Here are a few details on how the vehicle is set up for those who are curious.
- Frame, suspension and differentials are from a 1981 460; front, center and rear locking differentials. Front and rear are hydraulic actuated.
- Engine, tranny, electronics and dash are 461.
- Engine is a 290 GDT with an intercooler and has been chipped for added power. The chip controls the fuel pump voltage. It can be turned off and on via a switch on the dash. With it on this thing screams around like a beast; I keep it off other than on hills when I am on the highway and vehicles are behind me. I get better mpg with it off. I use Stanadyne fuel treatment for antigeling, performance, lubricity and to mitigate any potential water issues. I've just ordered an auxiliary fuel filter/water trap designed for this engine and used on the Marine IFAV as I understand water is the biggest enemy of the Bosch rotary injection pump.
- Transmission is a 4 speed automatic.
- Has a transmission cooler
- Front cab is a 463 as I understand it.
- ORC springs and Bilstein shocks. She handles beautifully and the suspension feels nicely tuned. No sense of being top heavy due to a heavy duty rear sway bar setup. Super smooth on dirt roads and big hits don't seem bad at all (I avoid them but they sneak up on you sometimes).
- Dual fuel tanks, main is a bit over 25 gallons, is plastic with a protective plate and the 10+ gallon auxiliary is stainless steel. There is a transfer pump between the two controlled by a dash switch. Part of me would like more fuel but I haven't even come close to needing it so who knows.
- Economy is 12+ mpg when driving hard, 14+ mpg when cruising in the woods. Range is 425 miles when driving hard, 500 when taking it easy.
- Top speed is 60mph. It is very low geared but is quick with tons of torque all the way to 60mph. I believed it is governed; shuts down at @4200 rpm even though it is pulling hard to that point. Shifting is very smooth. I just stay off the interstate. Interestingly, the speed limitation has made me choose 2 lane highways and dirt road options which has turned out to be really nice due the areas it has taken me. I could change the gearing and go faster but I won't. I understand that the builders changed the gearing numerous times to get it like it is and I really like it. It doesn't feel like a 6500 lb vehicle (I'm more like 6800lbs full loaded).
- I got it with 13,000 miles on it. It has 16,000 miles now. Engine seems to be getting smoother and stronger. Burns no fluids to date.
- Headlights are Hella H4. Front Rallye lights are Hella 2000. Night runs are awesome. Rear lights are PIAA.
- Has air conditioner
- Dual Battery setup
- Has a sink with a 5 gallon tank and electric pump
- Engel fridge
- Propane 2 burner stove
- Lots of storage. I can stow all my gear and nothing is out.
- 6000 BTU Olympian safety heater - propane
- 9' long bench seat that slides out to a bed - I sleep better on it than I do at home!
- Recaro seats
- onboard air; Viaire 450H - I installed it after reading about airing up and down on this forum - makes a huge difference. Thanks
- all the usual gear like ARB tire kit, snatch and tree straps, shackles and pulley, hi-lift with accessories, tools
- tires are BFG Mud Terrain KM2, 32x11.5x15. It has two spares. Rims are AMG alloy; surprisingly light for their size.
- interior floors are rubber, walls are Formica on thin marine grade plywood.
- camper frame is steel, skin is aluminum, has insulation.
- 4 12v interior dual bulb light fixtures. Battery powered LEDs are also mounted for when I need to conserve power.
- I've assembled a comprehensive spare bulb, fuse and relay kit.
- it has a cargo net on the interior of the roof. It is very handy for light items like chips, towels, paper plates etc.
I am fortunate that the mechanic in charge of the build still has a shop in town and has taken care of the few issues I have had. He knows this vehicle (Mercedes in general) like the back of his hand. He is an automotive engineer and is Mercedes trained. He is a G Wagen master and is impeccable in his workmanship. I'm surprised at the price of most Mercedes parts. Not any more expensive than my other domestic vehicles. Maintenance items could be considered to be cheap.
I'll post some interior pics when I get a chance as well as my modifications as they progress.
Again, thanks to you all for this forum. It has been super beneficial. Who knew there was an a sub-culture called "overlanders"? I wish I would have found it years ago.