Where the hell do I start?!
First off, let me say this—you don’t need all the answers to jump into the 4WD world. Nobody starts out as a pro, and if someone tells you otherwise, they’re either bluffing harder than a bogged mate saying they “meant to go that way” or they’ve conveniently forgotten their own rookie days.
Take me, for example. Picture this: bright-eyed, 17 years old, freshly minted P-plates, and dreams bigger than a lifted GQ on 37s. I was obsessed with the biggest, toughest rigs out there. The problem? I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. I couldn’t even point out the diff—and if you’re not sure what that is either, don’t stress. It’s literally staring at you from underneath the car!
The Dirty Datsun Diaries
Fast forward to 18, and there I was, diving headfirst into the unknown with a dirty old GU Patrol I fondly nicknamed “Dirty Datsun.” Did I have mechanical knowledge? Not a shred. Was I terrified? Absolutely. But taking that leap turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
Today, I know that car inside and out—like, literally. I service it myself, tackle wheel bearings, and not only can I point out the diff now, but I can also pull it apart and rebuild it. Fancy, right? But don’t get the wrong idea—this wasn’t an overnight transformation. It’s been a seven-year journey, and honestly, it took me two solid years before I even had the guts to pick up a spanner and go solo on a job.
If you’re in the same boat, feeling like a fish out of water, here are the things that helped me go from clueless to confident:
1. Find Your People
The 4WD world can feel like a big, intimidating club, but trust me, it’s full of legends. Surrounding myself with like-minded mates and jumping into online communities was a game-changer. Whenever I had a question (even the dumb ones—especially the dumb ones), I had people to lean on.
These connections turned into a support network that helped me through everything from fixing the Patrol to tackling my first real off-road track. And hey, if you don’t know anyone yet, there are plenty of groups out there that welcome rookies with open arms.
2. Just Drive the Damn Thing
The best way to learn your 4WD? Use it. Even when I didn’t have a clue, I just drove—on dirt roads, beaches, and eventually some tougher tracks. Every trip taught me something new about the car: how it handled, what it could do, and what it couldn’t.
Yes, you’ll make mistakes. Yes, you’ll probably get bogged (we all do—wear it like a badge of honor). But with every challenge, you’ll gain more confidence and start to understand not just the vehicle but yourself as a driver.
3. Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb
This one’s huge. There were so many times I felt like I didn’t belong in the 4WD scene. People threw around technical terms I didn’t understand or side-eyed me for not having the “right” setup. It’s easy to feel like you’re out of your league.
But here’s the truth: none of that matters. What matters is your passion. I had to put on metaphorical blinders and focus on the reason I loved 4WDing in the first place—the freedom, the fun, and the adventure. Once I let go of the fear of judgment, I started enjoying the process of learning, mistakes and all.
4. Your 4WD Isn’t Just a Car—it’s a Classroom
Your first 4WD doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, it shouldn’t be perfect. Trust me, the scratches and dents will teach you more than any manual ever could. That old GU Patrol became my greatest teacher—it taught me how to fix things, how to adapt, and, most importantly, how to laugh at myself when things went sideways (literally).
Every modification, every breakdown, every bogging—it’s all part of the journey. And the best part? Those stories you collect along the way are worth more than any shiny new mod you could slap on your rig.
At the end of the day, 4WDing isn’t about having all the answers or the flashiest setup. It’s about getting out there, having a go, and letting your love for adventure lead the way. So, if you’re standing at the starting line feeling unsure—just jump in. You’ve got this. And remember: no one cares if you can’t point out the diff. You’ll learn. We all did.
Use Your Vehicle—and Know Your Skills
Using your vehicle isn’t just about getting to know its quirks and capabilities—it’s also about knowing your skills behind the wheel. Here’s a harsh truth: when you’re starting out, the thing holding you back most of the time isn’t going to be your vehicle—it’s going to be you.
The off-road environment demands work from you as a driver, not just your car. When I first started 4WDing, I had no clue how to pick a line or even what people meant when they said, “Follow the water in the ruts.” (For the record, this is a fantastic method explained beautifully by Mad Matt 4WD—if you’re looking for driving tips, he’s someone I’d recommend following!)
What I’m getting at is this: no matter the vehicle, if it’s well-maintained, it’ll probably take you wherever you want to go—as long as you’re capable of pointing it in the right direction.
Yes, modifications can help in specific situations, like adding clearance or traction in certain terrains, but in my opinion, if you’re not building a comp truck and you’re just tackling the average tracks around Australia, your skill set as a driver is what will make the biggest difference. And the only way to build that skill set is time in the driver’s seat.
