DII overland prep

[Fifthpro]

Thank you!!!

This is waaaayyyyy too big of a trip for this kid. New college grad, 100k mile Disco II and a limited budget and we're all telling him to go for it? I don't think so. Imagine this guy wandering around Guatemala in a shiny Disco II? If the banditos didn't get him, the lawless lawmen would. I don't think he'd get through Mexico without being held up, robbed of everything but his shorts and call himself lucky to get away with that. That's not even to mention if there was trouble with the questionably reliable DII. (And don't try to call me out on that one.)

Fortymile is right on here. Take a trip to Nevada, to Colorado, to Utah. Hell, take a run up to northern Canada or Alaska. You'll have a great time and you'll come home to tell about it.

I applaud your enthusiasm and adventurous spirit but you need to use your head about this. And you guys encouraging this kid to skip off to Central America are a bit irresponsible in my opinion.

Call me a killjoy but call me rational.

jim

Well, I just wonder if folks said that to Tim Slessor, Patrick Murphy, Antony Barrington Brown, Adrian Cowell & Nigel Newbery when they left college and after six months, six days and 18,000 miles they had drove around the World in 1955?

Then Christopher Columbus comes to mind who lived between August and October 1451 – May 20, 1506 (55 years total) and in one of his writings, Columbus claims to have gone to the sea at the age of 10. In 1485, Columbus presented his plans to John II, King of Portugal for his first voyage...age 34 and lets not forget that he probably received an incomplete education but manage to survive.

Ferdinand Magellan? Magellan made his first experience during the expedition on the sea at the age of 25 in 1505, when he was sent to India to install Francisco de Almeida as the Portuguese viceroy.

My point.....the opinions that words of encouragement are a bit irresponsible? No so sure of that, we are not his parents we are explorers as well. Heck, I would be a hypocrite for saying he was not even going to make it out of Mexico and how crazy of ideal he had because I had just graduated from High School in 1986 when I manage to get on a plane to Central America for for the summer and did not speak a single word of Spanish. Central America was torn by conflict. There was fighting everywhere - in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, and there were border arguments between Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica.

Advice yes, saying he is to young and we are all irresponsible for encouragement is like you said your opinion. I simply have my own.

 

[stevenmd]

Oh, and how many miles on your DII? If it is anywhere near 90K or over, replace the head gaskets before your trip.

What about the front drive shaft? Stock shafts are not greasable. Get it rebuilt with greasable u-joints before it "blows up" and takes out your TC and tranny with it! It would suck to have that occur in SA.

So, having read what everyone has to say... what are YOUR ideas for mods that need to be done? What size tires are you going to run? That will have an effect on whether or not you need to upgrade your axle shafts... etc...:wavey:

 

[Mercedesrover]

sorry Jim but I disagree.

I respect your opinion and your experience, Christian. You've traveled far more than I have. Still, if nothing else he should read the U.S. State Department warnings about Mexico. This one is from April 18th, this year.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

jim

 

[Mercedesrover]

Well, I just wonder if folks said that to Tim Slessor, Patrick Murphy, Antony Barrington Brown, Adrian Cowell & Nigel Newbery when they left college and after six months, six days and 18,000 miles they had drove around the World in 1955?

Try that trip now......

 

[sinuhexavier]

I say go for it.

It's not an adventure until something goes wrong and if you are always doing the safest, most well thought out ideas, you are going to be bored and up being a boring person. Part of being young is not knowing any better and seriously, sometimes ignorance really is bliss. Don't listen to the fear mongers.

 

[sinuhexavier]

I respect your opinion and your experience, Christian. You've traveled far more than I have. Still, if nothing else he should read the U.S. State Department warnings about Mexico. This one is from April 18th, this year.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

jim

That is situation normal Jim. Anywhere in Northern Mexico is dangerous, the farther away you get from the United States the better off you are.

 

[Fifthpro]

Try that trip now......

Not quite the point....but they managed without the Internet, OBA, fridges, GPS, satellite phones and even Gore-Tex. Heck, we had not even put a Man of the Moon at that point.

They admittedly did not have a single bit of experience.....sounds like Ansel Adam's first day out there with that large format camera. I am sure that picture was out of focus and probably over exposed.

