Two year circumnaviagtion of Africa in my 2007 JKUR - The Road Chose Me

[Dan Grec]

I am far more worried about the decision to swap engines (although I understand it) and the politics of various countries, than I am about the vehicle.

The engine swap was a hard decision to make.
Time will tell if I've made the right choice - if I'm compromised long-term reliability of the drive train, it will have been a mistake. I'm committed now, so I will run with it

N.B. The horror stories of campers being trashed on RoRo seem to be exaggerated and the possibly greater ease of booking RoRo space with the specialist companies, like Sea Bridge (https://www.sea-bridge.de/html/verschiffung.php?language=english) who routinely ship to Africa, might make it worth another look.

I'm probably shipping Halifax, NS to wherever is cheapest in Europe, then driving down into Morocco.

I'm not worried about the "ease" of RoRo Vs. Container. I've done Container before and I'll do it again. Hopefully it doesn't break the budget.

-Dan

 

[Comanche Scott]

I've done many engine / drivetrain swaps over the decades, both for commercial and hobbyist applications. If the engineering is sound, and the work performed to factory standards you shouldn't have an issue. Unless you are installing a diesel engine that was only used in one specific Sears Garden Tractor, driven by a little old lady to Bingo on Wednesdays...

Man, I can't wait. This is getting exciting! :wings:

 

[Dan Grec]

Man, I can't wait. This is getting exciting! :wings:

You're telling me!!!!

-Dan

 

[squint]

Just read through the info on JPFreek -very interesting. I am so very excited for you. Have you watched the Long Way Down with Ewan McGregor? I also recommend The Dark Star Safari if you haven't already read it. I am in AZ as well. Hope Scott has time to show you some of the beautiful places in AZ while you are here. Good luck on your life changing adventure ahead!

 

[Jim K in PA]

Just caught this post, as I have not been frequenting EP as often as I used to. Glad to hear the next trip is taking shape, Dan. Looking forward to following along and enjoying your writing again.

 

[Dan Grec]

Just read through the info on JPFreek -very interesting. I am so very excited for you. Have you watched the Long Way Down with Ewan McGregor? I also recommend The Dark Star Safari if you haven't already read it. I am in AZ as well. Hope Scott has time to show you some of the beautiful places in AZ while you are here. Good luck on your life changing adventure ahead!

I actually stumbled across a copy of the Long Way Round book back in about 2006 when I had never heard of Overlanding and had never dreamed any kind of world-travel-adventure dream. It made me dream big enough to think I could do something similar - and three years later I did!
That, and Jupiter's Travels honestly changed my life.

Meeting Ted Simon at Overland Expo and having a beer with him was more than a little surreal - it's not every day you get to meet your hero in real life

Long Way Down was awesome too - the book and the TV show. I just wish they were not on such a tight timeline, but we all have limitations of some kind. My limitation is money, theirs was time.

I did read Dark Star Safari just last year (trying to keep my spirits up while working a desk job to save money for the Africa trip). I really liked it - the way Paul gives so much political and historical background to the places he's visiting is amazing. Learned a lot about Eastern Africa from that book.

Thanks for the kind words!

Just caught this post, as I have not been frequenting EP as often as I used to. Glad to hear the next trip is taking shape, Dan. Looking forward to following along and enjoying your writing again.

Jim,

Great to hear from you and I'm happy to hear you'll be along for this new adventure.
I can honestly say the occasional comments from you on my website helped me survive the hardest days on my last adventure. Thank you.

-Dan

 

[Jim K in PA]

Jim,

Great to hear from you and I'm happy to hear you'll be along for this new adventure.
I can honestly say the occasional comments from you on my website helped me survive the hardest days on my last adventure. Thank you.

-Dan

I am flattered you even remember me, and even more so by your comments. Sometimes when we are lonely, we need to remember we are never truly alone. Your "solo" journeys are actually much more than that.

As always, if you find yourself coming through eastern Pennsylvania, let me know.

 

[Dan Grec]

Hey Everyone,

I'm extremely proud to announce my Jeep and I are entered into SEMA in Vegas from November 3-6.

Massive thanks to AEV and JPFreek.

Also, here's a test-fit of the Mercedes OM606 3.0 turbo diesel in my JK. Tons of work to go, I can't wait to get this thing back on the road!



http://theroadchoseme.com/bound-for-sema

If you are attending SEMA this year, please stop by and say hello.
The Jeep and I will also be at the public event Friday night "Friday Ignited"

-Dan

 

[Omar Brannstrom]

Not many have crossed Africa with a Wrangler. I read a about a couple from Lithuania (Europe) and they wrote this on the internet and made this nice movie through Africa

Movie http://www.lostinhdr.com/Video/i-6cJQ42M/A

Webpage http://www.lostinhdr.com/


"We took Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD automatic transmission.
I just put on BF Goodrich tires - that's it, no more modification had been made.
Unlimited (means 4 doors) and you can make 200 cm bed in back of Jeep, so, no tents have been used.

I took additional 40l Diesel, and 27l water. But we did not used it, there was plenty of diesel to buy all over route (even in Mauritania, or Nigeria Boko Haram area).

We made 24000 km across Africa and did not have any problems, no punctures, no technical problems or border crossings. All people very kind and happy to see overlanders, no bribes (even in Nigeria or Congo DRC) no asking for gifts. We very surprised that it feel very safe. Even more safe than in Lithuania.

Everybody was so exited about our car, they never saw Jeep’s… only some Japanese or UK cars…

I'm still working on pictures, everyday put some of them. As you may know, picture can say 1000 words, thats why I decide to make Photoblog instead of wordpress or something"

 

[Comanche Scott]

1st Congrats on the SEMA gig! That will be a blast. :beer:
2nd, I'm very relieved to see you aren't using a 4BT. That OM606 should do all you need.
Nothing against the 4BT (I have one), but it's a lot of noise for such a long drive.

 

[JKU87]

Oh man, I can't wait to follow this and can only hope I'll do something similar in my JKU someday.

 

[Dan Grec]

1st Congrats on the SEMA gig! That will be a blast. :beer:

Thanks, I can hardly believe it!

2nd, I'm very relieved to see you aren't using a 4BT. That OM606 should do all you need.
Nothing against the 4BT (I have one), but it's a lot of noise for such a long drive.

I never really considered the 4BT as a valid option - too big & too noisy for what I want.
It shocks me more people are not using these Merc engines.

-Dan

 

[SSF556]

Thanks, I can hardly believe it!



I never really considered the 4BT as a valid option - too big & too noisy for what I want.
It shocks me more people are not using these Merc engines.

-Dan

Love my merc 3.0 diesel engine...honestly the only reason the grand cherokee is still in my garage.

 

[Dan Grec]

Love my merc 3.0 diesel engine...honestly the only reason the grand cherokee is still in my garage.

I forget which engine is in yours.. it's not an OM648 is it?
My mechanic has one sitting in the shop, we here having a good look at it today. It would be such a good engine if there was a standalone option that wasn't $10k

-Dan

 

[BenHedrick]

Dan, subscribed!!! And SAFE TRAVELS to you my friend...!! What an excellent adventure!!

Ben