Here’s another thing to think about: modifications often have more to do with comfort and convenience than the vehicle’s ability to get through the journey. A stock 4WD in capable hands will go much farther than a heavily modified rig in the hands of someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
So, get out there, practice on a variety of tracks, and challenge yourself to learn how to read the terrain and work with your car. That’s where the magic happens.
Choosing Your First 4WD: Stock or Modified?
When it comes to choosing your 4WD, I’m not here to tell you what to buy. This isn’t “4WD MasterChef” where I critique your ingredients. It’s all about your personal preference, goals, and—most importantly—your budget. You can’t exactly throw in a GQ, GU, or 300 Series Land Cruiser into your online cart like it’s a pack of Tim Tams (though wouldn’t that be nice?).
One of the most common questions is: Should you buy a stock vehicle or something already modified? Let me tell you what I did—and how it worked out for me. Let’s break it down before you end up staring at Gumtree listings with a glazed look in your eye.
I bought modified. Why? Because I wanted to hit the tracks yesterday. I spent $25k on a TD42 GU Patrol with a bit of fruit—not so much that it looked like a Christmas tree, but just enough to get things rolling. It had 35-inch tires, steel rims, basic suspension upgrades, bar work, and an upgraded turbo. In short, it was a solid starter kit.
Here’s the best part: I didn’t have to wait months for the perfect build. By the time I drove the car home, I’d already been through a mud pit or two and aired down the tires. No assembly required.
Why Modified Worked for Me
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Ready to Roll
The biggest question I asked myself was: Do I want to get out on the tracks now or wait while I piece a car together? Spoiler alert: I’m not a patient person. Having something prepped meant I could spend my weekends out learning what the car (and I) could do, rather than staring at bank statements and waiting for parts deliveries. -
It’s About the Driver, Not the Rig
Let’s face it, when you’re starting out, you are the biggest limitation—not the vehicle. Having a turn-key 4WD meant I could focus on building my skills instead of sweating over whether I needed a twin-locker setup or a 4-inch lift right out the gate. Spoiler: I didn’t. -
Learning by Doing
The modified Patrol let me figure out what I liked and what I didn’t on the go. It’s easy to fall into the trap of throwing money at mods because someone on Instagram said you “absolutely need” them. But by driving the car as it came, I could figure out what actually worked for me. -
Budget-Friendly Decisions
Starting with something functional saved me from blowing my budget on mods I didn’t need or wouldn’t even use. For example, I didn’t go crazy adding a 12V coffee machine (though it’s tempting) because I realized early on I’m more of a Thermos person when camping.
What You Should Consider
Buying a modified rig isn’t without its risks. You’ve got to do your homework—inspect the car thoroughly and ask about who did the mods. A great deal can turn into a horror story if you end up with wiring that looks like it was done by someone blindfolded after a few beers.
But, if you find something that ticks the boxes for your needs and you’re itching to hit the tracks sooner rather than later, a pre-modded rig can be an epic way to start.
If you’re more patient than me and enjoy the process of building your own dream 4WD, a stock vehicle might be the way to go. Just be ready to budget for the mods—and some spare time for when the inevitable delays roll in.
At the end of the day, the best rig for you is the one that gets you out there, learning, driving, and having a bloody good time. Whether you’re assembling your dream build from scratch or snagging something pre-loved and pre-modded, just make sure it suits your goals—not what the internet tells you is cool.
A Key Tip on Mods
Coming from someone who loves hard tracks, one of the best things I did for myself was drive my GU without diff locks for three years. This might sound crazy, but it forced me to learn how to read terrain and truly develop my skills as a driver.
Driving an unlocked car taught me more about finesse, picking lines, and understanding what my vehicle could do than any point-and-shoot, fully-built car ever could. Those years without diff locks made me a better driver—and when I eventually added them, they were a tool to enhance my abilities, not a crutch.
Take It Slow and Make It Yours
At the end of the day, there’s no race to have the most modified car or to have built it all yourself. Take your time. Think about what you want and what works within your timeframe and budget.
If buying stock and building it slowly feels right, do that. If getting something modified so you can hit the tracks straight away feels better, go for it. The most important thing is that you get out there. After all, this journey is about enjoying the adventure, not rushing to the destination.
Stock Vehicle
Think of a stock vehicle as a blank canvas—or maybe a block of marble, depending on how ambitious you are. Sure, you have full control over every little addition, but that also means you're footing the bill for every single modification. And trust me, the costs can snowball faster than you can say "ARB Deluxe Bullbar."
Pros? You know exactly what’s been done to the car because you’ve done it yourself (or watched your mate do it while holding a beer). Cons? Unless you’re patient—and let’s face it, none of us are—you’ll be staring at stock suspension and highway tyres, questioning your life choices, while your mates flex on the tracks.
