Five questions with Allan
Always take a radio, puncture kit, wire and bolts
ALLAN Gray, an Australian offroad legend talks about his history working with 4WDs Tell us about your history working with 4WDs?
I grew up in Preston in Melbourne, and started an apprenticeship as a blacksmith. I then did an apprenticeship as a mechanic and worked for Thiess on the first ever Land Cruiser brought into Australia for the Snowy Hydro scheme.
After that I owned my own workshop before coming to Terrain Tamer where I've been head engineer ever since. What was the first 4WD you ever owned, and what has been your favourite 4WD?
The first was a Toyota FJ40 that I purchased back in 1972, and I raced it in the Unmodified 4WD Class at the Australian army compound at Puckapunyal.
We restored an FJ45V with Terrain Tamer and filmed it all. It outperforms every other 4WD when we take it on convoy trips — the parts are just that strong. It's probably been my favourite! What should owners be aware of, or do, to keep a diesel motor in good condition?
Firstly, we need to stop filling them with petrol (seems obvious but it still happens!). Extra fuel filters are a must, and always fit a catch can to prevent carbon build up in intake systems.
Avoid slow running and short trips if possible. What's the worst breakage you've ever seen on the tracks?
Timing gear failure! The earlier 'F' model engines had fibre gears and I always carried an alloy gear with me just in case. I've had to change a stripped gear out in the bush at night, with a puller made from bits and pieces – that took about three hours! What are the must-have spares every driver should carry?
Always take a radio, puncture kit, wire and bolts. For longer trips, spare filters, belts, hoses and gears always come in handy!