what to do

Over the years a good number of people have asked me what accessories they should fit to the 4x4.

Now I am not flushed with funds like some so I like to ger value for money out of my gear and I don't like to carry gear that I will not use. My previous car was a former ARB state managers car and was then owned by a journo for one of the 4x4 mags so it had more stuff bolted on it than most showrooms.

I had 2 diff locks, they got plenty of use.
Suspension upgrade was great, the articulation on that thing was second to none and the ride was alway comfortable.
The aftermarket seats were the most comfortable thing I have ever sat in, 7 adjustments made it possible for anyone to find a comfy set up.
The steel bull bar paid for itself up against that roo near Wilcannia at about 120km/h, no damage to the car.
The welder in the glove box was a bit over the top and only got used when I was seeing what it was like.
The roof console, and a whole bunch of other little bits and pieces were nice but not essential.

The thing I would not go on a decent trip without is a compressor. If you go 4wding at all you will get punctures and need to adjust tyre pressures, you mention Fraser as an ongoing destination.

You wont't need longrange tanks on the Cape unless you are actively avoiding roadhouses and towns. The hand winch is hard work I have used them plenty of times for a lot of different jobs and while they do work, so do you.

The other thing you can carry instead of ar in addition to a hand winch is a high lift jack, mine gets a bit of use even at home.

You could spend a lot of money for stuff you will never use, then again the first time you pull that winch cable out attach it to a tree and hit the "in" button you won't care how much it cost. Whish I had one.

Duncs

We did the Cape last year in an 80 series, had a lift kit (OME) standard diffs, winch and bullbar Never used the winch although I had to get pulled out of sand twice, (wouldn't have got stuck if I had let my tyres down) towed a camping trailer, a couple of water crossings made me glad I had a snorkel however the discovery we had with us was bog standard and had no problems.

I do recommend a second spare and a compressor
(let your tyres down when sandy) and a second spare means you get to fix any punctures in your own time.

Take your time and you can do it with a standard vehicle ( I assume there will be two of you ) and a snatch strap used carefully will normally get you out of trouble. We did all the Cape, Lakefield, Cape Melville, Somerset and OTL and concluded a standard 4wd driven sensibly will have no problems especially Sep/Oct when the rivers are down.

Enjoy your trip and don't spend a lot of money on things you don't need.

I just came back from the Cape this week. I have the D40 Navara and had similar items on my to do list before I left.
I did the telegraph track and not konwing what to expect - except for what i have read and reasearched on this site. What I have listed is what 'I ' have done and given my oponion.

1.Suspension upgrade (ARB) 2 inch lift all HD. - Essential I thought when you see the roads

2. Tyres - Need good tyres and 2 spares. There are many oponions on this site as to the best so do your own reasearch. I have Cooper ST and performed great. I ran 28 PSI on fast gravel roads (80-90km/hr over corrigations was best for the car) and 22 PSI on the track.

3.Snorkel - essential if travelling on the tracks. Almost one 4x4 a day was being recovered from Nolans Brook to be mechanically looked at. More were being recovered by other travelers. 4 drowned on the day I went through. Get a Bra for this crossing.

4. I had a winch fitted for this trip as I was travelling as one car only. I think it was probably not necessary. But I had a steel bar already from Factory and only paid $1000 for a magnum winch. I decide on this as a peice of mind thing.

5. No need for long range tanks. Fuel available regularly. I took 2 jerry cans and never used them.

6. Must have compressor on board to adjust tyres.

7. I saw 5 d22 navaras on the track. All looked pretty standard.

Cheers
Marco

I did it last year in a new D4D. I put a snorkel on and better tyres. Nothing else and it was fine. Standard suspension. Just poke along and you will be fine.