New wanting a surf for expedition.

[Tony-c]

Hi all, like others am planning a big trip travel as far and long as possible until the budget runs out, europe, middle-east, africa.

Looked at a whole range of different overland vehicles to do the trip with but for the price and ability looks like a 3.0l surf 2nd or 3rd gen is the one for me.

Am totally new to overlanding and surfs so will be doing a lot of searching and on this forum to make sure I get all the proper mods done before I go.

First though have to buy my perfect surf.

[evildwarf]

Hi and welcome to the nuthouse
It's a pity you did not decide to do this a couple of months ago as there was a surf kitted out for expedtion all ready to go nothing would have been needed apart from you and your kit

[jeff.fn02jwa]

wellcome and hi from all of us we are not nuts just nuts about surfs or just nuts

[wiggy]

Hi and welcome

[Tony-c]

Thanks for the welcome. It's typical that a fully kitted out surf was sold recently. I've will only be looking to buy one oct onwards as will b working away soon until then.

Been looking at loads of surfs for sale and it seems like you can get a decent 2nd or 3rd gen for a good price, by the time u add on all the extras for overland then obviously it will be more. Looking to spend about 4k maybe a bit more for a standard one.

I did intially start looking at landrovers but they seem stupidly expensive for a high mileage one that has led a really hard life and in the end they aren't all that amazing like people think.

Its a surf all the way for me, the girlfriend is still yet to be convinced that it's good enough for the job.

[Don Logan]

No disrespect to the Good Surf, and i don't know much about them, but i'd have thought it was all about Landcruisers for this kind of trip?

[surfenstein]

funny you should mention this,we are in the process of building an old 4.2 nissan patrol 61 series,to do the london to cape town rally next jan.we couldnt use a toyota product because the organisers have put a blanket ban on them.

[JUDWAK]

welcome dude

[Calos]

Ello and welcome



peace
cal

[Tony-c]

I have looked at landcrusiers and I really like the look of them and from what I've read they are the ultimate for overlanding especially the 80 but they are more expensive and harder to come by.

I think with the right mods the surf can do it, but what are peoples thoughts and experiences on the surf for offroad and relability over a long distance?

[stormforce]

Apache used his truck for a off road and overland trek a couple of years ago and he had no trouble.I think he was away for 2 or 3 weeks tho but there are some that have done long treks.Bundabasher is in Africa i think it is and does safari tours with his truck

[Apache]

Surf is as reliable as you make it really. Just take a sensible spares package, and replace the likely bits which will end your journey such as rear wheel bearings (I speak from experience!) with good quality parts before you go.

Looked after, they are as tough as old boots, and if you are overlanding, you wont be LOOKING to get stuck or break stuff as some odd folk do at pay and play. Think of it as greenlaning over very very long distances!

As someone else said, Bundubasher has been running an old 4Runner around Africa for donkeys years. It's not modded to hell, just fitted with sensible parts such as steel wheels, very tough and easily obtainable tyres etc etc.

<edit> that was just last year Rich, though it got used here too. No difference here or out of country really, just the Med is further away from home.

[Ptarmigan]

3L 2nd gen

I've had my ups and downs but I have to say I'd recommend the 2nd gen. The engine is mechanical so even if you have electrical gremlins, the motor keeps on running; definitely a plus.

I would at least change:

All the belts and pulleys
Fit dual batteris (or carry a spare)
Really triple check all the wiring and carry spare fuses / wire
Pressure test the rad (you need to change the coolant and water pump anyway... right?)
New rad cap
Check all the suspension; probably the pitman arm or similar will need replacing
Fit a pair of big round spotlights on an independant switch and relay for when your others just stop working.
New stereo and speakers ;-)
New M/T tyres for sure; the tread is so deep it's hard to get a puncture
Air pump if you can, so you can deflate tyres when you need to.
Consider changing as many other pieces as possible, even if they are working, as you can sell the old ones second hand for OK money.
Definitely change all the hoses (ok at least the three rad hoses) and take spare clips and gaffa tape; it was a leaking top hose that caused my head to crack.
Lots of tools
blah blah blah etc

ok enough waffle; now I'm jealous and want to come with you!

[Tony-c]

Some good info there thanks for that, any more just let me know.

Ive been on http://www.elphick-pooley.co.uk/index.htm which also provides loads of good information about taking a surf to Africa. Would love to get my surf nearly half as good as that and I would be happy.

What are peoples views on extra fuel tanks? Is it really worth fitting an expensive one onto the car or just carry a few extra jerry cans and then store them in a safe place and use them as and when?

I get the feeling suspension is where its at and from doing a search the OME seems to come out on top, plus has anyone had any experience with polyurethane bushes, are they as good as what they say they are?

Fell like a fraud cos haven't even got a surf yet, but would like to sort out what I need to do now so then I can get straight into it when I finally get one this autumn.

Thanks.