Exploring the rugged countryside of the NSW South Coast near Yamal, complete with its more-than-challenging rock steps, is a favourite haunt and playground of this month’s intrepid Maxxis Man Off-Roader — pushing his 1991 Hilux 2.8 Diesel Turbo to its limits and beyond!
Fitted with Maxxis Trepador 35×12.5’s, 4×4 diehard Bayden demands a tyre that is up for any and every 4WD challenge! He says his Trepadors have what it takes and more, not only performing but also looking the part in this hardy landscape, complete with its ruts, steep rock steps, and creeks converging into the Shoalhaven River.
Extreme modifications make his Hilux something that stands out from the pack. The Hilux’s engine packs a punch with an aftermarket Turbo and pistons with ceramic coating to accommodate the Turbo and feisty 2.5 exhaust.
Other alterations include a R151 gear box, pedigree Ruf suspension rear leaf springs on the front, and custom shock towers. The rear features Toyota springs with inverted shock — giving Bayden’s off-road exploits the absolute edge!
Meanwhile, the Drive Line is also not for the faint-hearted – the Transfer Case featuring 4.7 reductions gears and a custom long spline front tail shaft.
Along with the chassis braced with 10mm plating, the standard steering on Bayden’s rig has been replaced with high steer and an IFS steering box from a later model Hilux.
And when it comes to its axles, Bayden has all angles covered! The axles have been replaced with a later Hilux model version, making it 3″ wider, and diff guards have been fitted for ultimate protection! Plus, both diffs are locked for maximum effect.
The Hilux is all wrapped up with an ARB bulbar, made-to-fit a winch, custom scrub bars and custom rock sliders and a cut type tray with a custom tyre holder!
With his love for all-things 4×4 and equipped to the max – Bayden is ready to push the limits at every opportunity.
