USJ 4X4

We tried to get to jeram janggut waterfall but decided to turn around, the reason for this is its durian season and the people of kampung langkap depend on the harvest to earn a living , the roads were massively damaged when we got there.So if it possible try not to enter jeram janggut for the 11 & 12 month until after the durian/ rainy season. link to full video in comments

TA28 Celica. She's more than a car,she's a black mirror on wheels that reflects our obsession with perfection. What about the paint job? A deep, glossy black that pops out. What about the fenders? Fabricated steel - no fibreglass replicas here. We're finishing her up for her last dyno session and adding the finishing touches, hoping the owner is as ecstatic as we are with her remarkable transformation. Once she's gone, it's time to really get our hands greasy with finishing up both the classic Mini and the 15-BT powered 40 series Landcruiser.

Full video will be uploaded soon on YouTube : https://youtube.com/?si=xtsevM1BUed_MmDm

Big shoutout to Ausoil Malaysia for flying in those DBA pads and rotors just in time before my long trip! Let's see if these can make a Ford Ranger with 40-inch tires stop on a dime, or at least before we reach the next time zone! 😂

Finally, the jeep yj is finished. We built it with a 3.1 stroker kit, custom exhaust and bar work, plus 5 link front and rear utalising jk bp51 ome supension, front rear lockers and yukon gears, s**t the list so lengthy best to just enjoy the video. The most important thing I took up from this project was to always talk to the owner directly and never work on a project where a middle party was involved.

Today, I'd want to convey my heartfelt appreciation to our long-time friends at FWD Equipment. Three years ago, they gave me the privilege of installing one of the first ARB LINX systems into my very own chariot of fire, my Ford Ranger PX1, and the results have been nothing short of revolutionary.

For those who are unfamiliar, the ARB LINX system is a command centre for your car, controlling everything from auxiliary lighting and rear airbags to the air compressor, lockers, and even the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), to name a few. The possibilities are endless, and it is constantly being updated. It's the vehicle management equivalent of a Swiss Army knife.

It is critical to acknowledge that even the most advanced technology has weaknesses. The ARB LINX monitor, which is simply an Android phone, was subjected to the Malaysian heat on a regular basis in our case. Surprisingly, it lasted three years before its battery failed, making it look more like a pufferfish than a power source.

This is where FWD Equipment comes into play. Joey from their team went above and beyond to locate a new device for me.

Finally, a strong partnership like this is more than just a business relationship; it is a shared commitment to excellence. I salute FWD Equipment.

Just another day at the USJ4X4 garage. We've just slapped a supercharged engine and a 6-speed autobox into the RRC chassis because, let's face it, ordinary is boring. This isn't your run of the mill "plug and play" deal. Oh, no ,that would be too simple, and as we all know, simplicity is for microwavable dinners and velcro shoes.

So, what sets this project apart? Well, for one, we're utilizing chromoly for the final drive gears and shafts. Add to that custom long shafts, FOX suspension, and the integration of 6-pot brakes from the Range Rover Sport into the Range Rover Classic. Let's not forget the MagnaFlow exhaust. And keep in mind, this is going to be a daily driver, not an off-road or overland vehicle.

In essence, this project isn't just about bolting new parts onto an old chassis. No, it's about achieving vehicular nirvana, where every component is in harmonious balance. Or, you know, it's about making a damn cool car. Either way, stick around. The best is yet to come.

Why Dry Ice? Why Not Anything Else?
For the uninitiated, dry ice blasting is a cleaning process that uses solid CO2 pellets (a.k.a. dry ice) accelerated through a blasting gun. It's like pressure washing but with a frigid, subliminal touch. Now you might be wondering, "Why dry ice? Can't you just pressure wash the darn thing?" Oh, we could but preserving the integrity of the original components is a big deal for us and let's not forget efficiency. Dry ice blasting cuts down the cleaning time significantly, allowing us to focus on what really matter,the rebuild. So, it's not just about being different; it's about being smart and efficient.

Time Is Money, Folks!
Dry ice blasting not only cleans the engine and the engine bay like they're brand new, but it also preps them for the next steps in the rebuild. That means fewer man-hours scraping off gunk, grime, and the sins of the previous owners.

