Jimny does it again!

 

Well that was a rough trip.  From Brisbane to Birdsville via Hell Hole Gorge and then across the Simpson, a loop around the centre of Australia, back down the Binns Track, along the Oodnadatta Track, back up the Birdsville Track and then a loop via Yaraka and Blackall to Augathella and back home to Brisvegas.

Around 8000kms with around 5000kms on dirt and sand and the rest on tarmac.  The corrugations were the worst I have seen, bull dust holes that were swallowing vehicles and jimny size holes over the Simpson Desert.  A suspension upgrade is in order!

I had an issue with the MAF O2 sensor again - the Jimny doesn't seem to like swallowing dust and my rear passenger side bearing went.  I had both these issues on the first trip so my kit for remote travel will now include:

- Spare MAF O2 Sensor;

- Mass air flow spray can;

- 2x Rear Bearings.

I am going to change my suspension from my well used 4 year old tough dog with a 40mm lift to a 40mm old man emu lift kit which will take into account the additional load and slightly larger engine (1.3 to 1.5 conversion).

This trip I picked up a number of nicks in my sidewalls due to mounded gravel on the corrugated tracks and the Jimny having a smaller footprint than the monster vehicles that were around the big red bash.  I also had to patch two tyres thanks to some pieces of steel which I picked up along the way - I may have the old Ghan to thank for one of those!

The tyres are looking more flogged out though they aren't down to the wear bars yet - but are at the end of their insurable life which I believe is at 5 years now.  I will replace these before I do another trip - just to find a suitable replacement!