Hey, im pretty new to the 4x4 world, im sure all of you can help!
Im planning a trip that will start in 2007, and will last 1+ years. It starts in south africa and will end in spain (the african leg). Ive heard the Hilux is the truck of choice as the parts are pretty much everywhere on the continent, but i dont know if i should get either a 4runner or a hilux ute, the other option being a land rover defender 110.
Im avoiding the 2.4D and im thinking a 2.8D would be the best, does anyone know if the TD's are a good option, or is a turbo something thats likely to die on me, and be a burden to fix?
Would anyone get aftermarket
suspension and a lift, ie OME, or would they stick with the standard stuff to make spares and repairs in africa easier?
What kind of heavy duty bar would you get for the front, and rack for the top - aftermarket
driving lights? 2 pencil beams and 2 spreaders, or any other combo?
Security - alarms, definitely. BUT i dont think any average alarm will do the job, most of you would notice that here in aus people dont care when an alarm sounds. Over there id need something extra special... any ideas? (Ive been told to disable any immobiliser, if the electricals pack up on you, youd still want to be able to start your car)
I wont be towing, and avoiding the wet seasons, ive gathered that its about 60-70% bad dirt roads, and 30-40% paved (bad aswell) It might get mountainous so i want to know if the loaded car will make the steep grades and higher atlitutdes. Its gonna have to love blowing dust, so are there any filters youd go for, that can be cleaned or replaced easily, special snorkels for rivers etc
Ive been told to avoid electro-gizmos, eg
winches and what not, theyre likely to break but wont be fixable, I guess that applies to computer chips in cars, so would u recommend and early model, or would a late model be reliable enough to last the trip anyway?
if you can think of any major accessories that youd take, but doubt the average person has on their list, post that aswell!
If you think there are better car options around too, please let me know!
I want to try and be all kitted and ready to travel at around $20k spending around $10 for the 4x4 itself (with or without mods). Is this at all reasonable?
one other thing, would a hilux/4runner enthusiest be able to tell me the models that are the best/most durable, Ive heard alot of you speak about IFS and what not in later models, but im not sure whats best?!
Thanks alot! I could write for days about questions to ask you all, but these are the biggies for now...
Daniel
Oh yeah, rooftop tents - pref one that sits above the cabin and connects to the bullbar (i dont like them hanging off in all directions) - are these tents bad in wind, or were they designed to cope with that too?
Thanks again!