We 'Canter'ed to the tip.

[Aussie Iron]

The track is well eroded with one or both of the wheel tracks washed out.This meant that a lot of the time we were leaning one way or the other, certainly not to the my wife's liking. We only had three places that had large trees over hanging the track that we were forced to go around but it wasn't a problem. At times trees along the side of the track were close and we ended up leaving the passenger side window folded in. There are scuff marks on the paintwork but no dents. The same as the two Nissan Wagons that we traveled with. Some of the approaches and departures are narrow and caution has to be taken not to scrap the sides of the Canter. The log bridge at Crystal Creek was interesting to cross but putting the wheels in the right place, it ended up not being a problem. The pucker factor came into play only once (my level is fairly high as I make my living operating my bulldozer contract clearing lantana and doing fire breaks on the hills around Gladstone) and this was on a right hand bend apparently called Cannibal where the outside wheel track is that raised up that much and the inside washed out that I could put my hand out the window and touch the ground. I can tell you that the side way stability even with the camper on is unreal and you will feel the factor come into play long before you get there.

[Aussie Iron]

The rest of the trip was just site seeing around the tip and was well enjoyed. The return trip was down the development road, very corrugated but taking your time is the key to not damaging your vehicle. The tyres we bought worked out to be a good choice as we never had a problem, no flats and plenty of traction when needed. I used tyre beads for balancing the tyres and Tyredog to keep a check on them. I had a problem getting the parameters set but worked it out in the long run. The little lock rings that are used to stop the senders from getting taken are a problem when you have short valve stems but some things you put up with. I believe I will be looking at a setup with internal sensors. The winch ended up being taken along for the ride as it was never needed, the Canter went every where it was pointed which gives me confidence to go further afield. FUEL. Well we used a fair bit of it doing 4696 Klms with an average of just over 20L /100. My normal average is 16L /100. I guess the camper is a real drag. My average on the track was 17.5L/100.This was a lot of 1st and 2nd gear work. The run home from Townville was into a strong headwind and the average ended up being just a bit over 22L/100 and a lot of time we could only get 70Klm /Hr. One of the Nissan Wagon that I traveled with averaged 13L/100 it had a 2.8 L turbo engine and not heavily loaded, the other averaged close to 16L/100 it is fitted with a 4.2 L engine non turbo and was loaded more. Was it a problem taking the camper - no not really, will I take it again - probably not, looking at cutting the drag down to make it more road drive friendly, hills were killing it. Well plans for the next run are all ready in the works it will be to the TURBO Shop to see if we can a bit more HP out of it. So if you have one sitting around for a 4D33 let me know.

[z_halen]

One of the best threads i've read for a while... Lots of actual 4wding... I love it.


How'd you go with overhead clearance also ? many dramas.

I'd love to see lots more pics. if you've got them

Well done on getting to the tip also..

[Aussie Iron]

Only had 3 trees on the track that were a problem, in one place we went down the old track that had been blocked by a tree about 30cm thick and drove over it. The others we just went around. Should have taken more photos, the others we have are not that spectacular, I believe next time it will be video camera that we take as you can pull the photos out that you want. Trouble is that you can't drive and take photos and you also need someone to guide where you put your wheels. It was a FUN trip, Dan.

[canter tourer]

[QUOTE=Well plans for the next run are all ready in the works it will be to the TURBO Shop to see if we can a bit more HP out of it. So if you have one sitting around for a 4D33 let me know.[/QUOTE]

I'll be looking at something like this in the future, maybe ok for your truck too?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271029096...84.m1438.l2649

[alan]

Did you notice there's no wastegate?

[Aussie Iron]

I'll be looking at something like this in the future, maybe ok for your truck too? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271029096...84.m1438.l2649

I've seen them, But will the manifold fit a 4D33 And the turbo is only for a 3.2 litre engine not a 4.2. Also as Alan says no wastegate. By the time you buy all the pipe work, including 3" exhaust and all the rest that you need and not have any warranty maybe $5,500 may not be that bad. Just my though but I will listen to any advice from people that have more knowledge than myself. Dan.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Dan,

Superior Turbos up in Toowoomba used to do their own cast turbo manifold for the old 637 models with the 4.2 motors. That was ages ago so not sure if they still sell those. I've driven quite a few of them after the conversion and can honestly say that they run really well ....... I drove one up on Fraser for a whole day running around 6ton heavy and it was no trouble in the soft sand even for a gringo like me. BTW , none of them had an intercooler although that would be something I would have thought was a given. A water/air unit would be my pick and try to keep the air tract as short as possible and then throw the water cooler up high on the headboard .

Our storeman at work, Dave, fitted a Turbo Glide (I think that's right) kit last year and again was a noticeable improvement on his 637 crewcab......he intends to do a full 3" zorst including the brake and then stick it back on the dyno and see what difference that will make. He just used his truck to run sweep for the Endeavor Rally so you can imagine what that truck gets asked to put up with ....again he reckons the same ....the turbo conversion was worthwhile. Hope this helps.

[whatcharterboat]

Re : that turbo upgrade on the 637.....was just told that it went from 69 to 115 RWHP.

[Aussie Iron]

Re : that turbo upgrade on the 637.....was just told that it went from 69 to 115 RWHP.

Thank you, good info. Dan