The Leaky 1HDFTE
Now, back to our 100 Series with its 1HDFTE engine. The thing was leaking like a sieve. Apparently, someone had previously taken it apart and fitted it with parts that had about as much integrity as a politician in election season. Yeah, it was that bad.

Treat 'em Right
After our dry ice treatment, most of the engine parts will be sent off for zinc coating or treated with heat-resistant paint. This ensures that not only are we rebuilding this Land Cruiser to its former glory, but we're also making it better and less prone to the kind of nonsense that got it into trouble in the first place.

If you think 11 years with a Ford Ranger PX1 is enough to know every bolt and wire, think again! Just when you think you have got all the wear and tear sorted , your diesel tank decides to have a mid-life crisis and weep. No, literally, weep. Diesel. Not exactly the tears of joy you'd expect.

So, what did we do? Well I got convinced by the the good folks at FWD Shah Alam . Rather than going with a stock tank, why not opt for an upgrade: A long-range Frontier tank. Now boasts a whopping 140 liters, up from 80 liter(which is really not a problem for local driving), all while using the original fill points.

Riding on 40-inch tires with 17-inch beadlock rims from Dirty Life i still get a range of 770km with my stock tank have yet to see what I can get with this long range tank. I've got front and rear ARB lockers, RCV drive shafts, and airbags in the rear .

Did I mention the chassis is braced.It runs on a 3.2 manual box with upgraded gears. clutch from Xtreme clutches, PWR radiator and intercooler, and a fully decked out ARB Linx system that even monitors the fridge, controls the airbags, lockers and lights.

Powering this auxilary is a 250Ah lithium bank with a Redarc 50 Amp BCDC, Range Rover injectors, and water methanol assisted.High pressure oil pump. Why? Because we're extra, that's why.

On the roof, we’ve got an ARB base rack carrying a solar panel, because it makes me feel like I'm part eco-warrior now. Bolted to that, an ARB aluminum awning and a 270 awning from Rhino Rack. We've even swapped in rear disc conversions from Pedders, and we’re just twiddling our thumbs waiting for the front rotors and pads from DBA. Magnaflow 3 inch exhaust and the list just keeps going

Look, I adore my V12 cruiser, but this Ranger is my first love. Baby girl keeps growing, and who knows what's next?

Stay tuned, because the upgrades never stop.

Elby's Luxxy, previously fitted with ARB UVP, OME suspension, E-board electric side steps, and 33-inch tires, is now sporting DBA brakes. Elby took the leap got DBA fitted even before yours truly, me, had a chance to outfit my own ride.

If you haven't heard of DBA, crawl out from under that rock you've been living under. It's a beast of a product that doesn't need any vouching for. Top-notch, high-quality.But, and it’s a big BUT, remember a good product is only as good as the hands that install it. A crap installation will leave you with, let's not mince words, a f*cked-up experience.

Items installed: T3 slotted rotors and street performace pads

We hauled the clubman and the 1HD-T 80 Series over to Power House Racing for a good ol' power run session. Yes, we did. Because, you know, if you're not measuring, you're just playing.

The Clubman Chronicles:

We were intrigued to gauge the raw oomph of the Clubman 1275 Twin SU Mini, a masterpiece we crafted for a good friend some time ago. Why bother, you ask? Well, if you've been following our builds, you'd know we're in the midst of concocting a supercharged orange classic Mini. Our ambitions tower over the Clubman's adorable 50 wheel horsepower. Cute, but we're going for monstrous.

The 1HD-T 80 Series Odyssey:

Switching gears to our 80 Series LandCruiser. Ah yes, she’s a dignified beast. Still rocking the all-time 4WD transfer case, outfitted with 35-inch tires and a 4.56 final drive ratio. Oh, let's not forget the A442f gearbox. Fresh out of an exhaustive restoration process, she's looking good. We've calibrated the turbo to the 0.8 bar factory wastegate pressure and fitted her with a 3-inch exhaust that serves its purpose without offending the eardrums. Fuel? We're keeping it lean for the owner's test phase. Once he logs a few more adventures, we'll dial it up. Rest assured, she delivered horsepower and torque right where it was meant to be, without even breaking a sweat.

What's the Deal with the Numbers Game?

