Back country independence

[FLFJ40]

If things go as planned I will be living and working in the back country of Honduras. Until recently I have been building my '40 as an occasional street driver, more out of nostalgia than desire to make it a hard core rig. Now that I have been called to a foreign land where it isn't really safe to be on the road after dark, I am wondering what I need to make it most reliable and what do I need for fixing break downs. I don't plan to do anything more hard core than a deep fording. I've rebuilt the engine, trans, tcase, front end, brakes, clutch, steering system. I have also made the H.E.I. Conversion and have headers and a Weber 38mm. I am debating rear wheel traction, right now I am stock. As for back country independence if you had to choose, which would be better, locked rear, LSD rear or winch? I am also debating on board air and welder. I have seen a few posts where people have removed their OBA. Is this one of those mods that seems like a good idea but in the end isn't really used that much? I am a pretty profecient welder so I feel as though I could fix just about anything short of broken shafts well enough to get me home. Also what were some of your most debilitating break downs and what could have been done easier to fix them? I looked at the FAQ's about best mods, but most of them seem geared to the hard core side of driving. I am thinking more along the ideas of using my 4WD to get me out of trouble, not into trouble. They also said it depends on what you are doing with it. I'm mostly going to be on hard dirt roads suring the dry season, and muddy steep roads during the rainy season.

 

[dogboy2]

For the deep fording: extend the breather lines on your axles, t-case, and tranny. Also would definitely add a snorkel. A pre-cleaner on the the snorkel wouldn't be a bad idea given the dusty/dirt road conditions. Carry an extra cap, rotor, spark plug wires, spark plugs, and air filter along with a BIG can of WD-40 to help dry off the ignition circuit after wading.

For traction (deep fording, muddy hills, etc..): add selectable lockers front and rear. If you go with ARB's (personal favorite) and use their recently added large volume compressor, you gain the advantage of on-board air capability. I would also consider going with lower gear ratios in the diffs and running a MT tire. Carry 4 sets of tire chains for added traction capability in very muddy conditions. RUD 4x4 chains are great due to the ability to install them without moving the vehicle and their excellent traction.

For self extraction (read getting yourself home): A winch is almost a non-negotiable item for any kind of off-highway condition. You may only use it once or several times, but even that one time will more than pay for the winch. A stout winch bumper with integrated recovery points is also paramount. A bull bar with winch mount might even serve you better as it will add siginificant protection to your front end from crippling errant livestock/wildlife damage. Carry a full set of recovery gear, a Hi-Lift jack, a Pull-Pal, 25' of Grade 70 transportation chain with chokers and 50' of synthetic winch extension line with thimbles. It may seem excessive until the first time you need it, then you will be thankful for your foresight.

You will want some type of on-board air or even redundancy in this system, for airing up tires before driving any distance on pavement or for even running air tools during on-trail/backroad repairs. IMHO, it's an invaluable asset that can also be highly useful for camp/beach duties inflating mattresses, rafts, etc...

Add a provision(s) to carry extra fuel, be it an extended tank or jerry cans. Also would carry 5 gal. jerry can of potable water. Carrying a personal water filter will cover you (water source provided) and the 5 gal. can will service the cooling system (or vice versa).

You may want to consider upgrading the Birfields to aftermarket Longfields or similar. In either case, consider carrying extra birfields with you along with a tub of knuckle grease. Which brings up the subject of spare parts, fluids, and various repair items, especially tools: ALWAYS carry them. Do a search, lots of great info on this topic...

All of the above is intended to get you out of trouble when trouble finds you, sometimes even when you're within eyesight of the pavement. Check out: http://www.bb4wa.com/default.html for great info on off-road travel and strongly consider taking a class from Mr. Bill Burke before your travels - they are a tremendous value. At worst, watch his videos...

Best of luck and hth,
-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[Mickldo]

I agree with everything above but I think communications gear is also a necessity. If eveything else turns to poop you can still call for help. Ditto with a first aid kit and the ability to use it.

 

[calamaridog]

If cost is a factor, I'd suggest the rear locker as a #1 priority.

New MT tires and spares.

Of course you could just buy a newer diesel Cruiser over there

 

[dogboy2]

Of course you could just buy a newer diesel Cruiser over there

Oh now you're talking.... complete with factory lockers and an OEM snorkel like can be had in NZ???.... SNAP!!

-db-

 

[fernandol]

All of the above would be ideal.
Only other advice I can offer from experience driving in the Venezuelan jungles is not to go with wide tires, for a 40 I think 255/85/16 MT would be ideal.
The reason for this been that the locals generally use tires on the 7.5 to 9.00 wide range so the ruts they make on the muddy jungle tracks are only so wide. If your tires are wider they will be under a lot of pressure from the sides everytime you get into a rutted track, some times the pressure is enough to stop the vehicle or to pop the tires from the rims.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

What area in Honduras are you going to be in? Im only asking because I spent two separate trips of 8 weeks in and around southern Honduras around San Pedro Sula. Almost everywhere we went was spent driving in the back country, either in a pretty stock Prado or a modified Ford Ranger. Only twice can I remember having to use the winch, going up pretty steep grades in the rainy season makes for slippery situations. Also water crossings are pretty likely anywhere youd be going I think. So extending the breathers are a must I would imagine. I agree with the consensus for lockers and air. Many a times we air up and aired down between different grades. Good luck to you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.