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PART 2
GUNNA MAKE A START
There’s no turning back; Mark Allen has splashed his plastic on a rig that’ll eat up everything Australia has to offer
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ALLEN
Project Gunna has begun! After giving myself brain-fade at all the options that were available, combined with being clear on what was needed from this vehicle – which is a wide, varied, yet specialise ask – I have finally thrown my money on a big 100 Series LandCruiser.
A HZJ105R to be exact. It’s a poverty pack (read - bottom of the line), with no fancy electronics (including windows or rear-view mirrors) in almost totally stock condition. The only two options already fitted were an Airtec snorkel that wraps around the windscreen and a factory Toyota tow bar.
In modern day engineering and technology terms, even with this example being a 2004 model, the ‘Cruiser is way behind the times!
So why the hell choose a dinosaur?
We believe it will do the job better than most, and it fitted the size (or lack thereof), of my wallet. As much as some of the up-spec’ models inclusions would have been nice – especially that brilliant factory turbo diesel – I was more than happy to punt the 1HZ about.
While this engine is no stand out in the fuel economy stakes, there’s no point in buying a smaller economical engine if it can’t do the job required. Once we’ve had our way with this six-pack, it’ll be more efficient and will perform admirably.
Luggage area behind the second row of seats is as big as it gets for a four door wagon. Combined with roof rack storage, that gives me carrying capacity, that only a twin cab ute could better.
Why didn’t I dish out for a twin cab?
I love utes; they are one of the most versatile types of vehicles, because they’ll handle more tasks than most other cabin variants. Problem was, that I didn’t want a medium-duty or medium-sized, IFS and rear leaf sprung 4WD – so that ruled out all contenders from this years Ute Of The Year. It’s a shame, as some of them are brilliant to drive and offer great fuel economy.
The 130 Defender was considered, with its economical TD5 diesel and coil springs all around. This Land Rover is one great truck that can make an ideal family tourer and was a hard one to pass up. Why Toyota and Nissan haven’t offered a full sized four door ute is beyond me!
WHERE’D I GET IT
Initially, this Cruiser was spotted on the internet. After much talking and haggling with the Queensland owner, I was prepared to fly north and drive it back to NSW. After doing the sums, it worked out better to have the vehicle trucked to my front door. There was a written agreement of no obligation to purchase, if the 100 was anything less than advertised. All worked out well!
SO NOW WHAT?
Drive it.
I’ll put a few thousand kilometers up on the standard wagon to give me an idea of exactly what it feels like. Becoming familiar with your 4WD is important in understanding how to make the best of it at modification time.
LET THE FUN BEGIN
Plenty of people emailed about their thoughts on what would make the best selection for this project – thank you to all. There really weren’t any wrong suggestions, as every vehicle can be used to suit someone’s individual needs.
Now that I have this LandCruiser as a project, I’d like to put it to you; what accessories and modifications would you like to see tested? If you’ve got an idea for a long term test or just want to know how a particular product stacks up, then hop onto our forum at www.4WDAction.com.au, head for the general discussion pages and look for the ‘Project Gunna’ thread.
Just because you own a different model or brand of 4WD doesn’t mean this project ain’t for you. Take driving lights for example – any brand of light can be fitted to any brand of truck for testing – so get your suggestions in, via our forum.
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