D-Max Single Cab Ute

I have a Dmax space cab with an alloy canopy. I haven't done the Canning but it handled Big Red and out to Eyre Creek and back with no problems in standard form. I also towed a 2000kg van into and out of Haddon Corner over the dunes.
I think the Dmax would handle the Canning with no problems.

Thanks Rod and Ian.
I'll past on your helpful information.

Did the CSR this year in a D-Max at an all up weight of 3220 kgs. It did it in a cakewalk. So your answer is a D-Max will handle the CSR with ease.

I have a Dmax Space Cab with 2 x eLockers and a few other bits , I have broken 2 CV's , they are know for breaking CV's easily and no it wasn't because of the lockers .

I left Brissy with 1500K on my new (at the time) SX as it came from the showroom and did the Simpson. No troubles at all. I did have some MaxTraxx and they got used a coupe of times. Big Red? First go. Auto box in D for Gee Oh.

Iza

Dunc .
It really depends where you intend to use your vehicle , Desert and Sand tracks TC is probably all thats needed but Diff Locks will beat TC no question when the going get rough .

The Isuzu TC is not as good as most other makes from all reports , I know when a couple of wheels only have fresh air for traction the TC just gives up , lockers will keep you moving forward with no need for extra speed to bounce over the more difficult bits

Have a look at this video my Dmax with TC first run then same line with Lockers this track is a lot steeper than the camera shows but still a easy track no wheels in the air , TC got me there but the lockers just so much easier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmsa_R5zqQM

The Canning and similar roads don't break cars, the drivers do. Keep the car under maximum weight and don't push it along trying to keep to an unrealistic time schedule and a standard D Max will do it with ease.

I recommend he buys three of these DVDs.Touring DVDs The one on the Canning and the twin pack Desert Highways will give him a good idea of what desert conditions are like. They consist of touring and history with no advertising.

I thought the convoys were going a little too fast in some places. A few of the cars had mechanical problems, particularly with aftermarket shocks.

One driver bent the chassis on his ute on the Gunbarrel and Gary Highways. His slide on camper placed too much weight behind the axle. Correct weight distribution is critical on all cab/chassis utes. He had air bags at the back but it is no use lifting sagging rear ends with air bags or heavier springs. They can not move weight forward where it should be.

Tell him to read through this linkBent Utes

Punctures can be a big problem in deserts because there is so much wood lying around. Unfortunately the punctures are rarely nice neat little nail hole size. Every section on this page is well worth reading.Tyre Repairs

It appears that the. Dmax is pretty bullet proof except the common issue of CV breakages. How is this issue resolved .Are there stronger aftermarket replacments or mods as driving with care doesn't seem to make any difference.

They are my Videos and my Dmax , the Dmax has a ARB GVM upgrade so about a 30mm lift not much when most talk about 50mm lifts .

The Ranger is brand new , completely std . I thought with only 30mm lift a diff drop would not be needed , that was until I stuck a GoPro under there , I will now fit a diff drop .

My Dmax measures 540mm from centre of wheel to guard but a new Dmax with zero K's also is 540mm ,

But just yesterday I checked out 2 Dmax with std suspension , one has a ARB bar and Winch it was 500mm the other just a small nudge bar 510mm both have done about 50k , so the std suspension has settled . I would of thought the one with the Bar and Winch would of been a lot lower .

So going by those 2 Utes , I do have a 30mm lift .

Frank I think your drive shaft looks fine , if mine were like that I wouldn't be worried.

Hopefully I can get mine sorted because having to spend 3 hours winching up a track because you are reduced to 2WD is a pita .

I'm uploading a video of my mates std ( dropped ) suspension to YouTube atm , it looks much better .

This is probably a bit OT for the OP's original question but hopefully he might get something out of it , a std Dmax should be ok doing the Canning

Yep there is a split , in fact the boot on the other side also has a split , both have only a very small hole not actually a split , I patched them with silicone the white bit going round near the grease is the patch , missed a bit on that side .
It's going in for a service soon I will get both replaced then .
That's not the track I have broken CV's on ,

New video is not up yet it's taking forever ,it's at 74% sometimes when this happens it gets to 99% then it fails , check back later , if it fails I will reduce the size and try again that will probably be tomorrow, stay tuned .

If you want to see some really wild CV angles find a dealership for the Polaris brand of ATVs (quad bikes) and have a gander at the rear drive shaft angles. The only situation that kills their CVs is split or worn CV boots not being replaced and dirt getting in and turning the grease into grinding paste. Even then they don't "blow up", just make that familiar clicking sound.

Mind you the CVs that they use are massively oversized for the vehicle size.

Cheers
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