First, thanks for the replies regarding the bull bars. The ARB bar and the ORC bar appear interesting. I want to briefly clarify that the G-500 that I am trying to armor is my Father's. Going from a 72 FJ-40 to the G-500 has been an uncomfortable switch for him. I am trying modify the auto for serious off-road ability and protection.
To my questions. I noticed that the transfer case does not have a skid plate. Is this normal and if not, where can one be purchased? RIMS--any opinions on rims size and type (AL vs. steel) that provides maximum ground clearance and durability? I am trying to find links to the rims the Swiss military uses. And lastly, has anyone installed a K&N air filter? I am trying to find ways to bump up the HP and gas milage. Thanks for any replies.
kevin
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To my questions. I noticed that the transfer case does not have a skid plate. Is this normal and if not, where can one be purchased? RIMS--any opinions on rims size and type (AL vs. steel) that provides maximum ground clearance and durability? I am trying to find links to the rims the Swiss military uses. And lastly, has anyone installed a K&N air filter? I am trying to find ways to bump up the HP and gas milage. Thanks for any replies.
kevin
Not sure what you mean by "armor" the G500. Bullet proof?
No skid plate is standard. One can be purchased from:
TH in Europe has one. I'm sure he'd be happy to tell you his experience with it.
The standard off road and winter rim in the Rest of the World (except US and North America) is the 7.5 x 16 MB alloy wheel. They are also used on the armored G's. The recent photo on the forum of the armored police G in Egypt has them.
I would not put K&N filters on any G, especially the newer ones with the MAF sensor in the intake. The oil will foul the MAF and the extra air flow means added dirt into the engine. Not worth it.
There is a chip tuner in Germany who is promising extra HP and torque. See:
I have to wonder what makes you think it NEEDS to be armored? I off-road my G's on some pretty rocky trails about four days a week all summer. My G320 has NO additional protection, and ask anybody, I am not shy about how the truck is used. In five years of off-roading G-wagens I have never found the need to put a plate under the t-case. They placed it up in the frame for a reason, so the frame hits first. If you go and stick a big bumper on the front, all you have done is lessen your appraoch angle and hurt its capabilities.
If you are serious about making it more capable, you need to find a good fabrication shop. They must be all over Texas as I see more modded Jeeps from Texas in my mountains than from anyplace else[:)] Fab a front bumper with winch mount that sits higher than the stocker, trim up the bottom of the fender flares, that will fix the front end. Have a set of rock sliders made for where the running boards used to be. On a LWB G this is the first place you generally hit. Then fab up a rear bumper from steel, the stock one is fiberglass. That is all you really need for protection, and actually I don't think you even need that much. Purchase a set of 1.5" lift springs from Chuck at Gelaendekraft and fit 285/65-18 BFG AT's to the stock wheels. In fact that is the only mod you really need to make the G scary capable off-road. For more money, the 16" MB alloys are better yet, they give you tons of tire choices and taller sidewalls.
Has he even tried the G off-road yet? Chances are pretty good it is already more capable and reliable than the Land Cruiser, in stock form.
i would just go to a local seet shop and have them cut a pice of flat steel, then bolt it to the frame. ( i have not looked at the T case or frame to see if there is a place to bolt it on)
as for the wheels i want some 16" for my self, no money to buy them, i did pick up a set of spacers from MB for $19.50 should rase the front 1"
The sheet of steel would work but you would not get enough air circulation to help with the cooling. You will have to have cooling holes drilled into it.
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