L322 takes on Simpson Desert and Cape York

**irubix** · 8th March 2021, 02:51 PM

Alrighty brains trust. Need some help with planning a couple of trips, the simmo and cape york.

I'd like to get some feedback on vehicle prep and spares to bring + general advice from anyone that has done either trip (cape being the tele track).

My rig is as follows:
2005 M62 V8 L322 | 130,000 km

Completed by myself..:

Complete suspension overhaul in the front (Arnotts Air + Lemforder), Arnott shocks in the rear
Serviced trans + new cooler
New radiator + a main hoses
88deg thermostat
Engine had the heads off @ 100k (Timing chain guides done, all new gaskets etc) *previous owner*
Replaced valve cover gaskets (powder coated the covers red, brap brap) + new vanos solenoid gaskets - doesn't leak a drop!
New battery
Filter + Oil service every 7500km
ABS Module repaired
Discs and pads all round

Offroad bits..:

Light Truck 275/65/18 Falken Wildpeak AT x 5
Handheld GME 5w
OEM LR Roof Rack
Traxide Aux Kit w/ 60AH battery
Dometic 35L Fridge
Stedi LED high beams
All LED interior
2nd Air Compressor (Kings Dual)
IIDTool
Android Headunit w/ 4G and GPS etc

Thats a basic run down and I'm wanting to get some feedback on:

things to check (CV/Bearings maybe?)
any service items i should do
any advice or feedback on either trip in this particular vehicle
i gather i need a snorkel for the tele track?
winch setup that isn't $4k (and an eye sore)

I'm a bit of a lone wolf with this stuff at the moment, mid 30's IT professional, none of my direct friends have 4x4's or are really remotely interested in what I'm doing (all tried to convince me not to buy such a notoriouly unreliable vehicle.. haha) I'd be keen to meet up with some chaps/chapettes to convoy both of these otherwise I would imagine I'd be hitting these with one car/solo..

I have a lot of off road experience, far more time behind the wheel than weekend warriors, i used to work in remote mining exploration where 99% of my time was in a landcruiser of some description in the middle of nowhere. So that part I'm confident about (probably too confident!). My main thing is about being able to be self sufficient with repairs and knowing the terrain/expectations.

Thanks all! Keen to hear everyones suggestions.

Reuben

IMG_0348.jpg

**Tins** · 8th March 2021, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by irubix

i gather i need a snorkel for the tele track?

Reuben

IMG_0348.jpg

You'll need one for Nolan's at least.

Dunno if I'd want to do either trip solo, although I'll probably be doing just that in the Simmo when I get my OKA, if I ever do.

Sat phone.

**irubix** · 8th March 2021, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Tins

Sat phone.

Good point. Will probably rent one for the Simpson.

**Tins** · 8th March 2021, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by irubix

Good point. Will probably rent one for the Simpson.

Yeah. Probably wouldn't need one for the Cape, you aren't alone for that long up there. Dunno if it's any cheaper, but you can rent skins for your smartphone. I like that idea cos you are dealing with a familiar interface, which could be important in a crisis.

**Graeme** · 8th March 2021, 06:33 PM

The difficulty with the Simpson is trying to stay away from the crowds.

**irubix** · 8th March 2021, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by Graeme

The difficulty with the Simpson is trying to stay away from the crowds.

Yeah i hear the WAA line is less crowded which would be my preference, however, just as I'm saying that would be probably good to have a few cars passing per day in case something random explodes.

**Tins** · 8th March 2021, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Graeme

The difficulty with the Simpson is trying to stay away from the crowds.

Especially with OS travel off the cards. Probably the CSR is busy as well.

**scarry** · 8th March 2021, 07:49 PM

We have done the Cape twice, desert crossings twice as well, all solo.

No issues, common sense, research,pack as light as possible, good set of LT tyres, and you will be OK.

Not just Nolans,Palm,and Logans can be deep, it often depends on recent rains.A snorkel is probably a must.

One year we didnt do Nolans as the water was 300mm over the bonnet of the D2.There is a way around it.

The other time, we did the OTT up and back.

Good luck, its a fantastic place.

Edit,i forgot to mention, probably going this year, for the first time, not solo, see how we go.

The Cape,that is.

**irubix** · 8th March 2021, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by scarry

One year we didnt do Nolans as the water was 300mm over the bonnet of the D2.There is a way around it.

Yeesh, i dont think the old girl would survive that haha

, although i did hit a mud hole recently and ended up with water up the window, found out that water absolutely will get in via the top air vent into the HVAC system and into the cab... It does have a water vent out the side, but not made to handle alot of water or being submerged, thats for sure. Took everything to bits and cleared out the leaves and will probably cover the vent holes with some race tape + seal the blower motor entry area. On the list!!

**RSW Vogue 2004** · 9th March 2021, 05:01 PM

Have a look at the Zoleo instead of the SatNav. I bought mine from the "Captains Mate" in Qld, nice bloke and very helpful, also cheaper than anyone else.

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