highlighting the FJ’s need for a front locker.
Bill was the first to lay into Sav following the rescue. “It’s all
about suspension, tyres and drivetrain,” he laughed. At least
Sav could see the funny side. “The FJ always produces the
good photos,” he quipped.
While the FJ took a smoko break – because of its perched
angle when it almost fell into the side of the track (see
below right), oil had gone past the seal and started to burn
- the Defender and the Rubicon were fired into life. Both
eventually made it through the first phase of the track, before
surrendering upon arrival to a smooth, slippery, boulder that
took up the width of the track (which, admittedly, would have
been overcome had time permitted).
It took the LWB black JK (see above) with its massive flex
and clearance to prove to the shorties that Alcorns could be
conquered in its entirety. Yet, despite the massive 37-inch Pit
Bull Rocker tyres and 4.5-inch lift, the JK didn’t climb the
slippery track with ease – a bit of winch support was needed
to ascend to its highest point. This proved a LWB vehicle
may have the edge when it comes to serious rock-crawling,
but the trek also highlighted how shorties can stand tall on
corrugations, whoopty-doos and hardcore tracks with the right
drivetrain/suspension/tyre set-up.
The Defender and Wrangler are hard to split as they’re
both hugely capable off the beaten track, and both have
been meticulously and expertly crafted. Plus, they both
have a leg up over the FJ due to their live-axled front ends.
But, as mentioned, plans have since been made for further
modifications to the FJ, which should see it make up the
ground it lost on the hill climb.
One more thing was settled: each owner still reckons their
ride is best. Let the banter continue.http://www.4X4australia.com.au 575