Modified Vehicle
A pre-modified vehicle can feel like you’ve hit the jackpot—until you realize someone else has already rolled those dice. Sure, you might save time and money on the initial upgrades, but there’s always the chance you’ve bought yourself a shortcut-filled lemon. And let’s be real: when the bloke in the ad says “never taken off-road,” he means “it’s lived in mud holes and creek crossings since day one.”
Essential Mods to Get You Started
No matter how you start, there are a few non-negotiables to make your 4WD adventure-ready. Ignore these at your peril—or enjoy explaining to your partner why your new pride and joy is stranded on its first weekend away.
For Stock Vehicles
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Bushwrapz or Paint Protection Film (PPF):
If you’re rolling with a shiny new rig, slap on some paint protection ASAP. Trust me, the bush doesn’t care about your car’s resale value. A DIY kit for around $1,300 will save your paint—and your pride—when you hear that first branch scrape. -
Sliders (Side Steps):
Consider these the shin guards of the 4WD world. They save your sills from getting pancaked on rocks and double as steps for climbing into your rooftop tent (or for your dog to hop in when they’re too fancy to jump). -
UHF Radio:
A UHF is like a bush telegraph with a side of banter. Essential for staying connected, especially when someone needs to call out “Stop, you’re about to rip your rear bar off!” Also Nothing beats the satisfaction of hearing “I’m stuck” on channel 16 when it isn’t you for once. -
Bullbar and Lights:
Ever had a close encounter with a kangaroo at 100km/h? No? Good. Keep it that way. A bullbar is your first line of defense, and good lights ensure you can see the roo before it sees you. -
Basic Camping Gear:
A swag, a cheap esky, and a torch that doesn’t die after 30 minutes—that’s all you need to start. Bonus points for an awning to give you shade while you contemplate why you packed six beers and zero water. -
Lift Kit and Tyres:
When you’re ready to take on tougher tracks, a modest lift and quality all-terrain tyres will be your best mates. Don’t go overboard—nobody likes the guy who lifts their rig so high they can’t get in without a step ladder.
For Modified Vehicles
If you’re buying a pre-modified car, inspect it like a forensic scientist. Look for quality upgrades like a proper lift kit, tyres with some life left, and solid recovery points. Skip the ones with homemade snorkels or “custom wiring” (read: fire hazards waiting to happen).
Recovery Gear: A Must for Everyone
It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie or a seasoned track warrior—you WILL get stuck. The difference between a fun story and a nightmare is having the right recovery gear:
- Recovery Points: Absolutely essential. If your car doesn’t have these, you’re basically asking to wreck something important during a recovery.
- Snatch Straps and D-Shackles: Perfect for getting bogged in sand, mud, or your own poor decisions. Also, having them means you’ll be the hero rescuing others—who will owe you beers.
- Traction Boards: For when nobody else is around to save you—or when you’re too proud to ask.
- Winch: If you’re tackling serious tracks, don’t leave home without one. It’s the ultimate “get out of jail free” card.
And remember: needing a recovery isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a rite of passage. Wear your bogging stories like badges of honor.
Building Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve covered the essentials, it’s time to pimp your ride (functionally, not just for Instagram clout).
- Tray and Canopy: Great for organizing camping gear—or just hiding how messy your setup actually is.
- Additional Bar Work: Side rails and rear bars help protect your rig from trackside debris (and your own bad reversing skills).
- Camping Luxuries: A rooftop tent, 12V fridge, and solar setup can turn your trips from “barely surviving” to “glamping in style.” Just don’t forget to pack real food instead of living off instant noodles.
Caring for Your Rig Like a Pro
Owning a 4WD isn’t all fun and games—it’s also a lesson in high-maintenance relationships. Keep your rig happy, and it’ll take you to the ends of the earth (or at least the nearest campsite).
- Cleaning: Mud is fun until it hardens and wrecks your chassis. Wash thoroughly after trips, especially if you’ve been near saltwater.
- Rust Prevention: Your best friend for older vehicles—or any beach lover. Invest in coatings or sprays to keep corrosion at bay.
- Fluid Checks: Oil, diff, and transmission fluids are your lifelines. Change them regularly, especially after water crossings.
- Moving Parts: Wheel bearings, suspension, and seals take a beating off-road. Keep an eye on them unless you enjoy roadside surprises.
- Tyre Care: Rotate, balance, and check pressures like your life depends on it—because it does.
At the end of the day, 4WDing is about more than the mods—it’s about the memories, the mishaps, and the mates you make along the way. Whether you’re starting stock or buying someone else’s build, remember: the best vehicle is the one you’re out there using. So, get stuck (literally), learn, laugh, and make your own tracks.