MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => Previous Member Trips => Trips, Tracks, Touring and Reports => 2012 Cape York Members Trip => Topic started by: dooguss on January 16, 2012, 09:46:10 AM
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Good morning all jsut thought i'd ask a few questions on what else i should need to do to the prado before we head of to the cape. Work so far over the last few weeks has been ARB diff breather extentions, and safari snorkel, today shes in getting recall mounts on the bullbar done and winch cradle fitted. Over the weekend Leanne took it down for tyre rotation and to ask if the cooper st's needed replacing before we head of and was told the tyers are still good for another 20000kms so to those with cape expierence is that going to be enough good tread for the conditions. The question I'm struggling with is to replace the 4yr old TJM shockies now or do I buy new 1's and put them on, or just carry them as spare but the last thing i want to be doing is stopping on the side of the road replacing shockies.In the next month it will be back to ARB for rated recovery points and a winch installed,and then a full service in May before we leave.
So I'm wondering is there anything else i need to be looking at doing :cheers: before i go and i'm asking other myswaggers that are going or have advice what are you doing to get your vehicle ready??
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Hi
I've go a old 95 model triton that has done 27000 odd km on it. Gone through and replace all wheel bearing, diff bearings, uni joints and repacked my cv's. I have done diff breathers, gear box breather, new heavy torsion bars so that most of my running gear is re con. I hope to have no trouble with that side things I don't if the doors can fall off as long as the wheels don't.
Pete
Nahh, never broke down yet
Jayne
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Hi gregnleanne, I've also got a Prado. I am looking at diff breather extensions & front recovery points. Did you get the diff breather extensions done or was it DIY, and how much? And how much for the recovery points?
Mal
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Hi Mal
it was an ARB kit cost me $68 and $150 to fit they ran out of time in doing the transmission 1 because they cant find it might have to come through the interior of the car. Recovery points were $100 wont know on how much because they have to pull the radiator out to drill another hole and fit them so i can tell you more in a week or 2.
Greg
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Thanks, Greg.
Mal
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Greg,
As far as the shockies go ,get them checked and if they are stuffed replace them. No point taking new ones up as spares ,because if one fails and you only put one new one in it may well take a hidding if the compressions are better than the other one or 3.(ie your 1 new one will cop a flogging.
You would then need to change both on front/back.
if and I say if they are a bit tired then fit the new ones and take 2 old ones as spares just in case.
I am in the same boat at present thinking about shockies mine have done 80,000 and a few trips to weipa in that with the boat on so I am also thinking of replacments ,done here at home rather than on the side of the road up there or worse.
Suspension is what keeps the tyre on the road and on theses roads good susp can not be over stated. Infact I would put new shockies on before i spent money on other things that may or may not be used the shockies WILL be used and very harshly. When you pull we pull up at Archer river wrap your hand around your front shockies(don't) but what i'm saying is that they will be too hot to touch as they have worked hard absorbing the corros and keeping the car under controll.
When the corros start to cause a bouncing effect and it builds up then the shockies are the only thing keeping your wheels on the ground.
If they are 50/50 the $500 on 4 new shockies will be money well spent. Like I said you will like most of us spend much more than that on stuff you will never use.
But like I said get a good asses of thier condition ,but make sure the persons knows the envirionment you will going in to, as cape york is the high end of operating envirionment for shockies and 1 trip up there will submitt your suspension to years of normal use in 2 weeks.
I'm not a suspension expert or anything so please take my opinions as just that my personal opinion ,check with more suitable qualified people for more expert opinion.
Jetcrew ;D ;D
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You have been reading my mind Greg.
My suspention is the last thing for me to sort out and is going to get done this week. :cheers:
Other than that bull bar, winch, diff breathers, recovery points and a bit of side protection is all sorted out.
Rod......
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Hi Mal
it was an ARB kit cost me $68 and $150 to fit they ran out of time in doing the transmission 1 because they cant find it might have to come through the interior of the car. Recovery points were $100 wont know on how much because they have to pull the radiator out to drill another hole and fit them so i can tell you more in a week or 2.
Greg
With regards to the recovery points, only the bottom two bolts need to be removed and the top two loosened to drill the hole out a bit bigger (can not think of the size right now). Not a big job at all. If you wanted to see how it is done have a search on Pradopoint.com and it should shed some light on it.
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Gregnleanne, having done the Cape last year and following on from what Jetcrew said, I would put new shocks under the tug. You said they are 4 yrs old. Time to replace. The roads up there will test any vehicle and its components, espiecally the shockies. I put an entire new suspension system under my 02 Patrol, with a 2 inch lift and new shocks. They worked a treat.
