89 DC for Overlanding

[freeflyd]

3 Years ago we bought an 89 2.2 4Y DC and paid R47k for it. I decided that once the upgrades exceed the original price, I’ll post some pics. Current upgrades are in the region of R52k

So here are the 3 latest things:

1: Centre Console.
I had one made from 4mm Steal Plate. It’s 50cm long, 25cm deep and 14cm wide. It’s a nice height to rest your arm on while driving and it can take all out reference books, the Bino’s, some bits and pieces and one Kettie (Traditional weapon). I carpeted it inside and out to make it look nice. The total cost was R450.

2: Backseat project.
I took the backseat out. I made the space level with Marine Ply and attached 2 waterproof, dustproof boxes to it. One is for camera equipment, the other for clothes. This was quite an expensive exercise. The boxes were R950 each and I have to buy a whole sheet of marine ply. I also carpeted the wood to make it fit in with the interior of the truck. The total cost was R2 800.

3: Tool bag.
I bought a bag that is designed to go behind the back seat of the truck, but attached it to the rear wall of the cab. This contains most of my tools. It has space for: Sockets, Spanners, Pliers, Wheel spanner, Jump Leads, Bottle Jack, Tyre Pressure Gauge, Leather man. It is rattle free and I can get to anything without needing to move anything else! R460.

So as it stands now, the truck looks like this:

Warn 8000 Winch
Duel Battery with Harris plug for fridge and 2 Hella sockets
Outback Drawers
Long Range tank
Frontrunner Roof rack
Hi lift Jack and big Spade
6 Jerry Cans (Normally only 4)
Roof Rack Bag with spares and some bigger tools. (List attached)
Echo RTT
Engel 60l Combi Fridge/Freezer
80l water tanks
3 extra lighter sockets in the cab
Ipod Docking Station
Garmin Etrex Legend CX GPS
Centre Console
Back Seat Boxes
Tool Bag
Recovery Bag.

Oh, we did have the inside re-upholstered shortly after we got the truck…

One more change is to use up my current ATX tires and fit BFG’s. We’re on our way to Van Zyl’s Pass via Chobe, Vic Falls, Caprivi, Epupa Falls, so hope fully the tires won’t last much longer…

[DOELLOOS]

Hallo Dawie,

Baie welkom hier in ons geweste, en ek moet se dat jou foto's my lekker jaloers maak. Wil ook daar sit...

Jou Hilux is pragtig!!

[Family_Dog]

Dawie,

Your van looks great, and the changes you've made to her make her an ideal overlanding vehicle.

It seems that you have also raised your suspension, what kit did you install?

The motif on your front bonnet is also quite attractive!


-F_D

[BenHur]

Hi Dawie

Yes I must agree pics like your 1st one makes me jealous. I am glad to see that you use better looking models to show of your pride and joy than Eric did with his

[ToyX4]

That looks very good.

[Family_Dog]

Hi Dawie

Yes I must agree pics like your 1st one makes me jealous. I am glad to see that you use better looking models to show of your pride and joy than Eric did with his

Aaahhh... watch this space! Or, at least, my space...


-F_D

[freeflyd]

Oh yeh, Ironman Suspension all round. Lifted it about 5cm....

[pietpetoors]

Welcome to the forum. Very nice looking Hilux.
Where did you buy that sponge which you used inside the amo boxes?

[HiluxJunkie]

Dawie;

What else on the vechile did you service / repair mecanically or electrically to ensure it is ok for the long trip. What spares are you planning on taking along for emergencys. I have a 90 SFA Double cab which I am geting in shape over the next year for a overland trip in 2009. I had the propshaft and diffs and carb done. I would like to change the water and fuel pumps as well as fit new hoses and v-belts and shocks, anything else anybody? You guys that overlanded already, what spares, tools, and pre checks did you do. Should one take any big spare.

OK I know it is a Toyota !!!! but just in case......

Maybe if some guys can commend on what bush repairs they had to do we can al learn from it ??

Toy cheers!!!

[freeflyd]

Sorry for the late reply... I've been away...

I have to say that the lux was in great shape when I got it. I did have the Prop shafts balanced to try and get rid of a vibration that ended up being a rim problem. I have now replaced all the oil seals from main to knuckle kit and I have replaced the fuel pump and overhauled the brakes, but for the rest, I have just serviced it. I tried a few different places to service it, but found that Toyota in Silverton (Pretoria) does the best job.

I would love to leave it with Bennie for a while to strip it down and re-build it from the chassy up...

I drive it on a daily basis, so I do know when things wear out and replace them immediately.

Packing lists are very personal. My first overland trip was with a Suzuki SJ 410. We did 9 000km in 6 weeks through Namibia. There was not a single thing we packed that we did not use and there was nothing we needed that we did not have. It was a great trial run with very limited space. I have attached my latest one which I have built up using as many different ones I could find.