r/4x4Australia • • Feb 27 '26

Gear Guide Gear Guide 2026 - Air Compressors

6 Upvotes

Hey, everyone! We are continuing our series on 4x4 related equipment and accessories as we build our own "Gear Guide" encyclopedia. This week's focus is Air Compressors.

Same as last time, we're going to do this in a specific way to keep things organized: the top-level comments for this thread should be the Brand Name (e.g., "ARB" or "TJM"), and subsequent child comments should be your specific model and your detailed experience with it.

Example Format:

"ARB"

"CKMTP12 Twin Portable"

"I’ve been using the twin portable kit for 3 years now. It’s incredibly fast on my 43s, usually taking under 2 minutes per tyre from 15psi to 35psi. It does get bloody hot though, so be careful with the hose coupling after a long run..."

"Nice one! Have you had any issues with the thermal cut-out on 40-degree days? I'm toss-up between this and the brushless version."

We are doing it this way to maintain consistency across the board. Every single Gear Guide discussion will be pinned in the Wiki for everyone, new and old, to refer to whenever they need real-world advice on what gear actually handles the heat of the Aussie outback.

Whether it’s a hard-mounted twin motor, a portable "ammo box" style unit, or a budget-friendly thumper—if it gets you back to highway pressures without blowing a fuse, let’s hear about it.

Let’s get it on!


r/4x4Australia • • Feb 27 '26

Gear Guide Gear Guide 2026 - Recovery Gear (Straps, Ropes, Shackles, Kits and Recovery Boards.)

2 Upvotes

Hey, everyone! We are continuing our series on 4x4 related equipment and accessories as we build our own "Gear Guide" encyclopedia. This week's focus is Recovery Gear, focussing on Straps, Ropes, Shackles, Kits and Recovery Boards.

Same as last time, we're going to do this in a specific way to keep things organized: the top-level comments for this thread should be the Brand Name (e.g., "Saber Offroad" or "ARB"), and subsequent child comments should be the specific item or kit and your detailed experience with it.

Example Format:

"Saber Offroad"

"12,500kg Kinetic Recovery Rope"

"I’ve switched from a traditional snatch strap to this kinetic rope on my Ranger. The stretch is much smoother, and it doesn't 'bang' as hard when it takes the load. I’ve used it in soft sand at Robe and it was flawless..."

"Hey, I was looking into that! Did you get the one with the protective sleeve, or just the bare rope? How’s it holding up against abrasion?"

We are doing it this way to maintain consistency across the board. Every single Gear Guide discussion will be pinned in the Wiki for everyone, new and old, to refer to whenever they need real-world advice or opinions on what is arguably the most important safety gear in your rig.

Whether it’s kinetic ropes, soft shackles, snatch blocks, or complete recovery kits—if it’s the gear you trust when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, let’s hear about it.

Let’s get it on!


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice Suspension recommendations

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4 Upvotes

Looking at upgrading my whole suspension for a 05 d22 3.0ltr any good recommendations would be helpful budget is no issue… also looking at getting more clearance as my rear diff keeps scraping and should I put springs in?

I’m also running 31x10.5 should I upgrade too get 33s or would I be rubbing against the fender… TIA


r/4x4Australia • • 23h ago

Advice 2021 Amarok under body noise

1 Upvotes

Hi, I have a 2021 Amarok with 90k on it, which is generally very healthy but has a "clunking" noise underneath when I go around corners or dips! Mechanics cannot find anything. Does anyone else have/or has had this issue?

cheers John


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Vehicle Buying Advice [BUYING] - [2004] [Toyota - Hilux sr5] [$15k] [illawarra, nsw]

2 Upvotes

Year: 2004
Make: Toyota
Model: Hilux SR5 dual cab 3.4L petrol
KMs: 70k
Price: 15k could prob get it for lower
Location: Illawarra
Intended use: Reno/home maintenance + 10km max daily commute

I’ve wanted an older model Hilux for the simplicity of these models and their unique shape. I’m not a tradie or mad in the 4x4 scene at all really, this one has come up, good body, plenty of extras like a bullbar, a lot of maintenance work done like timing belt, new cv boots, pads and alternator, verified low kms. Paint is great. Non public sale.

Thoughts ?


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice Bullbar ideas

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1 Upvotes

Looking for a decent looking bullbar for my D40.
Spanish build


r/4x4Australia • • 18h ago

Advice Alternative to carrying 2nd spare

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0 Upvotes

Picked up this kit at the 4wd show recently, the demo they did was pretty impressive, I’ve seen a lot of American YouTubers use them and they seem to work enough to get you out of trouble, I thought it would be a good alternative to a full size 2nd spare, has anyone here used these with success? Thoughts?


r/4x4Australia • • 1d ago

Advice 120 Prado Cracked chassis left engine mount

1 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I've got a 2006 120 Prado V6, about 300k kms on it.

I've got a crack where the left-hand engine mount bracket joins the chassis. It looks like the bracket has failed at the weld on the chassis itself. After looking online this sounds like not an uncommon problem from prados of this era.

I've spoken with the mechanic and they are suggesting removing the engine then finding someone to weld the chassis and replace engine mounts while it's out.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? How did the repair go and how is the car doing now?

Bonus points if anyone has had this repaired in Melbourne.

Cheers and thanks heaps


r/4x4Australia • • 23h ago

Advice Highest puncture resistance regular tyres?

0 Upvotes

Can be AT, MT, RT, XT, special rubber compound etc. Can not be XL, LT, triple (ply) side wall etc. Preferably something that can be fitted on to vehicles that follow the 15mm max increase in tyre outer diameter law, without modifications, other than changing to smaller diameter metal wheels. Don't worry about smaller metal wheels not being able to fit large brake discs and calipers


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice Quality comparison: Rockarmor GT BullBar vs Others (Animal Offroad, IronMan)

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am looking for feedback on the Rockarmor Bullbar currently sold by Aussie Offroad. Any cons?

Reason I am asking for a feedback is because this RockArmor Bullbar for D-max (https://aussieoffroad.com.au/products/isuzu-dmax-bullbar-rockarmor-gt-suits-05-2025-onwards) is $2,200 which is way cheaper compared to other vendors like Animal Offroad ($3,975 - https://offroadanimal.com.au/toro-bull-bar-isuzu-dmax-2024-facelift/) and IronMan ($3,419 - https://www.ironman4x4.com.au/pages/isuzu-d-max-bull-bars) . Probably ARB and others would be at least $1K more expensive than that RockArmor one. Is there any reason for such cheaper part?

Does it fit well on the car? Does ADAS keep working? I may be overthinking on the cost... but just to make sure the cheap does not become costly or failure later.


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Video Arctic trucks comes to Australia in partnership with Marks 4WD

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2 Upvotes

r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice Ln106 vs MQ triton

3 Upvotes

Morning folks, currently running a MQ triton, it’s now been neglected to second car duties. Just seeing how sensible it would be to switching from a flawless car to an older solid axle 4x4 with unknown reliability if it’s never being driven on the blacktop and is generally too nice of a car to be out in the bush either


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Vehicle Buying Advice [BUYING] - [1999] [Toyota - Hilux] [$22.5k] [Brisbane, Queensland]

2 Upvotes

Year: 1999
Make: Toyota
Model: Hilux SR Space cab
KMs: 152k
Price: 22.5k
Location: Brisbane
Intended use: Daily use/short commute and reno/maintenance use. (Non trade job).

Looking at a fairly clean 1999 Toyota Hilux Extra Cab 2.7l petrol (2 seater) 152,000km

Paint is in great condition, interior is good, power windows, screen, radio etc. Sits on new 31 all terrains.

Haven’t inspected yet, seller wants 22.5k posted.

Thoughts? What would you pay? I’m thinking pre-inspection via a mechanic to for sure test its quality and then go from there.


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice Battery Box vs custom wiring

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

Currently in the process of a storage/canopy build for my D-max, which I bought second hand a few months ago. It came fully wired with a Redarc Thumper battery box and 100ah LiPO4 battery, mounted above the passenger side wheel arch in the tub.

I'm weighing up whether to leave this as is, which will make it quite difficult to plug/unplug devices into without climbing up into the tub every time (I have sliding side windows on the canopy), or take the battery box apart and wire it to a custom wing panel near the tailgate, allowing me to access the power much more easily

Just wondering if anyone has had experience doing this, and had any advice to give?

Cheers


r/4x4Australia • • 3d ago

Advice Death wobble?

8 Upvotes

I just bought an NS pajero, coming over from an 80 series and when going over about 80 or turning, especially when changing lanes on the highway, it feels like the tyres are fighting each other and the car is wobbling a bit. There's also some wobble and movement in the steering which I need to grip to adjust, it then settles out a bit when just going straight but the car doesn't feel planted like it should.

Where should I start?


r/4x4Australia • • 2d ago

Advice PK ranger

2 Upvotes

Wanting to put a 2 inch lift on my PK ranger. Currently running 245/60/16 tyres. My rear springs are flat so needing replacing, therefore considering doing a 2in all at once.
Is winding the torsions enough or do I get a proper lift kit?
How important is a diff drop?
Should I go 255/70/16 or 265/75/16 tyres?
How much does the larger tyre affect fuel economy?

Thanks for any and all help


r/4x4Australia • • 3d ago

Advice Starting a BJ40 build, what would you do first? Looking for suggestions from people who've done it

0 Upvotes

I'm starting a project on a Toyota BJ40, and I'm looking for advice before I spend money on the wrong things.

The vehicle:

  • Year: 1989
  • Engine: 3B diesel
  • Condition: enging is fine denting and painting work needs
  • Current mods: stock

What I want it for:
Weekend trails / overlanding and long trips / rock crawling / mostly a restored daily driver that can handle off-road

My rough budget: slow n steady i will not do it fast beacause i want to things very clearfully

What I'm thinking about so far:

  • Rust repair and body work first, then mechanical stuff
  • Suspension upgrade (leaf springs, shocks, and a modest lift)
  • Tires in the 31 to 33 inch range
  • Brake and steering upgrades for safety
  • Possibly a power steering conversion

What I'd like to ask:

  1. What would you do first on a 40 series, and what can wait?
  2. Is it worth keeping the original diesel, or should I look at an engine swap? If I swap, what's the most reliable choice?
  3. Which suspension setups have worked well for you? I'd rather avoid anything that ruins the on-road ride.
  4. Are lockers or a gearing change worth it for a build like this?
  5. What are the common problem spots I should check before buying parts (frame, floors, axles, cooling)?
  6. Any trusted parts suppliers, or ones to avoid?

I'm happy to take advice from people who’ve already made the mistakes. If you have photos of your own 40 series build, please share, because they're a big help for ideas.

Thanks in advance!


r/4x4Australia • • 3d ago

Advice Rooftop tent whistling due to snorkel intake

2 Upvotes

Anyone got any fixes for this ?
It only whistles off the intake of the snorkel


r/4x4Australia • • 3d ago

Photo *FOR SALE* 2002 TOYOTA PRADO GXL fully set up for camping

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0 Upvotes

r/4x4Australia • • 3d ago

Advice 4wd Mechanic Inner West

0 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations to do a major service on my Prado 120. Probably more than just a major service as I need to replace the radiator and probably change all the hoses and whatnot.

I know it's just a Toyota at the end of the day and anyone can probably service it but would like to hear if anyone has any recommendations for a mechanic around the Marrickville area.

Thanks


r/4x4Australia • • 4d ago

Advice Wet passo floor pan patrol

2 Upvotes

Gday lads my passenger floor pan is a bit wet, I lifted up the vinyl and fluff underneath it was dripping, (enough to fill the little valley near the door seal), it has a slightly sweet, earthy smell and it had a green ish brown tint, the heater core is new. The fluff on the firewall near all the hoses is dry, in the corner where the heater core is also dry and the foam around the aircon drain is dry. It hasn’t rained recently, and I’ve had the aircon on full the last couple of days because it’s been hot.it doesn’t get wet on top of the vinyl only underneath it and the metals looking a little rusty which tells me it’s been happening for a while. It hasn’t been a little damp for months but I haven’t been running the aircon or anything since it’s been winter, and the single can gets hot really quickly. Cheers 2005 cab chassis patrol


r/4x4Australia • • 5d ago

Advice Spirit of Tasmania height/length restrictions?

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37 Upvotes

Hi guys,

I’m over to Tazzie next week and got the car sorted today, decided to chuck a tape measure on and I’m 10cm longer than what’s stated on the ticket and 6pm too high.

I’m not bothered about the height as I’ll just let the tyres down and chucking me and the missus in will get me down on target but the length is due to the aftermarket bullbar, is this likely to be an issue?

Thank you for reading.


r/4x4Australia • • 4d ago

Location Where did Australia go wrong with 4x4 choice compared to New Zealand?

0 Upvotes

Currently in New Zealand on the South Island on holiday, and I'm loving what I see here in terms of 4x4 choice amongst locals. Theres of course Landcruisers and dual cabs here, but just as many Defenders, Japanese import Prados 3 door and 5 door alike, Jimnys, old GQs, I would say Landcruisers appear to be the minority and after talking to a few young blokes, proud of how much choice there is.

Of course, this is a small sample size over a few towns in a few weeks time period, but to me it seems New Zealand has far more diversity in what people own, compared to Australia where its a dual cab, GU or Landcruiser to fit in and show your ween size.

Just curious if this is an actual thing, or if I'm reading too much into it? Im just flabbergasted at the amount of Defenders and Japanese prados Ive seen in the last few weeks, its more than Ive ever seen back home.


r/4x4Australia • • 4d ago

Advice 2021+ BT-50 First Mods

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone picking up a 2021 BT-50 (Auto) next week, after some recommendations on mods that are ideally on the more affordable side (but open to anything) to improve longevity, practicality, performance and or looks that aren’t lift & tyres.

Cheers 🍻

Edit: Will be using the car as an all rounder. Will be daily driven, used for weekend work and camping.


r/4x4Australia • • 4d ago

Advice What is this? Can I drive like that 4wd on bad streets?

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0 Upvotes