The "Tank" - Big, Grey and Ugly ..

[Bigrig]

Just because I know you all love hearing about my additions!! LOL!!!

Dhuck helped me install a new head unit into the rig - GPS, USB, SDRam slot, DVD, and all the sh!t, and it's a cracker!!! Ryan saw it last night and he too is sold on it - I'll post some photos, but if you are looking for a new unit, these are hard to pass up. Yep, from China, but what isn't these days - cost me zero for the install and the unit was delivered with preloaded maps for $288!! Similar units through Northfield and the likes START at about $1000 without maps, so pretty stoked with old eScab on this one!!

Installed a new steering wheel yesterday (thanks again to dhuck for the recommendation - it's a beauty) and according to the badge, it's a MoMo ... delivered with boss kit for $90 or thereabouts ... don't quite think MoMo know about this particular model (lol), but it does the trick anyway!!! Pics to come.

Next on the list - wheel spacer with dual mounts for reverse lights - custom made and going on in about 2 weeks ... God I love this stuff!!!!!!

Looks like the kids are singing for their supper again this month!! lmfao

[Bigrig]

Can't have this thread slow down!!! Tank would never forgive me!!! LOL

Got new rubber going on Friday - Mickey Thompson MTZ's - 305/70R16's so should toughen him up a bit. Also got 43% reduction gears going in next week and should also be picking up the rear spacer bar with twin light mounts - hope so anyway, as the new spare tyre won't fit on the back!!

Will throw up some snaps once done - can't wait!!!!

[Woof]

Hey Scotty, I would be very wary of putting that size spare on the back mate, it just maybe too much for the rear door to handle.

[Bigrig]

Hey Scotty, I would be very wary of putting that size spare on the back mate, it just maybe too much for the rear door to handle.

Yeah thanks mate. I thought that also, but they reckon it will be ok - it's still 33" but 20mm wider than what I have one now, so wasn't expecting a massive weight difference - that said, is there anyway I can "reinforce" the barn door hinges to make it stronger??

[Bigrig]

Sooooo ... hopefully before next weekend for the trip ...

1. Maxxis 305/70R16's all round - decided to go for these over the Mickey Thomson's - about $65 per tyre cheaper fully fitted, and let's face it, with all the hype around, I thought I'd give them a go.

2. 85% reduction gears in the transfer case - decided on this over the 43% ones. Figured it's a small price to pay to have to change out of 4H and 4L for cruising around on slower tracks - this one I can't wait for - took priority (bigtime) over a front locker.

3. Rear custom tyre spacer with twin spottie mount tube bar (follows the line of the barn door window around to the top - twin lights then sit above that window - using slimline LED's attached to the reverse light, but with an isolator switch so I don't blind people when reversing at the local shops!!!).

The storage/shelve system might have to wait - after all this expense, I want to save some spondoolies to get the engine done in the next 3 or 4 months.

Now a question!!

The suspension - I've read other threads regarding spring spacers, but I'm thinking of putting 30mm spacers in. What are the pros (apart from lifting the guts off the ground) and cons. I have heard it makes the ride "coarser" and more rigid because it's actually compressing the springs a bit, but is that correct? Does it affect the flex? How? Etc.

Thanks a million in advance people!!

[Dhuck]

Now I have to watch out for you as well. 85% reduction. Your becoming a mad man. But lovin it. Just be aware more mods more damage to Tank and Tank is pretty. lol

[Bigrig]

Now I have to watch out for you as well. 85% reduction. Your becoming a mad man. But lovin it. Just be aware more mods more damage to Tank and Tank is pretty. lol

It ain't that pretty brother, and you've seen first hand what I'll put him through, so I think he deserves some treats to make it easier for him!!! LOL

Spacers? You're mates at the shop would have to know a fair bit about them?

[Dhuck]

Mate they would. Imho yes they will lift the truck. Cant really see them compressing the springs. But that said I know nothing about them.

[nowoolies]

g`day bigrig
did you have to have the caster kit installed because of the lift ????
after the lift and wheel align on my bus the steering wheel is a couple of degrees off to the right
the guys at the wheel aligners say thats common and one has to put up with it as there is no way i can have a caster kit installed in the G U
??????????????
YOUR RIG LOOKS GREAT HAY!!!

[Bigrig]

g`day bigrig
did you have to have the caster kit installed because of the lift ????
after the lift and wheel align on my bus the steering wheel is a couple of degrees off to the right
the guys at the wheel aligners say thats common and one has to put up with it as there is no way i can have a caster kit installed in the G U
??????????????
YOUR RIG LOOKS GREAT HAY!!!

Thanks mate - yep, 3 degree caster correction installed as it was a whale after the lift. Worried about this also with putting spacers in as it will only push the radius arms further down (car up) and they'll be even closer to the rear guard also. But I am intending to get dropboxes put in to offset that.