Alltrac 4WD Newsletters

What’s News

2008 has started with a bang particularly from the stock market - looks like I will be working for a few more years yet.

The team of Dave, Brett and I have now been joined by my son Brad. Brad brings us broad experience working in Toyota, Mazda and Mitsubishi dealerships as well as maintaining taxi fleets in locations all over the world from locally at Olympic Dam to London and Banff in Canada and he knows how to travel, from family trips into the Simpson and Strzelecki Deserts to backpacking from Beijing to Bali.

This gives us a very strong and experienced team to keep your 4WD in top shape.

Recent Trips

In March 2007 we led a trip consisting of some clients and some members of the Toyota Landcruiser Club. The trip was planned to take in the northern Gammon Range’s and Cooper Creek system. However - we became aware of a possible ownership change on Kalamurina Station. As we had a good relationship with the then current lessee’s we decided to explore that area in case access in the future was not as easy. We ended up following station tracks up the side of the dune system from Ettadunna parallel to the Birdsville track to Mia Mia waterhole on to Kalamurina then across the Warburton River [dry] . Tracks heading west took us over the very sticky Macumba River and Kalakoopha Creek to a point approx ¾ the way along the top of Lake Eyre where the Warburton enters the lake flowing into the Warburton Groove. Exquisite although dry scenery all the way, from a miniature Grand Canyon to extensive flood out areas and huge cliffs impregnated with gypsum and of course standing on top of the dunes looking down the Warburton Groove into Lake Eyre. As the trip was originally intended to visit the Gammon Range’s and Cooper Creek on the way home we headed east to Lake Hope on the Cooper and had a glimpse of the Gammons in the distance as we headed south into Lyndhurst.

The Warburton flowed later in the year and we returned with caravans and boats in September - more about that trip next time.

Next Client Trip

Trip will take place Saturday August 30^th to Sunday Sept 6^th 2008.

No of participants - maximum 10 vehicles.

You will need to be fully self sufficient with supplies, food, water etc for 9 Days although some supplies are available at Innaminka about day 5. Carry enough fuel for up to 600km of which approx 30% could be fairly heavy 4WDriving. To be safe enough fuel for 1000km of highway driving.

We will provide, guide/leader, local information and access, mechanical backup and emergency communication via Sat Phone. A participant with medical qualifications to act as first aider would be appreciated.

There will be a pre-trip briefing and a pre-trip vehicle evaluation approx one month prior to the trip.

The trip is unsuitable for trailers and vans, pets and fire arms prohibited.

You will need a current Desert Parks Pass to access Coongie and there may be some small access charges by pastoral lessee’s.

We will be starting on Saturday morning from Farina [ good camp ground ] approx 20k north of Lyndhurst. This could mean an early knock off or late night drive on Friday.

How to join us.

As some clients receive this newsletter by snail mail the following criteria for applicants will apply.

The first 7 email replies received in the order that we receive them and the first 3 mail out clients to phone in their booking.

Cost - nothing except your own expenses and any access / camping fees that may be applied.

Our Diesel/Gas conversions supplied by Diesel/Gas Australia have progressed to the next generation system of “LPG Vapour Injection” giving more precise fuel control with better savings and power.

We have had experimental systems on our own 100 Series Turbo Land Cruiser and 2.8L Hilux for approx 3 months now with excellent results.

Not only do Alltrac 4WD install Diesel gas conversions to vehicles as per the National Standard AS/NZS 1425:2007, we also install to our own 4WD Standard with particular special attention to container mounting and protection, ground clearance along with heavy duty bracketry for all components and wiring.

Lets face it no manufacturer can provide a shock absorber that gives the best in all situations and vehicle/load combinations which is why Alltrac 4WD also supply Koni and Bilstien Shock absorbers as required.

February Service Special - Free Wheel Alignment - Book in for any major service and we will carry out a Wheel Alignment at no charge.

A major service is any scheduled service at 20,000km or 40,000km intervals.

Only available to Alltrac 4WD newsletter recipients for bookings taken in February 2008.

There have been several instances of the rear wheels coming of Nissan GU Patrols primarily when fitted with mag Wheels. It appears that on some vehicles it is possible to install the wheels and tension the wheel nuts correctly but the wheel has not seated correctly on the centre boss and may move and come loose. The best policy is to recheck the wheel nuts approx 50km and 150km after the rear wheels have been refitted.

At Alltrac 4WD all rear Nissan mag wheels are rechecked after road test.

Technical Update - Chassis Cracks Toyota 80 and 100 series.

Due to the number of 4WD’s that we service we have come across quite a few cases of cracks in the chassis near the steering box on the 80 series Toyota’s. The 100 series with coil sprung front suspension has an almost identical chassis and we are now seeing some evidence of cracking on these models as well.

Left unattended these cracks can eventually extend completely around the chassis until the steering box starts to tear away from the chassis and will require extensive repairs to make the vehicle safe again.

Detected early the cracks are less than 6mm long and we have successfully welded many of these with no further problems.

At Alltrac 4WD we check these critical points and various other items on all models that we are aware of to ensure trouble free 4WD for you and your family.

Alltrac 4WD VIP Points.

Did you know that each time you have your 4WD serviced or repaired that you qualify to receive our VIP points on a one point per dollar basis. These points are recorded on a card that you keep, they last for 2 years and can be redeemed for various items on display in our reception area as well as discounts of f services.

Finding it awkward to get into Alltrac 4WD at times ??

Particularly if approaching from the south our premises can be near impossible to access, we apologise for this but there is not a lot we can do.

But there is a rear entrance available.

William Street runs parallel to South Rd immediately behind Alltrac 4WD. Between numbers 14 and 16 William St [ Both beige brick buildings ] is a lane than comes straight through to our premises.

It is preferable to park at the front of the premises if possible as the rear car park is divided between four tenants.

From the south William Street is accessible by taking the first street right after the traffic lights at Deacon Ave.

From the city via Sir Donald Bradman Drive William Street is the last street on the left before South Road.

Want to put something in our Newsletter.

If you have some information, and interesting trip report or destination that you would like to share please forward it to us. We can’t guarantee to include it but if space and content permits we would love to.

Alltrac 4WD - Professional 4WD Service, Repairs, Modifications, Wheel Alignment, Suspension Systems, Diesel/gas Conversions.