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Thanks for your input Jetcrew,Frostd and Rodsswag i was leaning towards new shockies before we leave but you words of wisdom have probably put the nail in the coffin so to speak on that topic i;d prefer to have something new under me not really have to worry about it then to go the whole worrying. Vkprado i did read that on pradopoint as i told ARB thats what they had to do to put the new recovery points on but they didnt listen to me so when i went to pick the car up 3 weeks ago they told me i had to rebook to have them done because they ran out of time as they didnt realise they had to remove bolts from the radiator, but thank you for your help. ;D
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Just wondering how everyone is progressing on their preparation.
This is where I am up to....
For the cruiser:
I have air bags to put in
Cargo barrier to install
UHF radio to buy and install
Roof rack to buy and install
For the camper :
Double nut the ubolts
Check wheel bearings
Buy spare u bolts , nuts , bearings , split pins etc
Attach quickfist clamps to mount shovel
Find small pieces of timber to use as a base for the bottle jack , jockey wheel etc
Other stuff:
Buy weber baby q and pizza stone
Update recovery gear
Write up list of food to take
Pre pack camper with containers
Check kitchen and cooking gear
Buy new camping pots and pans
But the main thing is working out how much alcohol to take including what cocktails I will be making.
May have to leave some of the food out. ;D
Just some advice I take enough meat etc to last me till Seisa then I buy from the abattoir or the supermarket. They have nice hot chickens and groceries.
Fruit and fresh veges etc I carry in a foam box in the cruiser.
Bread I buy is whole meal , a good brand, and suck the air from the bag and wrap in foil and newspaper. The bread lasts a week doing that.
Mark
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My old girl is a 1995 model 4x4 van, air con is a joke never used and the shockers are two years old, diesel motor with 138k
bullbar snorkel, toyo tyres about 10k when i get to Cairns and fitting rear wheel carrier, front recovery points, roofrack,diff/gearbox
breathers, second battery, not dust proof and not to mention the odd oil leaks and rattles.
Not fitting a winch or diff lockers.
Mauri
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Well I got a little more organised today..
Had the rear locker fitted and finished off the cargo barrier and divider set up. Tomorrow I have a camper job in the morning then I will attempt to finish off the kitchen and fridge slides.
Not also got some 4.75T d shackles from ARB $15 each and they had a box full... good price I thought Gal finish too.
Jet ;D ;D ;D
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I am sooo far behind in the preparation for this year.
Things I've done -
Fitted new diff breathers
Thing I am yet to do -
Fit the new 33's
Work out some way of carrying the two spare 33's
Overhaul the winch
Get some bar work done
Fit the water tanks
Overhaul the alternator
Replace the steering damper
Replace the steel winch rope with plasma rope
Fit a third battery for the fridge (no camper this trip)
Major service
I'm sure there is more ....
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Symon that's not like you ;D ;D
Mark
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Winch is fitted, dvd player for the kids fitted (thanks daz) breathers are in, snorkle is on in a few weeks new tough dog going under her and 2 new st maxx;s on the back. Then in June a major service and the car is ready. Camper is sorted made a new mudflap and installed under the tool box to try and save the paint work and stil looking for the right water tank fittings for spares, so all and all just about ready to go. I keep looking at all this stuff leanne keeps buying and thinking where the hell is it going to fit. ???
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Oh yeah ..you reminded me symon .
Alternator overhauled this week also , went from a lazy 13.2v to 14.2v much happier now.
But bad/good news is I think the clutch ,master and slave cyld just got added to my list. I am having nightmares where I hope in the car and push the pedal through the floor. With nearly 300K on the clock and the fact that I am only using the very top end of the pedal. I think it will be good insurance to get it done before I go. And a new Rear Main seal while I'm there.
One good thing about these trips is that it forces you to do the things you would otherwise neglect if not going away. At least thats what I tell myself. ;D ;D ;D
Jet :D :D :D
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My pilot stopped in today from Warwick,........ he's got it all organised :cup: ,...... 6 x new KM2's on the V8 Cruiser Ute ( 2 x spares ), new front Pro Locker to match the one in the rear, Water pump for the tap/tank, rear under body draw custom made and fitted to carry all the recovery gear and dirty bits and a full Toyota Service.............she's ready to roll :cheers:
Bring it ;D
The Winch Bitch :-*
jk
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My pilot stopped in today from Warwick,........ he's got it all organised :cup: ,...... 6 x new KM2's on the V8 Cruiser Ute ( 2 x spares ), new front Pro Locker to match the one in the rear, Water pump for the tap/tank, rear under body draw custom made and fitted to carry all the recovery gear and dirty bits and a full Toyota Service.............she's ready to roll :cheers:
Bring it ;D
The Winch Bitch :-*
jk
JK I give you at least half a day before you tell Mick to move over and let you drive.
