Building a Mahindra Pik Up for Touring: A Complete Guide
The Mahindra Pik Up makes a superb touring base — simple, tough and affordable to build up. But a good build follows a logical order, so each upgrade complements the next rather than working against it. Here's how we'd stage a Pik Up touring build at Ryebuck Engineering.
Stage 1: Protection
Before you chase power or height, protect what you've got. Remote travel means rocks, ruts and river crossings, and the vulnerable bits live underneath.
Start with an engine bash plate to shield the sump and driveline — ours is 3D-scanned and CAD-designed for high clearance and serious strength. If you're running an automatic, add the AdBlue tank bash plate; the AdBlue tank is plastic and, if it's punctured, the engine will shut down and leave you stranded.
Up front, a winch-compatible steel bull bar gives you animal protection and a recovery point. And swap those troublesome factory auto-locking hubs for AVM manual freewheeling hubs so your 4WD engages every time you need it. Browse the full range in our Pik Up protection collection.
Stage 2: Suspension and clearance
A touring Pik Up carries weight — gear, water, fuel, maybe a canopy — and the factory suspension wasn't set up for it. An EFS 40mm lift kit restores ride height, adds ground clearance and improves load-carrying with rear leaf springs rated well above standard. Note that after fitting a lift you'll need to adjust the torsion bars and have a wheel alignment done.
Stage 3: Breathing and performance
With the ute protected and sitting right, help it breathe. A stainless steel snorkel draws cooler, cleaner air from roof height — essential for dust and water crossings, and better for fuel economy and filter life.
Pair it with a 3-inch DPF-back exhaust to let the engine exhale properly, and if you want the full transformation, a Stage 1 dyno tune calibrated for Australian conditions unlocks more torque and better economy. Don't forget a catch can to keep the intake clean over the long haul. It's all in our Pik Up performance collection.
Stage 4: Storage and carrying
Touring is all about carrying gear sensibly. A Front Runner Slimline II roof rack gives you a versatile platform for recovery boards, awnings, jerry cans and more, while a tonneau cover keeps your tub load secure and weatherproof.
Spares to carry
Remote travel means self-sufficiency. Throw a few known wear items in the kit: a spare wheel speed sensor, a drive belt kit, and a service filter set so you can look after the ute wherever you end up.
Budgeting the build
You don't have to do it all at once — that's the beauty of staging. Protect first, then lift, then breathe, then fit out for storage, spreading the cost as you go. Each stage stands on its own and leaves you with a more capable, more reliable tourer. When you're ready to start, everything's in our Mahindra Pik Up range, and our team is always happy to help you plan the build.
