So you’ve worked your backside off and finally reaped the rewards by way of a shiny, brand new beast of a 4WD. Now the real fun starts as you make the ever growing list of modifications that will turn your pride and joy from stock to ready to rock. Its easy to get carried away but the secret is to be honest to yourself and your expectations. Sure, a 6 inch lift and 37’s looks cool but is that really what you need? Would your remaining coin be better spent on fuel? Here’s our list of the first 5 modifications we would do, if ever we got a new ride in the driveway.
- Frontal Protection: years ago I might have put this way further down the list but after cleaning up a roo just months ago and seeing the damage it did to a 4WD WITH a bar, it left me with no doubt that it would be the first thing Id do. Without that bar I would have totalled my 4WD. Plus a front bar allows for future additions such as winches.
- Dual battery system: This would have to be the least sexy 4WD mod you can do however in our opinion its one of the most necessary. It takes all of the doubt out of running 12v accessories off your main battery and allows you to camp in far greater comfort (without the risk of getting stranded due to a flat battery)
- Tyres: There is some debate here as realistically the tyres that come with your 4WD will be round, black and full of air and in most situations will do their job. However if you do intend on seriously using your new rig in outback or real world 4WD locations, they will most likely be the first thing to fail. Upgrading to a set of quality All-terrain style tyres (or mud terrain if you are well keen) will pay for themselves in durability and reliability. You may even be able to go up a size to improve ground clearance as an added bonus.
- Snorkel: I put this in the same group as the front bar; not something to think about till its too late. Sucking in a bucket full of water will literally spell the end for your new rig, thats just not a risk worth taking. Also a snorkel gets your air intake up high and out of dust, meaning cleaner running conditions for your engine.
- Storage solution: Till you’ve owned a set of well made and installed drawers in your 4WD it will be hard to comprehend just what a difference it makes to the way you use your new rig. Keeping things not only organised but always ready to roll makes so much sense.
Bonus tip: You might notice we have not yet mentioned suspension upgrades. This is for good reason as we do consider suspension a very important upgrade but it makes no sense doing this upgrade till you have your rig as close to finished as possible with all new weight added. How will you know what package to go with if you don’t know how heavy your 4WD will end up. Leave suspension upgrades till close to the last.