Sure, anyone can spout off about progress. But here at USJ4x4, we prefer showing to telling. These initial stats aren't just numbers; they're our engineering gospel, the gold standard for all future vehicular endeavors.

A customers 1HDFTE engine that’s mastered the art of the oil leak. It's practically swimming in the stuff outside, that is. But we're about to give it a new lease on life.

For our classic mini enthusiasts, the meter cluster is getting a makeover. Picture this ,the charm of a Mark 1 but tailored for an owner whose intellect is off the charts. Yeah I think it's going to be cool.

Celica TA28 project is coming to fruition. Dashboard? Check. AC system? Check. All that's left is fine-tuning digital inputs and analog outputs, and then it's off to the dyno for the moment of truth.

As for the Jeep Yj, its interior is in the final stage no, really, we mean it this time. It’s like putting the last piece in a jigsaw puzzle you've been working on forever. A sigh of relief is in order.

Next up on the list is to dry ice blasting the 100 Series engine. Put back most of the interior for a 80 series we restoring

Oh, and let’s not forget our Range Rover Classic time to weld up the custom mounts and then split the cabin from the chassis to actually begin the restoration.

You could call it an "Asian squat," or you could call it "embracing the ergonomics of the earth." But either way the boys are still building landcruisers , jeeps and sometimes landrovers.

Today, we're shifting gears to celebrate the birthday of none other than Leong , the backbone of USJ4X4, the yin to my yang, and the only guy I trust to tinker with Landcruisers when I'm not looking. I couldn't ask for a better co-pilot in this wild ride we call USJ4X4.

Cheers to another year of muddy adventures and bringing landcruisers to life. Leong, may your day be as awesome as the first time you nailed a perfect restoration. Happy birthday, mate!

First off, the Landcruiser 80 series is up and running. The 1HDFT engine paired with the A442F gearbox? A match made in mechanical heaven, if you ask me. It's more than just numbers and letters; it's a milestone. Sure, there's plenty left on the to-do list, but hearing that engine purr for the first time? Priceless. And we did it leak-free. Also skip towards the end if you want to hear it startup. also worth mentioning its outfitted with some of the best lights from PIAA with more to come.

Now, about that Hilux. It came in ahead of schedule, but hey, when opportunity knocks, you answer. We're fitting it with a dual battery setup, a water pump, inverter, and a CTEK BCDC charger. It had other electrically issues that could not wait till 2024

Then there's the classic Mini. Gauges? Check. Next up, we're sorting the AC system.Oh, and let's not forget about the Celica TA28. It's almost ready to be reunited with its owner.As for Daffy, the Hilux Surf? We're sprucing it up with a new coat of paint before its listed for sale.

There you have it, a stripped-down but heartfelt look at what's been cooking at USJ4X4. It's not just another day at the garage; it's another day of doing what we love.

Just because you can unleash hell doesn't mean you should. We wheel at our own time.

Now, don't get me wrong. These vehicles are made to tackle most terrain.But there's a fine line between conquering the wild and just being wild. Keep that in mind guys for those who keep asking why we don't drive fast.

So, go ahead. Take your time. There's no rush when you're in a machine that time respects. Slow and steady, but make it exhilarating. That's how we roll at USJ 4X4.

Are you happy ? Mental health is invisible but it sure as hell makes a difference when its not at its best. Talking helps at times but for me sometimes detaching from the phone works.

I made an executive call to pack up the tents and take my team out wheeling/camping ,with Leong and Zaw Zaw of cause, plus Keong ,Retesh and Ye Jor. Why? Well, a burnt-out team is about as useful as a two-wheel-drive Land Cruiser.

we got plenty more to share of our trip stay tune guys.

Let's play.
Putting a 4.2 supercharged engine from a Range Rover Sport into the Range Rover Classic? Sounds like an opera of horsepower, and we're sure as hell going to make sure it's going to produce more than it was intended to from the factory.

