I could have saved myself a lot of effort. For 24 bucks, I sourced a box of 100 stainless steel replacement bolts and my wheels are  now like new.

Also, on the advice of Mr Dahl, and because they are located 100 yards from the office, I went to visit Malaga Suspensions. The idea was to firm up the rear suspension, ready for Mobi, with further consideration given to clearance when Debbie sends us through those creek beds, to search for the elusive gold stuff. The result was a 2” lift which ended up as a 3 ½” lift because they told me that the factory fitted suspension had sagged about 1 ½”. Debbie hasn’t tried to climb in it yet, so I am expecting to have to provide some steps, it is a bit high!

I now have a suitable spare wheel but that has created the next issue. Patrol’s have their spare wheels bolted to one of the rear doors. These wider wheels do not fit on the bracket on the rear door.

I need another plan.