7 Best Off-Road Upgrades and Modifications For Your 4×4

You have just purchased your first 4×4 off-road vehicle. Understandably, you immediately want to hit the trails, take in out on the beach, or pick another more remote location to enjoy some awesome outdoor activities. After all, 4x4s are designed for exploring the wilderness and taking them off-road is when they really come into their own. However, if you wish to have a safe and comfortable expedition, you must first consider the efficiency and capability of your truck.

If you have a 4×4 factory standard, it is already an excellent four-wheel-drive vehicle. However, even the best 4x4s have limitations because when they leave the factory, they are not yet fully adapted for the onslaught of the wilderness. When it comes to modifying a 4WD, there are several critical upgrades that are necessary to make your truck more capable off-road and out on the trail.

With this in mind, if you are thinking of decking out your 4×4 for some far-out adventures, it is worth investing some extra time and money in a few fundamental modifications that will assist you on your adventures. Here are a few suggestions to consider before you take the leap to modify your vehicle. 

#1. Off-Road Tires

When configuring a 4×4, upgraded tires are often the first thing to add to the list. It is important to note that standard, factory setting 4WD tires may not be entirely suitable for hitting the trails straight away, as you are risking punctures, or even structural damage if you are not careful. Swapping to off-road tires that can withstand challenging terrain and long journeys will be a worthwhile investment in the long run. 

Tires with a light truck construction, for example, are preferable to tires with a passenger structure. The primary reason for this is that light vehicle tires have thicker sidewalls and a stronger core. They are precisely made to endure a great deal of weight and withstand plenty of pressure. Most notably, light truck tires have a lower deterioration rate than passenger tires, and they will last much longer

#2. Winches

A winch is perhaps the most crucial off-road vehicle modification. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the mud without a winch and boards to help you out. A winch is a valuable, must-have piece of kit on any 4×4. They are life-saving pieces of equipment that are designed to help you navigate your way out of potentially dangerous recovery situations. 

Like many other items, winches range from entry-level models to more cutting-edge technology, and they are built to survive extensive and heavy duty use within the most extreme conditions. It is advisable to invest in a top quality unit which handles properly, and one that will last you a long time. 

#3. Skid Plates

Skid plates are another must-have addition to your 4×4. Think of it as armor that protects the fragile, but vital substructure elements of your vehicle, such as the oil pan, radiator, and transmission cases. 

During rock crawling, for instance, your truck is constantly at risk of being scratched, scraped, and more importantly, gouged by boulders. This impact could cause significant damage to your oil pan, gearbox cases, and driveshafts, which in turn, could leave you stuck in the wilderness. Skid plates can safeguard your vehicle from such possible damage, and this is why it is so important to include them in your modifications. 

#4. Snorkels or Raised Air Intakes

Although your immediate plans may not include crossing deep waters, it is always wise to be well-prepared as you never know what mother nature will throw at you on your adventures. 

Heavy rainfall, for instance, can cause otherwise manageable streams to become torrents of water, which could make crossing them hazardous. When water starts to accumulate inside a combustion engine, it can quickly become a major concern. 

Even if you are inexperienced at using a snorkel in deepwater crossing, having this modification on your car means that your engine will be running more efficiently by giving it dust-free and cleaner air. However, you need to remember that snorkels generate wind noise and can have adverse aerodynamic consequences. 

#5. Light Bar

When you are out in the middle of nowhere you will soon realise that regular headlights are inadequate. You might find that even modified lights aren’t providing the width of projection necessary for complete visibility. With this in mind, having an extra light bar on your vehicle is rather beneficial. Because of its high-intensity projector lights, a light bar provides significantly higher illumination, and therefore, lightbars are a must-have investment for any 4×4 enthusiast. 

#6. Rocker Protection

The rocker region of a 4×4 truck is perhaps the most frequently impacted area, and it can be costly to fix. Although factory steps and running boards provide added security, they also limit ground clearance. With that in mind, it is advisable to add something extra to divert obstacles from slamming into the body of your car, and to prevent dents. Tubular rocker guards, and 3/16-inch-thick steel plates are a bit excessive in most circumstances, however, if you are facing challenging terrain with unexpected washouts and cliffs on a regular basis, you should seriously consider incorporating additional strong rocker safety.

#7. 4X4 Lift Kit

A suspension lift kit is an excellent option for bolstering your 4×4’s off-roading potential. Suspension lift kits allow you to boost your tire size and acquire the additional ground clearance essential in handling creeks, rutted trails, and sand tracks. The objective is to maximize the truck’s height to allow higher ground clearance, a sharper approach, and wider tires and wheels.

Time To Get Ready For Your Offroad Adventure

Whether you’re new to off-roading or an experienced mudder, Mach1 Motorsports has the knowledge to supply you with aftermarket parts and the latest diagnostics equipment. We are focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction, meeting and exceeding your expectations.

Customer service is job number one for us. We promise to be honest and not push you to purchase something you don’t need. We want you to tell your friends about us and come back whenever you need parts, service, or diagnostics. 

We will keep your off-road vehicle running like new and ensure that it is repaired correctly so you never get stuck out on the trail. Contact us today to learn what we can do to help you get out on the trails, enjoying the fresh air and challenge of mudding, climbing, or just taking a trail ride.