Not sure where to post this but I thought it might be helpfull to some.
Milage - 12/31/2024 - 8015
Grenadier Mods/additions
- GP Winch 12K
- Fox Steering stabilizer
- Light in engine bay – powered by EXT power switch, overhead
- Bracket mount for Garmin & Phone with adapters
- Mole panel in overhead
- Storage bags under driver/passenger seats
- Ctek Ds-250 Solar charging
- KC Side lights (2) Driver and passenger sides – powered by EXT power switch, overhead
- Rear storage drawers – my design, custom
- Dometic Refrigerator with slide
- Engine skid plate - Rival Gen 1, had to cut for differential clearance.
- Transfer case skid plate - Rival
- Aluminum oil filter housing- reusable oil filter, MMR
- Magnetic oil plug
- K&N Air filter
- Onboard 120v battery charger, 2A – for top off
- evcX Throttle Controller, Unltimate9
- 2.5-gallon spare tire fuel cell
- Blacked out rear windows with 3m wrap, gloss black
Maintenance as of 12/31/2024
Oil change at 3K -Amsoil 0W-20 European Motor Oil 100% Synthetic
Differential oil, front & rear, change at 7K- Amsoil SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube
Air Cleaner change out
Tires rotated 7K, wearing well
Problems noticed from new until now:
Interior HVAC fan noise while on high setting – has seem to have gone away at this point
An occasional Camera waring, usually clears soon after coming on
Over speed reminder…. waiting on software update
Service light – showing overdue needs to be cleared
Steering return – greatly improved with Fox SS
Steering radius- terrible, drivable but need to see if there is a solution
Door handles stick from time to time
Door seals occasionally hold water
I have a cracked windscreen, center low – 5-inch crack, non-reparable.
Several hoses in the engine bay are loose or floppy, not secured properly. Some rubbing surfaces which could cause damage to the hose over time, my solutions have been, tie downs, and to protect with additional coverings. The few that are of particular concern, the front lower radiator hoses, several of the smaller cooling hoses below radiator and one hose that rubs the steering shaft. Also, one that rubs an engine component on the front of the engine.
One of the transfer case shifter cables / Emergency brake cables that runs over the top of the front drive shaft had fallen on to the drive shaft coupling after an outing on a local offroad section listed as easy on the trail guides. Closer inspection revealed that it was held up with plastic zip tie, tied to a cooling fitting attached to the lower engine, toward the rear, on the driver’s side (USA). My solution was to purchase a metal clip to attach it to the heatshield material above the driveshaft. Not ideal, initially I was concerned about friction on the housing but have noticed no damage to the cable housing to date and it cured the issue.
When first purchased an inspection of the engine compartment revealed a partially installed radiator bolt. To date no other bolts have been found to be partially installed or loose.
The TPS system gives some false readings from time to time.
The small plastic plugs on the front cowl popped out while off-road, I replaced them with bicycle handlebar end plugs.
Overall, I have been very satisfied with my Grenadier, it is a unique vehicle for sure, not for everyone. I knew as an early adopter I would have to deal with potential problems and issues and to date the list has been small. It’s been easy to work on and being a bit of a gearhead, it has defiantly fit the need to make, what I feel, are improvements and customizations to fit my personal needs and goals easy.
Off road it does not disappoint, while I’ve not fully tested the truck to its perceived full potential, I have experienced the feeling of being able to tackle most challenges within reason, no problems. Having that confidence makes being off road that much more enjoyable.
If you are considering purchasing one, the things I would add are the Fox steering stabilizer and the GP winch kit. After meeting another grenadier owner, talking about the steering issue, and hearing their take on the Fox stabilizer I decided to move forward with the change out and I can say it does make a significant improvement in the steering.
The GP winch addition was another good purchase, I wanted the confidence that should I be out on a trail somewhere, alone, I could free myself if I ever found myself in a “I’m stuck” situation. The installation is a bit involved, maybe not for all, but doable in 4 or 5 hours. Being a 12K winch and adding additional line length compared to the factory option it was an easy choice. I had the truck outfitted with the high output electrical panel so the electrical was as simple as connecting to the factory provided solenoid switch which is operated in the overhead switch bay.
Updates to come......Cheers
www.jaycar.com.au
