4wd Accessories???

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 22, 2011 at 22:15

ThreadID: 85175 Views:5439 Replies:8 FollowUps:3

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John P

Does anyone have any views/reports on accessories from 4wd systems? I am looking at decking out 76 series landcruiser to travel Australia. Have looked at ARB, TJM, OL and 4wd systems. I will be looking at long range tank, diff lockers, storage drawers, exhaust, suspension, fridge slide etc. 4wd systems are cheaper than the others i have researched but unsure of their workman ship, quality of products etc. Lokka diff lockers seem to have good reviews for the price. Anyone have their storage drawers, fuel tanks???

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Reply By: just - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 08:48

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 08:48

Whatever you do save you time, effort and money and go to a reputable installer! I had Tom install an aux battery and his you beaut isolator, a snorkel and a lokka in my new GU. When a I picked it up the aux battery rattled like a pig, the isolator and its replacement later failed and the snorkel mount rattled against the windshield. Admittedly, he made attempts to fix the problems but they shouldn't have happened in the first place. The shop's workmanship stinks of a "she'll be right mate " attitude and one look at the dilapidated state of the shop confirms this. I should have known better after a mate had Tom install an aux petrol tank on his new vehicle a few years prior. On its first Flinders trip, tight into a creek bed, when he switched over to the aux tank the fuel pump wiring shorted out on the under body - it was mounted too close! To add insult to injury when we got the vehicle back to Adelaide, Tom left it in his shop yard for two weeks before fixing it. Do yourself a favour and go elsewhere, Tom's not worth the grief.

AnswerID: 449035

Reply By: Happy Frank - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 08:55

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 08:55

I bought a long range tank from them as it was a little cheaper and they had a local agent. It leaked, and to their credit they fixed that under warranty. On another trip I had fuel starvation problems, and found it was caused by rust in the fuel pick up, at first I blamed the fuel supplier but later came to the conclusion that the tank itself was rusting, I am guessing that the external welding to fix the leak may have damaged the rust proofing inside. Then on another trip the fuel tank fell out between Dalhousie and Mt Dare. Okay that road could break many things but the bolts they had fitted all broke and on inspection of the heads which were left they were not rated bolts, just cheapies. Overall an unsatisfactory experience. I have now fitted a Long Rage Automotive tank.

AnswerID: 449036

Reply By: just - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 08:56

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 08:56

I forgot to add that I also asked Tom put a 2 inch lift but he had to replace the springs when he he thought I only wanted heavy duty springs with no lift.

AnswerID: 449037

Reply By: Member - Geoff M (VIC) - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 09:44

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 09:44

Hi John,
I have purchased aftermarket accessories from a number of reputable companies for my current and previous vehicles. Recent experiences with ARB have been extremely disappointing when problems developed - local supplier was good but the ARB head office would not cover or support warranty claims. I still think the majority of their (ARB) products are good, however the diff lock (installation problem), long range tank (split weld) and air compressor (poor mounting and failure) has all caused me grief.
Now I have had recent dealing with Ironman (suspension upgrade and side bars) which have been the complete opposite of ARB - really helpful and when I had a problem their went out of their way to help.
Regarding storage drawers - check out the traders on this site.

Good luck with your decisions.

Cheers, Geoff

AnswerID: 449040

Follow Up By: Member - MYPRADO - Thursday, Mar 24, 2011 at 03:16

Thursday, Mar 24, 2011 at 03:16

ARB service was disgusting, when booking in they said i was the first one for the day and there were no one else but when i went to pick up they said they had a previous customer they forgot about, they did not have the decency to ring up as a result i waited and saw a new Toyota next to mine a regular dealeri stay away from ARB learned my lesson.

FollowupID: 721416

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 at 09:42

Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 at 09:42

Geoff,
I'd expect the diff lock (installation problem) and air compressor (poor mounting and failure) to be the responsibility of the fitter, not ARB head office.

And the long range tank (split weld) would be an issue with the manufacturer (Long Ranger) and your installer.

