🏔️ 4WD Specialist Inspection
4WDs are often pushed hard off-road and sold cleaned up to look healthy. Our specialists check what the wash and detail job is hiding — chassis, diffs, transfer case, suspension and more.
Why 4WDs Need Specialist Inspection
4WD vehicles are some of the most abused in the used car market. A weekend warrior who has taken their LandCruiser or Patrol through rivers, up rocky tracks, and across salt flats will have caused stress to components that don't show on a casual glance.
Sellers often spend $300 on a detail, some chassis black on the underbody, and a professional photo session before listing. The rust, bent chassis rails, leaking diffs, and worn CV joints underneath are expertly hidden. Our 4WD-specialist inspectors know exactly where to look.
We also check for poorly-fitted aftermarket accessories — lift kits, bullbars, and suspension upgrades done cheaply that compromise safety and handling.
Bent, cracked, or rust-compromised chassis rails are a write-off risk. We check every structural member that matters for safety and longevity.
These are the most expensive components on a 4WD. Worn bearings, leaking seals, and incorrect fluid can mean $3,000–$8,000 in repairs.
Off-road use destroys suspension components faster than any other driving. We check every bushing, shock, CV boot, and ball joint for wear.
Lift kits, bullbars, winches, and roof racks can be fitted safely or dangerously. We assess quality and compliance of all visible modifications.
4WD Inspection Checklist
The full standard 100+ point check plus these 4WD-specific assessments.
Chassis rails — cracks, bends, weld repairs
Underbody rust — extent and structural risk
Front & rear differential — leaks, noise, play
Transfer case operation — high/low, engagement
CV joints & axle shafts — boots, play, noise
Suspension — shocks, springs, lift kit quality
Steering — king pins, drag links, tie rod ends
Engine — oil leaks, coolant, diesel injectors
Snorkel, bullbar, recovery points — fitment quality
Water crossing damage (electrical, seals)
OBD diagnostic scan — all fault codes
WOVR (Written Off Vehicle Register) check
PPSR finance & encumbrance check
Test drive on-road assessment
Popular 4WD Models We Inspect
These are the most common 4WDs in the Sydney used car market. Each has its own known failure points our inspectors check for specifically.
70, 80, 100 & 200 Series. Check chassis rust (70 Series), timing belt (4.2 diesel), head gasket (1HD-T), and 200 Series air suspension.
120 & 150 Series. Timing chain (1KD diesel) is a known expensive failure. Also check rear diff locker operation and suspension lift quality.
GQ & GU. Check RD28 head cracking (GQ), ZD30 crankwalk (GU diesel), and comprehensive chassis inspection for off-road use evidence.
NP, NS, NT & NW. Super Select 4WD system check critical. Also timing belt service history and transfer case selector operation.
Check 3.2 diesel timing chain, EGR system, and rear diff backlash. Ranger is popular but heavily used as a work vehicle — check for towing stress.
Dana axle inspections, differential service history, rust in body seams, and all lift kit modifications. Check for water ingress from soft top seals.
Book 4WD Inspection
Always confirm the provider has 4WD-specific experience and ask whether a hoist inspection is available for under-chassis assessment.
FAQ
What's hiding under the bullbar and fresh chassis black could cost you thousands. Inspect before you buy.