Tuning the UAZ 3303 cabin with your own hands. How to perform body restoration

The UAZ 3303 (“tadpole”) is often used to transport important cargo, as well as as an ambulance.

The car is available in two versions:

• 330364 – features a large cabin with a metal platform.
• 330394 – has a small cabin with two seats, the platform is made of wood.

The car has a characteristic tread pattern. Its suspension is dependent on both sides. The brake system is equipped with a vacuum booster and a hydraulic drive; it is dual-circuit.

Imperfect driving characteristics can be eliminated by tuning the vehicle yourself. Many photos on the Internet indicate that after changing the internal systems and design, the car can turn out to be a good vehicle for transporting goods.

Full vehicle tuning includes:

• wheel replacement;
• development of the chassis;
• interior, bumper and body trim;
• strengthening tank protection.

Let's consider all the proposed stages in more detail.

Wheel and chassis

Cross-country ability directly depends on the quality of the wheels. To increase it, you will have to replace the wheels with wider ones. In this case, the diameter should not be more than twenty-four inches. To replace parts:

• lift the car body;
• install spacers, trim wings;
• replace the bridges with Barsovsky ones (they are wider);
• change the differential so that the transmission lasts longer and the wheels do not slip even in bad weather conditions;
• replace the shock absorbers with imported ones, and the springs with longer ones;
• To protect the glass from damage, install an electric winch and replace the battery with a version with more power.

To ensure that the vehicle brakes in a timely manner, install a powerful braking system. For this:

• purchase a subframe and a frame with an amplifier (50-80 TR);
• use a disk system installed on the car at the rear and front (10-25 TR).

To avoid skidding when turning, be sure to secure stabilizers on the sides. This element will help the car balance.

Interior decoration

Cabin tuning is an unlimited field of activity where you can realize any ideas. Inspired by photos from the Internet, let's get started:

1. Get rid of the old upholstery and also remove the mirrors.
2. Select the material and take measurements.
3. Upholstery the interior with your chosen fabric. Please learn that soft material should be laid between the fabric and the roof of the UAZ - for example, padding polyester.
4. Select the shape of the seats and adjust them by trimming the edges (if the seats are not spacious enough).
5. Weld small corners with holes to the seats.
6. Screw the chairs into the floor using bolts.

By moving the seats forward, you can sit back in them. Accordingly, there will be less stress on your arms and back.

If you wish, you can restore old optics, install tinted windows or electric lifts, trim the interior with plastic fairings, install a climate control system, navigator and on-board computer (the latter will cost you 5-10 thousand rubles).

You can also improve the dashboard by replacing the film or installing power steering. This hydraulic system will make driving easier as it makes the steering wheel easier to turn.

UAZ-390945 Farmer

Out of habit, I poked the key into the front panel and almost scratched it: the ignition switch was not in its old place - it had moved to the steering column. A second, and the engine comes to life, filling the interior with a light velvety hum. It really became quieter!

— According to our measurements, the level of internal noise has decreased by 5–10 decibels, depending on the driving mode. By 2016, we adapted the engine to Euro-5 econorms. In preparation for the new standards, the engine control program had to be rewritten, after which it began to work more balanced, and most importantly, fuel consumption was reduced. You save about one and a half liters of gasoline for every hundred kilometers. Not bad, right?

Not bad, Comrade Chief Engineer, not bad.

Body and bumper

If the car body rusts, then:

• clean it of dirt by first disassembling it;
• trim areas that are already susceptible to corrosion;
• Weld the pads and paint the surface using primer and emulsion paint.

It is better to apply the emulsion in two layers, waiting for each of them to dry. This way the paint will adhere better. Another tuning option is to make the body wider or longer by changing its shape.

Don't forget to strengthen the bumper by hanging a special frame on it. A ready-made kit with it can be purchased at almost any automobile store. If you cannot install it, it is better to contact a specialized salon.

