Gearing up a 1991 HZJ73

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turner10120

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I am taking my wife and 3 y.o. son on a road trip through the Cardamon Mountains of Cambodia, along the coast of Cambodia and into Phenom Phen. We will visit the Killing Fields before heading to Vietnam. We will travel through VN up to about Hue where we will cut west across the thin part of Vietnam and into Laos. We will stay in Laos about 4 days before returning to Bangkok via northeastern Thailand. We will be gone about 14-17 days.

What I am asking you is how I should equip my HZJ-73? Keep in mind, if we get into trouble, the cavalry won't be coming over the next hill.

Tires-- I will mainly be doing driving on paved roads as well as on rough, unimproved dirt/mud roads. I have some 265/70R16 tires on now, but I would be very nervous about taking them onto the unimproved roads of Cambodia and Laos. Would you recommend any tires for this task?

Winch--I was looking at getting a MileMarker HT12000 hydraulic winch. Any thoughts on this? Would a PTO be better?

Suspension--I don't really want to lift my LC given that I have to park in a garage that has a clearance of 2.10 meters. I suppose this is useful information when choosing tires. Is it necessary to lift it for the proper tires or the driving we will do?

Cage--I was going to look into getting a cage made for the LC. Do you have one and would you recommend it?

Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your time and thoughts.

Regards,
Bryan
An off road newbie in Bangkok
 
If you are going to install a cage and a bunch of gear you had better improve your suspension - it will be riding on the bump stops if you don't. Put a set of tall and narrow tires on it - 255/75/r16's - the BFG mud terrains are perfect for that. 1 full size spare and a tire repair kit

Warn 8274 winch with synthetic rope, snatch block and snatch strap.

High lift jack.

put a good suspension kit on - don't use the old man emu - i don't like the HZJ73 kit they have, maybe try Tough Dog out of australia - get the whole kit, shocks, damper, springs, bushings etc.

Bring an axe too, extra water, good first aid kit, extra fuel filters.

Have a gret trip - I'm envious.
 
i will go away from Louis on this one...
the BFGs have too soft a sidewall and wear way too quickly.
mount 2 spares, one is useless for what you are doing..

warn upright 8000 lb with what Louis said but add a cover to keep the UV rays off the rope and Hause fairlead, not roller.

same as what Louis recommended but i would say go with Dobbinson out of Oz.
Dakar and OME are adaquate for paved roads and sporatic offroad...

i second the suggestion for the expedition section.. but remember what is the latest fad is not always the best
 
Thanks gents for all of the advice. I have a lot of shopping ahead of me as well as a weekend or two to install the suspension upgrades.

Crushers, when you say that you go away from Louis on the tires, do you differ on just the BFG or also the size? Which ones would you recommend?

Any other suggestions?

I will attach pics of the trip. Cheers, Bryan
 
I would ask the locals what tyres are available in remote areas. Most likely it will be a 750x16
Take a 1-2 spares and a tyre repair kit
I wouldnt bother with a winch for badly made roads. TheCambodians have been travelling them for years in old 2wd trucks
You could always get a local to pull you with his oxen for a few dollars.
 
Rosco,
good advice on the tires, the locals will know what works and what doesn't, i wish i would have thought of that.

i like having a winch on any exploration unit
 
I'm not stuck on the brand of tire I just like the size. I'd have a winch though, you can do alot with a winch - more than just pull yourself out. You can move trees, lift things etc etc. 2 spares are best if you can fit them.
 
crushers said:
Rosco,
good advice on the tires, the locals will know what works and what doesn't, i wish i would have thought of that.
Click to expand...

The size and type will be something like the locals fit to their Dynas ,Canters,NPR's and Cabstars:D
 
If you stay on the main thoroughfares the roads are in surprisingly great condition. Probably not by Thai standards, but easily passable in a 2wd much less a 4wd. All of the crossings you listed are well travelled as well. Off the path a bit and depending on the season the roads can deteriorate quickly into sloshy and long mud pits. Your best bet at that point, and what the locals carry is tire chains. It's not uncommon to see a mini truck loaded with gear and 25 people hanging off slipping its way up a steep muddy slope. Again, tire chains are the key. I agree that a tough, commercial tire in a common size is your best bet.
 
hi turner,
im currently in bangkok and lived here in the past. Wondered where you go for offroad gear here as would like to go and windows shop!
Fred
 
turner10120 said:
I am taking my wife and 3 y.o. son on a road trip through the Cardamon Mountains of Cambodia, along the coast of Cambodia and into Phenom Phen. We will visit the Killing Fields before heading to Vietnam. We will travel through VN up to about Hue where we will cut west across the thin part of Vietnam and into Laos. We will stay in Laos about 4 days before returning to Bangkok via northeastern Thailand. We will be gone about 14-17 days.



Regards,
Bryan
An off road newbie in Bangkok
Click to expand...

Can foreigners drive cars in Vietnam now? I have friends with business interests there and they say you can only get a lic to ride scooters.
 
Fred,

There are two places of which I know. The first is VVP on Sri Nakarin Road V.V.P.4x4CENTER , and the second is Ozy Off Road. Their contact info is: Ozy Under Vehicles Co.,Ltd, ¡ÃسÒÃÍÊÑ¡¤ÃÙè. There are probably others, but I just started scratching the surface.

I haven't been to either one but plan on going to VVP this weekend to recon what they have. Generally, anything imported to Thailand is bloody expensive with the protectionist Thai customs ministry. As an example, Dobinson's leaf springs are US$200/pair greater than those quoted in Australia. Of course, shipping has to be considered, but it takes a bit of enthusiasm out of tricking out your Cruiser.

If you want to catch up, give me a call. 087 093 9890.

Cheers,
Paul
 
hi paul,
yeah that's the trouble with imported goods here- a lot of duty on them!
Got some stuff to sort out but if I get the chance would be good to take a look at the stores. If so will give you a call. wish i'd done some 4 wheeling while I was living here!
-Not sure about Vietnam, Rosco, but perhaps a police officer would turn a blind eye if shown some $$ ;)
Fred
 
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Rosco,

Thanks for the tip on Vietnam. I will stop by the embassy this week to verify this. I was under the impression that ASEAN member nations could drive across member-country borders with insurance being the only issue. Hmmm...this might put a crimp in my plans.

bryan
 
turner10120 said:
Rosco,

Thanks for the tip on Vietnam. I will stop by the embassy this week to verify this. I was under the impression that ASEAN member nations could drive across member-country borders with insurance being the only issue. Hmmm...this might put a crimp in my plans.

bryan
Click to expand...

I double checked it after I posted it. It seems you can get a car lic but there are conditions
I think Australia is an ASEAN member but we still have to hold a valid residency permit of 3 months before you can apply for a Vietnamese lic.
The residency permit will be the sticking point;)
The penalties for driving without a lic is severe .
Driving in Vietnam - Australian Embassy

My friends hire a local with an old Merc to drive them across borders
 
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