What is a GVM Upgrade?

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) refers to the maximum allowable weight for your vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and any accessories. A GVM upgrade is a legal modification that increases this weight limit. This is achieved through a professional suspension upgrade that’s been rigorously tested and engineered to ensure safety.

Why Consider a GVM Upgrade?

Several factors can make a GVM upgrade beneficial:

• Increased Payload Capacity: Many 4WDs come with limited payload capacity from the factory. Adding accessories like bull bars, winches, roof racks, and spare tyres can quickly push you over this limit. A GVM upgrade allows you to carry more gear legally and safely.
• Improved Handling and Stability: Upgrading your suspension to handle a heavier load improves your vehicle’s handling and stability, especially when towing trailers, caravans, or boats.
• Enhanced Safety: Exceeding the GVM limit compromises safety. Upgrading ensures your vehicle can handle the additional weight without compromising braking performance or putting undue stress on the chassis.

Signs You Might Need a GVM Upgrade:

• You plan to add aftermarket accessories that increase the vehicle’s weight.
• You intend to tow a trailer, caravan, or boat.
• You frequently carry heavy loads of cargo or passengers.

What Happens if I Exceed My GVM?

Operating a vehicle beyond its GVM limit can have serious consequences:

• Safety Risks: An overloaded vehicle is more prone to accidents due to compromised handling and braking.
• Legal Issues: Exceeding the GVM can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, and even voided insurance policies.
• Commercial Liability: For businesses, exceeding GVM can lead to legal issues regarding occupational health and safety regulations.

What’s Involved in a GVM Upgrade?

GVM upgrades are complex and require professional expertise. Several factors are considered when designing an upgrade:

• Existing vehicle modifications
• Intended use of the vehicle and maximum load capacity
• Capacity of current tyres, wheels, and brakes
• Your budget

We will assess your needs and recommend a GVM upgrade package that includes:

• Upgraded suspension components like springs and shock absorbers
• Potential brake system upgrade
• Upgrades to your vehicle transmission cooling system may need to be considered as well

Will a GVM Upgrade Affect My Warranty?

In most cases, a GVM upgrade won’t impact your vehicle’s warranty. However, it’s always best to confirm this with the manufacturer beforehand.

Benefits of a GVM Upgrade:

• Increased payload capacity for all your gear
• Improved handling and stability for a safer driving experience
• Enhanced reliability with a suspension designed for heavier loads

If you plan to modify your 4WD or intend to carry heavier loads, consider a GVM upgrade. Contact us to discuss your needs and ensure your vehicle is safe and legal for your adventures. Don’t risk exceeding your GVM: prioritise safety and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly upgraded vehicle.

Maybe it’s the perfect occasion for an unplugged family long weekend away, or perhaps you’ve planned the ultimate fishing & camping trip with the lads. Either way, you realise that you have a tonne of shit to carry and very little car space. 

It’s times like this where your mate usually drops ahhh told ya, you should’ve got a ute. Yeah, thanks Steve, great suggestion — where do the kids go? (just chuck em in the ute) just kidding.

Anyway, back to it.

How to choose a roof rack.

A roof rack gives you the flexibility to transport bulkier items on your vehicle’s roof and creates more storage space inside the car for all your camping, fishing and adventuring essentials. 

Not only that, but you can also get variations of roof racks which allow you to securely transport bikes, kayaks & canoes, heck you can even attach an awning to it. The additional storage space creates wonders for smaller vehicles, making it far easier to pack as well as providing a more comfortable ride.

So, does this mean the roof rack you need will depend on what you need to transport & what are you using it for? It sure does.

The roof rack you choose will depend on what you’re transporting and how it will be used.

Consider the following…

5 factors that will determine which roof rack you should buy

1. What do you want to transport

As mentioned above, the type of roof rack you choose is heavily dependent on what you want to transport. 

2. What’s the weight capacity of your vehicle’s roof?

The roof of your vehicle can only support so much weight. You can find out the total weight of the roof rack and carrier capacity in your vehicle’s owner manual, or online if you no longer have the manual. 

3. What’s the combined weight of items going on the roof rack?

If you plan on transporting a heavy canoe, as well as all your essential camping gear and equipment, make sure the combined weight is less than your vehicle’s maximum weight capacity. 

4. What is the vehicle’s current roof set-up?

The type of roof rack you choose will also depend on the current set-up of your vehicle’s roof. Roof side rails run along the sides of the vehicle’s roof, front to back, and provide both a mounting point for roof cross bars, and a convenient tie down point for securing carriers or baskets. 

5. What is the width of your roof?

Measure the width of your roof from front and rear and take note of which type of measurement you’re taking. Is it the inside, centre or outside? Different makes and models of cross bars will attach to side rails in various ways. That said, most roof racks should come with adjustable widths, some are also designed for a more tighter fit and will require accurate measurements.

Choose a roof rack that supports your load

What you rackin’? Is pretty much what it comes down to. There are a tonnes of different roof rack designs and accessories, some acting as a storage box for smaller gear, others are more versatile like the Pioneer Tray, allowing you to rack larger and more bulkier items. 

ARB Roof Rack

ARB roof racks are built to support the full rated roof load capacity of a vehicle with the mounting system and structural integrity of the rack being designed to withstand the most demanding of conditions. ARB racks are available in a variety of lengths and widths for vehicles with or without gutters, so you can choose the appropriate size to suit your requirements. Supplied with stainless steel hardware, and variable height fitting kits, an ARB roof rack is a great investment for any vehicle.

Rhino Roof Rack

The sleek and stylish Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System is the ultimate load carrying solution for your vehicle. The black powder-coated design makes life easier by allowing you to load and unload your equipment in moments. The Pioneer Platform is made from reinforced nylon and aluminium which creates a lightweight strength that is incredibly durable. The non-corrosive Pioneer Platform has withstood testing in the harshest conditions around the world so you know it can be trusted.

Tracklander Roof Rack

The Tracklander 4WD Roof Rack 2.2 m Aluminium version is the original and legendary Tracklander 4WD Roof Rack. This rack comes with the distinctive “high impact acrylic wind deflector” for greater aerodynamics, quiet travel and a streamlined, up-market appearance. Its strong fully welded mesh base is an excellent platform for any size of load and is easy to tie down to.

Bike Racks

Bike racks are a great option for transporting your bicycles if your vehicle is not compatible with rear mounting. Each rack can house a single bike, but you do have the option of adding multiple bike racks. 

Canoe/ Kayak Racks

These racks are designed to transport your canoe or kayak on the roof of your vehicle using existing roof bars. Make sure to strap it in and secure the boat in properly, occasionally stopping during your trip to ensure it hasn’t come loose.

Need help customising your entire roof rack setup?

After the best looking roof rack set-up that makes attaching and removing loads and accessories that much easier & faster? From finding out your vehicle’s maximum roof load and dimensions to understanding your individual needs, Coastals can provide you with a complete roof rack solution. Speak to a friendly rep or drop us a message on Facebook today.

Potential Issues Faced When Upgrading 4×4 Suspension

Upgrading suspension components of a 4×4 vehicle is a common modification aimed at improving off-road performance, ride quality, and overall vehicle handling. However, the process is not without its challenges. Fitters may encounter a range of issues that can complicate the upgrade and potentially lead to increased costs and extended fitting time. Understanding these challenges is crucial for vehicle owners considering such modifications.

Poorly Manufactured Parts

One of the issues fitters may face is dealing with poorly manufactured parts. These components might not fit correctly, leading to significant delays and additional work. Ill-fitting parts can cause alignment problems, interfere with other vehicle systems, or even result in unsafe driving conditions. We ensure that high-quality, compatible parts are sourced from reputable manufacturers as this is essential to avoid these complications. This is a classic case of cheaper is not better. Ensuring that top-quality products are used in your vehicle is paramount, we will not compromise your safety.

Interference from Other Aftermarket Accessories

Many 4×4 enthusiasts equip their vehicles with a variety of aftermarket accessories, such as bull bars, winches, exhaust systems and underbody protection. While these additions enhance the vehicle’s functionality and aesthetics, they can create challenges when upgrading suspension components. Fitters may find that some of these accessories interfere with the installation process, requiring additional modifications or the temporary removal of parts. This not only increases the complexity of the job but can also lead to unexpected costs if new brackets or adapters are needed to accommodate the suspension upgrade.

Corroded Bolts and Components

If the vehicle being upgraded isn’t new, another common issue is the presence of corroded bolts and components. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause rust and corrosion, making bolts and other components difficult to remove. In some cases, these components may need to be damaged or cut off, necessitating their replacement. This can significantly extend the time required for the suspension upgrade and increase the overall cost due to the need for new parts.

Unforeseen Costs and Downtime

Upgrading the suspension components of a 4×4 vehicle is a complex task that can present various challenges for fitters. Poorly manufactured parts, interference from other aftermarket accessories, and corroded bolts and components are common issues that can lead to increased costs and extended quoted fitting times. Vehicle owners should be aware of these potential problems and ensure they work with experienced fitters who can navigate these challenges effectively. By understanding the potential pitfalls and planning accordingly, you can avoid surprises and ensure a smooth and successful upgrade process. Rest assured that over the years we’ve seen most of the problems that can occur when fitting suspension to 4×4 vehicles and we know the best course of action to take to achieve the best outcome for our clients. We believe our clients must leave happy and with a smile on their faces after fitting new accessories to their car. If you are thinking of upgrading suspension in your 4×4 then contact us to discuss the best options and receive unbiased advice on the different brands available.

Having a tough time figuring out what kind of 4×4 suspension lift kit to install on your vehicle? 

You’re not the only one. What is the best 4×4 suspension for my car? When it comes to choosing the right suspension system for your rig it all comes down to how well it performs with the demands of your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro who destroys Mundaring Powerlines each weekend or spend your weekends adventuring and kicking back with the fam, here are 5 factors to consider when choosing a 4×4 suspension kit.

Overall Weight Capacity

Gross Vehicle Mass or GVM is the maximum your vehicle can weigh when it’s fully loaded as per the manufacturer. You’ll need to take into consideration everything you load up onto the fourbie before an adventure. This can include camping essentials, fishing gear, extra fuel/water tanks, items loaded on the roof rack, and more. All this extra weight can decrease the overall performance and safety of your vehicle.

Terrain

The terrain you’ll be driving on largely contributes to the type of suspension you choose. If you only plan on using your 4×4 in an urban environment then you probably won’t need that $3,500 suspension upgrade. That said, if you do plan on pushing the limit of your 4WD or are interested in trying your hand at some off-roading, then we recommend that you upgrade your suspension kit.

Durability

Durability all depends on what activities you get up to each weekend and the terrain you drive on. If you spend most of your time trekking through various off-road tracks or travel to remote locations then you’ll want to opt for heavy-duty shock absorbers.

Comfort

As we all know, as human beings comfort becomes one of our top priorities. After all, I can’t think of anything worse than driving more than 5 hours in the car and copping every single bump. If you spend a lot of time driving or travelling to remote areas with occasional off-roading, you’ll want to choose a suspension system that adds comfort. 

4WD Flexing

Once you’ve found out your total weight capacity, next comes 4WD flex. The best way to describe it is — do you go off-road sometimes vrs do you hit up WA’s most hectic off-road tracks EVERY weekend? The amount of flex will decide how planted your tyres are to the ground (traction) and influence vehicle tilt. The more flex you have the easier it is to drive through deep, muddy ruts and decrease the chances of rolling.

Thinking about a suspension upgrade and not sure where to start? 

Book a free 15-minute suspension session with Coastal 4×4 today to find out everything you need to know about the limitations of your vehicle and how you can maximise it with the right 4×4 suspension kit.

What Is A Differential

Look at any vehicle on the road and you will see at least one differential. Virtually every vehicle built since the 30’s has a differential attached at the drive shaft. And why would they not? Differentials allow for cornering, different wheel speeds (hence the name), power distribution and are responsible for the invention of 4WD’s. If so crucial a part, why would we want to lock them?

Why would you want a differential to lock up?

The purpose of a differential is to allow wheels to spin at different speeds while being connected to the drive train (power source). On bitumen, this is crucial to steering, traction and power delivery because when steering, the outer wheels travel a longer distance, and as a result, spin faster. The differential automatically shares proportionally more power to the faster spinning wheels, ensuring grip and power are where they are needed.  However, when off road, this suddenly becomes a disadvantage.

When would you use your diff lock?

Off road driving often travels into soft or uneven ground. In these moments, when a wheel hits soft sand or hangs in the air, the diff sends all the power into the fast spinning wheel. This means your vehicle bogs down (soft) or loses all driving power (air). This is when a locking differential makes all the difference.

By locking the differential, the wheels spin at the same speed, no matter what surface or resistance is offered. This enables the opposite wheel, in combination with the vehicle’s momentum, to continue gripping and move past the obstacle.

How do they work?

A differential is essentially an additional set of gears where the driveshaft meets the wheel axle. The part that connects the driveshaft with the differential is called the ring gear. A diff lock is two parts, one attached to the wheel axle, and the other attached to the ring gear. When engaged, a diff lock diverts the power from the ring gear directly to the axle, missing the differential altogether. On most 4wd setups, the vehicle will have three differentials. One each for the front and rear axles, and a third ensuring both front and rear spin at the same speeds.

Just remember, you don’t want to lock your differential when already bogged, or leave locked when back to firmer grounding. This can apply excess strain on the driveshaft and perhaps cause damage.

Diff locks are an important part for any vehicle tackling serious off-road tracks. Most 4WD available come with a lock as at least a factory option. If not, there are a range of high-quality after-market diff lockers available.

In the market for an upgrade to your 4WD? Maybe you are having issues with your transmission? At WA Diff Centre we have spent over 20 years specialising in conversions, installation, repair, reconditioning or any other work on differentials and transmissions. Contact us today, and experience what first class customer service feels like.

Front vs Rear 4WD Lockers

Manual cars are more interactive, give better feedback and allow the driver to feel more involved with operating the vehicle.

Your clutch is one of the most hard-working parts of your car. How do you tell if there is a problem, and how bad can problems be? What do we do when something goes wrong with our daily drive?

Why is the Clutch Important?

A clutch allows you to connect and disconnect the power of your engine to the work of rotating the wheels. Whenever you want to shift gear, you need a way of allowing the transmission and the engine to separate so they don’t get damaged when they spin at different speeds.

Your clutch is a combination of a big wheel rimmed with brake-like friction material, and two sets of springs. The big wheel, or clutch disk, is constantly pushed by the first spring onto the engine’s spinning surface. This pressure is what allows power to transfer from the engine to propelling your car around town.

The second spring is activated when you press your clutch pedal. It causes the clutch disk to move apart from the engine, disconnecting the power.

Some other important parts are the slave/master cylinder, which aid you in compressing the clutch pedal, and the flywheel, the surface spun by the engine that your clutch disk grips to.

Common Issues

With so many high-stress components used every time you drive, there are a variety of issues that can arise. Some of the more common problems include:

• Malfunctioning hydraulic system. Most contemporary manual cars use a hydraulic system under the clutch pedal to make your footwork easier and lighter. But these systems rely on no leaks, adequate fluids, and no air bubbles. Cracks or leaks can make your clutch feel heavy or stiff.
• Clutch cable problems. Some clutches rely on a cable to connect the clutch pedal to the springs. Cables need adjustment as they stretch over a vehicle’s lifetime, they have been known to break in extreme circumstances.
• Slipping clutch. Caused by issues including worn springs or friction material on the clutch disk. Slipping is when the clutch no longer remains in perfect contact with the flywheel when in use. This loses engine power and dramatically accelerated deterioration of clutch components. Get this checked today if you notice it.

Do I Need to Get My Clutch Repaired?

Without a clutch, your car isn’t taking you anywhere. Never put off an issue in your clutch, sometimes ignoring small, quick fixes like worn bearings or stretched clutch cables can accelerate into thousands of dollars of damage. The day you notice an issue should be the day you call us.

Fortunately, clutches are built to last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Unlike many parts, you will likely never have to replace your clutch. But if something does seem amiss, don’t hesitate to have it repaired.

Have concerns about your transmission and want the best clutch repair team in Perth to have a look? Call Coastals today, and get the peace of mind that your car will be running about town for a long time to come.

Front vs Rear 4WD Lockers

Few people buy a serious 4WD without at least an aspiration to head one day off road. Most 4WD class vehicles in dealerships today cater to these casual 4×4 drivers.

But what if you are a serious off-road enthusiast? What if you want or need a vehicle that can handle the toughest terrain consistently, and the standard limited-slip differential just won’t cut it?

You need a locking differential.

Benefits of a Diff Locker

Locking differentials, or diff lockers, are upgrades to your vehicle’s differentials that allow you to increase the traction of your tyres and drive train in extreme conditions.

When turning a corner on bitumen, the left and right wheels on an axel will travel different lengths, requiring them to spin at different speeds.

The inside wheel in a corner travels slower, covering less distance. This means power needs to be reduced to this wheel while more power is given to the outside wheel. A differential is the gear setup that distributes the power, mechanically increasing the power to the wheel with the least resistance (the one that needs to spin fastest).

But what happens when you are running half in mud, inconsistent sand or over uneven, ridged terrain? These scenarios often create situations where one wheel is offering less resistance, from being in the soft stuff, and a unlocked differential will give more power to this wheel.

A diff locker allows the driver to disable the differential, distributing the power to both wheels evenly. You will have continual traction, be able to carry lower speeds, and climb your way out of the toughest terrain Western Australia can throw at you.

Front vs. Rear

Upgrades can be expensive, more so when your prized 4WD comes with two or more differentials. So where is best to put a diff locker?

After asking around our team, we all agree the rear axle is the best spot for your 4WD locker. This is because:

• The traction improvement from any diff locker will be exceptional. Rear installation won’t be too different from installing in the front only.
• Lockers on the front differential can cause torque steer. The front end is responsible for steering as well as power delivery. If both wheels are getting equal power, the car won’t want to turn because that requires different wheel speeds. Your ability to navigate turns in the track will be lowered, as well as your stress on components increased.

What if the manufacturer provides a limited slip differential?

If the rear limited slip helps, great! The case for installing in front is much stronger now. However, most limited slips we find don’t provide the benefits of a full lock, if yours doesn’t, it may be better to skip the limited slip entirely with a full diff locker.

Hard core 4WD setups will definitely feature both front and rear diff locks. However, to maximise bang for buck when upgrading, we recommend getting the work done on the rear differential to maximise control and traction.

Want to be able to trust your vehicle to get you through the worst the outback has to offer? Upgrade your differentials today with the WA Diff Centre, Perth’s most trusted 4×4 upgrade workshop. Contact us today.

What Is A Differential

Never heard of a differential? The experts at Coastals are here to give you the lowdown on what a differential actually is and why it’s critical to smooth, safe and reliable driving.

You’ve probably come across vehicles without differentials – like go karts – that offer poor handling and seemingly unpredictable movements. Without a differential, both driving wheels are required to rotate at the same speed, generally fixed on a common axle controlled by a chain-drive mechanism.

In cars, differentials are engineered to effectively drive a pair of wheels at different speeds. Your differential allows you to turn corners and navigate bendy roads smoothly and with control.

Why is a Differential Important to My Car?

Differentials are essential for smooth and safe turning on the roads. As your car nears a bend, its outer wheels need to cover a greater distance by spinning faster than the inner wheels. Non-driven wheels – your two back wheels – aren’t connected and work by following the lead of your driven wheels.

When you accelerate, your engine’s torque is delivered through your gearbox and differentials to the two wheels on the axle. Thanks to your differential, torque is split evenly while rotational speeds can differ.

If you didn’t have a differential in your car, you’d find it near impossible to turn your vehicle on high-friction surfaces. With no differential fitted, you’d probably experience excessive mechanical stress in your driveshaft and risk complete failure.

Taking Care of Your Differential

As the differential sits at the rear and under the car, it’s often overlooked and overshadowed by the engine up front. It can be easy to forget just how important it is to keep your differential maintained and cared for properly.

The best way to keep your differential functioning at its best is by staying up to date with your scheduled servicing, manufacturer recommendations and oil changes.

Reliable Diff Repairs in Perth

Now that you know why differentials are important, it’s time to take proper care of them. Critical to your car’s handling and performance, the team at Coastals specialise in 9 inch diff conversions, diff reconditioning and diff repairs in Perth.

As Perth’s diff specialists, we offer fast and effective same day services to get you back on the roads fast. For expert advice on diff repairs and services, call our professionals today on (08) 9417 9930.