Van 2.0

Building a one of a kind 4WD van.
(Not a game changing build, just a crazy guy)

It all begins with a vision.

The build.

‘84 Mitsubishi L300 4x4 Van

This build all started when the gearbox left me stranded halfway along the Nullarbor on my way back home from WA in 2022. Ever since the van has been tucked away at home ready for a new beginning.

After taking some time away from it, it allowed me to dream and come up with a fresh vision for the van once again. A van is the best way to live on the road full time from my experiences, but this van needed to become more reliable, more capable and made more liveable to do so for extended periods of time.

  • The engine and drivetrain was the motivator around the build. I needed more power, a lot better fuel economy and a shift to a reliable diesel.

    After going through a few options, I landed on the trusted and faithful 4JJ1 from an 07-12 Isuzu D-Max. A 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine known for its reliability, the option to be built with performance in mind for later down the road. The aim is to pair the 4JJ1 with a 4 Speed Automatic gearbox and transfer case for a great driving experience on and offroad.

  • Where this truly becomes a one of a kind build is in the suspension. Torsion bar IFS is not the most comfortable and due to the weight of the new engine, something had to be done. Taking it one step further, why not get rid of the leaf springs in the rear too.

    Front - Solid Axle Swap
    Rear - Coil Conversion ( 5 Link)
    Axles & Housings - LN106 Toyota Hilux

    This will include a high level of chassis modification and we will be looking to achieve a GVM of 3000kg.

  • The van is smaller than most are aware of. To put it into perspective, the wheelbase isn't much longer than a new Suzuki Jimny.

    A custom roof conversion will be a welcome addition to this van for more sleeping area, but also the ability to stand and sit inside properly whether its for working on the road or just hiding from bad weather.

  • What else could possibly be happening?

    • Custom barwork front and rear

    • Twin Locked

    • Complete Custom Internal Fitout (Aluminium)

    • 600Ah Dual Battery System

    • Custom Dash Cluster w/ Haltech uc-10 Digital Dash

    • Custom Long Range Fuel Tank

    • Custom Under body Water Tank

      & so much more...


Let’s go adventure.

Why all the effort? What am I going to be doing with it? Why should we work together?

It’s a lot, but it means a lot too. The van is unique, it’s captivating, it asks questions, it turns heads and it gets people talking. Being different, doing something out of the ordinary is what gets me excited and to be able to share this joy and excitement with others, it doesn’t get much better.

  • It's hard to beat travelling Aus and being able to call it home. I've had a good taste of many different places, but there is so much more to go.

  • A place that has been on my bucket list since the day I picked up a camera. It's time to go, but go slow. Allowing myself to take the van over for up to a year and experience it like it should be.

    Just imagine the van with those mountain backdrops.

  • A place that never excited me until I was given the opportunity to head over there and shoot a project for Tiegear.

    Ever since, I have been eager to get back, spend more time there and explore more places. Being able to showcase a unique Australian build in a place full of other unique vehicles will be something else.

    As with New Zealand the plan is to be over there for up to a year to be able to travel slow and experience the places properly.

Meet The Team

This isn’t a simple project, it is something that has never been done before and it will surprise me more if it ever gets done again. With the level of investment going into this project I am wanting it to be done right. To make sure it is up to my standard, I have pieced together a team of professionals that I will be working with to make my visions a reality.

Ryan Formosa

The so called “crazy one” (Me)

My name is Ryan Formosa and I am an outdoor & adventure photographer with a huge passion of building 4wd’s that allow me get out and about to see and capture some incredible places.

I’m just an ordinary bloke doing what I love and sharing it with anyone who is interested. Hopefully I can inspire a few people to take a leap along the way towards something they love or even simpler just encourage people to get out and explore some extraordinary places.

Good Times Garage

Project Management & Mechanical

Ben from Good Times Garage has taken on this build as both the Project Manager and the mechanic to help bring the crazy visions I have brought to him to life.

Chassis Tech

Fabrication

We have gone to the team at Chassis Tech as a trusted fabricator here in South Australia that specialises in chassis fabrication and custom design work.

MVE

Engineering

Sot from MVE Engineering is the go to for any 4WD engineering needs in South Australia. Extensive knowledge and testing abilities, Sot and the MVE team will be able to make this custom build road legal.

Getting Social

This is a unique project and I am excited to document the stages of this build across my social platforms in Instagram, Youtube & Tiktok. Every platform will feature something slightly differently to showcase different aspects and to story tell in ways that suit each platform. Expect longer form videos on Youtube that really showcase the build process and what is happening with the build. On Instagram I will be keeping people up to date on a more regular basis through stories and then posting hi end imagery showcasing components and stages of the build mixed throughout the other adventure based content. Tiktok will feature some more raw style content more targeted towards what works on the platform. This way there is a good mix of content to match a slightly different audience base on different platforms.

Let’s Work Together.