Worth while?

[ted44]

Hello.
From people who have prepared a vehicle for a big trip, do you wish you had done it any differently. By this I mean was it worth the time effort doing all the maintenance on a older truck to get it trip ready, or would you in hindsight buy a newer truck?
I know its a big Q but just trying to get a angle on what to do with mine, its a 1996 300Tdi in quite good condition, although its needs all the age related things doing on it to get it ready for a big trip around the Simpson next sept.
Cheers ted

[weeds]

i took my 95 defer across the simpson six or so years ago........

the most important thing is the mechanicals..........well serviced, a detailed inspection of everything underneath, near new or new quality shocks and decent tyres......

i have made a few changes to my rig since but not many........

i was very heavily loaded at the time

its better sticking with a rig you know than one you don't know so make the effort i reckon

what is your list of age related issues?

so long as your timing belt is done along with
shocks
tyres
bushes
tie rod ens
a service

i had two mwchanicals on my trip, the heater started leaking so i by-passed it and my clutch master cylinder failed, i re-build this at my dare with a spare kit i was carrying.

oh and i crossed solo.........

[weeds]

just noticed you are in brisbane.....pop around for a chat if you want

[steveG]

You'll be fine with that vehicle.
Stuff that Weeds said, but also make sure your cooling system is up to scratch too and a decent compressor so you're not concerned about dropping tyre pressures.
Pack as light as you reasonably can to keep the stress on the vehicle low, and take it easy. Its when you start hammering across all the lumps and bumps that you're more likely to have issues.

Did a Simpson trip in August this year with a dozen other vehicles, and the only ones that got stuck badly or broken weren't older Landies. As well as our County, there was a 200tdi d'fer and another early Isuzu County. While we had minor "older vehicle issues" they were minor and mostly just inconvenient.

Are you traveling with others or going alone?

Steve

[Hoges]

What they said! Plus in $$$ terms, the first year's depreciation on a new vehicle would most likely bring your present one well up to scratch!... well that's what I keep telling SWMBO when I spend more on mine!!;)

[2stroke]

My vote's for stick with the Defender you know, you know where your maintenance is at and if you have good idlers, alternator and waterpump bearings, wheel bearings, unis tyres etc you'll be no worse off than anyone else. I reckon you make your own luck and if you've covered the basics and are prepared for repairs you'll be way better off than most.

[slug_burner]

I did the Simpson in 2005 with a 1994 MY defender. I would not have had the money to buy a new vehicle so the decision was made for me. I just made sure I had good tyres and got the vehicle serviced by someone that knows Landies and knows what you are planning to do with it. The list should not go beyond what others have already suggested. Cooling system, driveline components, the timing belt would be a pain so make sure that is not due.

The older vehicles have less to go wrong, and most things you could fix yourself if you have the right advice and the tools.

[newhue]

Ted, I'd say put a few bob onto the 300. To upgrade be a fair bit more than the 3 to 10K spent on the older vehicle to make it mickey mouse. There is no guarantee a "newer' truck will be hassle free, and brand new can't even seem to guarantee that either.

If you are still happy with an older vehicles age related comforts, I'd be spending the money saved on more travel.

[ted44]

just noticed you are in brisbane.....pop around for a chat if you want
That would be good any info /experience I can pick up would be greatly appreciated.

[noogie]

What they said! Plus in $$$ terms, the first year's depreciation on a new vehicle would most likely bring your present one well up to scratch!... well that's what I keep telling SWMBO when I spend more on mine!!;)
I like that line. Gonna use it.:D

[justinc]

ted, keep the old one, and in addition to all the above advice don't skimp on shocks, and select the correct spring rates for your intended loading. IMO you should just replace with new std defender springs, heavy duty 130 fronts, and something like koni raid 90 shocks (which are expensive) but the price is long forgotten after the performance on horrific roads at GVM and at speed is experienced :)

jc

[n plus one]

Hello.
From people who have prepared a vehicle for a big trip, do you wish you had done it any differently. By this I mean was it worth the time effort doing all the maintenance on a older truck to get it trip ready, or would you in hindsight buy a newer truck?
I know its a big Q but just trying to get a angle on what to do with mine, its a 1996 300Tdi in quite good condition, although its needs all the age related things doing on it to get it ready for a big trip around the Simpson next sept.
Cheers ted

Having recently done the Simpson in a (relatively) new defender (09 model, 90k on the clock), I'd say keep the old one and make sure she's in ship shape condition.

The only thing that (might) be better than a well fettled older rig (that you know well) would be a new one that's had any teething problems sorted out (i.e. one with around 20k the clock) - that's a lot of coin to spend for a marginal gain.

As per JC's advice above, under no circumstances skimp on suspension - it's false economy.

[Blknight.aus]

if you ve got an already dependable vehicle...

run with that and spend the money youd loose out on buying a new vehicle to fix any minor niggles you have.

if they're old and theyre running theres probably a reason for that.