4WD MODIFICATIONS – POWERTRAIN
Extracting more power and torque, engine swaps, rebuilds and fuel issues are all covered.
The good oil
We’ve been asked many times what’s the best oil type to run in new and older model 4WDs and it’s not easy to come up with a straightforward answer. First, here’s some background into all the confusing acronyms that surround the oil business.
iDrive
This device alters accelerator response without touching fuel injection computer ‘mapping’.
Don’t ‘sock’ your snorkel
There’s a current craze for fitting a plain or oily-foam ‘sock’ over a snorkel. It may seem like a good way of keeping your air cleaner element dust-free, but it isn’t.
Portal axle kits
Portal hubs feature on many high ground clearance military-type machines, including the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. You can have these fitted to your LandCruiser ute, but they’re not cheap.
Leave your common-rail diesel engine alone
Boys love to play around, don’t they? They buy a perfectly good vehicle and can’t help wanting to ‘tweak’ it.
Tru Tracker wide-track kit for LandCruiser 70s
The Multidrive Tru Tracker rear track correction system for the V8-powered LC79 and 78 Series widens the track of the rear axle so that it matches the front.
Dana axle for 70 series
This Dana 60 axle variant is the solution to the Toyota 70 Series’ narrow-rear-axle-track problem, as well as a way to increase rear axle load capacity.
No Magic Wand to Improve Fuel Economy
The USA’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA) concluded a series of scientific tests on a wide variety of devices and additives that are claimed to improve fuel economy. Of the hundreds tested, very few actually reduced fuel consumption.
Redback Exhaust Systems
In 2012 the Redback Extreme Duty project began, with the goal of making the toughest bolt-on 4WD exhaust systems available anywhere in Australia. After having a post-2015 system installed on one of the OTA Team vehicles, we reckon the project has been a success.
Preventing fuel system water damage
We’ve used various types of water separators in all our 4WD vehicles and the latest we’ve bought is the best so far.
LPG is no longer an alternative 4WD fuel
Constant hikes in the price of fuel have spurred many petrol-fuelled 4WD owners to look for ways to reduce their bills. LPG used to be the best option.
The future fuel may be biodiesel
The Treasury modelling for Australia’s fuel future is heavily based on biodiesel, not natural gas or LPG.
LPG + Diesel = More Power + Improved Economy?
Introducing Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) into the intake air of a diesel engine isn’t a new idea, but electronically-controlled systems for doing this ‘fumigation’ job claim much.
Performance Modifications
There are two approaches to improving 4WD engine performance: ‘hotting up’ the existing engine or repowering the vehicle. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages
Refurbishing the Older Diesel Engine
Older diesel powered 4WDs have a great deal of appeal for serious bush travellers. Pre-emissions engines have no electronics, no computers and no exhaust gas recirculation.