UAZ-390945 Farmer

The primitive instrument cluster has sunk into oblivion. Now in the center of the front panel (it is still old-school, metal) there is a speedometer, which contains a liquid crystal display - secondary data is displayed on it. Along the edges of the speedometer there is a 12-volt socket and a slot for a single-din audio system. Below is a push-button lighting control unit, which replaced the antediluvian retractable switch.

Ulyanovsk residents decided not to stop there and just go for a walk! — abandoned the ancient “bone” steering wheel in favor of a plastic one that was more comfortable to grip. And under it they installed a pair of modern steering column switches. Before there was one, a tractor type; it took incredible effort to flip it. Relays and fuses no longer play hide and seek - they are combined in a single block. Trifles? An unpretentious client will be happy with these little things that make the car more convenient.

Tank tuning

The fuel tank is poorly protected from external influences, so you can puncture it or lose it completely if you accidentally get into thick mud or stones. To avoid this:

1. We transfer the reservoir to the space between the cargo compartment or to the body.
2. We replace the standard fasteners with steel holders.

To protect the tank, engine, and steering wheel:

1. After strengthening the cabin with a shockproof frame, we place the air intake on the roof (initially it is located in the engine compartment).
2. We install the rack on the roof.
3. To protect the steering wheel, we use upholstery - for example, we put on a cover (price from 500-1000 rubles).

The above changes to the fuel system are simple and do not require approval from the traffic police. But, as mentioned above, it is better for drivers who are unsure of their abilities to contact a salon so as not to damage the system elements when independently replacing components or improving them.

Tuning has always been considered a way to distinguish your car from the general monotony. At the same time, proper tuning can not only visually improve the car, but also make it more comfortable and practical. Today, a large number of owners of creations of the domestic automobile industry torment their cars with low-quality modernization, which further shortens the life of the car. But if you approach the issue of tuning wisely, your car will last you much longer. Let's look at the example of the domestic UAZ 3303. Tuning this car is a very common phenomenon, allowing you to feel like a real mechanic.

Thanks to domestic engineers

Domestic engineers designed the car in such a way that the owner has a wide range of actions that can be carried out in the UAZ 3303 car. Do-it-yourself tuning is completely easy to do even in your garage. But you still need to know certain structural features of this car. You have the opportunity to tune the chassis, appearance, and also add comfort to the interior of your UAZ 3303. Tuning the cabin will consist of modernizing and strengthening the body, so after improvement the car can safely be called an SUV. As a rule, modernization also concerns the wheelbase. which is most often tuned, has wide-profile off-road tires and a power body kit. But everything is in order.

Replacing tires

The first thing you need to do for your car is change the tires. The tuned UAZ 3303 will be an indispensable friend for you when hunting, fishing, or simply when traveling on obvious off-road roads. Shallow rivers are often found in the forests of our country, and after heavy rains, most of the land is immersed in mud. Therefore, the right decision would be to install rubber that is capable of overcoming such obstacles. The ideal size of such tires can be up to 25 inches. The UAZ 3303, which you are going to tune, also needs to strengthen the suspension.

Reviews from UAZ-3303 truck owners

The owners of the “tadpole” - residents of the Russian outback - note the following advantages of this off-road truck:

• the opportunity to go hunting, fishing, picking mushrooms and berries; transport any household goods in any of the most inaccessible places;
• unpretentiousness, ease of maintenance and repair: you can, if necessary, repair the machine using a set of standard tools, and spare parts for it can be found in any region or locality;
• the lowest price in the class of light-duty trucks, with the best cross-country characteristics.

The tadpole engine provides consistently excellent low-end traction. The UAZ's ideal adaptability to our roads sets it apart from commercial foreign cars of this class. In contrast to them, which have the dynamics and comfort of a passenger car, moving in traffic on a UAZ-3303 reminds the driver of driving a truck. “You try to stay on the right side, because the dynamics are not important. You constantly monitor the dimensions and look down on passenger cars. Thanks to the high ground clearance and all-wheel drive, there are no problems with high curbs, deep puddles, large snowdrifts or icy roads in winter. The suspension confidently absorbs road irregularities. At the same time, there is only a slight wobble in the cabin.”

