4X4 Hiace 300 Full-Time 4WD Conversion ; For decades, the Toyota Hiace has been the undisputed king of commercial vans—a symbol of reliability, practicality, and unmatched interior space. From city deliveries to family shuttle services, it has performed its duties flawlessly on sealed roads. But what if your ambition extends beyond the asphalt? What if your business requires access to remote sites, or your family adventures call for exploring rugged coastlines and mountain trails?
Until now, the Hiace’s 2WD limitation was a hard boundary. But that era is over.
Welcome to THE NEW ACE—a revolutionary, engineered, and fully compliant full-time 4WD conversion for the Toyota 300 Series Hiace and Commuter. This isn’t just an accessory; it’s a complete transformation that redefines the vehicle’s very DNA. In this ultimate guide, we dive deep into everything you need to know about turning your capable van into an unstoppable 4×4 powerhouse.
Why Consider a 4X4 Hiace Conversion?
The standard Toyota Hiace 300 is a brilliant vehicle, but its potential is capped by its two-wheel-drive configuration. A 4×4 conversion shatters this ceiling, opening up a world of possibilities:
- For the Adventure Seeker & Tourer: Imagine a self-contained campervan that doesn’t shy away from the beach track to a secluded surf spot or the rugged path to a mountain campsite. The 4×4 Hiace becomes the ultimate adventure mobile, combining Toyota’s legendary reliability with genuine off-road capability.
- For Trades & Remote Industries: Construction, mining, forestry, and agricultural businesses often operate in areas where sealed roads are a luxury. This conversion ensures your crew and equipment can reach the most challenging job sites, regardless of weather or terrain, improving efficiency and expanding your operational radius.
- For Large Families Who Explore: Forget being limited to crowded, easy-to-reach holiday parks. A 4×4 Commuter allows you to safely transport your entire family and their gear to unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations, creating unforgettable memories.
- For Emergency Services & NGOs: Reliability and access are critical in disaster relief and remote aid missions. A converted Hiace offers a robust, spacious, and highly capable platform for reaching communities in need.
Deep Dive: What’s Included in “THE NEW ACE” Conversion Package?
This conversion is not a simplistic bolt-on kit. It’s a comprehensive, professionally engineered system designed to integrate seamlessly with your Hiace’s existing architecture. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the standard inclusions that make this transformation possible.
1. The Heart of the System: The Full-Time 4WD Drivetrain
The core of “THE NEW ACE” is the integration of a robust, full-time four-wheel-drive system. Unlike part-time systems that must be disengaged on paved roads, a full-time system is always active, providing superior traction and handling in all conditions—from wet city streets to loose gravel and mud.
- Electronic Transfer Case: The conversion includes a high-quality electronic transfer case, controlled by sleek, OEM-style dash-mounted switches. This gives you the ability to seamlessly shift between High and Low range. High range is for general driving and higher-speed off-road work, while Low range provides maximum torque and control for steep descents, rock crawling, or pulling heavy loads through sand and mud.
- Electronic Centre Differential Lock: A critical feature for serious off-roading, the centre diff lock eliminates speed differences between the front and rear axles. When engaged, it ensures power is distributed 50/50 front and rear, preventing wheel spin and providing maximum traction when one axle is on a slippery surface.
2. Engineered for Strength: The Front Suspension & Chassis
Converting the front end from 2WD to 4WD is a significant engineering challenge that “THE NEW ACE” masters with a completely redesigned independent front suspension system.
- Heavy-Duty Steering Knuckles & Lower Control Arms: These new, custom-manufactured components are built to handle the increased stresses of 4WD operation, providing durability and reliability when you need it most.
- Uprated Heavy-Duty Pedders Coil Springs: Pedders is a renowned name in Australian suspension. These specially selected springs are designed to support the additional weight of the 4WD components while providing the necessary lift and maintaining a comfortable on-road ride.
- New Engine Cradle: A new, heavy-duty engine cradle is installed to correctly house and support the new front differential and drivetrain components, ensuring everything is mounted with OEM-level precision and strength.
3. Enhanced for Load & Terrain: The Rear Suspension
To balance the vehicle and handle increased loads both on and off-road, the rear suspension receives a significant upgrade.
- Uprated Heavy-Duty Pedders Rear Leaf Springs: Leaf springs are chosen for their legendary durability and load-carrying capacity. These upgraded units ensure the van remains stable and level, whether you’re carrying a full load of tools or a camper conversion’s interior fit-out.
