Off road

If you have two 4x4 dual-cab utes, in my case a Toyota Hilux SR5 and a Ford Ranger XLT. If you used the same shocks, for example Bilstein B6 off-road shocks, on both cars, will the ride experience be the same or will one suit a shock better and perform better? From reviews I’ve seen so far I’ve heard towing and overall ride experience of the Ford Ranger performs better than the Hilux. Just wondering if you have the same aftermarket shocks will that difference change? Will the Hilux towing and overall ride experience equal to the Ranger’s level of performance due to having the same shocks?

I'm planning to buy a 4WD ute for weekend camping trips and going to the beach. The Nissan Navara seems to be affordable compared to other utes. Is there a reason it's the cheapest 4WD ute in the market? Would you still recommend I go for a Navara, or would you suggest other utes?

 I'm looking to buy a 4x4 ute; I want something reliable and cheap on servicing. I will be doing roughly 20,000-25,000 km a year. Ideally I want 3500 kg towing capacity and a decent payload. I have been looking at 2017 and newer manual and HiLux, but I keep hearing bad things about this whole class of utes. Just want to know what my options are, what will be best value for money, and not leave me sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck? Happy to go new or demo.

I bought a 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak six months ago. It has a vibration on take off and when driving, especially around 80 km. I have taken it to independent mechanics, all of which agree there is a problem. I have taken it back to the Ford dealership a number of times, but they claim it’s a characteristic of the Wildtrak. Where do you suggest I go from here?

I am experiencing exhaust problems with my 2004 Nissan Patrol when accelerating from standing/after decelerating such as coming out of a bend in. Whenever I do it, it expels black smoke and I lose power. This problem seems to be worse when the engine is hot. Cold starts do not present these conditions. I suspect it may be associated with the turbo in that excessive fuel, which has not been mixed with enough air leads to a super-enriched mixture going into the cylinders and the engine/acceleration becomes very sluggish. Continued depression of the accelerator results in a slow increase in speed (with black smoke) but then picks up with normal acceleration and no black smoke. It seems to run normally when travelling at road speed with no visible signs of smoke and fuel economy is normal (as measured before start of problems). I have some 445,000 km on the clock albeit I had an engine rebuild at 185,000 km. Any guidance you can give associated with what could be the problem would be appreciated.

Why is an 1992 80 Series LandCruiser rated at 2500 kg for towing purposes, and after 1996 is rated at 3500 kg? I know there's a difference with the valves, but they're basically the same vehicle. Is it possible to increase the towing rating (legally) of a 1992 model 80 Series? This question has been puzzling me and I would really appreciate knowing the answer.