Thread: Expedition Preparation Specialists?

Im 80K's away, if you want a local hand on the base vehicle

why not deck it out yourself?

Originally Posted by Rubicon

Couple of other points, the first thing is to get hold of a good base vehicle, I must admit the 300TDi would seem to be the ideal, but as these are all getting old now I want to make sure it is possible to find an honest vehicle initially. I don't trust Ebay, or most dealers come to that so best to get advice from Land Rover users and trusted sources.

I don't think an import is the solution, thank's for input on that.

There are only the two of us so doesn't have to be palatial and I like the idea of keeping it light, basically we would like to get to see as much of rugged and remote Australia as possible, without the vehicle being the limitation or liability.

We are looking at long term ownership of the vehicle and I like things done well the first time, I have found it saves time, money and aggravation in the long term.

Incidentally, Rubicon, my interpretation: Crossing the Rubicon, making a move where there is no turning/looking back, keeping on moving forwards. If that helps.

Paul

Personally, I would (and have) prepare the vehicle myself. Failing that, I would pay JustinC to do it, using bits from Mulgo, Rovertracks, Maxi-Drive, Ashcroft, ARB, the Saffers who make the rear doors, etc...

I would not use a Tdi. 6 months ago I would have picked one, however the TD5 seems to have a stronger bottom end - unless you plan to rebuild the tdi. Of course a 4BD1T is the ultimate. Though other bits apart from the engines are getting tired on most.

I would strongly suggest you get involved with the preparation as much as possible, because something will probably go wrong in the worst possible spot and you will need to be able to fix it.

There are a number of AU companies who would be as good or better at preparing vehicles (including those mentioned).

Over the years I have owned a Series3 Stage1 (Isuzu), a 200TD1, a 1999 TD5 and an 06 TD5 (currently), among other Land Rovers.

We have put about 200k kms on the clock of each, mostly through touring, and travel to many remote areas. We have been to the Cape 8 times, near the mouth of the Calvert 4 times, Gove at least a dozen, travelled the Tanami 5 times etc etc.

We always prepare our own vehicles - NO shortcuts and if there is an issue it is fixed before it becomes a problem.

IMHO of all the vehicles we have owned, the TD5 is by far the best, with exception of the Isuzu powerplant. The car tends to have that bit of extra power, making the likes of overtaking 3 up road trains much safer and easier sand work than the 200TDi.

Don't fall into the trap of having a vehicle expedition ready means bolting on lots of extras. You will just end up with an overloaded top heavy vehicle.

Plan carefully what your requirements are before you start to kit out your car. If there are only 2 of you there is no need for a roof rack, they just get overloaded and are roll hazzards. IMHO the 3 main things for such a vehicle are: minimum range of 1000kms fuel range, fixed water storage of at least 40 litres and dual batteries. As for tyres, start with new ones and carry and repair your own tyres. If you shread a tyre, which happens, almost every tip has 70 / 16 case to get out of trouble till you manage to buy another. Practice tyre changing if you are not proficient at it these are usually the single biggest mechanical problem

As for spare parts, the following may be a bit of a guide

Vehicle spares and tools

IMHO, if you are purchasing a used vehicle, send it to Justin to get it mechanically excellent and Daniel at Mulgo for other requirements. At the end of the day, you were considering shipping to the UK as a possibility.



Erich

Hi,

Thank's for your offer of assistance, I have found a good vehicle a 1993 hardtop which has only done 20,000 kilometers as such it has not suffered any bodges and will be easy to work on. I will therefore do most of the work myself as I shouldn't find any unexpected issues.

I will be in touch shortly when I have got the Land Rover.

Paul

Originally Posted by Rubicon

Hi,

Thank's for your offer of assistance, I have found a good vehicle a 1993 hardtop which has only done 20,000 kilometers as such it has not suffered any bodges and will be easy to work on. I will therefore do most of the work myself as I shouldn't find any unexpected issues.

I will be in touch shortly when I have got the Land Rover.

Paul

That vehicle is a 1993 200 TDI 2 door hardtop that came from Maryborough. Supposedly its been up on blocks for the last five years and hardly ever used prior to that. I was about to arrange an inspection at MR Automotive. Oh well, the disadvantages of being an interstate buyer

Good luck with the vehicle ! Let us all know how you go with it.

I bought one 1994 last year with 100000 km also on the blocks for few years.
Make sure that you flush the fuel tank, replace the fuel filter and also inspect the wheel bearings.

In my Defe I had to replace the injectors and pump and also rear axles, bearings and 2 hubs.

Now drives like a dream thanks to Mr Justin Cooper

There is no limit to the number of people who will gladly take all the money you seem more than eager to throw at them to "prepare" your vehicle for an "expedition" in Australia. Forgive me for thinking you sound a little naive but someone will be more than happy to over prepare your vehicle. I would do as suggested earlier, detail your plans on this forum and be guided by the experience that exists here already.

Originally Posted by stealth

There is no limit to the number of people who will gladly take all the money you seem more than eager to throw at them to "prepare" your vehicle for an "expedition" in Australia. Forgive me for thinking you sound a little naive but someone will be more than happy to over prepare your vehicle. I would do as suggested earlier, detail your plans on this forum and be guided by the experience that exists here already.

Exactly. Overprepared = Overweight and potentially unreliable and unsafe.

This resource (AULRO) is a very important tool.


JC