A lift kit a crucial modification to SUVs that boosts their capabilities when it comes to taking them off-road. Simply put, lift kits provide those precious extra inches of ground clearance that might just help your SUV overcome big obstacles it couldn’t cross in stock form. However, lift kits are not plug-and-play accessories, as they tend to alter the driving dynamics of a truck.

If you have always dreamt of fording raging rivers, crawling up steep hillsides, and in general make your SUV work for what it was meant to do, a suspension lift is one of the most important modifications you can do to your truck. A suspension lift involves swapping out your stock springs and dampers with a set of elongated ones that raise the entire SUV, chassis and all, increasing ground clearance in the process.

One might argue that raising the frame of the truck also raises its centre of gravity, which tends to make the SUV unstable. Nowadays though, extensive research has been put into suspension lifts that takes into account the new ride height and related issues that might crop up. Modern suspension lift kits are rated to handle the forces that come into play when the centre of gravity is raised.

Suspension lifts have the clear advantage of imparting the truck increased ground clearance, the importance of which cannot be understated. Why go around obstacles if you can simply go above them? A smaller benefit with suspension lift is the ease with which you can now access your truck’s underbody. It makes inspecting and repairing your SUV’s drivetrain, differential, and chassis much simpler. Lastly, if you choose the right suspension lifts for your prised SUV, you can also benefit from improved ride quality over both smooth and broken surfaces.

This is not where the goodness of lift kits ends. In addition to the extra ground clearance, a lift kit also increases suspension travel. This results in some significant changes to the SUV’s dimensional specifications. For one, you get increased suspension travel, which automatically adds a few extra degrees of wheel articulation. Secondly, approach and departure angles go up substantially, and so does ramp breakover angle. With the right suspension lift installed, you can safely take your prized SUV dune-bashing without having to worry about being bogged down in sand

A third and mostly overlooked advantage of lifting your SUV is the massive road presence it acquires. People tend to automatically clear the way for a big vehicle as soon as they notice it hurtling towards them in the rear-view mirror. This is another advantage of a suspension lift: not having to worry about other drivers coming too close to your truck, or having to squeeze into tight gaps in traffic. Those gaps usually widen for you.

So there you have it. Not only does a suspension lift make it easy for you to pilot your truck through harsh off-road trails as well as spirited dune bashing, it can also clear the road for you if you are in a hurry. With a lift kit installed, you will finally see the true capabilities of your SUV!

Did someone say UCA is in the house? No, we aren’t talking about an offroading rapper, although that would be super cool. We are referring to a silent hero of 4x4s, the Upper Control Arm. The major of offroaders tend to have a vague idea about what a UCA is, but we still would like to provide a comprehensive definition. It is also important to know when your UCA might be having issues. 

Firstly. what is a UCA? No, it’s not a pro wrestler either, although… Okay, no more distractions. Upper Control Arms connect your front wheels to your 4×4 and define wheel travel, suspension durability, and wheel alignment. If you’re thinking of getting your 4×4 suspension modified or feel your drive needs improvement, replacing the upper control arms is essential.

So what are the symptoms of a UCA that needs replacing?

Wow, that was the second driver to honk at you for accidentally veering into their lane. If you notice your 4×4 veering left or right without your input, that can be one of the symptoms. Boy, this is quite a bumpy ride, don’t you think? The next symptom is tires being unevenly worn out inside or out. For regular offroaders, tire wear is common; however, if you are also experiencing other symptoms it may not be a coincidence.

Hey, we don’t mean to interrupt, but your steering wheel seems to have been left on “Do not Disturb” mode. Oh, wait it doesn’t have that mode? Well, then let’s introduce the next potential symptom: An increase in Steering Wheel Vibration. Without the support of the UCA, the insecure wheels end up wobbling, which results in steering vibrations and rough drive.

Wait, what was that noise? It seemed to have come from inside the car… No, don’t get the bat, this isn’t a thriller flick. Faulty UCAs tend to make a noise after bumps, braking and hard turns. 

If you are experiencing any of the above, then it is wise to bring your 4×4 to us ASAP so that our experts can replace your 4×4’s UCA with our Pro-Forge Upper Control Arms.

Why our UCA?

