Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Well I have learned a lot in my short time here...Ranchos are inferior, the K&N is sub standard, the Lukey extractors are restrictive and my 2 1/4 inch exhaust, FlowMaster muffler, freeflow cat is too big.

I consider my US Rocky a truck and not a car. It rides like a truck, drives like a truck and takes abuse like a truck. If I had wanted a cushy ride all the time I would have bought a car. An acquaintance of mine runs the Baja and has eight $5000.00 each hand made adjustable reservoir King shocks. I only paid $4800.00 for the Rocky and I'm sure that four of those King shocks would be great. With my skinny wallet the Ranchos are fine at $32.50 each.

My engine has never had as much power or run better. I don't think that it matters what extractors are used as you will get quite a boost in power and get rid of that crack prone cast iron Daihatsu exhaust manifold. If the engine is ported, polished, bored and stroked, MSD ignition, profiled cam, programmed computer chip, larger throttle body etc. you might be concerned about those small details to get those couple of extra ponys. I REALLY don't think that 4into2into1 or longer primary tubes or a tuned collector is going to make that much difference to a non high performance engine. The 1.6 Daihatsu engine is a little 90 hp breathing machine. Helping it to breath better with what you can afford at the time WILL make more torque and power. Of course I want the best but...

I don't mean to sound upset. It is just that these endless discussions on shocks, extractors, tyres etc. don't mean a whole lot to me. I do enjoy most of the other discussions and really like your trailer Andy.

It can be really boring to have the discussions on shocks, exhausts and the like for those who already have done such mods to their trucks.

The thing is that it is in such discussions that you obtain helpful hints, advice and even at times info on distributors and suppliers that can save you time and money.

Not a lot of people who own Ferozas or Rockys are serious about 4wd'ing so taking advice from a salesman who has maybe never even worked on one is not exactly wise.

It's in these forums that the best advice is obtained from people who know first hand what works and what doesn't.

And before this becomes a discussion about discussions I bid you goodbye.

PS: Leon - thanks for the tip on the clutch, rang around and it was the best price by about $ 90.00. Have just ordered it.

Just my 2 cents worth..i think its great..having never modified a 4x4 or owned a feroza before it is great to read threads on "boring things" it gives lots of people like me confidence in modifications, we all had to start somewhere didnt we? Some of the little tips and hints are invaluable.

i agree there... its all about whats been tested.... instead of people tryin to make money.. its about people who r devoted to the dear rockys...

A few notes on the original post:

Nobody is saying anything you've got is inferior!

The Rancho shocks can be very good- if you read the full Rancho conversation thread Leon originally had RS9000 shocks and was very happy with them. When they failed under warranty and he had them replaced with RS9000X shocks was when his problems began- they are the ones that are too hard. Even the softest setting was too firm. Here in Australia Ranchos are $185ea (from memory)- so they are priced against Koni and Bilstein, hence the comparisons.

K&N filters are very good, it was only my opinion about them not being very good in very dusty environments. I have seen a few filter tests and generally the original paper elements perform best in high dust situations. K&N's are made from very thin layers of oiled cotton gauze sandwiched between flywire, they do not retain a lot of oil to cope with heavy amounts of dust. I have used K&N's for over 12 years on street cars and heartily recommend them- I just don't think they are the best for your engine in a dusty offroad environment.

The exhaust size (my opinion again, but plenty of info available on the internet) relates to the small capacity of the Feroza engine. If the pipework is too large for the engine the flow of exhaust gases will be slower and the extractors will not work as well. The result will be less power. A 2" mandrel bent system is what a lot of people on here use and gives good results. Go to the Magnaflow website for lots of good info on exhaust design- www.magnaflow.com

The Lukey extractors, as has been shown in another post, are crush bent. Mandrel bent is better, and the mandrel bent Hot Bits headers are priced within $15 of the Lukeys, hence my suggestion of those. Whether or not the quality is as good I'll find out in about three weeks time. I'll take pics and let everyone know if they are a good deal or not.

Most people on here are just trying to help others out with what works best and whats the best value for their Feroza. There's never any offence meant.

A bit of my background - I've spent a number of years around performance workshops and worked part time with an EFI shop that specialised in re writing chips and custom programming cars, plus installing aftermarket EFI computers. I've learnt a lot over the years, mostly from experience and wasted a lot of money on vehicles in my younger years(- from being ripped off by the so called "experts." )

The Feroza is my first 4WD and I'm learning plenty from all the hardcore off roaders who have all those great places to take their Ferozas/Rockys. There are lots of different ways to improve your ride and ultimately it comes down to what you want to use it for. Everyone has different ideas and should post them if they think they can help someone else.

Keep all the good info coming- it's also great to have the extra input from overseas.

Kent................All I can hear where I am is

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THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE

G-day Kent , All , I know my trailer isn't Daihatsu related , well I spose it is cos my big-rig tows it , anyway I guess it's my way of changing the subjects of ................................................. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Oh yer here's a pic of my rear shocky .......