Building your dream 4x4 – Stage One The “Stretch”

For those interested, the stretch and GVM upgrade has been completed on the new 79 series ute. I picked it up last week from Multidrive Technology in Geelong. Darryl and the team have done a great job and the vehicle is now 500mm longer in the chassis and the GVM increased by 540 kgs. All engineered and a secondary compliance plate fitted.

The chassis was cut with two 45 degree angled cuts just behind the cab. The new section was added and then the overall depth of the chassis deepened by adding a ‘C’ shaped section along the length of the extension and extending out along the rails. A cross member was fitted right behind the cab and a new centre bearing fitted with a jack shaft running from the gearbox. The tail shaft was also extended.

The rear leaf springs were added to with two extra secondary spring leafs and a new bump stop type load assister (my description and my apologies for lack of technical expertise) mounted on top of the axel housing. All lines and hoses were then extended. The first thing I noticed on picking her up was that the ride is a lot smoother than previously even with an absence of tray and toughened springs.

After a lot of looking around, drawing plans and talking design and cost, stage two is now underway and the vehicle has been delivered to the chosen engineers. I have opted to go with Allform Engineering in Morwell. Hopefully she will be ready to go in mid to late March.

Image Could Not Be Found

Image Could Not Be Found

Image Could Not Be Found

Image Could Not Be Found



The spending continues. Mick