The Cars
For this project Arctic Trucks again selected the 4units Toyota Hilux with the new 3.0 liter common rail engine as a base to build on. This vehicle is, light, very reliable, has carrying capacity and the engine is highly fuel efficient meeting the latest EURO IV emission requirements. But for a 4x4 to be able to drive on various types of snow it needs very large tires with low air pressure to give it floatation and traction.
Arctic Trucks has 20 years of experience in modifying the vehicles for snow driving and is fitting these Hiluxes with 44 inch tires, rebuilding the suspension and making a stronger drive train. To make space for the tires the front suspension is moved 5 cm down and 4 cm forward. Another 5 cm lift is made on the front suspension and the rear suspension is moved 16 cm back and 10 cm lift. Additionally large parts of the body are rebuilt to make extra space for the tires and finally very large fender flairs are fitted. 100% differential locks are installed in both front and rear axle along with lower gear ratios. An extra crawler gear is fitted in all vehicles to be able to move very slowly but each vehicle will be pulling a trailer capable of carrying up to 2 tons of supplies. Among others the vehicles will all be fitted with crevasses protection, extra large fuel capacity, stronger batteries, auxiliary electrical system, heaters, communication and navigation systems.
Click here to look at pictures of the cars