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9 Feb 2013
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Thanks for your reply
I am far from a whizz but the electronics are simple and I can fix most common problems such as replace head gaskets, bearings, ball joints, brakes, suspension, water pump, etc (I will take spares of these). Outside of these things it would be a pretty major problem and in all honesty would probably finish my trip anyway. Things like diffs, sump etc with a bit of thought I should be able to make up some good guards before I go and as long as I am sensible do I really have too much to worry about?
Despite this I fully understand what you are saying about going for the tried and tested, however on another site I have seen a few people doing trips in rare Russian vehicles and some very odd things! I know people often use the Mercedes G wagon for trips which is a very capable vehicle, although I should imagine parts are not very easy to get hold of?
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9 Feb 2013
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I have meet a variety of people doing a variety of trips. I would say:
- the more quirky the vehicle, the more the trip is about getting the vehicle to the end, rather than experiencing the trip itself.
- the less mechanical preparation and research you do, the more the trip is about getting the vehicle to the end, rather than experiencing the trip itself.
- two years is a long time, so you want a solid vehicle. Your not just doing a '3 months to Cape Town, look how cool I am on facebook' type trip
I don't know your vehicle so I can't comment much more. Good luck!
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10 Feb 2013
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Well I don't know your vehicle either, though I do know your engine ( one of mercs best and if, like the Musso a mechanical injection pump so much the better).
My two penneth is better the devil you know. That is to say - if you have known your car for a few years, have used it, and pushed it maybe, then it may well be preferable to an unknown quantity -I wouldn't set off in a new car from the showroom let alone a second hand 4x4 that has lived in Chelsea or one that is modded to undriveability by the PO. Key to your success is driving within you and your cars capabilities. 40 year old Renault 4s regularly drive the roads you will encounter and they don't have difflocs  (nor do many vehicles for that matter).
__________________
Chris
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"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Last edited by silver G; 11 Feb 2013 at 09:51.
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10 Feb 2013
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well mechanically the Korando is exactly the same as the Musso and has the mechanical injection. I know what you are saying about the engines as they are just superb. I know a guy who even puts these old Merc engines in some of the newer G wagons as many people prefer them as they don't have all the electronic rubbish.
If anyone was wondering about the Korando here is a short video of one in action:
korando offroad - YouTube
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10 Feb 2013
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it's a great car, and not just the engine...
It doesn't really matter what you drive in Africa, something is bound to break. If you carry a lot of spares, you'll break something you didn't bring, regardless of what car you're driving... and you'll eventualy get the Ssanyongg to the ass-end of the continent.
Less worry, more go... you'll be fine.
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11 Feb 2013
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I suggest to take another car.
Nothing against it, when you drive smooth he will arrive - tooo without modding (Ok, lockers at least arent a bad idea).
Most of the repairs of other travellers are caused, because they dont drive smooth
But when at sample your front windscreen broke (happens twice to me), you really have to wait, till a spare glass is shipped in.
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11 Feb 2013
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Hi David,
No problem to take it.
It's Mercedes after all.
The thing I would really check out is the gear linkages.
Do you know about the problems that some time happen with the linkages?
You may want to fit the alternative semi cable linkage?
Apart from that, just go on and enjoy.
vette
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11 Feb 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Surfy
Most of the repairs of other travellers are caused, because they dont drive smooth
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Ah no, most are caused by driving for long periods on bad roads in hot conditions. Things wear out as they are often designed to. The faster you drive the quicker these things will happen.
What you experienced in your 2 month trip is perhaps not the best sum of knowledge to make broad assertions on.
I think google translates one of your trip updates as saying you were driving at 130km p/h in Africa? Seems very 'smooth' to me!
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