 

[Sharkman]

"Be afraid of the locals", "be afraid of the electronics in the truck", "be afraid of getting robbed", "don't go solo (did he say he was going solo?)", "budgets too low!"..."ok, at least worry about Mexico".....


he asked for advice preparing his high(er) milage truck for a trip to SA.

 

[Blair G]

At least he didn't ask about armoring. My opinion is to get your truck in shape and go. I have read about people who have traveled by vespa across Africa. Hiked to South America, rode a bicycle across the USA. Doing what you want a do is done many times over every year. Doing what you want to do also risks. While you can't plan for everything, knowing the basics, speaking the language, and being friendly will buy you a lot. And if you make it Argentina great or if you have to abandon your vehicle in a jungle some where, either way you have had an adventure.


Que te vallas bien,

Blair

 

[efuentes]

I have always tough that over-planning an expedition just turns it into a regular trip, get a map, draw a general route, throw in a camp-cot, an sleeping bag, plenty of music (I strongly suggest Against the Wind by Bob Seager to start the trip in the right mood) and just drive off.

A Daily driver might just be the ideal car for this, and remember, machinery have no honor, it will fail when you least expected.

Have fun and don´t let the over-planners ruin your trip.

Saludos from scary Mexico.

 

[riverratrover]

You guys are awesome!!! I'll take everyones advice, this is a big trip and I'm young no doubts but before I go on to get my masters degree and REAL JOB (yuck...no offense) I need to do this trip.

I will be traveling with my girlfriend (come on fellas I was a good boy scout you know be prepared have a buddy). Back to the truck, I'm the 3rd owner, 1st had it for 20,000 miles in Kanas second had it for 60,000 more and was anal about it, I'm mean anal, I but the first scratch in the paint and the first dent with 83,000!!! The air suspension in the rear is long gone and the front sunroof need fix-en but besides that the car has no rust (Thank you Wyoming) and no leaks. It runs like a truck with 1/2 the miles.

I'd like to remove the rear seats and add some storage draws lockable if possible, a fridge behind the drive seat (so passenger can access) a barrier between back and front (do not want any unexpected projectiles in case of a sudden stop). GPS up front and some system for my iPod.

Outside it has a factory front brush guard and PIAA lights, would like to trade that out for an ARB bumper (airbag compatible) and winch. As much a roof racks are a pain I can't see how not to have one. If I do go with a roof rack, I'll break down for a roof top tent, more lights, jerry cans for longer hauls and a second spare tire. I haven't made a tire chose yet would like to keep them stock size on stock rims if possible and will have to mess with the suspension do to heavy load.

And of corse with an expedition I have a goal (all of SA) but really I want to be able to brag about it. i'll do my home work on Mexico but I've seen most of northern Mexico, I don't mind getting out of harms way and bypassing the dangerous sections or countries. I'd like to see the Mayan ruins spread through out the Yucatan, and as a SCUBA diving instructor I believe the temptation of diving down the golf cost of both Mexico and CA will win out and I'll have to find a way to take my Dive gear. Costa Rica also has world class surfing (hay I'm getting my degree in Hawaii) and White water (I'm a river guide in Grand Teton if your ever out that way). Maybe the tail end of winter in Chile (lived there love it) for a bit of skiing (yep do that also) and then down to explore Patagonia!!!

 

[stevenmd]

he asked for advice preparing his high(er) milage truck for a trip to SA.

OK, I missed the mileage in the original post... having noticed it now, I would still say replace the head gaskets and u-joints before you go. If you changed the oil regularly, I would not even worry about 105K miles on the engine. Rovers have a tendency to build up sludge with irregular oil changes. Maybe make sure the oil pump is in good working order and clean out the oil pan if need be. And do a good flush on the cooling system.

Other than that, regular maintenance will take you a long way. So having given my thoughts on that, what mods do you think you will need?

*edit* just read your above post... I would suggest a 2" OME lift (shocks and springs) to handle the extra weight of the gear. You can get them from www.expeditionexchange.com or from the forum store at www.lrrforums.com (ask for Tony_DII). For tires, you can't go wrong with BFG AT's. Good all around tire. As for size - 245/75-16 would be a good size for your trip. I really don't like the ARB bumper but that is only a personal opinion. I think it hangs too low, is too heavy, and shifts like the TJM when bumped.