The Pro-Forge Upper Control Arms, are manufactured from 6082 T6 alloy with silver anodised corrosion protection. Ultimate strength is achieved using a drop forged method of construction that hammers the arm into shape using a precise die. During this process, the grain structure of the alloy is aligned with the new shape and any imperfections are removed. This results in a much stronger and more durable product than a cast, machined or fabricated arm.

Low maintenance components which follow the OEM philosophy ensure durability is not compromised. Bushes and ball joints are replaceable with OEM compatible or Genuine components. They allow you to fit bigger wheels leading to further increased ride height. They provide corrected wheel alignment and a greater operating clearance around the arm. Our UCAs are ADR compliant with a 3 Year 60,000km warranty. 

They also offer Optimised Wheel Alignment at Raised Ride Height. If you like big tires and cannot lie, they also offer more Clearance for Larger Tyres and Increased Lift. Another advantage of our UCA is an Improved Ball Joint Angle. But mainly, you should go for our UCAs as they provide High Strength and Durability.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or are looking to get lifted; then bring your 4×4 down to us.

One might often fail to understand the importance of air filters in their vehicle. However, it is crucial for all the vehicle owners to know that air filters are one of the most important parts of the vehicle and that one should not wait until the mechanic asks it to be changed to be upgraded.

Hence, upping your air intake system at the right time can have jaw-dropping improvements in the performance of your vehicle. An upgraded air filter system comes with a thicker hose that helps in better filtering and improved cooling box so that the vehicle can breathe easily.

Thus, a snorkel…

A snorkel is an additional equipment that can be attached to your 4×4 to keep your air intake system healthy. Special care has to be taken before one takes his/her vehicle on to rough terrains. Dust can really have an adverse effect on your drive if not tackle properly.

Air filters being at a much lower height are vulnerable to concentrated dust due to which they tend to get clogged. However, a snorkel will help you overcome that. Being higher than a stock air filter, a snorkel stays away from the concentrated dust. This will lead to a significant amount of fuel saving, keep the air filter clean and achieve a bigger airflow.

Taking a vehicle off-road is a real challenge. While taking your vehicle off road, you have to think about all the possible terrains that might come in the way. One of the toughest parts of rough-terrain is deep waters. A snorkel which stands tall at the same height as that of the truck’s roof will keep the intake dry even when most of the vehicle is submerged under water. This will avoid total breakage of the engine due to hydro-intake. A snorkel induces additional pressure increase in the air intake, obtaining an optimal flow for engine needs.

An Ironman 4×4 snorkel proves to be one of the most crucial accessories when it comes to frequent adventure trailing while improving the vehicle’s performance on normal roads as well. However, there are a bunch of measures that one should keep in mind before getting one installed. This depends on the type of 4×4 you own and the rating pertaining to the wading depth that it carries as well as buying a snorkel that is specially made for your vehicle.

Our team organized a season starter 4×4 drive in the wadis of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. What started off as a simple plan with about 5-6 SUVs soon ended up as a 20 car event. We’re excited and keen on doing more of these drives looking at the great response we’ve received for our first drive. Keep an eye on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Ironman4x4ME for our upcoming drive announcements.

A winch can be one of the most viable options when it comes to recovering a vehicle out of strife during off-roading, particularly when you’re travelling without any other vehicles. What is a winch? A winch is a mechanical device that consists of a rope, chain or wire cable that is wound around a rotating spool called a winch drum. The rope spins rapidly with the help of the car’s battery or a power steering pump that helps in pulling out one’s car from being bogged or stranded. What kind of a winch? The three main types of winch that are sold in the market include the power take-off winch, hydraulic winch and an electric winch. However, these winches might be a wise choice for frequent off-roaders. The ones who do not take their 4x4s on tough terrains often can opt for a mechanical one. This not only saves the driver from unnecessary expenses of getting an electric one installed but also reduces the weight of the fixated equipment on the vehicle. A mechanical winch is favourable under several circumstances as it can be carried anytime and does not need to be mounted on the vehicle. The option to use the winch at the rear should not be understated, as the easiest way out of a stuck predicament is going back the way you came in. However, even mechanical winches have their own disadvantages. This includes its availability during unprecedented situations and needless to say, the physical efforts required to operate it. On the other hand, being a frequent 4×4 driver, using a mechanical winch might become exhausting. Hence, one can use an electric winch which is connected to the car’s power system that provides with the required amount of power to extract the vehicle. Setting up the mount One of the most common ways to mount a winch is to do so on to a bull bar. However, one must make sure to have a winch-compatible bull-bar to ease the mounting. At Ironman 4×4 we have a wide range of bullbars available for a host of 4x4s. Most of all the winch-compatible bull-bars come with a winch cradle with standardised mounting holes to accept many winch brands of varying capacities. Steel cable or synthetic rope? Occasional 4×4 drivers with a mechanical winch do not possess the option to have synthetic ropes. However, when it comes to electric winches, synthetic ropes are now been considered as a viable option. Until a few decades back no synthetic ropes were developed which was strong enough to safely pull out the vehicle. However, they are one of the most widely used options majorly because of its weight which can make the equipment 10 to 15kgs lighter. Winch accessories Mounting your winch and choosing the right rope is, however, not the end of the job. In order to successfully carry out winching one might need several accessories including rated shackles, winch extension strap, tree trunk protector, snatch blocks, cable damper and gloves. These additions not only helps in successful winching of the vehicles but also helps keep the ones indulging in the recovery safe. Ironman 4×4 has a wide option of winches to choose from. You can visit our dealers across the Middle East to learn more about our products.

