Bush Mechanics

T'was around Easter '92 and we were on a ten day adventure into the upper reaches of the Fitzmaurice River NT. Our trek took us offroad for about 50km, driving blind through the wet season long grass. The first day we sank in to a swamp and had to winch out of that predicament. Then I got snagged on a piece ofr old fence that was hidden in the grass. By the time we had cut hat away from under the 4by it was time to camp.
The following morning I pointed to the hills and said to my mates and their families, "We have to drive over that fellas, if we want to keep our wheels dry". We were looking for an old mustering track which was marked on the map as 'approximate position'. This day we drove 14km by speedo but only gained 5km as the flow cries(a straight line). It was hard going with numerous small creeks and gullies to cross and two hilly ranges to scramble up and over. Just on late afternoon I noticed that my power steering was becoming very heavy. On inspection I found that the steering draglink(tie rod link) on the FJ 55 was bent up into the sump and the two front wheels were trying to kiss one another. So while the rest of the gang set up camp my mates and I set about the repair the damage. First, using two Tojo jacks we jacked the vehicle up so that both the wheels were just off the ground. Then using a snatchblock on the bullbar of the mates Troopie I winched the draglink forward bit by bit until it looked straight. Then we used a tape measure to measure the same distance from the centre of the bull bar for each wheel. Satisfied that it was straight enough we celebrated with a few beers. When I got home after the trip I took the draglink off only to find that it was hollow inside. I was then able to find a reinforced steel rod that fitted into the space. The draglink never bent again!!!!! On this adventure we crossed 90 creeks and gullies and had 9 major winching jobs to get the vrehicles through obstacles. You can read the trip report on my website www.kempen.id.au go to 4x4 and click on Back Up! On Palm Creek.