Car Parts and Accessories

Mesh cover for the radiator No 4×4 vehicle should be without a mosquito metal mesh cover fitted to the radiator. On a Land Rover, it can be attached to the grill; on a Land Cruiser, a light frame into which the mesh is mounted can be added to the front of the radiator. Most other vehicles will use either of these methods to cover the radiator. The mesh cover effectively prevents grass seeds and insects from clogging up the orifices in the radiator. (more…)

When you are buying a 4×4 for regular use in the bush, you will need to decide whether the vehicle’s suspension system should be fitted with leaf or coil springs.

There is no doubt that both leaf and coil springs perform well. In the past, the leaf spring has been more reliable, and of a better quality, than the coil spring, but the latter has become equally reliable, with some manufacturers recently changing from leaf to coil springs. In station- wagons, for example, this change was probably implemented to enhance the comfort of the ride. (more…)

Each class of vehicle has been rated according to the Kaoko Scale, a rating system I devised for the first 4×4. We were looking for a way to simplify the conditions the offroader is likely to encounter. Each class of vehicle has been rated according to the range of conditions and terrain it can handle. (more…)

Freewheeling hubs

These are only fitted when the vehicle has part-time FWD. whilst driving in only two-wheel drive the front prop shaft becomes disconnected so that no drive goes to the front wheels. However, as the front wheels rotate so the half-shafts, front differential and prop shaft rotate as they are still connected. The friction from this dead weight will increase fuel consumption and increase wear on these parts. When disengaged the freewheeling hubs will disconnect the wheel from the half-shaft (and therefore the Jiff. and prop shaft). (more…)

It is best to avoid driving across a slope. If you have to do so keep your speed low and constant, checking the ground ahead. Look out for any bumps on the upper side and dips on the lower which could dramatically increase the angle. The maximum angle of tilt specified by manufacturers for their vehicles refers to controlled conditions and they do not take into consideration deviations in terrain. (more…)

• Battery hydrometer
• Coolant hydrometer
• Drain basin
• Droplight

• Emery cloth
• Fine sandpaper

• Fire extinguisher
• Funnel
• Fuse puller
• Jack
• Jack stands

• Jumper cables
• Lug wrench

• Needle-nose pliers
• Oil filter (strap) wrench
• Putty knife

• Rubber mallet
• Screwdrivers(Phillips and standard)
• Socket wrench
• Spark plug socket
• Terminal puller

• Tire pressure gauge
• Wheel blocks

• Wire battery brush
• Wire brush
• Wire feeler gauge
• Wrench (open-ended)