MY08 and Nothing has Broken - Should I be worried?

[PerthDisco]

Hi

Ok that was a slight exaggeration as I have replaced the lower arms, rear door opener and also top turbo hose.

Other than that it has never missed a beat.

Still on the original battery.

Reason for my concern is that I am planning on a real trip this year Perth to Karijini via Mount Augustus in July and back via the Kennedy Ranges.

I have some time to plan and have read the Travelling Spares sticky thread.

Looks like I would be wise to replace the brake light switch.

The other items I am worried about before a long trip are;

Air suspension pump (still original)
Wheel speed sensors

Separately interested in any touring parts for sale by WA owners i.e. roof rack and also need an extra 18" wheel.

When travelling long distances on unsealed rough outback roads (not offroad) do users recommend the GOE rods (or equivalent) to be able to run at higher speeds at offroad height or is normal height sufficient? At which height does the Disco handle corrugations better?

Thanks
Richard

[Trngia]

Hi Richard. I have a 2008 as well. I have had a few issues but the only major one was the compressor going, fortunately while at home though.

We did exactly that trip last year and from mt. Augustus up the Dooley downs road to karijini. Quite a bumpy ride and had 2 punctures although apart from that all was good.

I have the llams height controller installed and I do run in normal height mode with the llams set a little higher which gives a great cushion on the corregations and no dropping height speed warnings.

Saying that I don't think you really need it for that route and GOE rods would be a good alternative however a bit of pressure out the tyres and all should be good.

Definitely take 2 spares with you and a repair kit. You could grab a rim from GOE. I had cooper at/3 tyres and have since replaced with Bridgestone AT/LT vowing never to buy coopers again. :-).

[PerthDisco]

Thanks! And now I am really worried about the compressor.

Am current running the Bridgestone LT Duellers. Still have the original spare though which is on the list for replacement along with 2nd spare.

Richard

[Ean Austral]

I have the same year and other than things I have replaced as general maintainence the only thing that has failed on the car is the rear tail gate latch.


If you haven't done it and depending on kms travelled I would look at the plastic water housing that sits under the inlet pipe at the front of the engine. At the very least carry 1 with you as it seems to be a common issue at around the 150,000 mark.


Enjoy the trip


Cheers Ean

[BobD]

We did Meekatharra, Wooleen Station, Kennedy Ranges, Mt Augustus, Murchison Off Road Park but not up to Karijini, although I have been there several times. The roads are not too bad, although we had water across the track in several places.


For corrugations, normal height is fine and should give the best ride. It is pot holes that catch the car out and bottom out the front suspension, so I run on the medium height Llams setting to reduce that a bit on high speed rough roads.

[Trngia]

If you are concerned about the compressor you could get an emergency inflation kit from GOE that you can use your tyre compressor to inflate the airbags. I have one sitting in my toolbox just in case.

[ADMIRAL]

Ditto on the tyres. I did 2 in 200 yards. You do need a couple of spares, but the second spare could be just a carcass. Easier, and lighter to carry. Drop your presssures, but I would definitely make sure you have LT rated tyres. ( mine weren't and I was on time schedule, going too quick ) A lot more durable on those rocks around Mt Augustus.

The brake switch is the same as the Falcon BA/BF. Just get one and hold it as a spare. No point in changing it unless it is u/s. You are having a great run. The brake switch could last another 5 minutes, or another 5 years !

If you are worried about the compressor, get a GOE airup kit. Good enough to keep you out of trouble until back in civilisation.

Normal height is fine for unsealed roads.

Slow down and enjoy the view.

[Graeme]

I suggest replacing the battery. You've had a good run and you don't want it to fail on the trip.

You may as well fit the new water outlet housing before you go too. They're cheap enough to replace before they fail to avoid the inconvenience and the possibility of major damage.

[ytt105]

I'm in a similar situation, D3 with 140k on car, 100k on engine (don't ask).

The one I'm starting to stress over is the alternator.

I'll be heading to the Kimberly this winter and am wondering, do I buy a second hand alternator as a spare, do I buy a diode pack to take with me, do I fit a new diode pack now, do I buy a new alternator in preparation for the doom?

Presently the car is fine, going well, and charging my 3 batteries, plus one more in van, happily.

Regards
Trevor

[PerthDisco]

Yes battery is a no-brainer. Have that on the list.

Is the water housing mentioned for the windscreen washers or cooling system related?

Thanks
Richard