What does SSM stand for?
Second Stage Manufacturer. It allows Australian companies that re-engineer production vehicles to have their modifications acknowledged and made legal in every state and territory with federal approval and a new compliance number. The modifications have to be made prior to the first registration of a vehicle. There are modifications that can be made after first registration, but these modifications are state approved and registered in that state. The post rego modifications are legal in every state but if the vehicle is sold into another state the modifications have to be reapproved by that states DOT prior to the new registration. There are modifications post first registration from one state that will not be approved by another state limiting where a modified vehicle can be registered if sold interstate. Australia has some very strict vehicle modification laws that fall under vehicle standards. All the VSBs are available on the interweb.
They're not disclosing how they have done the front prop shaft until the car passes its SSM testing for federal approval. Like TUV approval. I am going to take a guess that they may have done some re-engineering of the front axle. JMACX is well known for custom axle housings and modifications in Australia
I thunk that would exceed the 79 by a long way.
I think it will be difficult to change some 79 users minds towards Quartermaster for some time. The LC79 platform is just too easy to work with. The availability of workshop manuals, parts, knowledge and ease of field repairs to keep them on the road is the LC79s biggest selling point. LC79 is like a proper Defender, 110, 90 or Series Land Rover, you buy them not because of their comfort or reliability it is simply because they're easy vehicles to deal with.
Yes I've no doubt rusted on Toyota people will be harder to shift than a limpet.
They posted these comments on Facebook group
It might just be the angle of the photo but it sort of looks like the front axle has been rotated forward a bit (pinion up). The large tie-rod and steering damper appear tilted down a little lower and pitched forward if the angle of the steering damper bolt is anything to go by?
79 boys be wetting their pants
There will be a few Ineos boys staining there pants too.
Not my thing, but if it gives the 79 crew some envy I'm happy
I'm guessing it's some rare Australian mating ritual, but we'll need a sociologist or anthropologist to tell us for certain.
The Australian army SAS love their Landrover and Mercedes patrol vehicles in 6 x 6 and the Toyotas are used here for motor homes as well.
driven wheels on the ground an load distribution/total.
The main advantages are lower centre of gravity higher payload and size. Depending on which company builds them the suspension in the rear is smoother then the likes of an Isuzu NPS and Fuso 4x4 cost less to build and maintain then the RHD converted US F350 trucks and under Australian licensing the 6x6 can carry over 1500kg whereas the US sized 2500 3500 trucks are that heavy on light vehicle registration (max 4500kg GVWR) and a car licence they can barely carry 800kg. If the 6x6 LC like the US trucks are registered as a light truck, there are more restrictions and costs from the DOT, and it can be costly and more difficult for a non-ABN/private owner to get insurance. There are multiple 6x6 and 6x4 conversion companies in Australia and its popular for people heavy towing and still want some load capacity on their utes.
