in other words. dont do it!

 

and ya we are doing the same trip in 6-9 months, ill be posting up some updates soon, my OME torsion bars just arrived today, got a new exhaust setup as well. shes running good now without a huge exhaust leak out of my rusted muffler!

 

Jeez, that would have been so much easier to say!

 

Man this sounds like an amazing trip. I can only offer this as advice on what to take..... take me and I'll bring along an 89 4runner and all the tools and things that I've collected.

 

Things i can think of that you'll want to bring (off the top of my head)
4-5 jerry cans full of gas
Spare tires
A water filtration system, or some type of hot water heater (search, theres a thread on here)
A big ol' jar of grease.
Grease gun
Oil, ALOT of oil.

I would consider doing the timingchain and guides on the engine before you go..

Bring things to fix a radiator I.e., silver solder and a blow torch

 

Start packing...you'd be amazed how easily you can re-prioritize your life.
I already have a pretty good collection of backpacking gear so I'll be taking my MSR Miniworks water filter (& extra ceramic filter) with MSR dromedary bags for water storage. As nice as a hot water system would be, I don't really need it. I like to keep it as simple as possible. I think 3 (5 gal) jerry cans should be plenty...that practically doubles my range. I'll be taking 2 full spares, a kit for patching holes, and a compressor.

I've been wondering about the timing chain/guides. I've heard the plastic guides are the only design flaw of the 22re (if that's possible) and should be swapped out. The good thing is my engine was rebuilt 50k miles ago by the previous owner. Should I still worry about this with a fairly new engine?

 

Awesome! Which torsion bars did you get? Have you beefed up your rear suspension too? Let me know how those work out...

 

I would definitely still change the guides.
It's a weekend job and will last you a VERY long time with the metal backed guides.
I would also do a valve tuneup..

Actually theres a relatively simple hot water heater system you can tuck into your front fenders that uses the heated coolant to heat water.

 

Good advice, better safe than sorry I suppose.

Do you have a link or can you point me to a thread on this hot water setup you're talking about...if it tucks into the fenders and it's relatively simple, I'll bite. I have over a year to do get everything ready...but my list of "everything" is getting longer and longer everyday

 

That darn list never really ends..... trust me.

 

Here's something I just thought of... when sailing along the Mexican coast a number of years ago, we used a fuel filter/funnel which had a stainless steel filter mesh with a coating that permitted fuel to pass but not water. We did often find water in the fuel we purchased down there, so it was a big help. Here are a few such funnels:


http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Funnel-Fuel...dp/B000SOFLL6/

Mfr home page: http://www.mrfunnel.com/Mr._Funnel/Home.html

.
A couple for the marine market:


15 gallon per minute: http://www.warehouseboatparts.com/pr...n=ProductsSerp

One from West Marine but the lower part has ribs which would make it difficult to attach a hose without it leaking:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...0001&langId=-1

.
One for the aviation market:


http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...s/mrfunnel.php

.
http://www.alpharubicon.com/bovstuff...lautomater.htm

.

 

Sb5~ That's a really good idea! I'd be willing to bet that most fuel bought outside of major towns is going to be either watered down a little or contaminated. Or both!

 

I'm really enjoying reading this thread.
I studied Spanish in Costa Rica for a year and have spent time in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Panama and I would love to drive down to the canal.
The only problem is Mexico of course, I know you've done your homework but please be very careful going through Mexico.
I've had the same route of racing along the coast to get to Guatemala planned for a while now. The problem is, every Mexican national that I know has warned me not to do it, so be on your toes.

Anyway, back to the reason for your post in the first place.
I don't think anyone answered you about what size flare wrenches to get.
Most metric sets sold have 10,12 13,14 and 15,16 (or 17) mm threads, they have different threads on either end and you will need these if you need to do any brake work on your trip....which you should be planning on because the only thing worse than not being able to go, is not being able to stop....especially in some of the mountains you'll be in.

I don't know about South America, but I really don't think you'll need any locker for Central America.
Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama all have relatively good roads (better than some places in the US) So Nicaragua is the only country I would be concerned about and even then, follow a route by the inter-country bus systems and you'll be fine, it's a pretty capable truck stock. (save the money for all of those border crossings!)

About the gun issue, you're obviously aware of the strict rules regarding weapons in Mexico. There's not quite as strict rules in most other countries but it doesn't matter because you would have to be really lucky to get through Mexico with one.
They will search your truck at every border crossing into every country....trust me, I've done this and a gun is almost never allowed. (I'm not trying to rip on any particular country but in this situation...border police are just looking for a reason to fine and/or jail you because you're automatically assumed a rich American.)

Don't have anything questionable...you'll regret it

sorry for such a long post and keep us updated, I'm gonna do this one day too

 

Very helpful indeed. I've read about poor gas quality along the route due to old fuel storage tanks that would have rainwater leak in. I had assumed that I'd just have to live with crappy fuel. I will definitely find room for one of these. Thanks!
Glad you're enjoying the thread!
Thanks for responding about the flare nut wrenches, I was hoping I wouldn't have to ask again...

We will definitely use caution in Mexico, although I've traveled for several extended trips down there and felt very safe. The most important self defense is common sense & situational awareness. We like to stay away from the typical tourist traps,party scenes & huge cities where US travelers tend to have problems. In smaller laid-back pueblas there aren't as many predators and people hardy pay any attention to your presence as long as you're not the "loud obnoxious American". I speak decent spanish, and I've noticed that once locals hear you even attempt to communicate in their language they become very friendly and welcoming. Even still, we will try to hurry our way past the border towns so we can get further south.

