Top 5 expedition mods

[mauricio_28]

I'll be getting a Frontier Navara (2.5L common-rail turbo diesel) within 8 eights here in Indonesia. I'd like to make some modifications to turn it increasingly into an expedition-worthy vehicle for travel in Sumatra, Sulawesi and the Lesser Sunda islands. I need some help with the top 5 must-have mods for expedition travel. My current thinking is:

Top 5 expedition mods
1. Snorkel
2. Winch
3. Narrower, higher profile A/T tires (Pirelli Scorpions)
4. Front bumper
5. ?

Also, can anyone share insights or experience with said engine?

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

We can share insights that we are jealous you have a diesel. I think the only people on here that can say anything about it is the Aussies. We americans dont get a diesel version of the Navara/Frontier

 

[IceCap4runnerORP]

Are you planning on day trips or overnight? With overnight trips you may wish to add comfort items such as a fridge, etc.

 

[mauricio_28]

Yeah, I am really excited about the (turbo intercooled) diesel engine. My love for diesels came about by chance. My company car was a turbo diesel Mitsubishi Pajero which would climb off idle. It was a veritable mule, and there was no going back to petrol/gasoline. The Navara has 2x power (174 PS) and even more torque (402Nm @2,000 rpm). Diesel here sells for under US$0.50 per liter...

I am planning for weekend jaunts and longer weeks-long cross island drives. There are no deserts here so sand terrain considerations apply. What there is plenty of here is rain and (clay) mud. The philosophy that I'd like to stick to in modifying and upgrading the new beast is minimalist functional. That is, everything that I need, nothing that I don't. A fridge is nice, but not absolutely necessary. If anything, it'd be for beer, rather than formeat or produce. A cheap thermoelectric might just do the trick.

The beast comes with 255/70R16 tires stock. I'm thinking of switching to something like A/T 235/80 shoes

 

[Overland Hadley]

Yeah, I am really excited about the (turbo intercooled) diesel engine.

That sounds like a great rig, wish we could get a diesel here.

Is #5 a roof top tent? Might be nice where you live.

And welcome to Expedition Portal!

 

[mauricio_28]

A roof-tent might be ok, but I am just as happy to buy a normal tent and pitch it on the ground. Light and simple is the philosophy. Plus we don't have the wide range of toys, accessories, add-ons, etc. here in Indonesia, and having them shipped in from outside is prohibitively expensive.

There are still very few Navaras on the road, but I saw one today. It's a very handsome looking vehicle in black. All thoughts of getting a Mitsubishi were immediately erased.

 

[mcm4090]

#5. A small lift. 2 or 3 inches.

 

[viter]

since you say it rains a lot and there is lots of clay mud I would definitely get some mud tires rather than all-terrains. say pirelli scorpion mud instead of pirelli scorpion atr, if you are set on pirelli; or some bfg mud terrains, etc. if you are not...

 

[canucksafari]

We can share insights that we are jealous you have a diesel. I think the only people on here that can say anything about it is the Aussies. We americans dont get a diesel version of the Navara/Frontier

Hmmm. The Canucks got diesel Nissan Safaris (AKA Patrol). :wings: I think almost everyone could get the diesel Navara, Pathfinder, Patrol/Safaris new except Mexicans, Americans and Canadians. Well if you have the right friends in Mexico you can get almost anything.

I would second the Mud Terrain tires if that is what you deal with most of the time. They tend to wear quickly on pavement but do well in mud. If you have mixed driving go with All Terrains and carry a set of chains for the front and back. Chains will take you much further in mud but have to be taken off when you are on pavement. If it looks like your in for bad mud ahead, then put them on before the mud gets deep.

Othder goodies you should consider is a high lift jack like an ARB or Jack -all. An onboard air compressor for airing up after airing down or repairing a puncture is also on my list. Better units will also run air tools. Slider storage drawers for the rear and a good roof rack. You will also need a range of recovery gear such as straps, shackles, pullies. You can buy these in complete kits or put together you own kit. Don't buy junk recovery gear. It could kill you or anyone near by if it fails. Also, learn how to use it properly by joining a 4 wheel drive club or taking a course. If your trips are long duration and have you camping, then you may also consider a portable fridge.

 

[mauricio_28]

#5. A small lift. 2 or 3 inches.

I'm wondering whether I can do a minor lift of 1.5 inches by changing the tires from the stock 255/70 to 255/85. Can the suspension and wheel wells support such an increase in tire height? Any thoughts on quick and painless minor lifts?

I think I'll stick to A/Ts rather than M/Ts since I will use the truck for city driving as well.

 

[canucksafari]

To get a 1.5" lift from the tires you will need a true 3" tire diameter increase. Make sure you check the actual diameter of the tires you buy. Often they can be as much as 1" less than what they are stated to be. It is very likely a 3" increase in tire size will cause your tires to rub. Borrow some before you buy and test it out. To deal with tire rub you need to lift and / or cut out your guards to accomodate the larger tires.

FYI, stock tire size on my Safari was a 31x10.5x15. I can go as high as a 33" tire without worring too much about tire scrub. If I do a 2" lift, I will be able to fit 35" tires with some scrub on full compression. If I shim the front dif forward, I should be scrub free. I wouldn't bother with 35s as my engine does not have the power.

Going to a much bigger tire changes your gear ratio and takes more power to do the same work. If you have the horse power it isn't an issue. However, you will also find that you no longer have the low range gearing you may want. Then you have to change the gearing in your difs or your Transfer case to get your low range back to where it is effective. All this is more work and money than doing a 50 MM lift with 33" tires. If you want more lift, you can always add a 50 MM body lift.

 

[Christian P.]

The major ones in my humble opinion:

-long range fuel tank
-dual spare tire (ability to carry 2 spares)
-sturdy suspension
-snorkel
-winch

and an Engel fridge for the beers...

 

[Scott Brady]

Here is my list... Which assumes you are traveling solo most often or in small groups, and are using a vehicle designed for rough travel.

1. LT tires in an AT or MT tread. Usually +1 on the size with matching spare
2. Tools for self recovery and vehicle repair: minimum of a high-lift and tools. Winch and full recovery kit preferred. Front and rear recovery points.
3. Communications: VHF/UHF radio and SPoT or PLB
4. Navigation: Skills and tools for navigating with a map and compass and a GPS system
5. Safe, secure and organized equipment storage

After that, everything else just improves the performance of the vehicle or comfort of the travel experience.

 

[mcm4090]

I'm wondering whether I can do a minor lift of 1.5 inches by changing the tires from the stock 255/70 to 255/85. Can the suspension and wheel wells support such an increase in tire height? Any thoughts on quick and painless minor lifts?

Steve47 is running 255/85R16 on his Frontier with 1.5" of lift in the front and 2" of lift in the rear.

 

[mauricio_28]

Thank you all for all that input. My order just went through so I'll be taking delivery in four to eight weeks on a manual Navara. The Crew Cab TDi (LE trim) version here goes for US$30.5k. Granted it's not assembled in Tenessee or Barcelona, but it's about US$10k cheaper than the comparable UK model...