Pocket Rocket: Custom 2019 Jimny

There’s no denying how popular the JB74 model Suzuki Jimny is, both locally and internationally. Suzuki has done a marvellous job of creating a new model that somehow is modernised, yet with a strong nod to the heritage of the previous incarnations of Suzuki’s off-roaders.

While Zooks have always been capable four-wheel drives, it’s plain to see they are on the small side, especially if you intend on carrying basic things like people or cargo.

The JB74 Jimny is also a relatively new model, so sourcing gear can be an added challenge. For Darren Young, the owner of this highly modified example, that was almost part of the appeal to build his idea of the ultimate (Little) Rig.

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“A friend was talking to me about the Jimny, and how good they are off-road,” Darren tells us. “I started watching videos on YouTube, and was instantly hooked. I sold my 2016 Ford Ranger and ordered the new model.

When I first picked up the vehicle, there weren’t many aftermarket accessories available yet. So customising it meant plenty of trial and error. I’ve been trying to find that perfect balance between a mini tourer and an off-road weapon. I’ve got a pretty good balance so far, I think. I wanted something that could do it all basically.”

Despite owning a Ford Ranger previously, Darren’s background is actually in high-performance street cars. It must have been a shock jumping out of a worked V8 into a Jimny. In saying that, you can also see how his love of street cars has transferred into four-wheel drives, as the attention to detail in this little Jimny is next level. He also hints that he’s seen the light, and the off-road way of life is now something he has well and truly embraced.

Starting at the pointy end, the engine has been left alone for now, except for the addition of a custom stainless-steel snorkel from Vogue Industries. When asked about the performance of the stock 1.5L motor, Darren was blunt: “It makes about 100 horses, 100 very slow and very tired horses.”

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It makes about 100 horses, 100 very slow and very tired horses

To get around that, Darren is planning on installing a Turbo World turbo kit in the near future. Now that would be fun. As well as the turbo, Darren is keen on fitting an 80L long-range fuel tank to double the touring range of the Jimny without the need to cart Jerry cans around.

When the going gets tough, this Jimny has all the right off-road credentials to keep up with the big boys. While the traction-control system used in these JB74s is pretty good, Darren had front and rear ARB air lockers installed for the ultimate in traction. To help navigate tough obstacles, he is in the process of installing reduction gears, which will make this micro-weapon damn near unstoppable. Those reduction gears will provide 87 per cent reduction in low range, and 17 per cent in high range.

The factory suspension in the JB74 model Jimny is notoriously soft, which is great in slow off-road settings but not ideal anywhere else. Darren opted for an EFS 50mm suspension lift to provide more clearance, and he says it is still very softly sprung which suits him to a tee. He didn’t just whack in some new springs and shocks, though, but a complete suspension package. This is made up of a lowered chassis brace (to stop the front driveshaft hitting on down travel), rear Panhard rod extension, castor correction bushes and a Tough Dog return-to-centre steering damper.

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Filling out the newly found real estate in the 'guards is a set of Dirty Life 15x7 wheels with 30x9.5r15 Hankook Dynapro mud-terrain tyres. While that might sound small compared to a Patrol or Cruiser, that’s a big tyre on such a little vehicle. In saying that, now that Darren has invested in transfer reduction gears, he’s eyeing off a set of 32-inch tyres for off-road work, to really take things to the next level.

As previously mentioned, the Little Rig isn’t just a play toy, it’s a proper tourer as well. As such, Darren had it wired up with a lithium battery to power any accessories. There’s also an ARB compressor stashed under the driver’s seat, which is used for the lockers and tyre inflation. Darren selected a GME UHF radio for communications, and uses a Samsung tablet for off-road navigation and mapping. BushTek gullwings are another neat addition, making access to the small cargo area possible from nearly any angle.

Darren has taken no chances when it comes to protecting his pride and joy, with an extensive amount of off-road armour. BEI House bash plates and rear tyre mount (with MaxTrax carrier) get the party started, and a pair of Jimnybits rock sliders keep the sills looking like sills. He also had a set of neoprene seat covers installed early in the piece, to protect the factory cloth seats from stains and damage.

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One of the most obvious bits of gear fitted to the Jimny would have to be that AFN front bar. This provides frontal protection, but also a platform to mount a 9500lb Carbon winch with synthetic rope. Darren has a rather intricate lighting set-up on the Jimny too, with LED driving lights from KC HiLiTES, as well as two 13.5-inch Stedi light bars and a further 40-inch LED light bar on the roof.

Speaking of the roof, you’ll also notice a Front Runner roof rack mounted on the factory rain gutters. To that, Darren has fitted a Darche awning for protection from the elements, as well as a Kickass shower tent for privacy in the bush. A Bazooka water tank can also be seen, which is heated by the sun and provides decent water pressure when supplied with a few psi from a portable air compressor.

When asked what he would do differently, Darren mentions that Ironman 4x4 now offer a GVM upgrade, and that would have been the first thing he would have done to the vehicle if it was available at the time.

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Darren spent 15 months to get the Jimny where it is today, and he estimates the total cost of the build (including vehicle purchase) is around the $60,000 mark. “It was very difficult for the first six months or so to find aftermarket parts to suit the vision I had for the build,” says Darren. “But I must say, it’s so rewarding to be the first one out on the tracks with these mods.”

So, what is the best thing about the Jimny according to the man himself? “It’s just heaps of fun to drive,” he replies. “It puts a smile on everyone’s face when they see it.”

If you are keen to check out more of this brilliant off-roader, check out The Little Rig on YouTube or Instagram.