This isn't just a project; it's a mechanical ballet of fabrication. But hey, she's already looking like she belongs in the engine bay of the RRC. I'm truly blessed to have a great team that always has my back, and the customers of usj4x4. Now, these aren't mere customers; they're more like mythical creatures of automotive lore, willing to traverse the uncharted territories of mechanical madness. They don't just want a ride; they want a statement, an anthem, a roaring piece of art that makes Da Vinci's Mona Lisa look like a doodle. (Okay, I may have gotten a little carried away, but you guys get the idea)...LOL. They are part of the USJ 4x4 family.

ps: we are well aware that its easier to work on the rr sport with cabin off , but don't care as nothing is going back in and just want a rolling shell.

The Range Rover Classic?yup, we're doing a Stage 5 build on it. 4.2 Supercharged 6-speed powertrain, live axles with chromoly bits, and all the good stuff. It's going to be something special, and we can't wait to show it off.

We've dry ice blasted the build for all the logical reasons: clean platform, a better look at the metal, and to do the job right from the start. Simple, effective, and no-nonsense.This approach is an investment in quality, and it reflects our motto at USJ4X4: .

Oh, and don't forget the dual battery setup Hilux build. It's in the works, and it's shaping up to be one fine piece of machinery. Stay tuned!

The Masterace van? It's almost back on all four wheels. Enough said.

And we got something interesting that is not often done in Malaysia, we've got a Jeep TJ that's getting the full treatment—4.0 to 4.6, ratio change, gearbox build, and all that jazz. Stay tuned for updates on the other builds

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but who knew Leong would take it THIS far? LOL . My landcruiser 60 series running the V12 engine from the Toyota Century, and Leong's crafty Daihatsu Rocky on portal axles, sporting the 3SGTE engine from a cute Altezza. Now both rigs are the same colour!!! Can you guess which one is the cooler twin?

Bet some of you are scratching your heads, wondering and sometimes sending me personal messages, 'Why don't they post every day at USJ 4x4?' Well, let me tell you, it ain't because we're sitting around twiddling our thumbs. LOL. You see, we never rush anything around here mainly because when we do, more often than not, we end up having to redo it as the chances of f* are higher. These projects take time, love, and a whole lot of creativity.

Sometimes, I have to wait weeks to capture something worthy of being shared in pictures or videos, but trust me, it's worth the wait. Take this classic Mini we're tinkering with. Keong contorts himself, wiggling under the dash, as we build the engine and body harness from the ground up – no big deal, right? And Zaw Zaw? He's busy crafting a custom dash for a Jeep YJ. Sure, a marine-grade player might have been the way to go, but we're going with an Android player that the owner got billed for elsewhere. You just sometimes have to roll with the punches.

By the way, whoever says old vehicles don't have wiring is SO wrong! I mean, come on, the wiring is sometimes the trickiest part, especially in a restomod when you want to incorporate modern-day features into a classic vehicle. So, keep hanging with us. We might not provide your daily dose of updates, but we hope to keep bringing you the good stuff filled with passion, craftsmanship, and the good ol' USJ 4x4 charm (at least I like to think that). "

We are breathing new life into the ' Partially Restored 60 Series', embracing the thrill of chasing sunsets and indulging in the 4x4 lifestyle. It's nearing readiness for its final test drive before it resumes ruling the roads under the watchful eye of its eager and hopefully proud owner. Equiped with a dual-battery system that can run quite a bit in the rear and an upgraded AC system to match the travels.

Simultaneously, the Jeep YJ is undergoing a substantial transformation. A custom alloy dashboard is in transit, designed to perfectly accommodate those exquisite AutoMeter gauges an undeniable touch of sophistication.

Moreover, let's not overlook the '80 Series'. It's gradually reclaiming its former glory, with every switch being diligently repaired or replaced, cluster completely refurbished ,full hi-res pioneer sound system going in and the interior being carefully reassembled. While we entrust full vehicle interior work to DK Leather, the assembly still requires our precise attention to ensure it meets our customers standards.

But the progress doesn't halt there! The dashboard and engine-side wiring of the Classic Mini are steadily advancing.

Equally notable is Leong's Rocky, slated to receive a vibrant new paint job to match the audacious spirit of my V12 Landcruiser.

This journey transcends the realm of simple restoration. We're thrilled to embark on this adventure with you, as it celebrates the art of reviving legends and penning fresh chapters in their enduring narratives.

You may be wondering, "What else could possibly be done to this beautifully restored Range Rover Classic?" Indeed, it is a sight to behold, but its owner had more ambitious plans. He desired the elegance of the Classic look but sought a complete transformation for the powertrain.

