However you enjoy your 4x4, there is a myriad of enhancements
available for your vehicle that can make it infinitely more
capable. Engines and exhausts aside, the physical build of your
vehicle will often determine what you can and can't do - as
well as your driving skill.
The key is striking an effective balance between on and off road performance - how far you decide to take things is entirely up to you and your four wheeling ambitions. In stock form, many 4WD vehicles are already remarkably proficient off road and you can have a lot of fun carefully testing them out. However, it usually doesn't take long before you start to wish you could go up there, down that, or through this without risking damage.
That's where P I Fuel Systems comes in - we can help advise you on what is or isn't appropriate for your vehicle, driving habits and budget. Going straight to extreme modifications can often be impractical and expensive, so it may be better to take things slowly and enjoy each stage of enhancing your vehicle. Simply stop when you've achieved what you want - and before you break the bank.
Before going offroad for the first time in any vehicle, check you have a way of being recovered from that mud pit/deep hole/rutted track you might be tempted to try. Simple tow hooks or eyes at both front and rear are a necessity, or you may in the worst case find yourself waving goodbye to your vehicle and walking home. With suitable attachment points for a tow strap at both ends, getting stuck and then unstuck usually provides more memorable fun than the actual driving. And it makes for a great spectator sport.
The first stage in improving off road ability is normally larger tyres. Small size increases with more aggressive all-terrain tread can be possible on a stock vehicle. Larger sizes need extra space created by lifting the body or suspension, and uprated shock absorbers may also be recommended. Tyres can grow your vehicle outwards as well as upwards, depending on the look and feel you want. Sensible lifts up to 3 inches and larger tyres can increase ground clearance noticeably, without drastically affecting road handling and drivetrain geometry.
Going wider on tyres (or mounting on wheels with greater backspacing so they protrude further) can require extended wheel arches order to keep you road legal.
Tyre sizes over 32 inches can involve re-gearing (changing the ring & pinion gears in the differential case) if you want to optimise your vehicle's responsiveness in every gear.
Underbody protection such as skid trays or transmission and diff guards don't go amiss once you start to tackle harder obstacles, to help prevent damage of the more crippling or expensive kind. You can take this as far as you like, according to how likely you are to respond to the friendly challenge 'there's no way you'll get over that'.
Removing some of the exterior plastic trim is often a benefit, it avoids snagging on steep inclines or tight tree turns, which in turn reduces the likelihood of bending plastic damaging metal work. At this point many people consider tougher aftermarket bumpers in the event of a little slip, or to safely carry the weight of that ever-faithful companion, the winch.
Once you've honed your off road driving techniques and still want more out of your vehicle, additional traction could be the next step. This is usually achieved through some kind of locking or limited slip differential in the rear, front or both axles. Applications vary in suitability for type of vehicle/axle/terrain, road handling and budget. For example, self-activating lockers in the front axle are not usually recommended for on road use.
Finally, if you like to play in the wet
stuff then a snorkel is a must to protect your engine
from the risk of breathing in water instead of air. Basic
improvements to the ignition system and some other simple
checks should ensure you stand a fair chance of making
it to the other side with dry feet and a big smile.
Unless, of course, you find that big hole in the middle of the
lake that everyone else somehow managed to avoid.
P. I. Fuelsystems Ltd. Petersfield, Hampshire.
Tel: 01730 269440 - Mobile: 077 8596 6388 - Email:
