Quote:
Originally Posted by imaz
WK2 2012 GC, July build(I think). Limited v6.
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Thnx, mine was a Jan 2012 build, so I'll provide the following as it relates to the 2012 export model.
Our chasis is shorter than the original 2011 model. If you want to purchase any aftermarket item for the front of your 2012 vehicle (nudgebar, recovery points etc), we can only use items specifically manufactured for the 2012 export european specifications. There are no USA aftermarket items currently available for use in Oz, as they don't have the shorter chasis on any of their US vehicles.
I've seen about 6 explanations for this, but the one I tend to believe is that during 2011, due to the demand for the 4WD, the production line used for the US model (longer front chasis) and our 2011 model (also longer front chasis) was converted solely to US specs to meet the demand.
Remember our WK2's are $15 to $25k cheaper in the USA due to no freight, cheap labour, no 3rd and 4th party wholesalers, shipping company taking a cut on the way etc. So a very affordable car there.
A second production line was being used to manufacture the export European pedestrian safe model with the shorter chasis (without the two front recovery hooks). Demand not as big, so someone made the decision to move the Aus export model production over to this production line (remember shorter chasis). What I believe happened here is that noone involved in this decision making process, realised the ramifications of no front recovery hooks.
The european pedestrian specs as I understand have the rationale that if you hit someone with the front of your car, the plastic moulded front will bruise, but maybe not damage the pedestrian as much as if they were hit with the steel recovery hooks, or the steel chasis immediately behind.
To date noone has been able to convince me that these passenger safety specs actually apply here in Oz, so I believe we are the end users of a production line demand decision as opposed to a safety specs decision.
Why do I think this is the case? Well it looks like the new Trailhawk model coming to OZ, might actually have two red front receover hooks if you go by the pictures.
You can order a rated front recovery hook for your front passenger side that gets hidden behind the plastic cap. So far back that if you hit a pedestrian, it might break their knee
Now the good news is, I've just had my 2012 WK2 front end scanned by Yankee Dave (
www.uneek4x4.com.au) for design and manufacture of a winch bar including front skid plate and rated receovery points. Once done, I'll probably list my 1 only recovery hook on ebay for sale.
I have a rear tow bar and the original rear single recovery hook, both with correct use I would use for snatch recovery. Obviously the using the tow bar, I would insert a rated snatch shackle.
Hope this helps, and I'm sure many other people will have alternate views. This is mine, it's real and it's for my 4WD.
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