Long climbs from acceleration UAZ-3303 passes confidently in 4th gear. Less often, if the speed and engine speed are not enough, you have to move in 3rd, and this is in 2nd gear.

Most owners speak of the UAZ-3303 as a real “workhorse” for harsh operating conditions, capable of almost anything. And they even call this car a reliable friend who will always help and never let you down.

Of course, there are also plenty of disadvantages, given the considerable age of the model. The seat, compared to modern “classmates”, is uncomfortable, as is the location of the pedals. It takes some getting used to the controls. After all, the steered wheels are not in front of the driver, but even slightly behind (under the driver’s seat). And when turning, you need to get used to it. Also, the steering column stands a little obliquely in those UAZ-3303s where there is no power steering yet). Another difficulty is changing gears. The gearshift lever does not immediately enter the gearbox, but is connected to it by rods. Accordingly, you also need to adapt to this.

Those who had experience driving a “tadpole” with the previous version of the engine, and now tried it with the new injection 3M3, note a noticeably increased power and dynamics. From a traffic light, in second gear, the “tadpole” moves forward more confidently than other cars, and on the highway it can be accelerated to a previously unimaginable 140 km/h. And fuel consumption in any case turns out to be very modest for an engine of such a displacement.

Overall, the car is very good, even ideal for its niche - regions with difficult road conditions. Suitable for private households (low fuel consumption, low insurance and taxes). Strong, durable, inexpensive to maintain. Indispensable for outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, beekeepers, and forestry workers. The appearance is, of course, “antique”. But the UA3-ZZO3 was designed as a means of transportation on bad roads and off-road, and not as a Lamborghini.

Strengthening the car frame

The fact is that installing large tires entails possible damage to the car’s suspension, which is simply not designed for such fraud. In addition, the procedure for raising the suspension will protect you from possible damage to the wheel arches of the new rubber. And the car will gain unprecedented off-road capability, which is full of potholes and other irregularities.

Similar results can be achieved by taking the time to install spacers. The UAZ 3303, which you are going to tune, must have a reinforced bottom, and if the car does not have this characteristic, you need to take care of installing it. The reasons for the need to provide underbody protection are the frequent occurrence of large branches falling under the vehicle.

Winch installation

Now let's move on to the winch. On off-road terrain, situations often arise in which you will have to get out of trouble on your own. When you are stuck in the mud and there is not a single soul around, the winch will become your savior. In addition, you will have the opportunity to help your comrades on the road. On the UAZ 3303 you can install both electric and electric. The difference between these types is significant, because the latter is more reliable, and it is preferred by most off-road enthusiasts. The advantage of hydraulics is that they are more powerful and are powered by a motor that builds up pressure. Its electric competitor operates through a battery, which shortens the battery's lifespan.

To strengthen the cabin, a kenguryatnik is installed. This protective arc will serve you when the machine comes into contact with trees and other obstacles, and the placement of spotlights above the cab will come in handy at night. You can also tune the interior: make it soundproof and install more comfortable seats. If you cannot do without music, then you will need to contact a company that installs car audio in the UAZ 3303. The tuning photos look great. With the right approach, you can simply make a “candy” out of our domestic car, because even the most expensive SUV can envy the cross-country ability of this car.

Transformation of a “loaf” into a “tadpole”

Refinement of a personal car, its cabin and power units, during which the factory characteristics are improved, is called tuning. What does this give?

1. Engine power and efficiency increases.
2. Ensures brake reliability.
3. The pendants are strengthened.
4. The cabin becomes comfortable for the driver and passengers.

A good vehicle platform at an affordable price creates the opportunity to experiment, improving the vehicle’s cross-country ability and strengthening its driving performance. The UAZ 3303 “tadpole” (as it is popularly called for its unique shape) is easy to tune.