At Ironman 4×4 Middle East, we’re about offering the best advise, service and products to our customers. With accessories being a big focus for us, we always recommend a dual-battery system for our customers to help in the long run and makle sure that all those accessories on their 4×4 perform without fail.

Long hours on the road might compel one to pack utilities to help cope with the mundane miles. While some might pack iPods and laptops, others might choose cameras and recorders. However, a common thread running through all of them is a source of power to charge. While a single battery in your 4×4 might be able to take the load temporarily, its durability might take a hit. Hence one should either be ready for a backup power source or roadside assistance as your car did not start with the first 20 twists of the key.

That is when you search for possible options to conserve battery power. However, one should know that conserving the power might not be an ultimate solution. An additional battery can not only decrease the load on your primary battery but also give you a hassle-free source of power for a long period of time.

A Dual Battery System (DBS) will isolate the second (auxiliary) battery from the starter battery, creating a differential barrier between the domestic and mechanical use of the power. This will ensure that your primary battery has enough power that you need to kick-start your engine.

A DBS can be the most viable source of power with its sustainable qualities such as being able to recharge on the go by adding a solenoid.

Here are some ways you can charge your dual batteries.

1)    Basic Isolators

A basic isolator is commanded by the ignition of the vehicle. The two batteries are physically connected when the car is ignited. This kind of a setup is cheaper and will effectively isolate your primary battery.

2)    Smart Isolators:

Smart isolators primarily function as a basic isolator. But instead of depending on the ignition, they’re made to cut in and out at specific voltages. This setup gives the primary battery plenty of time to be recharged until which it will be disconnected from the auxiliary battery. This will ensure that there is always a resourceful amount of power at the brim to crank your engine.

 3)      DC to DC chargers.

With stringent emission norms hovering over auto manufacturers like a dark cloud, companies are now designing their vehicles with smart alternators. This lets the alternators put out enough power to charge the main battery and then turn off completely when it is fully charged. This makes it close to impossible to charge the auxiliary battery, Hence, DC to DC chargers.

DC to DC chargers resembles just another battery charger at your house. It is connected to the ECU which recognises it as just another accessory and will run the alternator accordingly. It makes use of two separate electrical systems which cuts down the possibility of running the main battery empty by keeping any of the accessories on for a long period of time.

Give us a call to learn more about how we can help with installation of a dual battery system on your 4×4. 

Given our popular our first Wadi drive was, we were quick to act on customer feedback and organise a second Wadi drive through some very interesting canyons and dried up riverbeds around the mountains if RAK.

Owning a 4×4 in the UAE and not taking it on desert safari is equivalent to storing candies in the refrigerator only to have a good look. The dunes are literally begging to be climbed upon. But how far do you think things will be the way you imagined?

Dunes are one of the most challenging terrains to cover, majorly because of the texture of the land that lies beneath the vehicle. Minute sand particles that make up the dune can easily swallow your tires provided you do it properly.

Dry dunes pose a greater challenge than the damp ones. Simply because damp dunes harden the sand, giving your vehicle a significant amount of traction to plunge through. On the other hand, you’ll be a busy spinning wheel on a dry dune due to the varying and unstable texture.