FollowupID: 721628

Follow Up By: Member - Geoff M (VIC) - Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 at 12:56

Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 at 12:56

Hi Phil,

The diff lock was installed by Dandenong (a 4wd show special) and when I highlighted the problem they wanted the car for two-three days and said they would only cover the costs IF a faulty part was found. As I live in Gippsland it was difficult for me to get the car to them for that amount of time and there was a big chance that they wouldn't cover costs anyway. I ended getting my local ARB supplier to do the work, he found and rectified the problem (clearances during installation) and I had to pay the several hundred doallars for his labour. Lesson learned - deal with your local supplier.

The compressor was also installed by ARB Dandenong and they had placed the air intake in the perfect place to suck in any water. Which is what happened. Because the compressor had sucked in water, ARB would not warrant the compressor and didn't want to know me. I ended up getting the compressor rebuilt by my local supplier and he only charged for the parts.

The long range tank was supplied by ARB and when I went to the local ARB agent in Broome (where it failed) they told me that they couldn't repair/replace under warranty and I would have to contact ARB head office for re-imburshment. While ARB head office was contacted (thru the ARB agent in my home town who supplied the tank) they again did not want to know us/me. Luckly the supplier of the tank (LongRanger) found out about the problem (after several months) and phoned me up, was appalled by the actions of ARB and promptly sent a cheque for the repairs.

So you can see that I have tried to do the right thing when problems have developed, but ARB have been most disappointing with their after-sales support.

Cheers, Geoff

FollowupID: 721657

Reply By: CSeaJay - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 10:04

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 10:04

John

I second a few comments above - whatever you do, you do not want to get stuck in nowhere with problems due to saving a few $$. It costs you so much more in the long run.

I installed one of their long range tanks, it let me down badly and almost ruined a CSR trip. Had to pay top $$ to fly a replacement to Halls Creek. It was an OL tank and was superior in every aspect. After replacing vehicles, I now have a Longranger. Again superior to their tanks.

To support my personal view, I installed all three tanks myself, and have done many km's with eah. The longranger in my current vehicle has done three CY OTL trips.

Don't know about the other products, will take a chance on things like the drawers, but will not chance critical items

CJ

AnswerID: 449042

Reply By: Member - Tanka (NSW) - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 14:13

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 14:13

Hi John,
I purchased one of 4WD systems Long Range Fuel tanks and a front Lokka for my old MK ute. Had no problem with either item, in saying that though, I wouldn't install one of those auto lockers in the front again as it's nice to be able to switch them off. I think the rear would be ok. I got the items sent to nsw on mail order and fitted tank myself and had the Lokka fitted by a diff specialist. I found the objects to be of good quality and the instructions were spot on and easy to understand.

Cheers Tanka.

AnswerID: 449050

Reply By: x4by4 - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 15:59

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 15:59

Hi John,

I installed a 4wd Systems 190 litre Long Range tank in an 80 series and have crossed the Simpson twice, the CSR, Cape York, Annie Beadell Hwy, GRR/Mitchell Falls, Gregory NP, Gary Hwy and Gary Junction Rd and many more other places on unsealed tracks and have had no problem with the LR tank.
You do have to clean out the tank before installing it

I also installed a rear wheel carrier at the same time and later had a slight problem with the over-centre catch and they replaced the part at no charge.

I will use them again without hesitation.
Cheers
Pete

AnswerID: 449061

Reply By: gbc - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 17:44

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 at 17:44

My last hilux I did up with 4wd systems stuff - 6 years and 200 000 kms of work and touring.I had the stuff delivered and fitted it myself. My opinions:

1. Long range tank - would have another in a second - was strong and durable.
2. Dual battery system - middle of the road performance for a middle of the road price.
3. Lokka Diff Lock - possibly the best way to spend $600. Awesome bit of kit. The front end will have a stronger 'return to centre' pull on the wheel, but for the extra traction it's worth it.
4. Air pro snorkel - cheap but it showed. I'd probably spend more and get a name brand one because you put holes in the body to fit one.
5. Suspension - cheap imported stuff like ironman etc. It was fit for purpose but a bit agricultural in ride like the ironman stuff I've got on the current ute.
6. Fridge slide - go for it - good.

Bottom line - you're going to get a lot of kit for the money, but it's going to be a bit rougher than the name brand stuff.

AnswerID: 449069