Hi there! My first post here on HUBB
I'm going to need more info about just what kind of terrain (you said big rocks?) and distances between legs before I can make an educated suggestion. If I had the liberty to choose, I would bring an older diesel Land Cruiser with a manual transmission. They are tough, comfy enough to sleep in, the technology is pleasantly old fashioned, most competent repair shops can repair minor breakdowns, if ever any, and the older ones are lighter than the newer ones. The newer 80-series onward TLCs are still VERY capable, very comfy, but unfortunately, getting more and more obese with each newer iteration. Mileage isn't too great either. I made a test run driving from Jakarta to Bangkok, ~8000 Kms round trip, on a turbodiesel 80 series TLC, and managed only 9 Km/L on smooth roads, travelling very very light (myself and co-driver, two medium duffel bags + 2 day packs, all daily needs bought on the road as needed).
If I had to do the exact same trip again, I would pick my 2.4L diesel powered jeep CJ-7. Its got much much better mileage (~15-17 Km/L), Isuzu C240 engine is used world over for generators, pumps, fishing boats, and forklifts, equally capable off road, still large enough to carry all our needs, has a cold A/C, and leaves a big room for a second vehicle in a 40-foot container. The only drawback is that the jeep is SLOW, as in cruising speed of 75 Km/h on highways. But I can live with that.
If you plan on driving OVER (not around) big rocks, away from familiar territory, I think it's a bad idea. But if you really have to, then I would suggest at least a 2.5" lift (measure the top of the car, make sure it doesn't go over 2.3m. That's how high the inside of a shipping container is), larger tires suitable for the need, skid plates, roll cage, and a rear ARB diff locker. Use all terrain tires whenever you can because they last longer on long drives than mud tires, and they get you a better mileage.
Whatever the car you choose, make sure you spend time to test and familiarize yourself with the car. Then modify it to suit your needs, then test it again before you go. The idea is to keep you from pushing into situations where your car can't handle anymore resulting in a breakdown, hundreds of Kms from a mechanic. If the car does break, with luck, you will only break simple things like driveshaft U-joints, which can be replaced yourself on site. Learn how to do simple repairs and carry appropriate tools.
Oh, and good luck
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