You can improve the UAZ 3303 with your own hands. Tuning is very easy to do in your own garage. Of course, you need some knowledge about the design of the car. You can tune the chassis, appearance and, if you wish, improve the interior of the UAZ 3303.

Truck engines of the UAZ-3303 series

The power unit of the UAZ-3303 is located longitudinally on the axis, under the solid metal cabin. You could even say – directly inside the cabin. This has its pros and cons. Despite the absence of a hood, access to the engine is very convenient, thanks to which a significant part of the maintenance and repair of the car engine can be carried out while sitting in the cab. In frosty weather, the running engine additionally heats the interior. But in the heat it, of course, noticeably aggravates the heat.

UMZ-414

From 1985 to 1989, a modification of the UAZ-3303-O1 was produced with an UMZ-414 engine with a power of 77 to 90 horsepower. It was a carburetor four-stroke engine with in-line cylinders and overhead valves, produced since 1978. It represented a further development of the UM3-451 motor. Like the 451st, the UM3-414 engine block differs from its predecessor in increased rigidity and a separate bracket for packing the oil seal at the rear end of the crankshaft, as well as a modified design of the front crankshaft oil seal - it has become external.

The engine uses: a new design intake pipe, a cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust channels, an increased performance oil pump, a closed crankcase ventilation system, parts and components of increased reliability and wear resistance. The products were awarded the State Quality Mark.

Some technical parameters of the UM3-414 motor:

• Working volume – 2.445 l.
• Cylinder diameter – 92 mm. The piston stroke is 92 mm.
• Compression ratio - 6.7 (4144.10 - 8.2).
• Rated gross power – 414.10; 4141.10 - 56.6 kW (77 hp); 4142.10; 4143.10 - 58.8 kW (80 hp); 4144.10 - 66.2 kW (90 hp).
• Maximum gross torque at crankshaft speed at 2200-2500 rpm – 414.10; 4141.10 - 166.7 N.m (17 kgf.m); 4142.10; 4143.10 - 168.7 N.m (17.2 kgf.m); 4144.10 - 181.4 N.m (18.5 kgf.m).

UMZ-417

At the end of the eighties, the design of the truck was changed in order to improve its technical characteristics. Including the power unit was replaced with a more modern and powerful analogue UM3-417 - with a new cylinder head, improved design, cast iron camshaft. The engine fuel system was equipped with a two-chamber carburetor with an electronic K-151V sensor and an innovative intake manifold for that time. This made it possible to increase the performance of the power unit and increase its power by almost ten horsepower. At the same time, the standard carrying capacity of the vehicle increased by 425 kilograms, to 1,225 tons. In appearance, UM3-417 is practically no different from UM3-414.

The cylinder head of the UMZ-417 engine is distinguished by an individual camshaft made of cast iron, the diameter of the intake valves increased from 44 to 47 mm and an original intake manifold - with round windows in the head, but for a two-chamber carburetor (K-126GU or K-151V). The 417 engine has an increased compression ratio from 6.7 to 7.0, which provides higher power - 88.5–92 hp. With. according to GOST. The interchangeability of parts UM3-414 and UM3-417 is about 90 percent. These engines run on 76 (80) gasoline.

3M3-409

The ZMZ-409 engine was created on the basis of the 406th engine, or more precisely, on the basis of its successor ZMZ-405. The 405th block is used (the height of all blocks 405, 406, 409 is the same), the crankshaft has an increased stroke (from 86 mm to 94 mm), the connecting rods remain the same, the pistons are changed, with a displacement of 4 mm.

On “loaves” and “tadpoles” its deformed lower modifications 3M3-4O91.1O and 3M3-4O911.1O were used. UAZ-3303 trucks are still equipped with the second of these options. This is an injection gasoline engine that meets the requirements of the Euro-5 standard. Its working volume is 2.693 liters; maximum power is 82.5 kW, or 112.2 hp. Maximum torque at 2500 rpm – 198 N.m. Fuel consumption at a speed of 60 km/h – 9.6 liters per 100 km; at a speed of 80 km/h – 12.4 liters per 100 km.

