Two year circumnaviagtion of Africa in my 2007 JKUR - The Road Chose Me
- Thread starter Dan Grec
- Start date
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Something to consider is the transfer case ratio. Will you really need the 4:1 crawl ratio of the Rubicon, or would you be better served with the higher ratio of the Sport?
Running in soft sand the Sports transfer case ratio is going to provide better wheel speed. The Rubicon ratio is awesome for going really slow, and making technical climbs up rocks and ledges, but for everything else the standard transfer case is pretty nice.
You lose the lockers, but again that's pretty extreme situations where they are needed.
The difference in initial cost, could go a long way.
Running in soft sand the Sports transfer case ratio is going to provide better wheel speed. The Rubicon ratio is awesome for going really slow, and making technical climbs up rocks and ledges, but for everything else the standard transfer case is pretty nice.
You lose the lockers, but again that's pretty extreme situations where they are needed.
The difference in initial cost, could go a long way.
SSF556
SE Expedition Society
I agree and why not add an ARB air locker to the Sport. I imagine you will have on board air for a trip to Africa.
I don't know how much of Africa you've travelled, but I'd guess not much.
If I was doing trans-Africa, I would want at least a rear locker. Many, many roads here go years without grading. Rainy seasons, sugar cane trucks, lorries, etc create ruts that will eat a truck even on 35s. Often times, the best way to navigate washed out roads is cross-axle situations where you can bank on one tire having traction and relying on a locker to do the job.
That's just over a decade of experience talking, though...
Hey, as long as the tires are on the ground the true trac is just as good as any full locker. and you don't have to turn it on, or what not. It just works. Its a great unit. No, I haven't driven in Africa yet. However, I have seen the terrain and there is not much in the form of rock crawling. Yeah the roads are super washed out etc, but I think that makes the true tracs even more desireable.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
I watched a BBC Documentary where three very well respected British explorers were tasked with finding the actual origins of the Nile River. Their expedition took them through some serious terrain. Yet they all chose cars, and completed their mission with only "minor" damages.
I mean, how tough can it really be?
Wait!... I found it again on Youtube.
These guys are consummate professionals though, so I could see it might be difficult for the average driver. :elkgrin:
Second part:
SSF556
SE Expedition Society
win....watch those airbags though..
Let me see if I understand your argument correctly...
For the sole purpose of entertainment, the BBC sent three (quite hilarious) men across Africa in normal cars. They managed to do so, albeit with off-camera help at times, no doubt. Again, all for the purpose of entertainment. It made for a way better special to send them in those cars as opposed to Land Cruisers.
So, you use that as evidence to suggest someone crossing Africa by vehicle shouldn't give priority to a vehicle that is more capable off-road, and as evidence to insult my driving capability?
I'm not really sure I can agree with you on your reasoning.
SSF556
SE Expedition Society
Lighten up Francis...it was a joke...
Lets keep the chatter to a minimum moving forward and let Grecy use this space to provide us updates on his trip and decision on a vehicle.I still think the rubicon is not the best choice of jeep for an Africa trip. 1. Sahara....just the name alone is the correct rig. Just like the rubicon is best for the ......rubicon! the Sport, that just rocks for EVERYTHING!....But in all seriousness, a swaybar disco, not need for long distance overlanding, 2. the ultra low crawl ratio in the t-case of the rubi, not as useful for long distance overlanding, 3. the E lockers. That one is a wash, but they fail frequently, so my vote goes for the true tracs. Open diffs until they are needed then automatically engage to provide the necessary grip, As long as your not wheels in the air (even then the BLD will help a lot.).
Like I said, the one here for 28k, with 26k is ideal!
Like I said, the one here for 28k, with 26k is ideal!
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
ROFL! Great response! :beer:
One thing I could pretty much guarantee is that if it were me making this trek, I'd have the most competent, reliable vehicle I could afford.
Adding lockers to a Sport may be the best of all worlds.
I have to agree on this, the simpler the better. And the least electronics or none at all would be in order. Going back to the same vehicle doesn't make sense to me. It is full of electronics to fail, and a gas engine with electronic injectors. It has been stated that the gas is limited there and is poor quality.
Dirt or water in the fuel will destroy a electronic injector in short order. Running in deep water or mud will also destroy the electronics as will blowing dust and sand. I don't quite understand the logic here.
onemanarmy
Explorer
Those Top Gear treks have MULTIPLE support rigs and mechanics following behind.
makes for good TV though.
Just get an HJ 60, outfit it like you want, and go to Africa.
makes for good TV though.
Just get an HJ 60, outfit it like you want, and go to Africa.