I would suggest upgrading your steering components to www.rovertym.com or www.rovertracks.com (if Keith makes them for a DII - he is "revor" on this forum - PM him).

 

[Alaska Mike]

Maybe I'm just too old, or maybe I've pulled too many people out of the bush. Heck, one is too many. I think Mercedesrover was just being cautious, which isn't a bad thing these days. As for the vehicle issues, what would you rather have: a vehicle you've rebuilt bolt-by-bolt, or one that was built by a factory over a decade before? As a nuts and bolts kind of guy, I'd rather have the one I built, because if I did it once, I can do it again. That also eliminates everyone but me from the blamestorming session. But that's a personal preference, and I think that's a decision everyone has to make for themselves. If I did this for a living, I certainly wouldn't be driving the globe in a 35 year old rig. Can you say climate zones?

I think you're far more prepared than I am for a Mexican trip, and I want to go myself. I still say plan your route (within reason) and leave the plan with someone you know. You can always deviate as you see fit, just notify that person.

I do envy you. A lot. Keep the build simple/reliable, and keep the weights within reason. You'll have a blast.

 

[riverratrover]

Of course my route will be well planned (within reason) and I'll have check in days and with modern cell phones (SMS cards) will allow you to communicate in every major city, and for the more remote areas, plan ahead be smart and make sure you check in before and after.

I again most thank you all for your concern and its been dually noted, I'm now looking at making my northern Mexico stay quite short as well avoiding Venezuela, Bolivia, and Columbia.

Back to the truck though I would like your opinions on:

ARB front bumper with winch, I like it because its tidy looking but still tough enough to show I'm not messing around. Most importantly I like the idea of airbag compatibility. I know a lot of serious crawlers and technical off roaders don't think there tough enough but this truck in going to be my home, I'm all about going safely around the big *** bolder not over it.

Snorkel
Looks cool yes but does it help keep the air filter clean, The southern Spin of SA is all dirt roads not technical but really dusty (I drove a Toyota Echo through the area, poor poor car)

Recovery Gear
What best, what is your favorite kit?

Interior storage:
I'm thinking removal of rear seat, and home built cargo drawers and cubbies, I've got the rear jump seats as well but I've got to git those out no question.

Fridge:
Ok silly question seems everyone loves theirs.

Skid plates/underbody protection:
recommended brands, areas I wouldn't think about?

As far as major engine components I'd like to keep stock as possible so when I get is serviced at LR dealerships along the way they know what their looking at.

Any other suggestions will gladly be taken. The trucks in Hawaii now but will be back on the mainland in a year or so and the shake downs runs begin!!!

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Maybe I'm just too old, or maybe I've pulled too many people out of the bush. Heck, one is too many. I think Mercedesrover was just being cautious, which isn't a bad thing these days. As for the vehicle issues, what would you rather have: a vehicle you've rebuilt bolt-by-bolt, or one that was built by a factory over a decade before? As a nuts and bolts kind of guy, I'd rather have the one I built, because if I did it once, I can do it again. That also eliminates everyone but me from the blamestorming session. But that's a personal preference, and I think that's a decision everyone has to make for themselves. If I did this for a living, I certainly wouldn't be driving the globe in a 35 year old rig. Can you say climate zones?

Personally, I'm totally with you on this. My Focus has been completely torn apart and rebuilt by myself and I think it's probably the most reliable 2001 Focus ever, despite being beat on on trackdays regularly.

However, the other side of the coin... these days, particularly with the younger set... It's often NOT a good thing if they've touched the car too much. I've seen too many cars that are terribly unreliable POS because their owners have worked on them.

This is a double edged sword, and the sweeping generalization that an owner can rebuild a car better than the factory built it... it's just not realistic anymore. That being said, I'd probably suggest that if one is the type of person who can't fix their car themselves, they probably shouldn't be going on a "vehicle dependent expedition". This is probably why you'll see most of the big commercial expeditions brought along a mechanic or two.