Thread: Setting up the D2 for a Simpson Desert Trip

Floaties maybe? It's wet out there just now...

hopefully it wont be june-july next year....

Good question, I'm also interested to see the replies.

My 2c worth, if they are original shocks, I would replace them & the front springs, there could be another topic regarding the brand etc, but do them, the lift will depend on what sort of terrain you will be driving on, (mines lifted!) & with the roof rack, I would be getting a set of Rhino racks heavy duty as I wouldnt trust the factory ones. I may be wrong on this, happy to be corrected SLS compressor, if it takes longer than 20sec to lift, then it could be on its way out. Other things I'm not too sure on.

Dave.

Originally Posted by XHPBT1

Hi Guys I need advice,

Im Plaining a Trip to the Simpson desert and surrounding areas, and need to know what you guys would do to your D2 to prepare for this trip.

I Have an 01 D2 TD5 with 240,000KM had it since new

had no real problems with it.
everything is still stock standard.

What i need advice on is if it should change or get on the following for the trip

Water Pump, No
Fuel Pump, No
SLS compressor No
Installing a 30mm Lift kit Yes, but 40-50mm. You will want the extra bump travel.
Replacing all shocks to Bilsteins Yes, and Bilstein
What Springs should i have for the front I have a ARB bullbar and whinch ARB 2" 220lb fronts and 300-340lb rears
Replace all the bushes, No - the bushes to check will go in with the shocks. Don't run the Bilstein rubber bushes - they don't last, run 1 piece poly bushes instead - the normal stories re running rubber bushes only don't apply to the Disco2 in the shocks - its all a new design.
Should i replace Engine mounts and gear box mounts etc...? No
Should i get the Auto Transmission refreshed? No
Should i replace the barings in the Transfer case? No
Should i get A/C compressor barings replaced? No
Should i get the Altinator barings replaced? No
should i replace all the seals on the doors? No, but check the seal on top of the boot door
Should i do something to the power steering pump and lines? No
Should i get Steel rims with Coopers STT's? No. If you do want that type of tyre I would run the alloys with something like the Goodyear MTR or the BFGoodrich MT km2
planing to have just a laugage pod on the factory roof racks will that handle the beating? I would be inclined to try to get it all into the vehicle if possible - you will spend a lot of time on the hwy and it will drag heaps at highway and NT highway speeds. The roof rails wont take a lot of weight, especially in the desert.

Should i be worried about the Head on the TD5? No
should i purchase a Nanocom? or some kind of scan tool? No

and any suggestions would be really appriciated...

cheers

Service it, stop worrying, get in it and go driving! The Simpson isn't a car destroyer with a well maintained vehicle, its just a really bumpy track. If you do all of that work when it may not be needed in most cases, then it may be cheaper to just buy a new Discovery 4 - Have fun!

...

If you have not already had to replace the SLS air bags then take a spare bag they will go any day soon. Each to their own but 30 mm lift is good enough.

IMO the "golden rule" is if you are not confident with a component change it. If you are not confident in the track or the truck, dont take it.

The list you give, suspension aside, is either in need now regardless of destination or not.

The Simpson is a fairly easy trip and you will have great experience.

Suspension is a wide and varied thing and condition can often have little to do with kms, however, if you have 240k on original suspension with winch and bullbar its a strong bet that the springs and air bags arent really that happy regardless of where you are going. If you want a bit of a lift this is the best excuse you have to do it. IMO 40mm to 50mm is the better option. Plenty of choice from cheap to expensive and again IMO (for the average driver) not a lot of difference to be had from the expensive to the middle budget options.

Do the soapy water test at full height and thorough visual inspection on your Air Bags. If you are not confident with the air bags, I would change them out particularly if you do the rest of the suspension. Carying a spare Air bag is good insurance if you are going on the original bags as extra loads, corrugations and bumps will often bring a tired old bag undone.

I am no fan of gear on the roof despite me having a full rack on my D2 (Its for an Awning and Rooftop tent) drag/ fuel consumption is very noticeable above 105. If you dont need it on the roof dont put it there and if you do keep it light as possible.

Without turning this bit into a Coopers tyre comparison....
I am also no fan of the Cooper tyres of any type or era. Direct experience with these wretched things has proven to me that fitting them guarantees (time is the only variable) early replacement at best and serious vehicle damage or loss at worst. Those who have not had issues with them are simply lucky. There are far better choices than Cooper always. Use anything else.

Enjoy the trip!

cheers

thanks for the advice

I have replaced the SLS air bags last week and have 2 spare now,

the D2 is running perfect though i am a firm believer in replace before breaking... on a 6000km trip

i think im worrying for nothing...
though i want to be prepared...

love to hear from you guys that have done outback trips with there D2