Doing big lap in FL2

[Teigs]

Hi all
We are setting off in Feb 2020 to do a lap of Oz in our fl2 td4 2007. We have had engine rebuild (removing intake manifold flaps) and serviced, hoses replaced, new water pump, new fuel flap motor replacement, new drive sensors. We are planning to put Cooper on/off road tires on and get front and back brakes done before leaving. Anyone got any advice? Done this trip in same vehicle? Know of a fault that we haven't already looked into?? Any info greatly appreciated. Ps we will be towing a fairly light weight camper trailer.

[PhilipA]

I have NO experience with FL2s but from my readings of pommy mags the main problem with them is the rear diff and Haldex coupling. The diff pinion bearing is undersize and fails early and costs a lot to fix as a lot of special tools are needed. The Haldex also blocks its filter which are now available in UK and fluid and filter changes are recommended.

My only other comments are lack of ground clearance and the muffler which hangs down. You can get lift kits in UK.
Some rocky crossings like Pentecost River and into El Questro would cause a lot of rattles and bangs underneath IMHO.
Other than that the main issue is the orphan nature of an FL2 in OZ. If you think nobody will work on simple LRs like D2s etc then this would be in spades for a FL2.

Regards PhilipA
Also what also comes to mind on ground clearance is the experience I had on a RR club sand driving day on Stockton. we had an Evoque along which went really well on flat sand due to power and light weight. However on a rutted track it soon ceased forward motion due to the low front crossmember. I believe an Evoque is really just an FL2/Dsport in drag so you may come across the same problem with ground clearance. There was also a bloke with an Evoque in Qld who dented his crossmember on a rough track.

[Chops]

A really good read is Vesko’s trip reports about his trip through the Simpson in his brand new F2 a couple of years ago. Stock standard if I recall correctly.

[Teigs]

I have NO experience with FL2s but from my readings of pommy mags the main problem with them is the rear diff and Haldex coupling. The diff pinion bearing is undersize and fails early and costs a lot to fix as a lot of special tools are needed. The Haldex also blocks its filter which are now available in UK and fluid and filter changes are recommended.
L

My only other comments are lack of ground clearance and the muffler which hangs down. You can get lift kits in UK.
Some rocky crossings like Pentecost River and into El Questro would cause a lot of rattles and bangs underneath IMHO.
Other than that the main issue is the orphan nature of an FL2 in OZ. If you think nobody will work on simple LRs like D2s etc then this would be in spades for a FL2.

Regards PhilipA
Also what also comes to mind on ground clearance is the experience I had on a RR club sand driving day on Stockton. we had an Evoque along which went really well on flat sand due to power and light weight. However on a rutted track it soon ceased forward motion due to the low front crossmember. I believe an Evoque is really just an FL2/Dsport in drag so you may come across the same problem with ground clearance. There was also a bloke with an Evoque in Qld who dented his crossmember on a rough track.

Hi guys
Thanks for this info. My neighbour also suggested a 2 inch lift so now I'm really going to think about it.
Re diff probs I'll have a chat with my mechanic for thpughts

[Teigs]

A really good read is Vesko’s trip reports about his trip through the Simpson in his brand new F2 a couple of years ago. Stock standard if I recall correctly.
Hey chops do you have a link to this?

[cripesamighty]

This is a good place to start. It has Vesko's link that you are looking for, which also has plenty of other trips he has done in his FL2.

How Capable is the Freelander 2? (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/freelander-2-a/262490-how-capable-freelander-2-a.html)

Vesko’s Australian travels. The header bar has more.
Australia – Rumen Marinov (https://rumenmarinov.com/category/travel-stories/australia/)

[Chops]

This is one of the links, which also contains Vesko’s info. (Really is quite an amusing read, which is why it’s firmly implanted in my head).Freelander 2 crosses the Simpson (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/freelander-2-a/61318-freelander-2-crosses-simpson-2.html)

[Teigs]

This is one of the links, which also contains Vesko’s info. (Really is quite an amusing read, which is why it’s firmly implanted in my head).Freelander 2 crosses the Simpson (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/freelander-2-a/61318-freelander-2-crosses-simpson-2.html)
Yes it a good read

[DiscoMick]

Have you seen this thread?

Freelander 2 crosses the Simpson (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/freelander-2-a/61318-freelander-2-crosses-simpson.html)

Is any underbody protection available for your Freelander?
Are you carrying extra fuel?