Ironman 4x4 can – literally – transform your 4x4. Proof is in IRNLUX, P&B Group General Manager John Boswell’s daily driver.
P&B Group is a diversified provider of a complete range of auto electrical and mechanical services based in Hamilton.
As you can read in the story on the company’s move into the 4x4 sector in the News section of this month’s mag, the Group acquired the Ironman 4x4 agency late last year and opened the doors to country’s latest Ironman 4x4 ‘Destination Store’ (at 289 Kahikatea St., Frankton) in April.
Though it was P&B Group partner Alistair Collins, whose interest in off-roading and subsequent build of a Lexus V8-powered Toyota Surf which first alerted company General Manager John Boswell to the scene and business potential thereof, once the deal with Ironman 4x4’s master NZ Distributor, Terraquip, was done John felt that, when the time came to put together a promo vehicle for the new business, a ‘daily driver’ based on one of New Zealand’s most popular turbo-diesel, double-cab utes made more sense.
“Everyone seems to be driving them these days, and there is so much gear available for them,” he said. “Plus, I need a vehicle for work and family use during the week and for towing a fully-laden kart trailer around the country most weekends, so a 4x4 ute ticked all the boxes if you like.”
Not that – now it has been kitted out Ironman 4x4–style – it is just any 4x4 ute though.
Starting off with a brand-new black Toyota Hilux SR5, John kicked the project of with an Ironman 4x4 front bar and winch, side steps and rear bar (with tow bar) then added a canopy, snorkel, light bar, rated recovery points front and rear, front bash plate, dual battery system, roof rack and rooftop tent, and set of rear tray drawers.
A that point the extra weight of the various accessories was added up and a suspension package – based around a set of Ironman 4x4s’ foam cell shock absorbers and constant load springs – was put together to suit.
Because it is daily driven John elected not to run a set of aggressive small diameter wheels and mud tyres, instead choosing a 20-inch Fuel alloy wheel and set of 275/55x20 Nitto Terra Grappler A/Ts which he reckons is a better idea considering the mix of road to off-road work he does in the ute.
As well as a handy two-inch lift the combination of Ironman 4x4 springs and foam cell shock absorbers delivers a very real improvement in ride quality – both in daily use on the road and weekend use off it.
Not surprisingly, John is very happy with IRNLUX and the good news for the rest of us is that there is absolutely nothing ‘bespoke’ about the build. Everything on it is available for sale from Ironman 4x4 Waikato and you can do as much or as little as you like to upgrade your own 4x4 ute, station wagon or SUV along similar lines as time and budget allows.
To see for yourself check out the Ironman 4x4 Waikato site on Facebook and give them a like. Better still call shop manager Aiden Barr a call on 0-7-847 5241 or visit the shop at 289 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton, and see for yourself what Ironman 4x4 has to offer.
