Thread: Where Are The Offroad Shops??

Living in NE Thailand can be challenging at times. After purchasing a 2001 Suzuki Caribean, I would like to have some suspension work done to make it more adaptable to off road touring. Having asked several shops in Udon where could I have this work done, all pointed me in the direction of regular tire, wheel and general accessory shops.

Is anyone aware of a true off road shop where they ready 4x4s for off road racing or just going out for some real fun? Maybe Khon Kean? Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated.

I posted a picture of a large 4 x 4 a few months ago. I saw it in Nong Khai parked on a garage forecourt. The owner of the garage and the owner of the truck are keen off road enthusiasts and they toddle off over the Friendship Bridge to Laos to have fun a few miles away.

I realise that this a fair distance from you but these guys know all about the things you require. The garage is situated about a kilometre from the shopping mall as one drives into Nong Khai from Udon.

Originally Posted by can123

I posted a picture of a large 4 x 4 a few months ago. I saw it in Nong Khai parked on a garage forecourt. The owner of the garage and the owner of the truck are keen off road enthusiasts and they toddle off over the Friendship Bridge to Laos to have fun a few miles away.

I realise that this a fair distance from you but these guys know all about the things you require. The garage is situated about a kilometre from the shopping mall as one drives into Nong Khai from Udon.

Nong Khai is not too far from me as long as it is a good shop. Did you post their location on your thread?

Originally Posted by peterpan

There should be place, near you in udon but as I am no longer involved I don't know your better asking some one in udon for advice try my mates bike club eagle riders AKA (Budgie Bikers) or post on Udon map website. There is some offroad racing not far from you on Sundays. I thought you were talking about proper transport rick I didn't know you were talking about off road cages, shame on you.

Thanks PP for the ideas. Any locations of offroad racing would be appreciated and I will post on Udon map as well.

I know you have a reasonable background in proper racing, but I have more experience in offroading than track racing even though I grew up very close to the Riverside Raceway in CA watching the likes of Dan Gurney, Carrol Shelby and many others race on the track. In my next life I would like to come back as a race car driver.

these links site may be of use. i havent looked through them yet but you should be able to find what you are looking for in there.

http://www.thailandoffroad.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ARB4X4Thailand

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

2001 Suzuki Caribean

Shocking vehicle for serious off roading.

^ better than being seen on the open road in one.
Sure that Suzuki Jimny was voted Hairdresser 's vehicle of the year successively.

Probably end up getting bummed when you enter the shop asking about mud plugging whilst pointing at that cock magnet.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Nong Khai is not too far from me as long as it is a good shop. Did you post their location on your thread?

There is no link and you would have to go to the garage and hope to find that the owner was available at the time of your visit. I suggest you use the links others have provided first and visit Nong Khai as a last resort.

the jimny is in fact a very tough, reliable and capable little 4wd machine, as was its predecessor the caribbean.

like the land rover defender, they are not the most comfortable of cars and they are somewhat crude compared to more modern vehicles, but thats all part of the appeal, especially for a basic workhorse type of car.

Suzuki Jimny 1998-2016 shown to be the 2nd most reliable SUV in Warranty Direct's claims records.
Outstanding ability off-road and cute looks, especially as a soft-top. Cheap to buy. Remains in production to 2016.

Cheap, unpretentious 4x4. Its light weight makes it useful in snowy winters. Capable off-road.

Yes, it may not be as full of testosterone as other 4x4s, but as others have said, they are inexpensive, reliable and fun to take off road. The one I bought is in very good shape, but needs some help with the rough ride (suspension upgrade) and horsepower (bolt on items).

The Thais seem to like them as well and my wife has driven it a lot more than I have. She says many people comment on wanting one. This may be due to the fact that excellent offroad vehicles are rare here in Thailand.

This guy liked it



I'd be thinking about getting some more ride height and bigger wheels on it

I'd be thinking about getting some more ride height and bigger wheels on it

then look here.

???????? SUZUKI JIMNY ONE2CAR

or here

???????? SUZUKI JIMNY ONE2CAR

^WOW !!

Originally Posted by taxexile

I'd be thinking about getting some more ride height and bigger wheels on it

then look here.

???????? SUZUKI JIMNY ONE2CAR

or here

???????? SUZUKI JIMNY ONE2CAR

The car already has a 4 inch lift with bigger rims and tires. Some suspension work has already been done, but I am trying to soften the ride a bit.

Still have not located any 4x4 shops in Udon. There are several in Bangkok, so I may just wait until I go down there in April or May.

I don't think you can soften the ride as it's a short wheel base & they seam to hope around.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Yes, it may not be as full of testosterone as other 4x4s, but as others have said, they are inexpensive, reliable and fun to take off road.

I was under the impression that it was the on-road performance that let the Suzuki down.

It does seem a fun toy though....

And that is all it is to me. A toy that I can go off road here in Thailand. Softening the road ride may not be feasable so I will just have to put up with it. There are some bits and,pieces I wanted to find like a rack to mount some lights on and carry some gear, extra roll bars and cages along with a reasonable wench to help me get unstuck.

I do see some shops listed in Bangkok, so maybe I will just have to take a trip down there.

It looks to have leaf springs all around, try taking one leaf off at each wheel.

Try changing the shock absorbers or fitting adjustable ones.

I will try that OhOh and see how it works. I have been looking for some adjustable coil over shock lately and may be able to dial them in.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

... along with a reasonable wench to help me get unstuck.
...

The wife has been pretty good when I get stuck and she's from Udon too so I will ask her if her sister is free.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

with a reasonable wench to help me get unstuck.

Always a a good idea to have a big strong girl with you to do the donkey work.