About to buy a Perentie. What things should I know and look out for?

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Originally Posted by flagg

d1 rims are easy enough to mod for extra clearance. Pick what you want. was $70 a corner when I did mine.

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True, but add powder coating cost and its the price of a new terrafirma modular steel rim. Disco 1 rims look to be a very solid rim. I ran them for a while and changed to wolf rims because of scuffing on the chassis.

I didn't physically try to fit a 255/85 tyre to the perentie wheel carrier. I just checked the space against the manufacturer specs when looking at tyre options about 5 years ago. If experience shows it fits then happy days - one consequence ruled off the list (availability was the only other one for me from memory). I probably should have made a swing away wheel carrier and put a fuel tank under there instead.

If its your first 4WD and (therefore) first big trip, I would't stuff around with aftermarket sized tyres - for many reasons other than economy. Up that way reliability and communication would be my main concern, then naturally additional fuel, oil and things likely to fail that are easy to fix/replace, like uni joints, belts, hoses, brake lines (flexible) and spare tyre(s) condition . Then look at food and fluids - how will you store them and keep them from perishing, and how will you secure the vehicle if you have to leave it unattended. Check your tool/recovery kit and know how to use it (practice).

Looking at the current sale prices of private sale vs. auction, I imagine the one your looking at is carrying a premium because it's 'fitted out' for a trip?

Anyway, keep it simple (like the vehicle was designed) and it'll keep you out of the trouble a modified one can present - particularly for a first trip.

Have fun mate, you'll love it!

Matt.

Pilbara from Sydney/ACT by Christmas? That gives you a month or less to familiarise yourself with an old, potentially abused vehicle before driving right across the country. A vehicle that will likely be a sensory overload (noise, temperature, vibrations, smells, tasty dust!) compared to what most are used to these days. With no security for your gear in the back.

Apart from being crazy, that sounds like a fantastic adventure. Need a co-pilot?

Firstly, put some heat and noise insulation in, you'll need it :D

Secondly, in remote areas, stick with 235/85s or 750/16s as they are a common size. And learn how to properly change split rims as they are pretty easy and much easier to change a tyre on than on a tubeless rim.

Check out:Beadell Tours - Tubeless vs Split Rims - Safety & Tyre Repair issues by Mick Hutton

And follow others advice on lubrication/filter changes.

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Originally Posted by isuzutoo-eh

Pilbara from Sydney/ACT by Christmas? That gives you a month or less to familiarise yourself with an old, potentially abused vehicle before driving right across the country. A vehicle that will likely be a sensory overload (noise, temperature, vibrations, smells, tasty dust!) compared to what most are used to these days. With no security for your gear in the back.

Apart from being crazy, that sounds like a fantastic adventure. Need a co-pilot?

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I have a waiting list of co-pilots waiting for a space.!

Thanks for all the replies guys.

So far I'm planning on going with the original wheel and tires combo. Just need an extra one so that I have two spares.

I'm looking into having two tool boxes made to run up either side of the landie. Bolted in they should give me my storage and some security. I will also try and get locks fitted to the land rover before I go.

I'm more concerned with making the thing mechanically reliable for the trip there, (back would be nice too). So apart from the usual servicing, I was looking for further info.
Should I change out the water pump/rad.. What about the injectors? There seems to be a little surface rust on the block, rocker cover so on. I'm taking a guess it may have been stood a while. Mind you when I visited the auctions 1st time. They all pretty much looked the same.

We are planning to set of on Christmas day, if all goes to plan. So if anybody is going in that direction. Let me know...

Injectors don't seem to give any issues.
I'm assuming the Perentie 4bd1 has the standard gauze filter in the inlet to the lift pump - so make sure you have 17mm spanner that will remove the banjo bolt to get to that and clean it out should you need to.

Pull the fan belt off and have a wriggle/spin of the water pump shaft. Unless its rough/noisy I'd reckon it will be OK. Give it a squirt of grease if it has the grease nipple on the side.

My 4bd1 isn't hard on the cooling system, so as long as the radiator is in reasonable condition (no leaks and fins haven't corroded off) I wouldn't worry.

Steve

I agree injectors seem to last.

Fitting an off the shelf in line petrol filter (20 micron from memory) just before the lift pump in the engine bay will capture any junk which could block up the gauze filter in the lift pump. Changing an in line filter is easier than accessing the gauze filter.