A new product on our shelves this month is 'MyRide' - Rancho's latest system
to allow remote adjustment of their RS9000 series ride-adjustable shock
absorbers and struts. The Rancho MyRide will also mate perfectly to all
adjustable shocks in the Tough Dog range.
Instead of in-dash gauges and adjustment buttons - which can be a nightmare to fit in many of the modern instrument panels - Rancho now offers a hand-held controller, similar in size to a small mobile phone. So, with the
compressor and receiving unit fitted in the engine bay, there is now no need
to run any wires or hoses into the cabin.
There are four one-touch settings to alter the front and rear shocks to
Rancho's recommendation: Highway 6-3, Sport 8-6, Work/Tow/Haul 6-8 and
Off-Road 4-4. In addition, there is a MyRide mode that allows the driver to
dial-in his/her own preferences; and save them for future use.
Rancho's MyRide Wireless Controller was judged 'Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Product' at the SEMA Show in the USA - the planet's largest automotive parts and accessories exhibition.
The complete kit, which includes the air compressor, receiving unit, remote
transmitter, air lines, connectors, seals and mounting hardware is just
$480, and is sold with a 2Year/Unlimited km warranty. Plus, we offer free
delivery, by insured post, to anywhere in Australia.
Way back in the 1980s, American Motors Corporation had a vision. Their
recently-released Jeep Cherokee XJ wagon, which had become a roaring success in the USA (and went on to find three million buyers between 1983 and 2001) could be the perfect vehicle to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding automotive market in China.
Eventually, with the approval of the Chinese government, AMC set up a joint
venture, known as Beijing Jeep, to build the XJ Cherokee. If successful,
there were plans to export a high-spec RHD version to Australia and more
basic 4-cylinder models to developing countries around the world.
However, the marriage of the Chinese and American companies was not always a happy one. Where possible, the factory was using local materials; but these were often low-grade and the build-quality of the Jeeps left much to be desired. One AMC executive couldn't believe his eyes when he noticed that the window glass of new Cherokees was full of air bubbles!
AMC's world-wide finances were in a diabolical state, so the future of the
Beijing alliance was always in doubt. Chrysler's purchase of AMC in 1987
saved the relationship, and while no Chinese-built XJ's were ever exported
to Australia, there were enough buyers (from the 1 billion+ population) to
keep the assembly line operational. Today, the company is known as BBDC
(Beijing Benz Daimler Chrysler)and it builds the 2.4 litre Qishe, a stylish
vehicle that Jeep fans would instantly recognize as an XJ.
Believe it, or not. If you intend to own a motor vehicle ten years from now,
there is a good chance you will be driving one that was made in China. And
you will, most likely, be very proud of the fact.
When Japanese cars entered the Aussie market in the 1960s, a lot of people
referred to them as 'Jap crap'. Many car dealers boasted that they 'wouldn't
touch one with a barge pole'. And we know of one dealer who had a major
finance application rejected, because the bank manager was sure that the
proposed Japanese franchise was a reckless venture.
The more-recent introduction of cars from Korea was often treated with
similar, though more subdued, disdain. And, once again, the proof of the
pudding is in the eating. The authoritive J D Powers research business in
the USA reports that Hyundai vehicles are now near the top of the list, for
reliability and customer satisfaction.
Now it's China's turn. And while the photos of many current models seem to
indicate quirky design, it shouldn't take the world's most-populated country
very long to catch up. Quality will quickly reach Japanese and Korean
standards. After all, when were you last really disappointed by your
Chinese-built computer, wide-screen television, mobile phone, GPS, air
conditioner or running shoes?
Ateco Automotive, the Australian distributor of USA-made Warn products, plus
Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Citroen, Maserati and Ferrari, is about to release a
dual-cab utility made by Great Wall Motors in China. According to reports,
this attractive truck will hit the market with a sub-$20k price, and you can
bet it will make its presence known in the Australian market. A favourable
reception here could also inspire a 4WD version.
If you like Jeeps or Land Rovers, BBDC - the descendant of the old AMC
partnership - could have a 4WD model to satisfy both camps. In fact, the new
B40 looks like the result of a night of passion between a JK Wrangler and a
Range Rover Sport.
Introduced at the Beijing Motor Show, the B40 stunned visitors with its
tough, yet modern, appearance. Some claimed that the design looks better
than a current-model Wrangler. Though there were no similar comparisons to
the Range Rover.
While no details regarding engines and transmissions, or even a release
date, are available at the moment, the B40 does prove that the Chinese auto
manufacturers are well aware of what the world wants (and demands) in
styling. If we were Ateco, or any other motor vehicle importer, we would be
booking a flight to Beijing right now. Well, after the Olympics then.
Just in stock this week are stainless steel bonnet latches to suit JK Wranglers. These new items will look hot on any current-model Wrangler, and should be more durable than the original plastic type.
Click here to buy online and receive free delivery, by insured post, to anywhere in Australia.
Hide that unsightly fuel cap with this easily installed Bestop fuel door. Door is made from billet brushed aluminum or finished in powder coated black.
Buy our limited stock now for only $249 $198, and receive free Australia-wide delivery.
Chrysler, like its two main American rivals, is struggling to cope with the
massive turnaround in the US auto market. SUVs and trucks, whose sales have traditionally contributed billions to the bottom line of the Big Three, have
suddenly become lead in the dealers' shoes.
The combination of high fuel prices, a decimated real estate market, and
restricted lending from the financial institutions has caused customers to
think twice (or thrice!) before signing up for a new vehicle - especially,
if it is one that drinks like a footballer after a grand final.
In the short term, GM and Ford are better placed than Chrysler. These two
can draw from a variety of small, fuel-efficient cars manufactured in their
plants around the world. Chrysler cannot. It has never made a major
commitment to build smaller, market-orientated, vehicles outside of the US.
The survival of Chrysler is going to depend on a new alliance with Nissan
that will result in small 'Chrysler' cars being built in Japan, a possible
association with Fiat, and a plan to sell a couple of Chinese models, made
by Chery Automobile, in South America.
But 4WD enthusiasts have not been forgotten. Chrysler's president, Tom
LaSorda, has just announced that the company will commit USD1.8 billion to
expand and retool a plant in Detroit - to produce a new 'car-based' Jeep SUV and the next-generation Grand Cherokee. Both will be offered with an all-new fuel-efficient petrol V6, new-technology suspension, and many components designed jointly with Mercedes Benz.
With the ‘experts’ claiming that the sea level is rising, one Suzuki owner fitted some submarine accessories to his Sierra - and then went for a test run in a local river!
Established in 1976, 4WD1 is Australia's leading 4WD suspension specialist.
We stock what we advertise, and offer the best customer service. Most orders leave our warehouse the same day. Export orders are welcome. We have shipped products to every corner of the earth - including Saudi Arabia, Russia and Inner Mongolia.