If Mick becomes the winch bitch he will drown in half the creeks. For those people who have never met Mick he is only 4 feet tall ;D ;D
Mark
Mark
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He's the Captain this year mate and I'd never deprive anyone the thrill of driving the OTL and the rest of the Cape York adventure, but if he should fall foul of American Honey Fever then I guess I could put in a few hours behind the wheel >:D
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Do you have to tie blocks to his feet so he can reach the pedals?
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Mick has a big booster seat so he can see over the windscreen.
JK I can see you pouring American honey on his cereal !!!
Mark
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Well yesterday has not been good to my wallet.
Popped in a 3" exhaust system into the cruiser, the turbo spools up pretty quick now! - $1300
Asked the guys to check the brakes while it was up on the hoist as they felt a bit weak. Yeah, well. 4 x rotors, 4 x wheel bearings, new pads all round and 2 x flex hoses - $1500
Like my wife, the cruiser also wanted new boots - $1900
Ouch. On the upside I like these boots...
(http://symon.id.au/symon/4wda/IMG_0230.JPG)
(http://symon.id.au/symon/4wda/IMG_0231.JPG)
Bring on the cape!!
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took my car in to get the brakes checked yesterday, need new rotors and pads on the front, rear rotors need machining and new pads, $680, getting that done tomorrow.
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Symon, that truck of yours should be unstoppable on this trip to the Cape. ;D ;D There should be no excuses for any stoppages >:D. Good luck. :D
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The ''Battle Cruiser" looks more than ready :cup: , we'll follow you mate and we'll have no troubles with ground clearance ;D . Did you fit EBC Brake pads ? ......I fitted them to our cruiser and it felt like a whole new brake system, stops on a dime.
Can't wait for this one :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Looks like I am going to be outnumbered with the cruisers
Just got a humble disco 2
Done
Bullbar
Snorkel
Winch
UHF radio
Breathers done
To do
New suspension 2 inch lift (installing next week)
Centre diff lock reinstalled (next week)
Camper trailer replace bearings
Spares eg ,ubolts,nuts to source
Buy new recovery gear kit
Sure there's more to do
Will panic closer to date
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Hey Simon just wondering how much were the new tyres. I have to get some ATs for the Pathfinder and just doing the research. Thanks martin
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From memory they were $415 each fitted for 285/75R16 (33"), Mickey Thompson 4-Rib ATZ's.
I don't think you'd squeeze them on the Pathy without a lift, so they would be a bit cheaper for the 31" version.
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Well i though that i was all ready to go but when booking for the boat to melbourne i was told space for vehicles only under 2.1m
checked bookings both forward and two weeks prior to going over with the same results, ie leave your packrack behind or stay home
I can fit all the gear into the back of the van ( the 2m tent fits corner to corner) but what about my gas bottle that i need for cooking
that cannot be carried in the vehicle, thinking of sealing it in a container to make it safer to carry if not will have to leave it behind.
Mauri
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Prado is booked in on Saturday for new coopers, picked up new bearings for the trailer yesterday after a bit of a s--t fight trying to find out what sort they are and where to get them from. So suspension to go and we are ready. (bout time) ;D
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Roof rack with basket done
UHF radio ordered
Need to fit airbags to the cruiser
Need to get bearings for the camper as back up
Start some packing
Mark
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Got the service done on the Prado. While there, mechanic suggested that the front was sagging badly and that I need a suspension upgrade. So now I am ringing round to get prices on suspension. Have a service on the CT planned for end of next week.
Plan to upgrade my phone to an iphone on the weekend and get Hema app so I can find my way home ;D
Does the spending never end?? ???
Mal
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Got the service done on the Prado. While there, mechanic suggested that the front was sagging badly and that I need a suspension upgrade. So now I am ringing round to get prices on suspension. Have a service on the CT planned for end of next week.
Plan to upgrade my phone to an iphone on the weekend and get Hema app so I can find my way home ;D
Does the spending never end?? ???
Mal
Yes it can go on for ever but once you hit the otl you will appreciate the up grades ;D
Regarding the iPhone, I had reception at Cooktown and at the huts in Seisia. Even standing at the tip I had reception.
Mark
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If your with TELSTRA that is ;D
yogi
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If your with TELSTRA that is ;D
yogi
With Optus. I had a Telstra phone with me and I did get some signal along the development rd but only know and then . I will stick to my Optus I phone on this trip.
Mark
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Had a chance to check the bearings and springs on the camper today.
