Upgrading a 1986 Navar
Submitted: Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:28
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vk1dx
I think I know where this will leave but I will ask anyway. We are looking at a
Cape York trip next year. We have a 100 series LC and are going to upgrade the
suspension and tyres for the trip. Our son has a 1986 Navara and was thinking of putting a bigger motor (etc etc etc) as the current engine is the standard 2.4 normally aspirated petrol. Everything is standard. I know where he is coming from. It was his first 4wd and doesn't want to let it go.
We have suggested to bite the bullet and sell it and get something a little more "capable"! Mind you this has been suggested quite diplomatically. No chance of a blue just being careful.
Another way would be to find someone in
Sydney like Ritchie of Hume Off Road (was there yesterday) to advise him. Even if he has to pay it would be worth even our piece of mind. We could almost tow him all the way (what!!! me exaggerate - never) but that is not ideal.
To summarise;
1. Any advise in upgrading
2. Any reliable and trustworthy contact in
Sydney for them.
Thanks and hope to see anyone in the
Kimberley from June 1 to June 20. YGH88E. Philip
Reply By: vk1dx - Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:39
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:39
Whoops cannot spell. That should have been "any advice".
AnswerID:
365171
Reply By: Ozhumvee - Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:48
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:48
Unless he has had it for most of its life and knows its history or is going to go through it from one end to the other and spend the dollars to replace or renew most components then my choice would be to upgrade.
If however he can do most of the work himself, has a cheap source of spares and plenty of time then keeping it might be the cheaper alternative.
A few things to consider, early Navara's were not particularly capable off road so if intending to do harder trips then a change of vehicle might be better.
Parts in remote areas might be a bit of a problem but the vehicle should be able to cope with the touring duties if in good knick.
It will not perform like a modern vehicle on the road, cruising speed will be in the 90's or slower if
well laden and hills might slow it down.
Upgrading just the motor without attending to the rest of the drivetrain is probably asking for trouble.
AnswerID:
365172
Follow Up By: vk1dx - Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:13
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:13
Thanks Peter
I have sent this link to him so he gets it first hand.
Phil
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Reply By: Willem - Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:57
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:57
Philip
No need to upgrade. People have been that way in an Austin A40 and many other cars of the same ilk. Don't mess about with the engine specs as the old Navara 2.4 was built that way. Correct tyre pressures, a bit of weight over the back axle and the old bus will most likely cruise to the Cape putting others to shame. If the
young fella wants to splash out on something flash after the Cape trip then he could do so then
Cheers
AnswerID:
365192
Follow Up By: vk1dx - Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:08
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:08
Hi Willem
Are you sure the A40 would make some all the creek crossings these days. I am sure it would be up against it after looking at some of the videos on youtube. Water is just too deep. I don't believe even my old Kingswood would make the trip. Maybe on the chicken roads, but not the fun way.
Phil
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Follow Up By: Willem - Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:22
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:22
Yerrr
well. How they got there is another thing....lol
My point is that instead of the
young fella wasting money on an old vehicle, he should take it to the Cape and after that, if he feels so inclined and his Dad helps him with some money, he can upgrade. You will be able to skulldrag him through any of the deeper creeks you wish to visit. The Cape isn't really off road any more, just a badly corrugated dirt road. Coming along the
CREB track may be fun though.
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