Intro

Good morning

i have just joined the forum and in search of advice and guidance

Just bought a 1999 jimny

First jimny but not first off roader

Looking to convert it to off roader / farm ute

i have never had a jimny before but was inspired by KAP

Purpose is:

1. general work on the farm
2. Rabbiting
3. Ability to travel on other peoples land without cuttting the fields up too much
4. Crossing our river (about 2 ft deep max)
5. Deer stalking requiring ability to cope with muddy routes

I want to lift the car, perhaps fit air lockers as that provides good control an minimises wheel spin

Thinking of 235 75 15 BFG Muds on 2" or 3 " lift. (The tread is aggressive I know but the wider wheel might make the footprint a bit lighter and by lowering the pressures I hope to minimising cutting up fields).

Advice on tyre size, gearing, wheel clearance mods to arches and best kit to buy would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

John

PS - I guess you get asked this all the time ......

Hi and welcome. That sounds about right for what you are planning especially if you are somewhat obliged to travel in land rover or tractor wheelings.

I use my Jimny around the farm and for forestry work on some peaty marshland. I run the same tyres in a smaller size (215/75) with no lift. I'm usually towing a trailer and never have a problem getting around farmland or travelling on soft ground, so your spec will be more than capable enough. The more aggressive tread pattern minimises wheel slip which is the most likely cause of damage on sensitive ground so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Be aware that low range isn't particularly low so bigger tyres have a very noticeable affect on the gearing. I'd say 235/75r15 is on the limit for everyday offroad use. If you expect to be towing or have steep rocky terrain sorting the gearing out now will make driving easier and save you hassle with clutches. The clutches are strong enough but really don't like being slipped.

If I wanted to modify my Jimny any further then ARB lockers seem like the logical step. Pricey though, and I've managed for 4 years without them.

In calm water you will be fine wading 2ft deep without a snorkel but it pays to extend the axle, t-case and g-box breathers to avoid water contamination.

If you travel on heavily rutted tracks I'd say avoid the temptation to fit spacers and offset wheels. The narrow track of the Jimny compared to other farm vehicles means you can nearly always run a tyre along the middle, keeping you from grounding out. As soon as you widen the track you lose this ability then have to modify everything to get the clearance high enough to drive in the ruts.

Spot on Busta, Good sensible advice as normal.

Thanks for advice given so far -

I bought this car unseen from 'lady owner'

I have never done this before and have taken a punt based on pictures and history provided

Car doesn't turn up till Wed

I convinced myself that as I intend to strip it back and make a 'ute' out of it (like the KAP) any rust could be sorted and welding done at the time

Depending upon its condition I might not chop it but use it as is with back seats removed

With that in mind ....

What and where are the major rust areas to look for?

Boot floor, under rear seats, behind headlights, all body mounts, sills. Anything with 30cm of a body mount or seatbelt anchor is an MOT fail.