I have extra bearings, split pins etc after going to a trailer spare parts place. The u bolts only had standard nuts on them so I changed them to lock nuts with washers and also 2 spare u bolts as back up.
Only had a chance to do one side thou.
Camper is partly packed.
Mark
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Have you packed in Toyota wheel studs and nuts. ;D
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Have you packed in Toyota wheel studs and nuts. ;D
John that's nasty lol
Hey I will be bringing a camp oven you can borrow as long as you could me a roast ;D
Mark
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I have lock nuts on the camper u-bolts, and I have a spare pair of U-bolts. Also have spare bearings. Still plan to get spare split pins and castle nut and grease. Don't have spare wheel nuts or studs. Do you think I need them?
Mal
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I have lock nuts on the camper u-bolts, and I have a spare pair of U-bolts. Also have spare bearings. Still plan to get spare split pins and castle nut and grease. Don't have spare wheel nuts or studs. Do you think I need them?
Mal
You should be fine without them. At the end of the day how much do you carry. I have all the above spares.
I normally walk around checking the camper at each stop and check the tightness on the trailer nuts.
Mark
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It pays to check your nut's ;D From what I have heard about last years trip there were a few lose nut 8)
Seriously though if your travelling with someone it's best to try and split the spares between you to keep the load down. This is never possible for me though as I am usually heading on furthere on big trips like this and end up taking one of everything I have ever broken and one of everthing I have seen other people brake ....... lol
yogi
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Car in today getting pre-trip inspection and servicing, thanks John and his team at E4wd, he's been a great help over the last couple of months in helping getting my car and camper ready for the trip! :cup:
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Gee Mark I was just reminding you to pack the essential items you need.
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I currently have duggies spare gearbox spread all over my shed, I hope I can remember how it all goes back together, as he wants to fit it for the trip. ;D
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I currently have duggies spare gearbox spread all over my shed, I hope I can remember how it all goes back together, as he wants to fit it for the trip. ;D
No pressure mate just make sure there are no bolts left over ;D
Mark
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It’s not the bolts I am worried about, it is the spare cogs that worry me. ;D
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It’s not the bolts I am worried about, it is the spare cogs that worry me. ;D
We have faith in you John ;D
Mark
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I hope you get it together John as I want Duggie to be there. Last year he cooked Shaun and I the best feed of liver and bacon for breakfast. I am hopefull that he repeats again this year.
Regards Martin
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It’s not the bolts I am worried about, it is the spare cogs that worry me. ;D
Just think if you put the cogs in the wrong way would that make it one forward gear and 5 reverse gears, that should work just fine, just think one forward for getting into trouble and 5 reverse for getting out of trouble accross gunshot.
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With all the posts about getting organised and not many sleeps now!! Any one would think where going this year!
Regards, Chris.
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I am starting to get worried, a day and a half and I still have not been able to pull the 5 gear idler bush of the counter shaft. I even splurged and brought a new puller today but still no luck.
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cars been fully serviced today with new diff oils, transmission, brake fluid, engine oil, new front brakes and a quick machine, new front cv seal, new fuel, and air filter and spare belts slightly blown away at $1200 but everything is checked and given 2 thumbs up. Now just need new shockies but hes booked out until the 4th so i have a week or so to find some more $$$$ and we are ready to roll 26 sleeps to go :cheers:
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Well when I get home this weekend the truck should be ready to pick up from the fabricators - brushbars, front recovery points, and a tray lift should all be done. The undertray water tank will then go in, as well as the third battery for the truck. Then it is time for a major service and we should be right to rock and roll!!
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I am still trying to get a gearbox back together. ;D
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Just need to do the other side of the campers bearings, cruiser gets air bags and new springs in the rear next Wednesday , install the UHF radio using " McGirrs Theory" and get a new battery for the camper.
Mark
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I am still trying to get a gearbox back together. ;D
Nothing like cutting it fine to make things interesting.
Hope you've still got all the bits. Things can wander off, if left alone for too long........... ;D
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Get the CT checked over early next week. Suspension upgrade on the Prado happens on Tuesday.
Mal
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I have finished the gearbox, I think I put the right cogs back in. >:D
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I have finished the gearbox, I think I put the right cogs back in. >:D
I received this in the mail yesterday, It's not mine! does it belong to anybody in this forum.
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No No, that’s not mine, .. ???well I don’t think so. ;D
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The gear box is all go, so is me old Nissan (mechanically). I must admit that I am cutting it fine this year but there is so much to do and so little time.
