Your build is an investment. Let's keep it performing like one.

At Trucks N Toys, we build trucks to handle the toughest conditions Australia can throw at them. However, high-performance American pickups and custom-engineered components require specific care to ensure longevity, safety, and peak performance.

Use this guide to maintain your vehicle and the custom parts we've installed.

1. The "First 1,000km" Inspection

New components—especially suspension, GVM upgrades, and custom brackets—need time to settle.

  • Torque Check: After the first 1,000km of driving (or your first off-road trip), we recommend a "nut and bolt" check. Ensure all suspension components, U-bolts, and custom brackets are tightened to the correct specifications.
  • Why? Vibration from Australian corrugated roads can cause even the best hardware to settle.

2. Custom Fabrication & Finish Care

Whether it's a custom bracket or a laser-cut tray component, the finish needs protection:

  • Cleaning: Wash off salt spray, mud, and road grime immediately. Use a pH-neutral automotive soap.
  • Powder Coat Maintenance: If your custom parts are powder-coated, avoid harsh chemical degreasers. If you notice a stone chip from off-roading, touch it up promptly with a rust-inhibitor paint to prevent oxidation from spreading.
  • Check the Welds: During your regular cleaning, do a visual scan of custom-fabricated areas to ensure everything remains high-and-tight.

3. GVM Upgrades & Suspension

If we've upgraded your GVM, your truck is now a precision-engineered heavy hauler.

  • Bushings & Greasing: If your suspension kit features greaseable shackles or pins, ensure they are greased every 5,000km or after every deep-water crossing.
  • Shock Absorbers: Check for leaks or "sweating" on your shocks. High-performance shocks work hard; keeping them clean helps dissipate heat and preserves the seals.

4. Wheel & Tyre Maintenance

American trucks carry significant weight, and custom wheels require specific care:

  • Rotation: Rotate your tyres every 5,000km–10,000km to ensure even wear, especially with aggressive mud or all-terrain patterns.
  • Alignment: If you've hit a significant pothole or spent a weekend at the tracks, we recommend a professional wheel alignment check to protect your steering components.

5. Third Party Accessories (Lights, Winches, Electronics)

  • Winches: Run your winch out and spool it back in under light tension once every three months to keep the internals lubricated.
  • Auxiliary Lighting: Check wiring looms for any rubbing or heat damage, especially if you've been driving through heavy bush or vibration-heavy tracks.

6. Service Intervals

We recommend following a Severe Service Schedule if you use your truck for:

  • Consistent heavy towing.
  • Frequent off-road or beach driving.
  • Carrying maximum GVM loads.

Standard recommendation: Engine oil and filter changes every 10,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first) to keep those big American powerplants running cool.

Need a Professional Health Check?

Don't want to get your hands dirty? Bring it back to the experts. Our high-level fitters can perform a comprehensive Post-Build Inspection to ensure your custom fabrication and GVM upgrades are in top-tier condition.

Book your service check-up: 02 9652 2056 or sales@trucksntoys.com.au

Remember: A well-maintained truck is a reliable truck. Build it, drive it, look after it.