Disco 4 trip preparation?

[10 Toes]

G'day there,
I'm trucking my D4 from Melbourne to Darwin and Broome to Melbourne.
Driving from Darwin to Broome via Kakadu and El Questro etc etc. The car has book services and 33000k's on the clock.
Would anybody have advice on preparatory jobs (oil change / greasing) and what I'd essentially need to take in so far as tools?
We won't be doing much (if any) serious off highway stuff ... just here and there.
Happy to take any advice (given the fact I drove my 73 Dodge ute to Fitzroy crossing with basic tools and never been serviced) ... but that was a valiant.
Cheers
tEN_ToeS

[jonesy63]

Ten Toes - I did that leg (and more) last year. The thing you'll need to keep in mind, is when your next service is due. I had my 36,000km service done in Alice Springs, as I would have been way over by the time I got home.

Trip report here: http://users.tpg.com.au/rjones11

Hint: keep to about 80km/h on GRR (to be easy on your suspension) and slow down for oncoming idiots (throwing rocks everywhere without regards for others!).

Enjoy the trip - it is a hoot! PM me for more information if you need to.

Cheers,
Rob

[Tombie]

Have its 36k service done before you leave - better the dealer you know... And drive it a while before shipping it - so you know it was done right and no niggles (Golden rule; never service just before leaving!)

Then just drive the thing :p

[jonesy63]

^^ Agree

I took a torx bit set, a driver set, and assorted tools... never needed in just on 16,000km.

[AnD3rew]

Out of interest do you mind Sharing what it is costing to truck the D4 up there? This is something I have considered. Although from Sydney.

[10 Toes]

G'day.
I went through the idea of hiring a 4WD form Hertz, AVIS and Europecar. They all came out at about 3000 + extra insurance + KM's over 1400 etc etc.
I worked out it would wind up at about 4k before fuel.
Then I flirted with railing it to Darwin (1400) but they pulled some height limit 1500mm so kyboshed that.
I organised Mel to Darwin though moving cars Depot to Door (our hotel) for about 1800-1875 without giving their pricing away. Drop off 10th June to deliver 29th .. quite a while but I have a D1 to drive.
Broome to Melbourne through Patrick Autocare was 1200-1300 and a great price.
So I think it works out only slightly cheaper with some stuffing around dropping off and picking up and without my car prior and post the trip. However the upside is I have a car I know it's very comfortable (HSE) it has 7 seats (taking wife and 3 billy's) and in great condition. All in all I am really looking forward to the trip and in a familiar well fitted car.
Hope that helps and not too much drivel.
Ten-TOEs

[10 Toes]

Just posted this below... only a relative newbie here posting and stuff.

[PaulGOz]

I second the torx drivers. I had to remove the air compressor cover on mine recently and without these i would have been stuffed there are many covers that require these bits. I also always carry spare air filter, fuel filter, tyre puncher repair kit, hose clamps some fuel line, fencing wire, electrical wire, multi meter.

I have a good relationship with the dealer as well so tell them where you are going and have a yarn. Then carry a sat phone with some basic tools and phone support you should be in a position where something minor does not stop you, anything else well that is what roadside assistance is for.

Have a great trip and enjoy this country and what the car was built to do and does so well.

[JamesH]

Is there a particular size of torx set best suited for late model LR? I just googled them and there is quite a range.

* I know, if I know what a torx set is, I probably shouldn't be weilding one on his D4. This is true but i usually convoy with mechanically smarter people than me.

[oldsalt]

One of these would be a very handy addition to your tool box... just got mine in the mail this afternoon :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[jonesy63]

Is there a particular size of torx set best suited for late model LR? I just googled them and there is quite a range.

* I know, if I know what a torx set is, I probably shouldn't be weilding one on his D4. This is true but i usually convoy with mechanically smarter people than me.

T20, T25 and T50 are the few I've used.

I have this set: 100Pc Driver Bit Set - Jaycar Electronics (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TD2038&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=954#1)
and added the T50.

[Plane Fixer]

Old Salt, is that the full monty or the code reader. I am toying with the idea of getting one too.

[Rohan]

One of these would be a very handy addition to your tool box... just got mine in the mail this afternoon :D

http://files.myopera.com/veedub5/albums/13782792/P1030797.JPG

Yep, I have one of those :) (just a reader/clearer). Handy piece of kit for bugger-all money.
Won't magically fix anything but gives a very good set of clues as to what might be going on!

[Graeme]

Won't magically fix anything but gives a very good set of clues as to what might be going on!If the actuator on the primary turbo gets sticky causing limp mode (MAP/MAF/turbo airflow inconsistancies) then it can be fixed by clearing the ecm faults whilst holding the engine up a few revs then flicking the accelerator a few times as soon as the fault codes are gone. They're also great for discovering the precise suspension fault so that appropriate strategies can be used to prevent or lessen the likelihood of total failure.