The original 3.5 V8 manual was a commendable engine, and many would suggest upgrading it to a simpler 3.9 injection. But we at USJ 4x4 relish a challenge and shrug off the notion of simplicity. Hence, we're swapping in a supercharged 4.2 V8, combined with the sleek 6-speed automatic transmission, all meshed seamlessly with the original Range Rover Classic transfer case.

That's not all we're also slapping on Yukon gear and chromoly shafts. We're utilizing the Brembo brakes from the Range Rover Sport for added stopping power on our RR Classic model. But even with these enhancements, we're staying true to the original's stature by maintaining the stock height, supported by Fox suspension all around.

Of course, a makeover isn't complete without addressing the aesthetics. The interior and exterior will also undergo a tasteful revamp, honoring the Classic's heritage while infusing it with a contemporary appeal.

And for our grand finale, we're giving the 4.2 engine a comprehensive rebuild, with the supercharger getting a slight tweak. Our end goal? A humble yet impressive 400hp on the wheel. Buckle up for this wild ride as we're pushing the envelope of what's possible in a Range Rover Classic restoration-modification, or as we like to call it, a 'resto-mod.'

But the excitement doesn't end here. Make sure to stay tuned for more updates. We've been meticulously crafting the interior of an 80 Series, a project that's taken longer than expected but promises to be worth the wait. Additionally, we're progressing with the Classic Mini's engine wiring harness, a task that's equally thrilling and challenging. And let's not forget the MasterAce van. After successfully installing the diesel engine, we're almost done with the front suspension. The van will be off the hoist before you know it, so don't miss out on the action!

Everyone has their own perspective on what constitutes a "fully restored" vehicle. Today, we're excited to unveil our "partially restored" 60 series Landcruiser. In our eyes, it stands as a symbol of genuine and authentic restoration. This is only a stage 2 restoration, which means we kept the original power plant, the iconic and fully rebuilt 2H engine. We paired it with a 5-speed manual transmission and carried out a complete rewiring of the engine bay harness. We decided not to delve into bodywork or painting, as the owner received the vehicle in a pretty decent condition.

One aspect we particularly loved working on was getting the 'ice maker' and rear AC system up and running - a fun and quirky feature of this Australian spec vehicle. The result? We're really pleased with how it turned out! We've just a few minor things left to perfect - tidying up the AC lines and adding a bit of polish here and there.

The owner made a practical decision not to invest in a custom exhaust system at this stage. Instead, they directed the funds towards the installation of a dual battery system, featuring a massive 200ah lithium bank and a 2000w inverter.

A massive thank you to our partners at Wurth Malaysia, Penrite Malaysia, and CTEK Malaysia for consistently supporting our builds with the right materials and top-notch products.

Stay tuned as we add those final touches to this classic beauty. The journey isn't over just yet!

Here's a little piece of our day on the trail. The obstacle might not look too tough, and that's thanks to our relatively well-prepared vehicles. We're just out here enjoying the journey.

This bespoke gauges took a while to be built,but when you're building a supercharged classic Mini, only the best would do. And, believe me, it was well worth the wait. What about those gauges? Pure blaze. The owner's late mother's name "Helen" was even engraved into the speedo cluster. Now with all the sensors in hand we can get the engine harness sorted and then off to the dyno

We build them and use them. Was an amazing trip out to test Leongs Rocky and a good mates V8 converted 80 series. stay tuned for more videos where we just wheel to the natural sound of mother nature with a V12 , V8 , 3sgte and TD42t powered vehicles.

As most people are aware, Leong's Rocky is a play vehicle with portals. This does not preclude it from having a pleasant interior, though. Every element, including the interior panels and carpets, was specially made with a distinctive touch.
We fitted the ARB 60 litre refrigerator slide. It's not simply a useful improvement; it's also a part of our effort to make Rocky as cosy as it is tough. And driving everything? a CTEK twin battery system that has been operating dependably with our deep cycle battery for seven years.
You know, there's a nostalgic quality to that battery. It has been on the road for almost seven years and is still giving us everything. In addition, the 40 series dual battery solution is mounted and ready for its wiring.