Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hello,
Im new to the 4wd side of life. All of my mates have got 4wd utes and ive decided to get one as well. So far im thinking of getting a sierra and changing it to 1.6 vitara engine. Then do the usual muddies and lift kit stuff. I was hoping people on here could give me some information on how suitable sierras are for touring and on the beach. All of my mates prefer beach driving so that is where most driving would happen. Can you give me some information on what to look out for. Ive seen the bible already. It is excellent.
Thanks
Joe

Sierras aren't really suitable for touring. They have very limited payload, and are quite cramped. If you want to tour, look for a LWB, preferably a tray back as they have the largest load area.

Any suzuki is grouse in sand compared to whatever your mates are driving. If you want to own the sand, try and keep it as light as possible. you son't need a lot of "off road" stuff to get a good result in the sand, and any added weight will really hurt performance.

Don't get too carried away with the vitara motor thing, you're far better off gearing the car correctly to start with for the tyre size you want to run and then worry about a bigger motor once the stock motor gives out.

Bear in mind that there are quite a few 1.0 LWB's and Traybacks around bu these are miuch harder to put a 1.6 in as the motor mounts etc are different.

Welcome to the board!

Steve.

If all you want to do is beach driving, don't waste your time and money putting a Vitara motor in a Sierra, just buy a Vitara.
They are much better suited to everyday driving and light touring as most have Power Steering & AC and autos are common.
Jas.

Good point.

Steve.

Put a few bob into a vitara and it will take you most places you'll ever want to go as well.

Vitara's more sophisticated suspension design and stability (not to mention more power) should make them more suited to sand.

Steve.