I have heard that there's plenty of good roads, but some areas (Bolivia, the poorest country in SA) have terrible roads that get washed out regularly. We may just save our money though, like you've recommended and go with a stock rear. Worst case scenario: we can turn around or camp out for a while until road conditions improve.

Glad someone could back me up with first hand experience on the gun issue. From what I've always been told, it's just not an option to carry.

I will keep everyone updated here and on Expo Portal. In a few months, I'm going to build a website for our trip but I don't really have the time right now. We're working a ton to finance the adventure.

 

Okay, I've compiled a list of sorts. This obviously doesn't include our camping gear, but luckily I've got some nice compact and ultralight backpacking stuff...needless to say, most of our weight will be tools, spare parts, and fluids. I'm am open to any suggestions for reducing the weight from this list. If you see something I've missed, please chime in.

Spare Parts Needed To Keep Truck Running:
Alternator "rebuild kit"
Starter "rebuild kit"
New oil pump
New water pump (I think I'll replace mine, then keep it as a spare)
New fuel pump (plan to replace, then keep old one)
spare MAF sensor
Spare TPS sensor
Spare Thermostat, Radiator cap, & hoses for cooling system
Spare hoses for fuel, heater, vacuum lines(can I use fuel hose for all purposes?)
hose clamps
Spare Belts

Spare Parts Needed To Keep Truck Drivable:
Spare CV axle
Spare Rear Axle
Spare Aisin hub faces (is this overkill? or worth the space?)
Spare Ball Joint x2, Spare Tie Rod/End, Idler Arm bushing, steering stabilizer
front end bearings, front spindle nuts x2
U-Joints
Spare brake line (is there a standard size I'd need, or just get a few ft. lengths of different sizes)
2 spare tires, tire plugging kit

8-21mm +24mm (1/2" drive) impact deep sockets, impact extensions (several lengths)
1/4" drive socket set (up to 8mm)
54mm axle nut socket or 2 1/8"
Torque wrench 1/2" drive & 1/4" drive
8-14 mm ratcheting wrenches
10-17 mm brake line/flare nut wrenches, (would I need a flaring tool also?)
Vacuum gauge, Compression gauge,
Digital Volt / Ohm meter, Spare Fuses
Wire stripper/crimper, wiring connections, spools of "repair wire" in different GA, elect. tape
Distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, plug wires, 5/8" spark plug socket
Air compressor, tire repair kit, nozzle to blow off parts
Rubber hammer, dead blow, Cheater Pipe,Pry Bar, Pickle Fork, Pitman Arm Puller
Vise grips, Screwdrivers, Crescent wrench, Files, Snap Ring Pliers, Pliers, Allen/Hex set
Paint Marker, Feeler Gauges, Magnet on a stick, C-clamp, Channel locks, golf tees
Inverter, electric impact wrench, Drill & bits, Angle grinder, wire brush & cutting wheels

Toyota FSM (English), USB w/tech writeups... (trying to find a spanish FSM too)
Hi-Lift extreme, bottle jack, shovel, flat axe, leather gloves,
Towing strap, snatch strap, set of chains
2 Aux. batteries, 2 sets of jumper cables, emergency welding kit
Welding: #10 tint lens, gloves, rods: 6010-1/8", 6011-3/32", 6013-3/32", 7018-3/32 & 1/8"
Spare fluids (eng., diff., trans., transfer case, brake)
Spare filters (oil, fuel, air)
2 Jerry cans for aux. fuel, fuel funnel with filter/water separator
grease gun, spare Zerks fittings, tub of grease
Rescue Tape, PB Blaster, Dielectric grease,
RTV silicone, anti-seize
Aluma-Seal & Bars-Leak
Spare brake light/turn signal bulbs,
metal & wood sawzall blades (ghetto saw with a pair of vise grips)
Extinguisher, reflective triangle, road flares (required in several countries or you pay bribe!)
Mechanic coveralls w/ reflective stripes so I don't get run over (need to add a Toyota patch!)
Orange goop hand cleaner
Of course: bailing wire, Duct Tape, JB Weld, zip ties, a paper clip and some chewing gum

DECIDED NOT TO TAKE:
Winches (the Hi-Lift will serve as one in a pinch)
Lockers, limited slip, or Spool
Complicated Onboard Air Setup (simple air compressor instead)

Cost is obviously a factor for what we're not taking. The amount spent on a winch & lockers could mean up to 2 extra months on this trip or pay for the expensive flight to Easter Island from Chile. We will have to use common sense on routes, and closely evaluate any terrain that would be considered technical...of course if there's another traveler in their own rig, we could always tow each other out of mudholes & bogs.

 

I can't wait to see how you store all this stuff. Great list by the way.

 

Yeaaaah. 12 ft trailer?

I have plans for maximizing space. I aim to use every square inch of this truck...Maybe I'll have time to post pics of what I work out before the trip.

 

Are you going to remove the rear seats for more storage? Also, I want to see pictures of this rig loaded!!

 

Yes. I realize that'll have minimal gains, but every inch counts. There's just two of us, and I could make some coin selling them since they're in great shape. I'm trying to keep 90% of our gear under a sleeping platform or in the side compartments.

Be patient on those pics. This trip is a year away.

 

Good idea. There are several folks on here that have built platforms like that, a quick search will probably get you more information than you need. Some other things to consider are a roof rack that you can probably build one pretty cheap and install it yourself and I've seen some folks weld or bolt small ammo cans to the inside frame rails for storage of things like tire chains, patch kits, some fluids etc. Just be sure to seal them up.