- Uprated Heavy-Duty Pedders Rear Shock Absorbers: Matched to the new leaf springs, these high-performance shocks control axle movement, absorb impacts, and provide a controlled ride quality, reducing bounce and improving handling on corrugated outback tracks.
4. Complete Package: Wheels, Protection, and Styling
- Upgraded T/T Black Steel Wheels with All-Terrain Tyres: Steel wheels are favored for their extreme strength and ease of repair off-road. Paired with a set of capable all-terrain tyres, they provide the essential grip and puncture resistance for a variety of surfaces.
- Underbody Protection: Vital for protecting the engine sump, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks, stumps, and ruts. This armour gives you the confidence to tackle rough terrain without constant worry.
- Wheel Arch Flares: These are both a legal and practical necessity, covering the wider track and preventing mud and stones from being flung against the vehicle’s body.
- Increased GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): A crucial engineering achievement, the conversion increases the legal weight capacity by <200kg for both the SLWB (Super Long Wheelbase) and Commuter models. This means you can legally carry more people, equipment, and supplies without overloading the vehicle.
- 50mm Lift: The suspension upgrades result in a purposeful 50mm (approximately 2-inch) lift. This increases ground clearance, allowing the van to clear larger obstacles and reducing the risk of getting hung up off-road.
5. The Final, Critical Piece: Engineering and Compliance
Perhaps the most important aspect of “THE NEW ACE” conversion is that it comes with complete engineering and compliance. This is not a backyard modification. The system has been designed and certified to meet all relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and state regulations. This ensures your vehicle remains legal, insurable, and safe, protecting your significant investment.
Tailoring Your 4X4 Hiace: A World of Available Options
The standard conversion creates an incredibly capable blank canvas. From there, you can tailor your 4×4 Hiace to your exact needs with a comprehensive list of optional extras.
- Front-End Protection: Choose from a robust Bull Bar for maximum animal strike protection and accessory mounting, or a lighter Nudge Bar for a more minimalist look.
- Lighting Upgrades: Enhance your night-time vision dramatically with LED Driving Lights or a Light Bar, illuminating dark tracks and work sites.
- Adventure & Protection Gear: A Snorkel raises the engine’s air intake, allowing for deeper water crossings and providing cleaner air in dusty conditions. Side Protection/Rock Sliders guard the vulnerable sills and door sills from damage.
- Interior Practicalities: Cargo Barriers or Storage Cages keep loads secure and protect occupants in the event of sudden braking. An Internal ROPS (Roll-Over Protection System) adds an extra layer of safety for extreme off-road use.
- Specialist Systems: Options like DSS & IWAS System installs, Mine-Spec radios, and remote jump-start & isolation systems cater to the demanding needs of the mining and fleet sectors.
- Comfort and Convenience: Seating reconfigurations, seat cover sets, and first aid kits ensure the vehicle is perfectly suited to its intended role.
The Verdict: Is the 4X4 Hiace 300 Conversion Worth It?
The question of value is answered by capability. The “THE NEW ACE” full-time 4WD conversion is a significant investment, but it fundamentally transforms the Toyota Hiace from a single-purpose vehicle into a multi-role, go-anywhere asset.
For a business, it can mean the difference between winning a contract in a remote location or not. For an adventurer, it unlocks 80% of the Australian continent that is inaccessible to a standard van. You are not just buying a modification; you are purchasing capability, freedom, and peace of mind.
The use of high-quality components like Pedders suspension, the integration of OEM-style electronic controls, and the foundational importance of full engineering compliance make this one of the most professional and well-executed conversions on the market.
Conclusion: Your Journey Beyond the Pavement Starts Here
The Toyota Hiace 300 was already a masterpiece of practicality. With “THE NEW ACE” full-time 4WD conversion, it evolves into something truly legendary—a vehicle that refuses to be defined by terrain. It combines the space, comfort, and reliability the Hiace is famous for with the rugged, unstoppable capability of a serious 4×4.
Whether your goal is to conquer the corporate world or the great outdoors, this conversion is the key. It’s time to stop dreaming about the road less traveled and start driving it.
Ready to transform your Toyota Hiace or Commuter? Contact a certified installer today to discuss your 4X4 conversion project and step into a new world of adventure and capability.