This engine is distinguished by consistently confident starting at low air temperatures, quick warm-up, unpretentiousness to fuel quality, and throttle response (an optimal combination of torque and power). runs on 92 gasoline.

Start with the wheelbase

It is recommended to strengthen the suspension so that you can drive off-road without fear that the car will fall apart. Replace the tires with similar, but more reliable rubber with a larger diameter (up to 25 inches), which are specially made to overcome mud obstacles. Lift the car body, this is necessary for the wheels to fit accurately. Install supports between the structures, and if necessary, trim the wings of the arch. Cabin protection with a branch guard is a necessary part of car tuning, allowing you to protect the lighting devices and glass of the UAZ 3303 from all kinds of damage.

The readiness of the car for complete off-road conditions is determined by the mandatory presence of a winch. It is fixed at the front or rear of the car. Preferably electric or hydraulic. The advantage of the latter option is its power; the work is carried out by an engine that pumps up pressure. The electric counterpart runs on a battery, and the service life of the latter is reduced.

Great car for rural areas

When it comes to the UAZ “tadpole”, tuning is most often carried out on its chassis and interior, and not on its appearance, although no one forbids changing the body design.

Modernization will allow the car to compete with powerful SUVs. To do this, it is necessary to replace the factory axles with Barsov ones, which are larger in width, and also replace and install a high-slip differential.

This procedure provides two benefits:

• when driving off-road in heavy rains, the wheels will not slip,
• the transmission will wear out less.

It is recommended to use Rancho 5000 shock absorbers. This will allow the car to stand taller, but there will be a lot of roll when cornering, especially off-road. This problem is eliminated by installing a stabilizer with lateral stability on the front and rear axles. Tuning a UAZ 3303 with your own hands will allow you to completely update the car, and you can safely call it an SUV.

Make your brakes reliable

For such roads it is important to have a reliable chassis

The UAZ 3303 requires tuning of the chassis to ensure safety when driving.

Install disc brake systems that promote uniform wear of the pads and increase the braking effect. Strengthen the frame using a subframe and a special reinforcement. For convenience, prepare sound insulation and re-sheath the interior from the inside.

If you are not satisfied with the factory seats, an alternative is offered - “Ford Escort”, you just need to modify them slightly. Cut off all the parts, leaving the soft part and the iron structure that holds it. The photos clearly demonstrate the need for tuning the car.

2 corners are welded to the seats below. Drill holes in them to bolt the pieces to the interior floor. Now your ride will be soft and comfortable. You can leave the factory seat trim or add additional lumbar support to the seats. If you want to turn the steering wheel and not strain your hands, install a hydraulic booster; it is recommended to choose ZF. Even painting and installing wheels with alloy discs will change the appearance of the UAZ 3303 for the better.

Change the bumpers to reinforced ones. If you are not able to do this work yourself, buy RIF from the store. They are developed specifically for the UAZ. The power threshold will preserve the integrity of the cabin for a long time, and the crankcase will protect the engine. Many rural residents still want to buy a UAZ 3303 flatbed due to its performance characteristics. This model is the most reliable. This is what most off-road enthusiasts prefer.

The tuning of the UAZ 3303 does not end with these works. Protect the fuel tank, tie rods, and engine compartment. The cabin mount can be equipped with a cage. The safety bar design will work. if the car hits a tree or other obstacle. It is advisable to install an ELMO clutch; it is especially in demand when constantly driving on asphalt. Exit the engine air intake to the roof. This is very important when you have to cross small bodies of water and roads with impassable mud.

Placing spotlights above the cabin is useful at night. At the last stage, a trunk is installed on the UAZ 3303, which is a certain decoration. It is indispensable when transporting bulky items. Improve the instrument panel and install a stove.

Modernization includes equipping the machine with a multimedia system. In this case, it is better to contact a specialized company. There are services that install sound specifically on UAZ 3303 cars.

High-quality and well-thought-out tuning of the UAZ-3303 allows you to transform working and unpresentable equipment into a luxurious and comfortable wheeled all-terrain vehicle that is not inferior to expensive foreign analogues. The Tadpole, as it is popularly called, has a solid foundation and a spacious enough body and cabin to accommodate many useful options. Making changes will increase the functionality, maneuverability and reliability of a small flatbed truck, making it comfortable and representative.

Design features of the UAZ-3303. What has changed in modern times?

All key components and elements of the UA3 truck are located on a welded frame made of high-quality steel.

The UAZ-3303 trucks currently produced are already equipped with hydraulic power steering as standard. And as an additional option, you can order a heated seat system.

The plug-in classic drive (Part-time 4WD) allows movement in three modes:

• “2H” – rear-wheel drive. The most economical travel mode in terms of fuel consumption.
• “4H” – four-wheel drive. Used when driving on slippery roads, mud and rough terrain.
• “4L” – all-wheel drive with low gears. The maximum possible traction is achieved, which is suitable for heavy off-road conditions.

Also in modern times, the design of the wheelbase has been significantly improved. Because of this, the length of the wheelbase increased by 25 centimeters and amounted to 2,550 meters on trucks of recent years of production. The carrying capacity of the UAZ-3303 has also increased, and now one and a half tons of cargo can be safely loaded into the “tadpole” body. The overall external dimensions of the vehicle have also increased slightly: the length of modern UAZ trucks is now 4.535 m, the width of the body reaches 1.974 m, and the height of the vehicle has grown to 2.355 m.

The new UAZ-3303 vehicles use modern, more powerful, economical and environmentally friendly power units of the ZMZ-409 series, capable of delivering maximum power of 98, 112 and 117 horsepower. The front wheels began to be equipped with disc brakes (the rear brakes remained drum brakes). This made it possible to reduce the braking distance of the UAZ-3303 truck.

Technical tuning

Modification of the UAZ-3303 with your own hands should begin with modification of the frame. During the tuning process, many different options are installed on the car, which leads to increased load on the frame. To prevent it from breaking, solid pipes or metal plates are welded over the factory seams. If possible, reinforcement is carried out on all sides of the joints. Having strengthened the foundation, you can move on to further improvement of the car.

Wheel part

Installing alloy wheels improves the exterior of the vehicle. The width and diameter of the rubber are selected based on the conditions in which it is planned to be used. If the car is being converted into an all-terrain vehicle for hunting and fishing, it is advisable to install wide wheels with the ability to adjust the pressure from the cabin.

The installation of wheels with an increased diameter involves trimming the arches, lifting work to increase the steering column rods, transfer case and gearbox. But the invested effort and money are justified - the car gains increased cross-country ability.

The all-terrain qualities of a vehicle can be improved by installing tracked blocks on the rear axle. For their manufacture, tracks and gears from snowmobiles are used.

Chassis

Since the car is being converted for off-road driving, the engine and gearbox should be protected from mechanical impact. To do this, an aluminum or titanium plate of centimeter thickness is attached under the power plant.

If the springs are in satisfactory condition, then they can be left, cleaned of dirt and rust. It is advisable to replace worn-out products. Hydraulic shock absorbers with height adjustment are installed on both axles. This will allow you to change the vehicle's ground clearance for highway or off-road driving. The self-locking differential on the rear axle increases the cross-country ability of the vehicle.

See » How to make external and internal tuning of a UAZ farmer car

Fuel tank

The fuel container is practically not protected from external influences. When moving through impassable terrain or bad roads, there is always a risk of not only puncturing the tank, but also losing it completely upon contact with a stone, tree trunk or thick mud.

There are the following options for protecting the fuel tank:

1. Replacing standard mounts with powerful steel holders with a thick steel plate on the base.
2. Transferring the tank into the body or into the space between the cab and the cargo compartment.

Both options are simple from a technical point of view and do not require approval from the traffic police.

