Anyone Crazy Like Me?, Offroad Outties Options

[00UTY]

Hey, is there anyone else out there who likes the fun driving off road in the Outty?

I put new shoes on mine a while ago now, but for a far different reason - I use my 00UTY offroad a lot.

Hence the 215/60 16 Bridgestone Duellers - magic! Now rough rocky tracks, sand & mud is soooo easier to drive thru.

Went up the beach for a week just after Christmas, and not a problem at all on the really soft sand.

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We were following a brand new Pajero in very very soft sand on the way to the beach. The Jero started slowing down - eventually coming to a complete halt & was stuck on the belly. We of course got stuck too stopping behind them, but after we got out & drove past the Jero (with no problems at all in the soft stuff) we were told that they were tourists, and didn't engage 4WD! Gooses! The Ouuty doesn't even have low range, & we don't get stuck.....

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Once back at home, a very thorough clean was required. The sheer amount of sand built up on the suspension & in the engine bay is incredible - 30 minutes with a pressure hose and all that was left was a pile of sand in the driveway!

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The Oouty has been up the beach more times than I can count since I bought it in 2003, but no rust at all anywhere - maintenance is the key, and keeping her clean!

Drop by my homepage for more fun off road images:
tinmansplace.multiply.com

Here's a bunch of other images from my family's off road fun:

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[Izerous]

Have really only ever used the Outty for light off-roading nothing to match up to your pictures, hell it's an 04 with less than 120,000km on it still. The Falken 912 tires on it might even last another full summer before they are actually down to the wear bars. Just bought a 2012 frontier SL 4x4 so even lower chances of the Outty seeing much off-road action to that level. However the deal was that if we got a truck mainly for her use the Outty would become my 'toy' of sorts. So I can finishing playing wit the software tuner i picked up for it and a few other things (when the money is actually available)

[00UTY]

Izerous, Good to see someone else willing to have a go.

I have completed a major repair job on my Oouty last week. As it is 10 years old & I have put 361000Kms onto it since new, things had started to show signs of wear & tear.
We took it up the beach 4 days running just after Christmas, and although it cruised thru the softest of sand without issue, the suspension was beginning to feel really soft & spongy.
So off to the parts shop, with some major replacements in order....

Being the off-road nut I am, I decided to make it even more capable whilst repairing worn parts. Here's a comprehensive list of modifications/repairs completed:
- Replaced the original (yes, with 361oooKms on them) springs & struts at all 4 corners with Heavy duty versions, including a 35mm lift
- Replaced all 4 CV joints (Left inboard & outboard, Right inboard & outboard) including new driveshafts
- Replaced Rear differential bushes with poly (had a bang now & then with torque changes - gone now)
- Replaced front link pins
- Replaced front left rack end (worn a bit)
- Replaced rear sway bar link pin bushes with poly
- And best of all - fitted 4x BF Goodrich AT off-road rubber

Some images showing replaced parts - needs an underbody detail now! (new tyres not yet fitted)

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Front Right Strut & Spring

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Was not able to fit a can in here before!

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Front CV incl. Driveshaft

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Rear Left Strut & Spring

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Rear Right Strut & Spring

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Poly Diff Bushes Fitted

Now the little truck is driving straight & true, and handling like it is on rails! Turn hard, no body roll at all due to the heavy duty suspension, and the steering is once again pin-point accurate.

I cannot wait for the weekend, as we (missus & kids) are planning a beach run for a couple of days. The darling wife bought herself a 2003 Pajero last week, and we went up the beach last Saturday to give it the shake-down run.
This weekend we are planning to take both off-road & up the beach, so we can see just how much better the Oouty behaves in the soft sand with the mods.

Here's a few pix of how the Oouty looks now (taken yesterday)

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Front View

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Front Clearance

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Front Right

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Rear Clearance

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Rear Right

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Rear Right

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Side Clearance

Hope you like the look - I know I do! It actually looks like something which is able to mix it up off the beaten track now.....

[SCOutlander]

Love the look, have wanted to do the same to mine. Did you get your lift strictly with the heavy duty springs and struts or did you use a spacer?

[00UTY]

The only thing which lifted it was the struts & springs - nice & firm too.

It isn't at all 'jittery' on the highway, but you can feel the additonal stiffness in the ride.

Handling is magnificent though - almost no body roll any longer when cornering!

[SCOutlander]

Do you happen to have part numbers for the springs a struts that you used?

[00UTY]

Unfortunately no - and the repairer who fitted it wont be a lot of use to you either as I am in Oz.

I will see what I can find out though....

[00UTY]

Not really related to the suspension, but I found these sweet wheel trims on eBay Australia last week for only AUD$ 55

Far superior than what the local 'car accessory shops' have on offer! (sorry about the quality of the close up - it is raining)

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