I still have to fit my roll out annexe's x3, fit the bigger compressor for the diff lock and xtras. finish wiring in the gauges and the engine management system, sort out the cruise control and get the gps system up and running and service me winch (no not wench,winch). ;D
I still have two more days this week before I go to work and ten days up my sleeve between coming home form work and leaving for the cape, piece of cake. ;D
\
cheers duggie
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10 days not a problem do the basics and we will help with the rest at the lions den.
Mark
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Just make sure you put the chainsaw in.
Bert
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I am working from home today ( ;D) while the suspension gets done. Have to pick up the CT on Thursday (getting brakes/bearings serviced), then all go.
Mal
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The cruiser gets air bags and new springs in the rear tomorrow and I have to finish off the bearings on the camper and u bolts are having extra nuts put on.
mark
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We are ready ;D just came from zordos and no new suspension needed so that's money I'm glad I didnt have spend.
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We are ready ;D just came from zordos and no new suspension needed so that's money I'm glad I didnt have spend.
Your shout :cheers:
Mark
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A lot done today.
Bearings done on the camper.
I supplied the mechanic with the airbags, cost $265.00 for the bags, he installed them and supplied and installed new rear springs and also done the front and rear diff breathers all for $230.00 :cup:
The rear of the cruiser is sitting nice and high ready for the weight of the camper and a pallet of beer.
He gets all my business.
Mark
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A lot done today.
Bearings done on the camper.
I supplied the mechanic with the airbags, cost $265.00 for the bags, he installed them and supplied and installed new rear springs and also done the front and rear diff breathers all for $230.00 :cup:
The rear of the cruiser is sitting nice and high ready for the weight of the camper and a pallet of beer.
He gets all my business.
Mark
only one pallet of beer, are you restocking at lions den
cheers
carl
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Well I have installed the UHF radio and using the McGirr theory heaps of tape, note to myself make sure battery is disconnected first next time ;D
Installed the quick fits on the roof rack and started packing the camper.
Mark
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Well my list is going in the wrong direction... :'(
Top cover coming off the motor on Tuesday... New rocker cover going on ,otherwise I will toping up the oil and checking the fuel..LOL ;D
I did install a new fuse block, fridge plug, volt meter , led light bar in rear cargo roof area, merrit socketts in rear and a new awning.
So I will be there come hell or highwater. ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Jetcrew ..... don't brake the old girl as the real test will come on the Fraser Trip the Week after you get back from the Cape ;D
yogi
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Jetcrew ..... don't brake the old girl as the real test will come on the Fraser Trip the Week after you get back from the Cape ;D
yogi
All good yogi if I break the crusier I will put some big tyres on the getz and I can swivel weld the drawbar of the trackie onto the roof of the getz , this will give a real good turning circle , and a bit of downforce to assit with traction. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Or as a final back up ....some fat tyres on my pushy with a coles trolly as a trailer ..LOL ;D ;D ;D
JET ;D
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Tray lift to fit in the water tank - check
Water tank fitted - check
Plasma rope ready to be spooled on the winch - check
New recovery points installed - check
Brush bars repaired - check
33' Tyres fitted - check
Major service - check
Getting a bit geed up about this trip - you betchya!
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Tray lift to fit in the water tank - check
Water tank fitted - check
Plasma rope ready to be spooled on the winch - check
New recovery points installed - check
Brush bars repaired - check
33' Tyres fitted - check
Major service - check
Getting a bit geed up about this trip - you betchya!
Yes the countdown is on.
This time in 2 weeks we will be keeping our fluids up at the Lions Den around a campfire.
Mark
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Once we set up camp at the Lions Den some of us will head off down a road I know to gather some firewood. Chainsaws at the ready.
May do it and let the women set up camp ;D
Mark
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We will be leaving Brisbane on Wednesday 20th at 5.00am and meeting up with Tim on the north side of the Gateway, if anyone else would like to join the convoy please feel free to jump in. We are sleeping in Mackay Wednesday night and then on to Cairns for Thursday night. That gives Friday in Cairns to chill out and sort any issues that may have arisen on the trip up. I can be contacted on 0417 724 021 John K.
Cheers
jk
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The cruiser and camper are now ready. Just need to pack the alcohol and then see what room I have left over ????
I went to Supercheap and they had an antenna extension for $20. So I should have a bigger one than Symon.
Also added some stickers
Some pics
Mark
(http://img.tapatalk.com/31b0415d-33a4-1647.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/31b0415d-33bb-9d76.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/31b0415d-33d6-f028.jpg)
Airbags and springs ready for the weight of the camper and beer
(http://img.tapatalk.com/31b0415d-33ee-2683.jpg)
May use it as a flag pole
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Hic! :cheers: Been cocktail shopping Hic! :cheers: