4wd26 2008 ML auto- now with 4.6 gears and rear disc brakes

[4wd26]

Thought it about time I put all my ramblings together.
In early 2008 I went on a research mission on dual cab utes- narrowed it down to navara in the petrol V6 or triton diesel auto.


I had been eyeing off the triton for a while early 2007 actually, but when first released it wasn't available with the auto.

The order went in for a VR auto, and as it was going onto a lease had the full option list applied before pickup so didn't require the extra trimmings of the foglights, nudge bar or the hardlid.

and then the first hurdle- MMA have a updated model on the way- but details are very sketchy. 17" rims and bluetooth were the most obvious items.

Contract signed on the update, and so the wait begins- yes I ticked the rear diff lock- so 6 weeks wait.


After a long wait the vehicle arrives into the country- but the dealer hadn't ordered the ARB accessories- so it was another 4 weeks until delivery (and that was without the rear bar) if rant thread had have been around......I believe around this time the dealer realised they had made an error (or maybe they really were into customer satisfaction after making me wait ) but the vehicle that finally got delivered was actually a GLX-r



had been a long wait but it arrived home with new 265/70/17 MTZ's

And straight out in the bush for a trial- JOP I believe was just as eager as myself to get the new tritons dirty.....


more to come- the build and this thread have been a long time coming

[trumpy955]

Wow, this must be one of the longest periods before putting up a build thread. I cant wait to see how your ute transforms into its current form

[Joe]

Love your work '26. Can't say I've ever seen Canyenero that clean before

[4wd26]

After a couple of weeks and a fair bit of wheeling I decided I needed some more accessories.
The ARB rear bar was due soon, and as I didn't want to damage the original unit I took it off.

I was selling the unit- but found that the april update of the VR had a different shape under tha tail gate

After running around one of the 4x4 parks found that the original bash plates were shit.
very few options in those days- and ended up with a "genuine" diff actuator protection plate

While at the dealer also picked up some body mould strips- that lucky for me come standard in silver.


Also fitted up my gsm/next g aerial on the front, scangauge, and turbo timer

Used a stainless block to keep the aerial on the Passenger side purchased some stainless hose clamps and protected the paint work with bike inner tube

got some help from JOP to fit up the hella 4000 compact lights, which are triggered through a double relay and only come on if the fog lights are on and high beam (saved fitting a extra switch)
at the same time ran heavey duty wires to the rear for a Anderson plug and a fuse block in the engine to keep all the wires tidy.

I believe it was something like 4 weeks before I got the ARB bar and "newtriton" sticker


originally running stock rear springs and ridepro coils combined with Bilstein shocks and struts.
BUT- needed more lift so it was back into the shop for dobbinson springs on the front and Aussie super spring helper pack at the rear.

also got fitted traier brakes for the new caravan that was to arive soon.

[timbo]

Looking good mate great stuff

[Custom Offroad]

Wow you certainly did your research! Can't believe how many different sets of wheels and tyres you have had on this thing Keep the pics coming!

Mitch

[4wd26]

Well you did mention tyres- so that is the next saga.

Happily run through around 25,000kms with the MTZ's but when someone else got new mud tyres, I suddenly found the now worn tyres had decreased in effectiveness.
time for something different.

I had done some reasearch and discovered that hummer H3 rims were the same offset and hud spacing BUT importantly were 16x7.5- fit larger wider tyres.

they were cheap enough on ebay to "try" making sure they fit over the rear drum and the front caliper.

we have clearence......now for 33" tyres.......

BUT then a change of plans- the van was to arive soon so a demima developed, if I get 33" tyres for offroad (which I would put on when touring with the van) then I would end up with non matching tyres......

So get rid of the MTZ's and get new tyres as a jack of all trades - priced up the ATZ's but for $20 extra each I could get the new MTR tyres- they look like a nice crossover tyre


soon after the van arived the search was on for 32" tyres, found a set of MTZ's on 17x8 steel rims +30 offset.

Perfect you would think- problem they dont fit the van.....
Just get spacers

but towing a 2 tonne offroad van with spacers didn't fill me with confidence.

so what other options are there.

[4wd26]

yep you guessed it another set of tyres and rims to "test out"
(remember people (wife) this has occured over a period of 3 years)

After a lot of thinking- I figured that zero offset rims and 235 tyres (standard on the van) will fit the Triton IF I change out the van rims to 16" (brake caliper problem) and get 85 profile will bring the tyre diameter up to 32" (match the triton tyres)

So won another auction on ebay for new MTR tyres (235/85/16) and fit them to 16x7 steel rims load rated high enough for the triton or the van.

test fit on the triton

don't stick out the guards or snag on anything- perfect carry 2 spares for the van which will fit either and the normal triton spare.

same rolling diameter so no diff windup.

there is more to the tyre story later

[Cowboy Dave]

mmmmm, MTR Kevlar goodness...

[mattz]

I'm watching this with interest.... So I know which wheels and tyre to fit to my van.... Come on 26.... The suspense is killing me
Seriously..... You have put a lot of time and effort in to this build and it is all worth it.

[4wd26]

reserved

[4wd26]

reserved

[4wd26]

as does happen to all those people that hang around newtriton too long- you get caught in a "group buy"
I'm no different- I have been able to resist for years on the slider buys- but finally had to surrender




Sliders are from AVA accessories on the sunshine coast- did a awesome job, and even created steps in the top.
this enables me to fit the kayaks (or reach the roof for cleaning)

now have to work out something again for the front mudguards

[kwyjibo]

dude sliders look sweet... glad to have the steps off at long last?

[trickydevil]

NIce one Sel. Is the front live axle conversion able to be done under the lease agreement?

[4wd26]

dodgy pics next to a stock MN- plenty of extra clearence

[al coholic]

Do you feel like a man now Selwyn after intimidating a wimpy little MN


Sliders look great

[fraz91]

I think his triton needs all the help it can get so the rusty old 3.2 isn't scared to death by the more modern, more powerful 2.5

Those sliders really do look good though, and with the MTR's on Gunmetal rims, that machine looks mean

[Froggy]

I think his triton needs all the help it can get so the rusty old 3.2 isn't scared to death by the more modern, more powerful 2.5

Those sliders really do look good though, and with the MTR's on Gunmetal rims, that machine looks mean

It's a shame you MN drivers can't just admit you made a mistake and get on with life...

[4wd26]

cheers Guys pretty happy with how its evolving.

very happy with the vehicle actually- approaching 100k and a few problems with limp modes and auto ecu and she keeps trucking. solid really for the punishment I've given

[4wd26]

Looks like I'm going to need a dual battery system
http://www.4wdaction.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=145&t=120499&p=1497067#p1497067
never won anything in my life- and I win a winch (of course just after I buy a aldi $250 one )

http://www.4wdaction.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=145&t=120499&start=60#p1491866

hope it comes with rope- or I'll have to buy some of that as well

[daryn]

Top stuff 26, congrats

[fraz91]

Congrats 26! a new Mako should go well with the ARB gear

[Steane]

Well done 26!

[Homer]

I missed this thread for some reason..

Bloody internet problems here so can't open the links...sounds like you bribed and corrupted your way to a win of some kind the man with 2 winches....

Good on you mate, a very deserving reward for a dedicated 4wd'er.

I like the look of the footprints in those sliders really unique...can't wait to see them in the flesh.

Canyenero has turned into a real unit...very glad things didn't quite go according to plan and you kept yours as it was always going to be the thinking mans modded Triton.