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Thank you Josh for the clarity.
I agree i have the sense i am getting into "cheque book territory" which does put doubt in my mind of its durability but not its capability.
I am going to take your advice invest in insurances and etc and buy a code reader. Then i will get some spares.
Knowing that we intend to do these big trips and keep the car for awhile do you think i should do the turbo bleed pipe now. Indie says $1.5k and it could save the turbos...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stiltz
$1.5 k is about 3 times what it should cost, yes you should get it done , but get another quote
the kits are sub $ 200 and a couple of hours labour
I would move it on,but thats me,10yrs old,k's are getting up,it isn't going to get any younger.
If you can do repairs to it yourself,maybe keep it,but if you have to pay someone to do repairs,you could/will be up for some expensive repairs.
But the real issue is what would you replace it with?
There isn't much similar around,except one of the last D4's.
There is also the Jap stuff,but its pretty expensive.
Depends on your budget as well.
Good luck with your decision.
I'd get a new indie. If it's the turbo drain that I had done on mine. All 4x4 in New South Wales did it with genuine parts. The Labor quote was so reasonable that the Mrs dropped off the car and went across the road shopping. I think the parts were maybe 200 and 200 Labor. Can't remember but I generally don't pay for labour.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stiltz
If your on original manifolds. You won't beat them. Just change them. Same as coolant junction. Take an alternator with you if it hasn't died yet. Or better yet. Fit a new one and keep the original for when you get back.
All cars cost at that age and milage. I used to say the best car was a Toyota petrol. Now mums has just **** an inlet manifold aswell. So I'm now on the insurance and roadside way of thinking. That and start getting under and doing your own inspection before a service. Grab and feel things so you know what the are supposed to feel like when your out bush and can't find a noise. Pull the great shields have a look at stuff. Jack up the wheels feel the bearings rotate the tyres yourself. You can see allot when your in there
Found receipt, paid $310 in Labor. Carry out turbo oil drain mod to rhs turbo. Parts were $290 so $600 in total
Definitely get it done. I remember both occasions mine pulled the oil up and ate it. Both times I thought the engine was finished for sure.
Do the drain and alternator at the same time. You’re in the same neck of the woods anyhow removing the starter etc. May as well. I just changed mine - I didn’t wait it to fail. Same with top rad hose. Same with coolant outlet. Fix all the common issues that will leave you stranded and you’ll be smiling.Quote:
Originally Posted by josh.huber
Take the recommended spares plu a good reader (GAP iidtool).
The real answer is yes by the way. After owning one I can't think of anything else I would travel in
Why does everyone have a problem with going up The Cape in a modern 4WD vehicle? Toots and Arthur Holzheimer (Peninsula Transport) were going there on a regular basis from the late 50's using slow, hot, heavy, rough as guts, and hard to drive Leyland Hippos. Toots in a floral dress and Blucher boots.
A Disco should be fine if you are sensible up there. That many kms is not a deal-breaker. Discos are tough vehicles.
Serious servicing and preventative maintenance is the key. Fix the things that are getting worn before they break.
Think about how prolonged corrugations might affect your vehicle. For example, when we took our D1 up there the bracket holding the power steering fluid bottle flexed so much it cracked. We had to drill a fresh hole to reattach it. Also the flexible connection in the exhaust split from all the vibrations. Fortunately it's a generic part for exhausts.
Suspension, bushes and tyres are vital. Make sure they are in top condition. Don't skimp on them - get the best.
As for water crossings, the simple answer is don't tackle anything that would make you feel uncomfortable. Stand back, grab a drink and watch the heroes to see if they drown their vehicles. Then make a smart choice for yourself.
We had our Defender up there in November as far as Coen. Nothing broke because Defenders are simple and ours is well maintained. The new bitumen sections are great, but the bits still corrugated are vicious. Mind you, we also travelled some corrugated roads in western Queensland which were worse than up the Cape.
One key point is to travel light. Don't overload your vehicle. Keep it simple.
You know your vehicle best, so just think hard about what it can cope with.
Ultimately, the main thing is your attitude to the situations you encounter. Go with a positive attitude, be smart and enjoy your adventure.