“ASHURA”
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Why the name? What’s the relation to Yasha?
As many of you, may know Yasha. My long term project MX-5. The naming ideology continues on. Ashura are depicted as fearsome demon gods with multiple faces and arms. While in some cases mentioned to have multiple faces like a Yasha. Therefore, in my mind these two are like a brother and sister vehicle.
What is Ashura?
Ashura started life as a 2013 Nissan Navara. Or known in the truck community as a D40 chassis. I’ve not owned him long as of writing. Ashura is the third vehicle I’ve had since passing my regular vehicle license way back. Ashura just like Yasha, the sibling car. Is a composition of my ideas. All of which are solely my own.
What is Ashura’s purpose?
I originally purchased Ashura as a tractor unit to trailer Yasha around with. Given the increased inventory of my heavy equipment. I slowly realised the potential to haul around pretty much anything from gas cylinders for welding, to complete engines and everything in between. Before I had been reliant on using a family members vehicle to haul such larger items. The last purpose which may explain the tyre choice. Is a recovery vehicle for Yasha and any of my mates really. Having a vehicle that can do all three is incredibly practical. Something I’m starting to appreciate as I get older lol.
What’s the transition like coming from Yasha?
So I’ve never owned nor driven a truck before, let alone a lifted truck. So yeah, let’s say it was very strange hopping out of Yasha. Being a very low slung vehicle where ground clearance is a potential issue. Ashura’s driving position is more than twice the height of Yasha. Which at first was a little daunting, thinking I would have no cornering ability and the chances of rolling the vehicle did worry me. But, shortly after getting used to the elevated driving position I can finally understand the types of ladies and gentleman that drive proper diesel Range Rovers and 4×4’s. The chassis is surprisingly stable for what it is. Getting used to a larger vehicle was awkward at first, and I know where I can and can’t park him. Getting used to a diesel engine was actually easily done. Having torque at low rpm is awesome. I dare rev him past 3,000rpm on a regular basis. Occasionally to accelerate onto a busy road, but not typical driving. Maybe a bit weird as you feel like you’re short-shifting because in Yasha you would have a lot more rpm left over. The two vehicles could not be as far part in every aspect.
Where have I taken the styling from?
The truck’s styling is all original. I’ve been piecing ideas from other class of vehicles and putting my own spin on them. For instance the cab height markers are inspired by the chrome ones you’d see a 389 Peterbilt tractor. Although a few heavy duty American pickup trucks also use them, similar to my ones. As of writing this, the plan is to drill the bed floor and have twin 3″ stainless stack-pipes with a bull-horn cut at the tops. Just like a 389 Peterbilt. I’m not a fan of straight stack pipes. This is what will be coming on V2.0. I won’t deny the truck communities are exceptionally good at sharing their builds and inspiring other owners.
Why the lights?
The cab height markers are something I’ve not seen done to a Japanese truck. So I wanted to be original and send it. The interior footwell lights are on all my cars. Just as a nice bit of ambience driving at night. Not too bright and is switchable at the flick of a switch. The puddle lights are LED’s are the difference is exactly night and day. On V2.0 their will be either a lightbar or round floods on the snout of the beast. Along with additional flush reverse LED’s in the bumper to make backing up safer and easier for a trailer. I aim to make the truck stand-out more at night and increase the presence of it on the road to increase both mine and Ashura’s safety.
Why have you modded a tow-rig?!?!
Ha. I know I’m going to get a lot of hate for this. But modifying a vehicle does not immediately make it less reliable nor fit for purpose. That is decided on by what the modification is, how it’s been done and the effects on other components because of it. In some instances you can increase the reliability. So don’t think leaving it stock is the only way. That is nonsense. For instance, a CAN gauge with additional engine oil pressure and temperature sensors is one way to keep a better eye on vitals while driving and not unnecessarily prematurely increasing the wear and tear. As for the engine itself. I have a few mods planned that will increase performance and longevity. But this is not going to a race-truck. The plan is to eventually remap the truck and maybe do switchable maps perhaps. I’m not sure yet. Something I have to investigate. A good person to learn diesel tuning from is actually Scotty from Haltech. That’s his personal passion besides tuning stupid fast petrol engines at work.
What’s the current breakdown on the parts?
I’ll repeat myself. I’m no gate-keeper. Ask and you shall know. The parts below are broken down into categories for quick convivence.
Exterior
- Genuine Nissan stone-chip bonnet guard
- Debadged tail-gate
Interior
- WeAreLikewise daytona pro shift-knob
- WeAreLikewise rod stewart shift-extension
- Double-din fascia w/ custom switch panel
- Pioneer SPH130DAB Apple-carplay radio.
- Custom RAM mounts phone holder mounted to fasica.
Wheels and Tyres
- Factory 17″ alloy wheels
- General grabber AT3’s (265/70/17)
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