Six Wheeler conversions

Overview

Ford Ranger 6x4

Six Wheeler conversions offers 3-axle conversions (6x4) for various pickup trucks. This conversion stretches the frame of donor vehicle to add a (non driven) tag axle (or lazy axle). The current model line-up is based on the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser 79 and Land Cruiser 200 and the Volkswagen (VW) Amarok.

Company

The Six Wheeler Conversions is located in Toowoomba, in the Australia state Queensland.

The company started converting vehicles in 1985.

Other services are the production of trays (EYE-TIE ute trays) and modifications of 4x4 vehicles (Sixy’s Mod Shop)

Six Wheeler Conversions does have a Second Stage Manufacture permit for the conversion of new vehicles and it can convert existing vehicles under engineering approval.

Conversion

Frame

VW Amarok 6x4

This conversion adds an extension to the rear of the original frame. A subframe mounted on top of the frame caries the tray (truck bed) and acts as a reinforcement of the stretched frame.

Suspension

The base vehicle keeps its original leaf suspension on the driven rear axle. An additional leaf spring connects both the rear axles and pivots around a central pivoting point. This mechanism provides a load sharing between the rear axles. Due to the fact the second axles keeps its original leaf suspension, the weight distribution over the rear axles is uneven. It should have a weight distribution of around 60/40. (60% of the weight on the driven second axle).

The extra weight on the first rear axle provides additional grip for the driven rear axle and a sorter turning circle. The vehicle does have less understeer, thanks to the 60/40 weight distribution on the rear axles.

The VW Amarok is the first conversion of a new generation. Its central leaf spring has a 60/40 weight distribution. The original leaf suspension on the drive axle is removed.

Ford Ranger SixTrak

Six Weeler Conversions built the first Ford Ranger SixTrax in December 2017.

The vehicle is a Ford Ranger 4x4 converted into a 6x4 tag axle (lazy axle) configuration.

The tube (truck bed) is custom made by Six Wheeler conversions. It is made out of a steel frame with a checker plate floor and a fibreglass skin. Only the tailgate and the rear lights are stock Ford parts.

Specifications

The driveline of the vehicles is stock.

GVM:

car version: 4495 kg / 9909.78 lbs (legal limit Australian car license)
light truck version:
- Ford Ranger / Mazda BT-50: 4840 kg
- Isuzu D-Max: 4710 kg
- Toyota Land Cruiser 79: 5500 kg
- Toyota Land Cruiser 200: 5800 kg
- VW Amarok: 4700 kg

GCM: Light truck versions do have an increased GCM.