Car Specs
The Vehicle has 16″ alloy wheels.
We drive on 265/75/16 Cooper Discoverer Sure Track tyres. The reason we chose these specific tyres is because our goodfriend Tim Dennis, has not only succesfuly circumnavigated the world , but is planning on doing far more on these tyres. There can be no better testimony than his.
Rear axle is a full floater with disk brakes and ABS.
It has a viscous coupling HF2AV transfer case versus
non-viscous HF2A transfer case for drum braked 80’s (and fj80’s)
The engine is a 1HD-t it has a displacement of 4163cc with 6 in line cylinders. This engine produces 165bhp @ 3600rpm and 268 Nm of torque @ 2000rpm. It has 12 valves and a single overhead cam (SOHC). Lastly it has a compression ratio of 18.6:1.
Another important aspect of the engine is that it still has a mechanical fuel pump, which makes it ideal for expedition, in the sense that it is easy to get fuel back into the system after you have run out. None of that electronic business.
This vehicle is factory fitted with front, back and central diff locks.
The front ABS Lines are routed on the front control arm.
The radiator is a 3 row brass core.
Work Done
During our visit to Footloose 4×4 we replaced the factory fitted drive flange (part number: 43421-60022) with the new thicker version (part number: 43421-60040). The reason for this is that they have stopped producing the older, shorter birfield/CV joint. So if you do try to change them and you have the old flange you will find that they stick out way to much. During the preparation phase we have replaced all four disc and all the pads.
Both CV joints have been replaced as well as all fluids have been renewed.
We have also upgraded our suspension. We have installed the TJM XGS Gold range suspension. We opted for the 3” lift on heavy duty springs which has a constant load rating of 400kgs per spring. I measured and found that unladen the suspension gives a total of 9.5cm (3.7 inches) all round. The lift is not entirely up to the springs as we have installed slightly higher profile tires. Even thought the ride height has changed the drive has in fact improved vastly due to the stiffer springs and firm shocks. Cornering feels far safer now.
During September we added the stickers for the sponsors and the charity, Street Kids International. Once that was done we were off to the LRO show to spend the weekend with Paul from Footloose 4×4. On the Saturday we met up with Tim and Clare of Trek Overland to have the Howling Moon roof tent fitted. We fitted it opening out over the rear of the car, but might change this at a later stage. Will let you know what we decide. The tent is the 1.6m deluxe version kindly sponsored by Howling Moon in support of the RamblingRat Adventures.
Shortly after that we were back to Footloose 4×4 to have the EyeData 360 system installed by Pro-Edge. See the insert below. The first installation consisted of the front camera and hard drives followed by the rear cameras at a later date. We also installed the TJM bullbar with Paul’s help.
In February 2010, Neil finally got the chance to refit and connect the spotlights. They are four Wipac 100W lights situated on the roofrack… Neil, the science teacher, thought it a doddle to install them even though it was just about the coldest day so far this year and it rained the very next day… Put all the wiring to the test, but it seems to work just fine.
Stay tuned for the videos…
Video: Drive to Footloose 4×4
Specialist Vehicle Preparation
The RamblingRat Africa vehicle has now been adorned in the distinctive RamblingRat and Street Kids International livery. For added protection from punctures and flats, a gel will be injected into each wheel, this is kindly donated by Pro-Edge. A professional mobile digital CCTV recorder system and two high resolution cameras (one front, one back) plus colour monitor screen is being installed. This will ensure that any remarkable images or movie shots of their journey can be downloaded and saved, plus ensuring visibility to the rear of the vehicle. We think a Worlds First, 360° Eye-Data and Telematics Data Unit that is normally installed into fleet v
ehicles, is to be connected to the CCTV 
recorder. The data will be extracted and embedded (including GPS location) from the telematics unit, into the images. This will undoubtedly make for exciting filming and/or ongoing media interest, further help us to raise awareness of Street Kids International. Once again thank you to Pro-Edge for installing this technology into the RamblingRat Africa Vehicle
Vintage and classical vehicles have always inspired car enthusiasts, around the world. Historically, American cars have been among the spotlights, in every major motor show. So much emphasis is laid on the mechanics and design of the classical American cars that people have forgotten about the Asian vintage cars that rivaled the best in the history. One of the reasons behind the success of the American cars was its reliance on a heavy iron framework that was solid enough to stand the test of times. It is only now; avid collectors are turning to the power of the Japanese and Asian vintage cars that have nearly been forgotten.