where to start ????

[silly one]

hey all
just bought a mk wagon with a 253 holden v8 in it apart from that totally stock
and im sure use have all heard it all b4 but i want to make it b able to go pretty much anywere but on a budget so WHERE DO I START lol im looking at 33 11.5s been told to go the bit skinnier tyres ??? rather than the 12.5s ???? ive never owned a 4wd but i had to have this as soon as i sore it so much potential haha ive always been in to fast cars and v8s and shit like that am a mechanic so can do any thing mechanical just not sure were to start so any help or tips would be greatly apreciated
cheers adam

[threedogs]

Not sure if a spring over is suitable for yours, but "MadMK" will be along soon or the rest of the "M" boys to sort you out, I'd atleast put a 2" body lift on it.

[growler2058]

Tyres, lift, then lockers is a good starting point but the hard bits which brand? Chuck up pics as your troll progresses, and have fun


Tap, Tap.......Who's there?

[the ferret]

Mk's are a good truck, chuck some 33s on, 2 inch body lift, lockers, sliders, winch and some rated recovery points, remember, DON"T snatch from the towball.
Towball recoveries can KILL.
Enjoy your newfound plaything and above all stay safe.
Plennnnnnnnnty of info on here about staying safe.
Cheers, the ferret.

[silly one]

cheers guys and mite go get the 33s tomorrow and body lift very soon after and are all air lockers ??? the same or is there a bit cheeper way around it unless im looking at the wrong thing i dnt realy no much at all about 4wds and then i will embark on bars and sliders just not sure about how to mount a winch in a custom bar do i mount it to the bar or the chassis or ???? and how do you tell a rated shackle from a non rated shackle and wat other recovery items should i get and also will a hand winch do untill i can get a elec one what do you guys always put in ur truck b4 goin out on a weeknd ???????

[silly one]

and also whats the best way to make a twin gate rear bar need two jerrys and a spare ????

[the ferret]

cheers guys and mite go get the 33s tomorrow and body lift very soon after and are all air lockers ??? the same or is there a bit cheeper way around it unless im looking at the wrong thing i dnt realy no much at all about 4wds and then i will embark on bars and sliders just not sure about how to mount a winch in a custom bar do i mount it to the bar or the chassis or ???? and how do you tell a rated shackle from a non rated shackle and wat other recovery items should i get and also will a hand winch do untill i can get a elec one what do you guys always put in ur truck b4 goin out on a weeknd ???????

If it's a good solid roobar and not a rabbit bar, mount the winch to that.
Rated shackles are stamped with the safe working load.
A hand winch is ok, but all made in China, enough said!!,
You can use a hi-lift jack as a winch (dunno about the cheap Chinese ones tho)
Get yourself a good Quality snatch strap, some rated Shackles and some rated bolt on recovery brackets for your 4by.
Dont forget the snatch strap dampener, this could save a life.
TIP!! spend some time searching "towball recoveries" and google "another death by towball"
I don't want to spoil your fun, just want you to have fun and live to tell the tale.
Welcome to the forum mate, enjoy and ask what ever you need to.
Have a good look at the pic Att Cheers, the ferret.

[MQ MAD]

First thing spose is what sort $$$ you wanna spend ???
Is it a driver on the road or a weekend trailer toy ???
Spring over axles, not legal for road use,2 " body lifts have to be approved, 2 " suspension lifts fine, 33 " tyres can be touch and go road legality wise
Checkout your states relevant road laws on their relevant website

The 253 isnt anything to be overly exicted about , a turbo diesel will give you a run ,and use less fuel doin it
But if you love the noise, the fuel usage go for it
First time 4bying, take it out as it is, get used to it and see what the car can or cant do and see how you go
Many have come unstuck with all the gear and over confident attitude, than a stocker with a good driver

Body lift kit about $100-$150 , half a days work (providing the bolts arent rusted to buggery) plus any mod plate required
Theres a few other things youll have to do, shifter floor plate mods,clutch line mods, lower rad shroud removal
2 " suspension lift , new around the grand, mite as well get full greasable shackles while you at it, more cost
Tyres, a full set of newies, even in a 31 " will sting ya another grand

4x4 and cheap , dont go in the same sentence

[growler2058]

Types of lockers are
Air by a compressor
Elec by solenoids
Vaccum (factory on newer models GQ on)
Auto (mechanical)
Prices from approx $1500 or $400 for auto

[silly one]

hey its my work hack at the moment and cum weeknd plan to get out and yeah i know the 253 aint that great but love the sound of a v8 and if i decide to il prob pull the 308 out of my torana and put a twin turbo set up on it and then prob go soa set up but yeah at the moment im thinking 33s 2'' body lift a set of comfy buckets and then start making sliders and stuff and as 4 fuel usage im a tuner specialise on carbys just got 430ks from 70l so i didnt think thats bad as my mates 300c only gets 460 to 70l is a 6.1 tho i spose lol