Setting Up Your Vehicle

Begin with the part of your vehicle that is in constant contact with the sand. Your control over the vehicle is primarily dependent on the state of your tire. Hence, it is wise to deflate your tire to an extent which will give you a wider tire track, allowing to better float over the surface of the sand rather than cut through it.

Despite driving at careful speeds, you might be surprised just how much damage and can do to the underside of your vehicle. Hence, if the underside of your 4×4 is equipped with little more than plastic splash guards, you’ll really want to avoid hitting the base of sand dunes too quickly. This can, however, be avoided if your vehicle is fitted with some comprehensive under-body protection plates, covering vital components such as the lower edge of the radiator, the sump, the gearbox and the transfer case.

Going Up

Momentum is everything. Before taking on the big slope make sure your vehicle is ready for it. Hence begin with putting our vehicle in the right gear that will give you enough torque to cross the slope at once. It is important to cover the slop at one go, so trying out the second and third gear would be wise.

Before starting the dune, make sure you trace out the high points on the slope by avoiding previous tracks and heavy contours. This will offer the hardest surface for better traction.

Once you reach the top it is important to back off a little as the other side would not be immediately visible. Getting caught off-guard by another sudden drop can be another one of your misery tales for later.

Rollovers are easy if you do not drive your vehicle straight up the dune. And in time when your vehicle stops, the wisest thing to do is to put it in reverse and come straight down. 

Going Down

While you might think that gravity could make things easier for you, it will not. You still need to keep an eye out for dips and contours and stick to higher points where the sand is firmer. A leashed car on a lower gear will let you have complete control over the car, further improving the traction.

If there’s another dune in front of you, start to accelerate just before you reach the base of the dune you’re currently descending, as the sand between dunes can be very soft and you’ll need momentum to get through. Be careful, however, to check for drop-offs or step-ups that could cause the front of the vehicle to dig into the sand if you’re going too fast

Zebedee Springs located in El Questro Wilderness Park, WA. Is a short and easy self guided hike that leads you through beautiful Livistona palms and dense foliage to a number of natural thermal springs, that sit at the base of high cliffs – Sit back, relax and unwind. It is also worth noting that Zebeedee Springs is closed in the afternoon so make sure you plan your morning around these closure times, so you don’t miss out on this absolute must visit.

If you are heading North along The Outback way, on route to Oodnadatta or Birsdville, a small side trip worth the stop is a little ghost town that goes by the name of Farina. Farina is located approximately 650km North of Adelaide and 55km South of Marree. Originally called The Government Gums, Farina was settled in 1878, by two city slickers, who had high hopes of a budding township and success at wheat farming. Unfortunately, the big dream was short lived, as the rainfall in Farina wasn’t there to support the crops. Farina grew to reach a peak population of approximately 600 in the late 1800’s, with two hotels, a school, a post office, bank, a underground bakery and several stores, today nothing but stone ruins, and the elevated railway tank remain. In 2008 Farina Restoration Group was formed. Volunteer efforts have been made to restore the town, including repair of the underground bakery and the addition of informational signs. There is plenty to see and do here even if you aren’t all that much into history, the underground bakery to start with is a big draw card. Base yourself at the campground that is caravan, camper trailer and dog friendly and enjoy exploring Farina, South Australia.

Did you know that World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park was a secret from the outside world until 1983? After being kept a secret for so long, the Purnululu National Park opened to visitors to experience the spectacular scenery it has to offer. Today this maze of orange and black sandstone domes, known as the Bungle Bungle, rise 250m above the surrounding grasslands and are without a doubt one of Australia’s most fascinating land forms. For four wheel drive enthusiasts, the area not only represents the chance to see this natural wonder of the world, but also a chance to test their driving skills. With it’s steep climbs, tight corners and dicey creek crossings Springs Creek Track is not for the fainthearted and a fully equipped vehicle is imperative. For those wanting to stay the night, Purnululu has two camping options, one is located in the north – Kurrajong, and one is situated in the South – Walardi, of course both offer incredible views of this National Park.

