We live in a cracking new world where we can access almost anything we can imagine with ease, thanks to the wonders of the internet and cheap overseas manufacturing. Now, I love a bargain just as much as the next bloke who’s worth his weight in beer, but when it comes to kitting out a 4X4, there are certain mods it pays to cough up a bit more cash for.
In this article, we’re going to explore the top 4WD modifications you absolutely SHOULDN’T skimp on.
- Suspension: If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t prioritise when it comes to suspension, it’s price. I’m not saying to go out there and drop $12K on an insane long travel setup (although that would be pretty cool) I ’m saying that what you should first be looking for when it comes to suspension is something stronger, more durable and safer than the factory components.
At the end of the day your vehicle's suspension is one of the main things keeping you, your loved ones and your rig safely on the road. Cheaper suspension is cheap for a reason, because it’s manufactured using components and materials that cost as much as a meat pie. Do yourself a favour and invest in your comfort, safety and peace of mind, don’t skimp on suspension.
aftermarket suspension and tyres offroad ford ranger upgrades
- Tyres: Just like suspension tyres are one of the things keeping you on the road, making them absolutely crucial to your safety. More and more these days I’m seeing people running cheap and nasty tyres and it absolutely blows my mind. I once tested a set, whose name I won’t publish because I can’t pronounce it and almost fell over when I saw them beginning to visibly wear after just a few hundred kilometres. After running my hands over the tyres I was left with small pieces of rubber debris on my palms.
To me, that’s terrifying. Aside from their shocking quality, cheap tyres often result in a loud and lousy ride coupled with poor on and off-road performance. Resist the temptation to throw cheap rubber on your wheels, it’s a bad idea. Do the research, spend a bit more and enjoy increased safety and performance.
- Engine Components: Remember how I said we live in a cracking new world where thanks to the internet you can access almost anything you can imagine? Yeah, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. If you blow a turbo and see the price of a quality replacement and then buy a cheap one off eBay, don’t come crying to the mechanic when it fails in spectacular fashion and sends bits of impeller and shaft rocketing towards the intercooler.
It isn’t just turbo’s though, there’s often a huge difference in quality when it comes to filtration, injectors, pumps, and almost everything in between. Trying to save money at the checkout could end up costing you thousands more in repairs caused by poor quality parts. Just like everything else you put on your vehicle, the parts should meet or exceed the OEM quality.
- 12V Fridges: A 12V fridge can vary in price from insanely cheap to hideously expensive, so what’s better? Well, in my experience, neither. What you want is something in the middle, that’s solid quality. Fridges really are an investment, if you purchase something like an Engel there is a real possibility that you could be handing it on to your grandkids one day. Cheaper fridges often achieve their low price by the use of low quality components, that means less efficient compressors, less temperature retention and generally, food that spoils considerably sooner than it should. Personally, I run an 85L upright Bushman fridge, it hasn’t been turned off in four years and I struggle to notice its power usage. I love it.
- Driving Lights: This one could cause some controversy. Believe it or not, there are actually some decent driving lights out there that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, but would I buy them? No. Why? Because I spend the majority of my time off-road having the backside violently shaken off me by corrugations. The manufacturers of these lights suck consumers in with claims of more lumens than Elon Musk has dollars, what they don’t tell you though, is that they put all of their effort into making the lights bright and absolutely none into making sure the light stays attached to your vehicle.
They are notorious for cracking and breaking mounts. What does it matter how bright a driving light is when it’s sitting in the middle of a track five kilometres behind you? If you plan on tackling any kind of off-roading that involves more than a couple of bumps in your 4X4, which I assume you will - I’d steer clear of the eBay special driving lights.
driving lights outback touring
I know money doesn’t grow on trees, nor does a higher price tag always mean better quality but, if you expect as much from your 4X4 as I do, I wouldn’t be trying to save a few bucks on these mods. If it has to do with safety, or it’s something you really rely on in remote areas, make the investment and get good quality gear. Do your research, read the reviews and ask the questions.
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We cover modifications as a seperate agreed value to your base vehicle.
