Readers' Rigs: September 2023

Enjoy the latest batch of Readers' Rigs. If you want your 4x4 published in our mag or online, then send a snap or two to our Facebook page.

1991 Toyota HiLux

7

This is my 1991 2.8-litre dual-cab HiLux, and it’s my absolute pride and joy. I bought it stock as a rock and have owned her for nearly a year. In that time I’ve put in more than 50,000km of camping, hunting, fishing and 4x4 trails. It’s also my everyday vehicle and it never fails me.

The engine was rebuilt last year and she’s had small upgrades including a two-inch lift; new head unit; UHF; extended brake lines; a snorkel; and speakers. Other than that, she’s all original. I’d like to keep her as simple as possible, as these HiLuxes are very capable and reliable off-road as is. Maybe just some tidy-ups, a new tray and stainless snorkel, but I have to appreciate the style and build of these rigs – why would you want to change it – Jessica

2010 Mitsubishi Challenger

7

I bought my first four-wheel drive, a 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger, this time last year. I have only done one trip where 4WD was needed, and I was a passenger. No gear and no idea, that’s how I saw myself. My immediate family members never had a car while I was growing up, but I always wanted a classy and tough car. I couldn’t go with the sporty, flashy, zippy cars, as I always wanted the big and beastly-looking cars.

“Mitsi” is my first one, and although she’s been complimented by lots of experienced 4WDers, I haven’t tested her in deep waters yet. She came with all I needed, so it was love at first sight: ARB bullbar and spotlights; snorkel; extra suspension; bumper plates; tow bar; DP chip; dual battery; UHF radio; awning; and fitting tent.

I have added Titan twin drawers, and will build a platform so I can sleep inside and have more storage for off-grid when travelling alone. I prefer sand and beach to mud and rocks, but I want to experience it all with her – Vivi

2017 Holden Colorado LS

7

It has 285 Maxxis tyres, 2-4-inch adjustable lift, In-House Fabrication snorkel, and a dual-battery set-up in the tub. This 4x4 has been to some beautiful places including Bribie, Double Island, Fraser, Mount Mee, Glasshouse Mountains and Crescent Heads.

The ultimate goal is to take this 4x4 to Cape York and the Victorian High Country, but in order to get there I would like a new bullbar, winch, rock sliders and towing mirrors. One other goal I want for the 4x4 is to get a jetski – Katelyn

1998 Nissan Y61 Patrol 2.8

7

I’ve added a four-inch lift with 16psi turbo tuning – she may be slow, but I’ve yet to be beaten out in the bush. I’ve gone on many adventures with the Rolly Patrolly.

My most memorable experience was when a mate and I got lost in the bush. We followed a track that ran alongside a river, hoping we could cross it. The river then became fast rapids and we didn’t want to risk it. We continued down the track until we came across a very sketchy descent. This was clearly a climb, but we had to go down it. My mate went first and nearly rolled it, and so did I. Right after the descent we stumbled across a 30-40m-long bog hole.

My mate found a way around in his little Hilux, but I couldn’t. I had to go through it. We did the stick of truth and it didn’t seem that deep – I went for it and just sank straight down to the bull bar. Ended up being stuck for four hours, but no damage – Thomas Sainty

2022 Suzuki JB74 Jimny

7

It’s still fairly new, and most of these mods – Tough Dog lift, 30-inch BFG A/Ts, transfer gears, ARB bar, four-inch snorkel and GME UHF – were done before it had done 500km, and then we set off on a 3500km two-week trip to Esperance and back along the south-west coast, all trouble-free.

Since then I've only done some local tracks, but I’m planning trips to Exmouth later in the year and the Victorian High Country next year. I have been building Zooks for 23 years now – Joe Lambeck

Toyota LandCruiser FJ40

7

I have built this FJ40 over the years. It has an LS2 (6L) running a 6L80 transmission on a Nissan patrol chassis, with Fox coil-over suspension and an FJ40 body, which has been stretched 150mm to fit 3/9 Nissan Patrol differential and transfer – Aaron Wood