Been thinking about this myself.
For wheels, I have a Disco steel wheel for a second spare, so I'm just going to stick with the standard Boost alloys and fit some stronger LT235/85/16 tyres when the originals wear out. The standard tyres have plenty of give in them for offroad to protect the wheels and alloys are stronger and lighter than steels anyway.


Standard Defender suspension seems pretty capable, which is one of the reasons to buy a Defender in the first place. I also think the standard suspension has good clearance for touring, so I'm not convinced of the need to raise it unless I want to go rock-climbing (which I don't). So far the standard suspension doesn't drop at all when towing our camper trailer, with drawers and some gear in the back, so I can't see why adding extra weight such as a rooftop tent and some gear and not towing would be any different. If it does become an issue I might just add some rear airbags to support the rear springs.


If it can cope with Australian outback roads it should cope with Africa, I figure.


So, as others have said, I suggest you add all the weight you plan to carry first and then check if your suspension is coping before spending any money which might be unnecessary. Spend the money you save on fuel instead and have a great time!