for something reliable and good quality without spending a fortune but will last. Mainly to be strudy and deal with rough roads without being very uncomfortable to drive. If anyone has done this to their RAV4 or any 4x4. I’d love to hear what parts you used, roughly how much it cost, and any tips you have.

Thanks in advance for any help! 🙏

I got denied!

Tearing down the old setup on my GAZ-69 project and replacing it with something functional. I designed this adapter to bridge a modern multi-function switch unit onto the vintage round steering column (fits 38.5 mm columns, compatible with UAZ, ZIL, and similar classic setups).

Printed in PETG for strength and durability against daily use. Integrated all the proper clearances and the self-canceling mechanism slot. Next up: custom wiring and building a wooden steering wheel on the original frame.

Let me know what you think of the fit and finish!

#projectcar #gaz69 #uaz #3dprinting #fabrication #restoration #offroad

Up on the mountain in a snow storm. My coworker slid into a drift so I hooked up to pull him out. Took the slack out of the chain and gave it a little gas. BANG, you have been unsubscribed from four wheel drive. Be careful buying a 21-23 F-150 if you live in a location with weather.
Mechanic says the diff suffered a rapid and dramatic disassembly. Apparently, when you suddenly gain traction, instead of using the torque at the wheel to, you know, move… it transfers the torque into the weak diff and 💥, steel and aluminum salad with 90W dressing.

Tillamook state Forrest, trail is firebreak 5.

This hard canopy looks amazing.

The base mount on the whip lights cracked clean through on a washboard section that was not even that rough, the plastic housing around the bolt pattern just split and the whip folded over sideways, total failure after maybe four months of weekend trail use

What are trail guys running for base mounts that do not crack, is aluminum the only move or is there a reinforced plastic option that holds up

Took the ol’ turbo Samurai to Holly Oaks ORV park in southeast Michigan for the annual 4Fest event. Joined by a buddy’s TDI 4Runner, and LS swapped wrangler TJ.

Had a great time and looking forward to going back!

Looking for help identifying and valuing my dad’s custom rock crawler

This was my dad’s build, and I’m trying to figure out exactly what I have before I sell it.

From the photos, I believe I’ve identified some of the major parts, but I’d really appreciate help from people who know these builds better than I do. I know it needs a wash too haha but other than that …

**What I’m specifically trying to figure out:*\*

- Whether the parts/components I’ve identified are correct

- What major parts or modifications I may be missing

- What engine, axles, transmission, transfer case, steering setup, etc. it appears to have

- What a realistic **as-is value** would be for something like this in Arizona

What I believe I’ve identified so far:
\- Vortec engine
\- Custom tube cage/chassis fabrication
\- Interco Super Swamper TSL/SX tires
\- Solid front axle
\- Long-travel front shocks
\- Bilstein rear shocks
\- Rear leaf springs
\- Custom steering/suspension setup
\- Rear fuel cell
\- B&M shifter
\- Custom lighting/electrical
\- Extensive off-road fabrication

I’m happy to take closer photos of anything specific if that would help with identification.

Thanks in advance for any help, corrections, or pricing insight. I really appreciate it.