Hi guys

Going to drive from the UK to the Sahara Desert next year and starting to make a list of mods that I'll need for the JK as I want to budget over this year and test before starting out.

Already got fitted are ARB snorkel (although will change for pre cleaner top for dust), windshield lights, front hooks, front skid plate and BFG MT tyres.

My shopping list so far is:
1. 2" Old Man Emu lift with 619 springs front and 618 back
2. Cruise control (it's a long drive!)
3. Rampage mesh grill (for those annoying stones)
4. Highrock 4x4 lower cargo rack
5. Fogs lights (yes, it will be snowing in the Atlas mountains!)
6. Rear worklamp
7. Under body protection

Having a bit of thinking on 6 and 7 as have yet to see a JK which has had a light mounted to the hardtop but very useful when you need to unpack your gear. Anyone actually fitted one? Also not sure on the JK where the protection is needed underneath so open to your advice.

Am sure there'll be moe hence why I'm starting early but happy for your comments on what else I should do to the JK.

Not a newbie on this as have done before in my WJ so here's a taster of what it was like:

 

The Evap canistor needs to be protected, there are several option. There are skid plates to protect it, you can also relocate it(it is in a horrible spot), or you can relocate and skid. I would look into an engine/oil pan skid. There are several that offer protection for the engine and exhuast crossover such as Rockhard and I believe River Raiders. Both companys mentioned ,as well as others, offer full protection systems that start at the engine and end with the Gas tank. if you dont mind dropping the $800+ for the whole thing.

That looks like it is going to be a good time, make sure to put some details and post pictures of the whole trip.

 

We do trips into Africa every year and this is what i will suggest:

1. Move the EVAP to the back and fit a addtional 90L tank
2. Get a roof rack with tent,water cans and fuel cans,spade,axe. rear working light and high lift jack
3.Satalite phone
4.Winch
5.Drawer system
6.Deep cycle battery and inverter. If you taking a fridge. The inverter will help you to charge camera,lights etc.
7.Get tracks for africa loaded onto your GPS( www.t4africa.co.za )
8.Old man emu is the only susspention that will work for the type of driving you are planning.

Have fun!!!

 

ONE MORE THING....

Rather get all terrain tyres. Once you hit the soft sand and you deflate your tyres to 0.8 bar a mud terrain will get a punchure easy.

 

i would not worry about the protection under the jeep.

 

Thanks explorer for the suggestions. Just a question - have you got a snorkel fitted and do you use a pre cleaner or simply turn the ram air head round the other way? Can't seem to find a pre cleaner that will fit the 3.5" inlet?

 

The thing that I remember from my Desert Storm deployments was the dust. We were deploying a new USAF weapon system and had been warned about the dust--it's as fine as baby powder and absolutely gets into everything despite best efforts. If I was preparing a vehicle to drive into the Sahara, I'd be less concerned with armor and more concerned with what that dust is doing to the air intake (i.e., clogging up the filter you hope, rather than getting into the engine), mechanical joints, and the electronics.

BTW: Really looks like a neat adventure. I'm envious.

 

Mark Doiron made a good point about the fine dust over there. We deal with volcanic ash here sometimes when Mt. Redoubt goes off and that ash is just as nasty. What a lot of guys do is put some nylons/pantyhose over the intake to their airbox to help keep some of the crap out. Sounds redneck but it works

 

I have one. Just turn head around for extreme dust. Turn it back once you on a open road again.

 

Hello there Nick,

Hows it going, enjoying a bit of snow?
Well, i fitted a Airflow snorkel, nice kit, have to remove, wipers, screen scuttle, inner wing, and wing itself, a good 5-6 hour job, but a nice snorkel.
I read somewhere, its bad to travel at speed with the snorkel facing rearwards, as the engine has to work hard to get air, therefore dropping the fueling, and losing power, perhaps somebody could comment on this, or is it just an old wifes tale??

Springs, i have a set of OME Hd spare in the shed, only fitted for about 6 months, then went higher with the AEV system.
Have a set of Skyjacker + 2" shocks as well, with all the bump stop bits, the shocks are a bit hard, but the OME ones i had all went limp.

Give us a shout if want them.

Regards Ian.