The information you provide will be held by Ironman 4×4 ABN 75 005 327 882. It will be disclosed to Ironman 4×4 employees, related companies of Ironman 4×4 and their agents for marketing purposes. For information on Ironman 4×4’s privacy policy please visist www.ironman4x4.com. Terms and Conditions – Ironman 4×4’s Ultimate Giveaway

1. The Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant if it reasonably believes that: (a) the purchase was of non-licensed Ironman 4×4 branded products; or (b) if the purchase was from a distributor/retailer that is not authorised by the Promoter to sell Ironman 4×4 products; or (c) if the entrant cannot present a purchase receipt that confirms that product was purchased from a participating Ironman Distributor or store during the Promotional Period. Any Ironman 4×4 product purchased from sale sites such as eBay, Amazon or other similar eCommerce sites / platforms trading goods or services will be deemed ineligible.
2. If there is a dispute as to the identity of an entrant, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine the identity of the entrant.
3. The Promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
4. If this Promotion is interfered with in any way or is not capable of being conducted as reasonably anticipated due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the fullest extent permitted by law (a) to disqualify any entrant; or, subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority, (b) to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the Promotion, as appropriate.
5. Except for any liability that cannot by law be excluded, including the Non-Excludable Guarantees, the Promoter (including its respective officers, employees and agents) is not responsible for and excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of: (a) any technical difficulties or equipment malfunction (whether or not under the Promoter’s control); (b) any theft, unauthorized access or third party interference; (c) any entry or prize claim that is late, lost, altered, damaged or misdirected (whether or not after their receipt by the Promoter) due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter; (d) any variation in prize value to that stated in these Terms and Conditions; (e) any tax liability incurred by a winner or entrant; or (f) taking/use of and/or participation in the prize.
6. As a condition of accepting the prize, winners may be required to sign any legal documentation as and in the form required by the Promoter and/or prize suppliers in their absolute discretion, including but not limited to a legal release and indemnity form.
7. The laws of Australia apply to this promotion to the exclusion of any other law. Entrants submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Australia.
8. In order to enter the draw entrants must purchase any Ironman 4×4 product/s with a value of $1500 or greater (including GST) from any authorised Ironman 4×4 participating outlet in Australia during the promotion period.
9. The promotion commences at 12.01am on 1/03/18 and closes at 11.59pm on 31/08/18 (midnight EST).
10. All entries must be via the official online entry form at www.ironman4x4.com during the promotional period.
11. The promotion is only open to residents of Australia aged 18 years and over.
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14. Entries must be lodged online via the official online entry form prior to 12.00pm (midnight EST), 31/08/18 to be eligible. Entries received into the promoter’s database after this time will not be accepted.
15. There is one major prize nationally. There is one major prize, one secondary prize and a third prize nationally. The major prize is an Ultimate XTERRAN Camper Trailer with a total prize value of $60,000. The second prize is an Ironman 4×4 camping accessories package valued up to $5000. The third prize is an Ironman 4×4 camping accessories package valued up to $3000. The prize values are based upon the recommended retail price at the time of printing (inclusive of GST).
16. Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash. This is subject to State Regulation.
17. Ironman 4×4 will not be held liable for any loss or damage suffered or sustained, as a result of taking any prize except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
18. Ironman 4×4 collects entrants’ personal information in order to conduct the promotion. If the information requested is not provided, the entrant may not participate in the promotion. By entering the promotion, each entrant also agrees that the promoter may use this information for future marketing and publicity purposes without any further reference, payment or compensation to the entrant. Entrants’ personal information may be disclosed to State and Territory lottery departments and winner’s name published as required under the relevant lottery legislation. A request to access, update or correct any information should be directed to Ironman 4×4 at the address stated below.
19. The random draw will take place at Ironman 4×4 Head Office Australia, 2-8 Bessemer Drive, Dandenong South, Victoria 3175. Draw will be conducted on 28/09/18 at 10am and winner notified by phone before 5/10/18.
20. Winner’s name will be available from Ironman 4×4, 2-8 Bessemer Drive, Dandenong South, Victoria 3175 from 5/10/18 and will be published on the Ironman 4×4 webpage.
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23. Promoter’s details: Ironman 4×4 Pty Ltd, 2-8 Bessemer Drive, Dandenong South, Victoria 3175 ABN 75 005 327 882.
24. Authorised under NSW permit No. LTPS/18/21389, ACT Permit No. ACT TP 18/00133, SA Permit No. T18/105,
25. Draw for any unclaimed prize will be held at Ironman 4×4 on 26/10/18 at 10am. Winner’s name published on the Ironman 4×4 webpage by the 2/11/18.