Thread: Jimbo110's (very) budget Defender wheel carrier

I could put it off no longer, finally got my arse into gear and made one, total cost: about $50 .

This is what I did:

bought this off trade me, 1st generation Terrano (pathfinder) wheel carrier, cost: $20, the rest of the cost for me was 3 5" cut off wheels for the grinder and a spray can of satin black.



For the bottom pivit I used a VS Commodore front hub, my one was a WOF (roadworthy) failure due to noise, made a hissing noise when spun, still enough for a failure and at about $400 must be made of gold!

For the top pivot I used a series 3 (I think) track rod end. I like the idea that it has a grease nipple

I put the aluminium tread plate on the door to spread the load of when the carrier is slammed shut. No matter how many times you tell people not to slam the door, they do anyway. They dont understand the forces invloved on the 1" thick door trying to stop a wheel that weighs as much as they do! This is the main reason for me to build the carrier in the first place. The bolts on the carrier catch go through the plate and into the steel door frame. If the carrier is slammed, the door seals absorb the shock quite well, as well as the rubber feet between the carrier and the door.

A very much cut down VS Commodore front hub, very safe, still has the ABS sensor in it!



Tie rod end, angle iron welded to one end, bolts into a piece of tow bar tongue for thickness.



Closing catch, 200mm is cut out of the bar, hence the weld.



The finished product, smooth running and rattle free









For more pictures go to Message - AULRO Photo Gallery

Originally Posted by lardy

bloody inspired mate onya

Just trying to inspire other people to have a go. Not too many people around these days that can afford the best part of 500 to $1000 for one of these things. I'm amazed how strong it is, I can stand on top of the wheel and jump up and down and it doesn't move.