In preperation for a east - west - east crossings of the Simpson Desert, I had the gearbox and transfer case overhauled, replaced lots of expensive bits
but at least it changes from 2nd to 3rd now. This caused me lots of problems on the Canning last year when I was having difficulty changing into 3rd for the run onto the big sand dunes.
I replaced the rear brake drums, shoes and cylinders as they were in fairly ordinary condition, I needed to replace 1 disc that was damaged when I ran out of pads on the Canning so replaced them with DBA slotted rotors and premium pads, this has improved the braking considerably and I'll try a couple of the premium 4x4 pads to see which work best to improve the lousey brakes and apreciate any recomendations.
I had been wondering how many corrugations the shocks and strutts can cross before they're worn out and my question was answered when both back shocks started to weep oil after 70,000km of the roughest, toughest roads and deserts in the country. CalOffroad was great and gave me a keen price on their new silver (cadnium plated) Bilsteins which immediately tidied up the handling.
Found right rear wheel bearing had spun on the axle, so replaced the bearing and axle. I did this in my shed at home but only with the tools I carry, just to prove I can do it on the side of the road. I would need a solid tree stump or big flat rock but its doable. I had to add a big drift to hammer the bearing onto the axle but had the rest of the tools in my standard kit.
I needed 4 tyres, so took the opportunity to change from 245 70 16 to 265 70 16 - metric 31" - and happy with the choice. The wheel align teck came and spoke to me about my front end, wondering why it had never been adjusted since I put the lifted suspension in and did I have time for him to do a major alignment. He was able to free up the adjusters and get the whole front end within spec and the car drives a lot nicer than before and after a trip to the Simpson the tyres dont have the wear I'd expect, so I'll keep track of this guy for future alignments.
I'm home from a trip acrossthe Simpson on the Warburton Track, K1, Knolls Track, WAA and out to Mt Dare for fuel, I probably had enough onboard as I carry 205 litres to turn around at Dalhousie and back east across the French Line but chose to have a pie and fuel up at Mt Dare, checked Bloods Creek and Federal Ruins and headed back to Birdsville on the French Line. Great trip and all my prep paid off as the Survey Wagon performed perfectly again in all conditions, from sand in the desert to deep, friendly clay on the Strzelecki Track after 50mm of rain. I'll post up the trip story when I have time.
Geoff