Which mods first??

[Detectist]

Hi guys
I am a 4 week owner of my first 4wd - a 1HZ80, 4.2l 1996 Landcruiser, AT tyres (2 needing replacement soon), now with 232,000km. It is still fairly standard build (apart from bull bar (ready for winch), towbar, 2 batteries and dead uhf). I recently bought basic recovery gear (snatch strap, tyre repair kit and compressor)
I have limited $ (don't we all) so need to plan what happens first.
Eventually we want to tow either a camper trailer or caravan. In the meantime we want to camp. Not into extreme 4wd but want to be able to go a bit further into the bush than the falcon (which has gone into some nice places but has grounded) - with and without co-travellers. Maybe along beaches as well.
I was planning to buy in this order:
1) new uhf
2) fridge/tent etc
3) turbo diesel
4) winch (electric or hand??)

I'm not sure about extractors or whether there is a need for them and also new suspension (how long do they last) and, apart from height, why would I need an extra 2 inches (so to speak) lift? Will it improve stability that much?
Anything not on the list that is necessary?
All advice appreciated.
ta
Detectist
ps - We'll be going on 4wd training in March or May 2010!

 

[Traveller]

At 230k the suspension, if original, is probably stuffed so it's worth looking into. You don't 'have to have'
a 2" lift, although most people would recommend as a pretty standard arrangement. It gives some
protection from dragging the undercarriage over stuff in the bush, and allows a decent amount of travel
in the coils, thus keeping more wheels on the ground more often.
Extractors I wouldn't worry about if you are looking at turbos in the future, maybe a 3" mandrel
exhaust as this will complement the turbo when fitted.
A hand winch may be worth looking at, more practical if venturing out alone, although not that much
cheaper looking at some electric versions these days - remember a tree trunk protector, a couple of
shackles, maybe a snatch block or two and winch extension strap should all be part of that package!
An esky is almost as good as a fridge for short trips, but the longer ones make a fridge worthwhile.
There are a also good gas fridges(Chescold) as well as electric, might be better for long stays in one
area, but hard to beat an engel/(others) for rolling camps.
Definatally invest in the best tyres to suit your purpose, the cost of a good tyre is far outwieghed by
replacing a cheapie when it blows miles from anywhere. Maybe even replace all of them and keep the good ones off the rig for later-eg trailer/camper.
Enjoy the training course, and remember, you say know you're only looking at mild stuff in the bush, but look out when the bug bites a bit harder!!

Jok

 

[Grumpy]

Just some more advise, definately look at 2inch lift, as for a fridge and winch look at the Aldi ones cheap but not nasty, have had my fridge now for about 4 years, great on power and gas but flattens the battery pretty quick if your not driving. tents are great for starters but everyone has there way of doing things, Cheers

 

[goldrush]

My advice would be
1. UHF..........Safety and communication
2. New tyres........The best value for money mod is a good set of rubber.
3. Suspension......It will make a difference.

After these items you can look at the others. These are the ones that will make the most difference to getting out there and back safely.

Goldrush

 

[Detectist]

Thanks guys

I will change the order of some of my "wish list" "need list" accordingly.

I was planning to spend for quality on my wish list (fridge etc) but it seems that I should save quality spending on the main game. After the uhf (uniden 400sx - some good prices at Prestige and Andrews) bring forward spending on tyres (Scorpions?) to all 5 (instead of 2) and save the best 3 of the old ones for ron (with the camper/caravan/whatever). Then into suspension, and possibly lift - before the turbo - will give me more time to adjust from 3.9l falcon petrol to 4.2l diesel I think (probably not a bad thing to slow down) before really appreciating a turbo boost (now a couple of years into the future).

Seeing it is xmas sale time I'll probably still get a tent but cheaper fridge than I was planning (tho' the ARB fridge looks good!).

Thanks again.

Detectist