CBM_64's Navarra

[CBM_64]

Hi Folks,

I've decided to start upgrading my Navarra D22. I've booked in to Springers Solar to get an AGM deep cycle battery fitted with a DC-DC charger and some outlets in the back.

Next up I plan on getting a 2 inch lift. I've heard some good things about Carrolls Suspension Solutions in Wacol so I thought I'd go and talk to them. They use EFS suspension. Has anyone heard anything good or bad about Carrolls and/or EFS suspensions? I've read a few forums on the subject and it seems like everyone has a different opinion on the different suspensions and lift kits so its hard to know what to go with.

I haven't looked into what tyres to upgrade to yet, does anyone have any suggestions for a good brand?

I also want to get an Eaton Harrop E-Locker but I'm having trouble deciding whether to get it on the back or front. Nissan's are supposed to have good LSD's on the rear so people often put the locker on the front. I might hold off deciding until I've had a chance to practice Gary's method of engaging the LSD by accelerating and breaking at the same time. If I can get the hang of that then maybe I'll put the locker on the front.

I also plan on getting a snorkel fitted and maybe a bash plate underneath if it doesn't get in the way of the spare tyre that sits under the car. Oh, and maybe a winch eventually too. I expect that would be the last thing I'd do.

I know a lot of people do most of the work themselves but I haven't had much mechanical experience and wouldn't be confident in doing any of the work myself so I'll let the professionals do it and hopefully they all do a good job.

Any hints, tips or suggestions would be appreciated as you all have a lot more experience than me.

Cheers,

Cos.

[Dave]

Hi Cos,

EFS is a well known brand, but I don't know how they compare to other 3rd party shocks.

Tyres - that is an interesting question. It depends how much you are planning to go offroad. Mud tyres are great in wet slippery and muddy roads. But there are noisier on the road too. All terrain tyres would be my recommendation, as they are virtually as good offroad, and quieter on the highway. You should expect up to 70,000 km from any of the tyres (unless you go on an offroad trip to the Stanthorpe area. Those rocks will take chunks out of the tyres).

E-lockers are definitely my recommendation. I'm not sure about the strength of the front end, but the rear is usually significantly stronger. The rear as no CVs that can be turned to different angles, the diff is usually stronger, etc. Plus you can still steer well with a locker in the rear. So a locker in the rear is my recommendation. But I assume most of your weight is on the front half when you're on the tracks. So a front locker may be able to get your further, but more likely to leave you with broken CVs or a diff. You're find a locker will make a significant difference.

Bash plates are usually only come down the front third of the vehicle, ie. no where near your spare tyre. They are well while the dollars. The aftermarket plates are typically 3mm steel, and are at least 10 times stronger than the factor versions.

Winches have come a long way. I'd recommend one of the dearer "cheap Chinese versions" like the Runva. They are a third of the price of the TJM or ARB versions. But look for winches that are totally water proof. Several have a IP68 rating, and a 5 year warranty. The name-brand versions many only have a 2 year warranty, and have fine print saying "if you get the winch wet, you void the warranty". They are probably referring to water crossing, and hey .... it rains too".

The problem is that lockers will get you into places that you're likely to need a winch. But with a winch, you can follow others who have lockers. So maybe a consider getting a winch before you get lockers. But that's only my opinion. Oh - I'd also recommend installing a hard wired internal switch for you winch, as well as getting a $14 ebay remote. (I can help with this). You'll laugh at people trying to find the hand controller, then plugging it into a winch relay box, all while they vehicle is sinking in muddy water.

A 2" lift, ATZs, bask plates, a lockers and a winch will make a HUGE difference offroad. We will have to take to you the Glasshouse Mountains to find suitable tracks for your vehicle then.


Cheers
David.

Cheers
David.

[CBM_64]

Thanks a lot for that Dave, it's a big help. I'll have to think about getting a winch sooner than I'd planned. I'd say I'll probably end up getting a locker in the rear as I like the idea of still being able to steer and being less likely to damage my cv but I might see if I can get the hang of using the LSD before I make my final decision.

Does anyone know where I can get a bash plate fitted? I've tried looking online but I've had trouble finding somewhere. I asked at ARB a while ago but they told me they didn't do them for Navarra's.

Cheers,

Cos.

[Capella_Ben]

Hi Cos,

I would not worry about peoples opinions on shocks on online forums. Most of the time people don't know what they are talking about. EFS is a good brand with a good reputation and should be fine.

Sounds like you are doing a lot of work. Have you won the lotto?

[CBM_64]

Cheers Ben,

Sadly there's no lotto win, just my savings. I'd be very suprised if I won it as I never buy a ticket. I thought I should upgrade the Navarra so I have more chance of keeping up with the rest of you. At the moment if I want to get up a tricky hill I have to put my foot down to get as much momentum as I can and hope it carries me up. If I keep going like that I'm sure it won't be long until I do some serious damage.

I went out to Carroll's Suspension the other day to get a price and they said about $1,500 for a maximum of 40mm. They said they will wind the existing torsion bars up, reset? the springs and replace the shocks etc. They told me to get the winch fitted first so they can set it for the correct weight. I've been looking at the Runva winches, is there much difference between the Dyneema rope and Steel Cable? I can only see IP67 rated winches on the website though so I'll do some more searching and see if I can find some IP68 rated winches.

Cheers,

Cos.

[Dave]

Hi Cos,

I'd definitely recommend the Dyneema rope. Less likely to cut you in half if it snaps, no metal splinters after a few years, can be easily thrown to other helpers, it floats, and if it snaps, you can just knot it back together. And I suspect 90%+ winches are Dyneema rope these days.

[CBM_64]

G'day,

Here's a few before & after photos of the work I just had completed on my Navarra. I had a 2 inch EFS lift kit fitted, an Eaton Harrop rear E-Locker installed, a Safari snorkel fitted and a VRS 9500lbs winch installed too. It was going to be an Ironman winch but the control box was too big for the factory bullbar so went with the VRS which has a smaller control box.

If anyone is free on Sunday to take me out to Glasshouse to try out my new locker I'm keen.

Cheers,

Cos.

My Navarra before its 2 inch lift.

My Navarra after its 2 inch lift.

My Navarra before the bash plate

My Navarra after the bash plate

My Navarra with winch & snorkel fitted.

[Dave]

Hi Cos,

It looks like a real 4x4 now. Don't the bash plates make a difference. I'll happily make a trip to the Glasshouse mountains. I haven't been there for a long time.

Cheers
Dave.

[Capella_Ben]

Very nice, now it's looking the part!

You'll be itching to test it out...