Technical characteristics of the modern UA3-ZZOZ in numbers

• Length – 4.535 m, body width – 1.974 m, cabin width – 1.990 m, height – 2.355 m.
• Wheelbase – 2,550 m.
• The curb weight of the vehicle is 1.845 tons.
• Load capacity – 1,225 tons.
• Gross weight – 3,070 t.
• Ground clearance – 205 mm.
• The ford depth is 500 mm.
• The departure angle is 27 degrees, the approach angle is 30 degrees.
• The permissible trailer weight is 850 kilograms.
• Fuel tank capacity – 56 l (or 56 l + 30 l additional tank).

Designer tuning

External modernization of a car is carried out in order to distinguish it from the general monotony, make it visible and catchy, and attract the attention of others. Correct tuning allows you not only to visually improve the appearance of the car, but also to make it more comfortable and functional. Irrational modernization leads to accelerated wear of components and mechanisms, reducing the service life of the vehicle.

Interior trim

As for the UAZ-3303, tuning the cabin is an almost unlimited field of activity. You should start from the outside.

You can do the following:

• install tinted windows, equip doors with electric lifts;
• restore old optics by inserting new LED lamps into them;
• trim with plastic fairings;
• paint it in a color that matches the purpose of the machine;
• make stylish footrests.

Interior upgrade options:

• safe and multifunctional dashboard;
• ergonomic steering wheel with adjustable column;
• climate control system;
• chairs with air suspension, armrests and position regulators;
• on-board computer with navigator;
• covering surfaces with sound and heat insulating materials;
• light plastic furniture with sliding doors.

A removable console can be installed on the engine compartment cover.

Before you start tuning the UAZ “Tadpole”, you need to decide on the specific purposes of its use in order to understand what type of alteration will be: complete or partial. Partial tuning is more suitable for those drivers who do not intend to drive on serious off-road conditions. As a result, the motorist will be able to easily go mushroom hunting in the nearest forest and navigate muddy rural roads.

This kind of tuning does not make significant changes to the design of the car. As a rule, it includes the installation of special 31-inch mud tires, as well as a winch and power kit. To increase comfort, you can fork out for tuning the interior of the UAZ 3303.

A complete redesign of the UAZ “Tadpole” involves making major changes to its body and side. It is for this reason that it takes much longer and consists of several main stages. Upon completion of such modifications, “Tadpole” will easily be able to cross shallow rivers and real off-road conditions.

The main stages of complete tuning of the UAZ-3303 Tadpole

Stage No. 1. Changing wheels

To overcome serious off-road conditions, you will have to install special mud tires with a minimum size of 33-35 inches.

Stage No. 2. Raising the suspension and body of the UAZ 3303

This is necessary to prevent the wheels from touching the arches when turning. In addition, the vehicle’s cross-country ability over rough terrain, replete with stumps and boulders, will increase. All this is achieved by installing special spacers between the body and frame and trimming the wheel arches. Raising the suspension is done by adding additional sheets to the springs and installing shock absorbers with a longer stroke.

Stage No. 3. Winch installation

You can attach a hydraulic or electric winch to the UAZ 3303. It is worth considering that electric models are easy to install and can work autonomously. True, such winches are characterized by increased energy intensity, which negatively affects the service life of the battery. The hydraulic type is considered a more reliable, powerful unit, but it works much slower, and its operation requires a running engine that pumps pressure into the system.

UAZ-3303: technical characteristics

The second generation of “tadpole”, stepping into the 21st century

The indestructible record holders and “long-livers” of the domestic automobile industry are the classic cars of the Ulyanovsk Automobile and “Tadpole”. "Tadpole" UAZ-3303 is a light-duty 4x4 off-road truck. In 1985, it replaced the previous “tadpole” truck, which had been mass-produced since 1966 (UA3-450D, UA3-452D). They are still produced today: these are modifications of the UAZ-330394 and UAZ-330364 with the ZMZ-40 engine.” Initially, its standard carrying capacity was defined as 0.8 tons. Now it has been increased to 1.225 tons.