Suitability of Built JK for Central/South America Expedition

[jpzeroday@hotmail.com]

I have a built 2010 JK Unlimited. Two related question sets:

Is this vehicle suited to south of the US expeditions? Part availability? Durability? Stand-out too much? Does suitability decline the further south it is expeditioned (i.e. Mexico would be ok, but further south not a good idea; etc.)

If I were to endeavor to use it as an expedition rig, what are the key additional mods to ensure best reliability and capability.

Initial build was for a low COG 37" NA expedition capable rig. Mods completed:

AEV 3.5" Lift
HD Customs Front Bumper, Warn 9.5xp, swaybar disconnect skid plat.
Built front axel: RCVs, Gusseted, Trussed, Sleeved
Under carriage skid and evap relo
5.22 re-gear
HD Customs Rear Bumper w/ Warm M8000, 2x4gal Rotopax
37" MTRs on 17" Rugged Ridge Wheels

Pending Mods:
Expedition Rack
Autohome Maggiolina
Engle or like Fridge
Compressed Air System

 

[Christian P.]

No problem.

If you wanted, you could easily take a BMW M5 down to Panama right now. The main road is entirely paved and except for a few potholes and speedbump - it is in great condition. I may actually do it next time.

As for models, we have seen pretty much every type of car. Mexico has more american cars, Guatemala/Honduras/Nicaragua has more Toyata, Panama has everything.

South America may be a bit different but I would not worry at all. Through this forum, we have contact everywhere, we can send you anything should you need it....

 

[haven]

Your jeep sounds like a dream rig. But you will be the center of attention anywhere you go. Take extra cash to pay off the local policemen who will frequently ask the rich gringo traveler to supplement their income.

Tell us more about your goals and travel plans. As 2aroundtheworld says, you may be able to take a vehicle that's closer to stock, be less conspicuous, get better fuel mileage, and still have a great time.

 

[Ridge638]

Hi guys, I am very new to this forum but found it from looking for answers to the same question. Unfortunately my 08 Jeep JK Unlimited is in the same boat with lots of modifications which makes it stands out like a sore thumb. I have thought about adding some decals on magnetic strips and maybe some non-US flags. On top of that I thought I would keep it pretty dirty so it wouldnt stick out so much. Just want to be inconspicuous and safe. We were planning a trip from Arizona to Costa Rica for this year but it looks like it will be postponed to 2012.

Ridge

 

[Scott Brady]

I traveled all of Central America in a JK. It is the perfect truck for that.

 

[bconrad5150]

I have a built 2010 JK Unlimited. Two related question sets:

Is this vehicle suited to south of the US expeditions? Part availability? Durability? Stand-out too much? Does suitability decline the further south it is expeditioned (i.e. Mexico would be ok, but further south not a good idea; etc.)

If I were to endeavor to use it as an expedition rig, what are the key additional mods to ensure best reliability and capability.

Initial build was for a low COG 37" NA expedition capable rig. Mods completed:

AEV 3.5" Lift
HD Customs Front Bumper, Warn 9.5xp, swaybar disconnect skid plat.
Built front axel: RCVs, Gusseted, Trussed, Sleeved
Under carriage skid and evap relo
5.22 re-gear
HD Customs Rear Bumper w/ Warm M8000, 2x4gal Rotopax
37" MTRs on 17" Rugged Ridge Wheels

Pending Mods:
Expedition Rack
Autohome Maggiolina
Engle or like Fridge
Compressed Air System

When are you leaving? I want to follow your journey.

 

[Hilldweller]

I think it would be hard to find those tires in a pinch outside the U.S. Maybe 33s would be easier?

I've also not heard of 5.22 gears for a JK. 5.13 and 5.36 are common --- again, just thinking of a scenario if you needed to replace something.

Other than that, tenha uma boa viagem!

 

[Bigjerm]

Just got back from a trip and we did go to Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica. Lots of Nissan, Kia, Hyundai and some Jeep Liberty. A lot of bridges on smaller roads in Ecuador were sketchy looking with a 3 ton limit and narrow. Did see an awesome JK with a roof top but no chance on picture.

 

[Marcie's Disco]

I have kept an eye on this thread since the original post. The capability of the JK is not a question, I have been waiting to hear comments on the question about parts availability and dealer support in Mexico and further South?

 

[Hilldweller]

I have kept an eye on this thread since the original post. The capability of the JK is not a question, I have been waiting to hear comments on the question about parts availability and dealer support in Mexico and further South?

Is it possible to get Jeep parts from Fiat dealers now?
My family in Brasil drives Fiats, Renault, VW, Ford ---- I can't say that I remember seeing a Jeep dealer anywhere in Brasilia, Curitiba, Caldas Novas, Foz do Iguacu, Cascovel, or in Paraguay.