Thread: Next modification query and advice needed

G'day guys and girls,

I'm the proud new owner of a 2nd hand 2001 TD5 D2. I've got the plan to turn this car into the ultimate tourer and need some advice on what my goals/next modification should be.

A little bit of a run down on the vehicle:

155,000 km on the clock
Td5 manual
TJM Bull bar with IPF lights
Safari Snorkel
BF Goodrich A/Ts on standard wheels
Suspension is coils all round and standard apart from rear shocks which have been replaced with Toughdog Bigbore foam.
Towbar fitted
UHF ready to be fitted.

I guess I'm just after advice on what my first aim should be. I've been tossing up replacing all the suspension with OME coils and shocks with a 1 or 2 inch raise? Thoughts? (will the car look stupid and perform badly without going for larger rims and tyres first?) How does OME rate?

Or am I pitching in the wrong area? Should I be looking in the engine bay or at a rear bar or roofrack option?

I've got a fair bit of stock experience behind me with both fenders and discos, but have never ventured into the mod field. So any advice/help/general comments would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Doug.

Originally Posted by Franz

Doug,

Suspension lift is important but dependent on where you plan to tour. If you plan to do much touring in the high country regions of Oz then yes, a 2" lift will be good for ground clearance purposes. If you plan to tour the central deserts, a lift is less important. If you are doing the lift then you should think of running larger tyres as well as these will enhance ground clearance in the high country.

The other reason for changing your springs and shocks is if you will be carrying heavy loads. Standard springs and shocks don't tend to cope well with touring loads. Increased tyre size is less important here.

If you are going to tour the more adventurous parts of the country such as Cape York or the Kimberleys then an uprated suspension and bigger tyres are definitely worthwhile.

Next thing to look at would be self recovery and traction aids but again, it all depends on where you plan to go.

Cheers,

Franz

X2, could put it better myself.

Work out what gear you want to take with you for touing and how many people.
How are you going to carry water,what are cooking with(gas/petrol stove),
food,clothing,bedding,tents/trailer,fridge(duel batt?),recovery gear,ect..
It al adds up.
As stated how far off the beaten track and what terain do you want to do?

Have a look in my link below to see my work in progress.(Same veichle)