Say g'day to Carlos aka Toy Smurf from Sydney, New South Wales and his '94 Toyota Surf.

Talking Dirty with Toy Smurf...

Name:

Carlos the Jackal

Location:

Sydney

What do you do for crust?

Sell food that's great for camping and weekends away.

When did you join The Shed and why?

About 18months ago.. saw some really great 4WDs which inspired me to share some happy snaps of my own.

What do you drive?

1994 3L Turbo Diesel Toyota Smurf.

Any modifications? 

Where to begin.. I started with getting rid of the old IFS for a solid axle front end. Then started tinkering with the back to match front end articulation resulting in extending the lower control arms by 2-3 inches and adding some 4inch lifted coils for taste. Other goodies later added was some new bling in the way of 35inch MTRs on custom offset 15x10 inch rims. Then came the air lockers front and rear, TJM bull bar, Safari Snorkel, Rhino roof racks, Duel Batteries, Cibie lights and loads of extra interior luxuries to boast. Most favourite interior addition would definitely be swapping the pissy little factory centre console for a WAEKO fridge... Nothing beats being able to reach for a coldie while your on the fly...

Where do you like going bush?

Favourites for weekend trips would have to the old Yalwal track down in Nowra, Cave to Caves in the Blue Mountains, and Sunny Corner. With favourite spots for technical one dayers around Menai and Appin especially because there close to home and won't cost to much if we run into trouble.

Any members off The Shed or 4WD Action Forum you usually go wheeling with?

Toy Bundy

Tell us about that first ‘oh bugger’ moment you have had off road: 

Was attempting to Climb a steep but off camber rock face with a set of Trusty SX super swampers when the tyres decided to give way and slid about 2 meters sideways into a well placed tree, denting the rear quater panel and crumpling part of the roof. The Oh Bugger moment came when I arrived home and had to explain to the misses why there was a big dent in the side of the truck when I was only supposed to be going down to the shops to get some milk.  

What's next for the truck? 

Looking at some custom rock sliders, New rear bumper to improve departure angles and swapping the chain driven gearbox/transfer case for a Hilux jobby with rock crawler gears

Any mods made & since regretted & why? 

Had initially set up the truck with 6inches of suspension lift for maximum clearance and off road capability only to find that off road capability was reduced due to the higher centre of gravity and the risk of rolling onto its side. Have since reduced overall height to 4inches of suspension lift which works perfectly with the overall wider stance and off set wheels and tyres.

Have you done any extended trips in your fourbie, if so do you have any advice or experiences to share?

No big trips yet however hope to do Kakadu one day..

What’s your favourite rig off The Shed, other than your own?

Would definitely have to be Boofs Lux, Twisty's 4runner and Lukey's Coilylux

Where are you planning to get to this year?

Wattagans, Wattagans, Wattagans... have always heard how great this place is however have never had the opportunity or invite to see how truly great this 4WD playground is..

Carlos's '94 Toyota Surf @ The Shed >>

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