[Lang]

Richard,

First gear on the small CMP's is so low many people do not use it in everyday driving, I think that would not be a problem with upgraded final drive ratios. With any raising of gear ratios you certainly will have to change back earlier on hills but if Peter does not get too greedy and have to change down on the flat into a headwind he can drive normally.

Pete,

As for putting 20inch wheels on the vehicle in question it would dramatically change its appearance and make it look hotrodded. I have upsized the tyres and wheels on a lot of military and non-military vehicles over the years mainly to run on sand and without exception, on good roads they reduced road vibration but ALL handled and steered like c..p!

Taller 16 inch tyres are available but ANY of the above gearbox/diff suggestions would be cheaper than buying these in Australia. I have been trying to source some for my 4WD Mitsibishi Canter and find the very few brands available all add up to $2-3,000 for a set.

The modern Michelin radial equivilent of 9.00x16 which will fit your wheels are between $500 and $700 each depending on your source! The cheap and readily available MRF 9.00x16 non-directional that I have on my Dodge WC53 have done nearly 10,000km (much of it flat out on the highway going to and from Corowa) and all have over 80% tread remaining. A new set will get you around Australia easily. You might do some sums on getting tyres from Coker and others in USA but I doubt it will be an economic success.