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johnnystrom *
Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:19 Post subject: Is this a good start for an Africa expedition vehicle? |
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Hi. I've been looking at importing a 70 series Troopy from Oz for an overland trip across Africa next year, but it's all just getting too expensive. So I'm now thinking of modifying an 80 series.
I'm looking at one on e bay at the moment (item number 120953336579), and would appreciate your thoughts on the mods that have been made to it. While the upgrades on this one seem useful (front and rear winches, roof rack, uprated suspension, snorkel etc) for rough expedition terrain, I don't want to get one that is "overpimped" to the point where it's less reliable than a bog standard one. I'm no expert with mechanics, so have no idea whether eg "larger turbo internals" and "auto diffs instead of manual diffs" are a good thing or just more likely to go wrong.
So, my question is whether you think this is a good starting point, or whether I should be looking for a more standard vehicle that has probably seen less off road action than this beast. Even this one would obviously need quite a few more modifications (like lockable storage drawers, dual electric supply, roof tent, long range fuel tank etc), so I don't want to spend my money on other unnecessary "improvements" if they are not really adding much to suitability for my journey. Having said that, I guess this has great off road ability and looks to have been well looked after. Also the manual box is appealing.
Thanks John |
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:19 Post subject: Google Ads keep this community free to join! |
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uk_vette Lifetime member
Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1422 Location: Warrington, Cheshire
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 13:54 Post subject: |
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Hi,
I wouldn't even consider looking at it.
It is old, has the old 15 inch wheels.
Miles is too high for my liking.
Just what he means by "Auto diffs" is beyond me.
Steer clear.
There are plenty more out there.
I would rather spend £4k on a basic 24 valve VX, then base line it.
From there, add your own modifications ( or have one of the many good 4x4 specialists here) do it for you.
£10k,
Silly money.
vette |
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johnnystrom *
Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 14:34 Post subject: |
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Thanks Vette, I appreciate the reply. I think you've convinced me. My gut feeling is to get a less modified one and then build it up from there. At least there are plenty of 80 series in the UK, so finding something suitable shouldn't be too hard. |
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uk_vette Lifetime member
Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1422 Location: Warrington, Cheshire
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 14:47 Post subject: |
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Exactly.
If it just had a snorkel, and a spring lift, then OK, go look at it.
but all the other stuff,,,,,,,,,,,,well who knows how it was fitted.
Look for a base model, or if you can't find one, then a slightly modified one.
vette |
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johnnystrom *
Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 15:00 Post subject: |
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Hi Vette. Just one other thing that I can't find a satisfactory answer to. And I'm speaking as a complete novice here, but.... which do you think is a safer bet for a long haul trip, the 4.2 1HZ motor (non turbo I think?), or the 4.2 1HD (turbo?). I'm concerned mainly with simplicity and ease of repair, so is the HZ a safer choice? Another forum I read said you should always go for the HD as it has more power, but they seemed to be more into bhp than reliability! (IH8mud.com) |
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aroscow *******
Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 1047 Location: Wondering in the woods somewhere...
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 17:09 Post subject: |
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you will straggle to find an hz in the uk
the 24v is a good solid motor. _________________ HDJ80, BFG AT's, grooved discs, OME 850/860's |
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uk_vette Lifetime member
Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1422 Location: Warrington, Cheshire
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Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 0:31 Post subject: |
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The one listed by geordie boy is ideal.
If I was in the market for a good 80, then that would be on my drive before the day is out.
That would take you to Cape Town without breaking sweat.
vette |
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johnnystrom *
Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 8:37 Post subject: |
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Thanks guys. Geordie boy, just out of interest - is yours still available? It does look good. John |
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roscoFJ73 *******
Joined: 17 Dec 2003 Posts: 1212 Location: western australia
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Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 2:32 Post subject: |
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johnnystrom wrote: |
Hi Vette. Just one other thing that I can't find a satisfactory answer to. And I'm speaking as a complete novice here, but.... which do you think is a safer bet for a long haul trip, the 4.2 1HZ motor (non turbo I think?), or the 4.2 1HD (turbo?). I'm concerned mainly with simplicity and ease of repair, so is the HZ a safer choice? Another forum I read said you should always go for the HD as it has more power, but they seemed to be more into bhp than reliability! (IH8mud.com) |
The 1HZ would be fine for a trip like that,Ive taken mine across central australia a few times and you just dont need power on bad roads.
However you probably wont find one in the UK ,so a well maintained 1HDT will do perfectly.
Im a minimalist when taking vehicles on long trips ,unless you are going across virgin soil where no one has gone before,you will not need a winch.
I wouldnt leave home without a bullbar,2 spares and a snatch strap and shackles though. _________________ 1995 HZJ75 troop carrier
1988 FJ73 with 1HZ diesel conversion.
1995 HZJ75 cab chassis
Holden Commodore V6
YAMAHA TT600R Belgarda
Triumph Rocket3 08 with Jardines and Tuneboy
Honda XR650L
1988 HJ61 turbo diesel with windas that slide |
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uk_vette Lifetime member
Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1422 Location: Warrington, Cheshire
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Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 3:19 Post subject: |
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The 4,2 with a turbo, or without a turbo are both good.
I would tend to go with one "With" a turbo.
vette |
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johnnystrom *
Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:16 Post subject: |
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Thanks for the tips guys. I know what I'm looking out for now. I'll keep an eye on the classifieds section too... John |
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geordie_boy1978 **
Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 89 Location: st helens
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:50 Post subject: |
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My 24v now on e bay _________________ 1996 4.2 24V In mint condition and it's
staying that way ..... |
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johnnystrom *
Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:59 Post subject: |
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Yes, I saw it - and was very tempted. It's almost too nice for the bush bashing trip I have lined up tho. Although I'm sure it wouldn't let me down... If you were a bit closer I'd def come and have a look |
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geordie_boy1978 **
Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 89 Location: st helens
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 13:02 Post subject: |
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Where do you live? _________________ 1996 4.2 24V In mint condition and it's
staying that way ..... |
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johnnystrom *
Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 13:04 Post subject: |
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South London |
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