Well, 2020 was definitely a challenging year. Covid-19 and the various lockdowns around the world meant that four-wheel drivers haven’t been able to get out on the tracks as much, and a lot of companies in the 4WD industry haven’t been able to operate as freely as they would like. 

Luckily, Terrain Tamer still managed to release some exciting new parts in the past 12 months, ready for everyone to get out and make the most of their vehicles in 2021

Heavy-duty bearing kits

Terrain Tamer began the year with the release of their Heavy-Duty Wheel Bearing and combination Swivel Housing Kits, specifically designed and manufactured for vehicles operating in extreme conditions.

Practical for unforgiving terrain and extreme applications such as mining, the kits are comprised of bearings that have been made in Japan, with a Rockwell hardness rating that is 2.5 points higher than the OE-equivalent. These bearings combine a new forging technique with an upgraded heat treatment procedure to enable a longer service life.

They also include an innovative new range of Heavy-Duty hub seals which rotate on their own internal surface, without relying on the condition of the shaft and thus eliminating wear on other components.

These seals utilise a labyrinth construction to better prevent the loss of oil and lubricating fluids and better protect against the ingress of dirt and other contaminants, making them perfectly suited to harsh, muddy and dusty conditions and ensuring both extended seal and bearing life.

As with all Terrain Tamer bearing kits, these new kits include all required components, such as gaskets, nuts, gear lever seats and bushes, boots, washers etc, and all parts are covered by a 12-month warranty.

Terrain Tamer Heavy Duty Bearing Kits are available for a growing number of Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser models. 

GVM Upgrade kits

Terrain Tamer’s first GVM Upgrade kit was released in early 2020, for the 200 Series Toyota Landcruiser, and they have since expanded the range to include the popular VDJ78/79 models, plus an option using parabolic springs.

GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) is a rating set by the original manufacturer, and refers to the legal maximum weight of the vehicle, incorporating the wheels, as well as everything sitting atop – from the vehicle itself, bull bars, winches, fuel, people, water, food and the dog.

Built into the GVM is also the imparted tow ball mass when towing, and a rated axle capacity, a limit set for how much weight should be distributed to each axle. 

Terrain Tamer partnered with Multidrive Technology to develop their range of upgrade solutions for popular 4WD models which, when towing or loaded with essential off-road gear are often pushed to their GVM and axle loading limits.

There are two kit options for the GVM upgrade of the VDJ78/79 Series Land Cruiser, the first utilising Terrain Tamer’s anti-friction leaf springs, and the second offering the alternative of parabolic springs.

Both kits facilitate an increase from the original rating of 3300kg (dual cab) or 3400kg (single cab) to either 3950kg or a more modest 3780kg and have been independently assessed to increase the front axle rating to 1540kg, with the heavier rated kit adding an extra 140kg to the rear axle also, taking the rating to 2440kg.

Consisting of exclusive Terrain Tamer suspension components, the kits have been thoroughly tested and analysed by Multidrive Technology to reach Secondary Stage Manufacturers approval and can be installed on existing registered vehicles at approved workshops, and following state level modification processes.

Filter insert kits

More recently, Terrain Tamer has released two new kits, featuring vehicle-specific air filter inserts, to help combat the issue of dusting.

The original design of the airbox, or upper filter housing of some LandCruiser models features a seal surface that is too narrow to match the seal of the filter itself. 

As a result, the filter is not able to be fully effective, as it does not properly seal, allowing dust to pass through the airbox and enter the engine intake, causing havoc with engine components.

To combat this problem, Terrain Tamer developed a design protected range of stainless-steel filter inserts, which when fitted, create a surface area to perfectly match the filter, aligning in the correct position to seal effectively and effectively reduce the issue of dusting.

The inserts are available for the Land Cruiser Prado 120/150 series, VDJ76/78/79, and VDJ200 models, and come in a kit, which also includes the corresponding air filter and sealant required for fitting.

Exhaust systems

With new ECU and remapping technology, the industry has come a long way to increase power and fuel economy, and better meet the demands of modern 4WD vehicles. To assist with this further, Terrain Tamer released the first in their new range of Australian-made High Flow Exhaust Systems.

Constructed from 409 Stainless Steel and coated with black heat-proof thermal paint, Terrain Tamer’s new exhaust systems feature a double braided flex joint and 3-inch mandrel bent tube which acts to maximise the gas flow of the engine, leading to better fuel economy and improved performance. 

The systems also include a large diameter turbo dump pipe, incorporating EGT and O2 sensor fittings, and a 200 CPI catalytic converter with a high-flow metallic substrate design to meet EURO 3 EPA emissions standards, and suitable for demanding performance applications where a freer flow of exhaust gasses is required.

Muffler bodies come embossed with Terrain Tamer’s logo, and feature high flow perforated tube internals, supported with a case stiffener as well as heavy duty gussets with endplate stiffeners, to fully support the exhaust pipes where they meet the muffler.

These features are all supported by heavy duty OE-style hangers and brackets, designed to connect to the vehicle’s original mounting points.  A 10mm thick, four-bolt pipe-through flange design ensures perfect fitting accuracy throughout and an installation kit is also included, providing all gaskets, nuts and bolts required for fitment of the system. 

All Terrain Tamer high flow exhaust systems come with a five-year warranty.