The Great Roadway Bazaar

[Scott Brady]

It is little!

Here are the recovery points, painted red for ease of visibility. They are so small, that a standard 3/4" shackle does not fit. A 1/2" from an ATV kit was required and actually rated to the GVWR of the Jimny (1,420 KG, 3,130).
Check out that massive exhaust!

My first mod


For the interior, things are stock. I did install a 12v outlet splitter, which gives us three 12 outlets and one 5v USB. I also ran wiring for a small 100watt inverter. Everything is semi-permanent, both for security and because this vehicle was not prepped in our traditional way. The Garmin will be recording out track throughout and the SPOT will be transmitting our location.


As an interesting note, I brought my SCANGauge II with the hope that the reader would work with the Suzuki. A little research held some promise and I was pleasantly surprised when MPG, Water Temp, Voltage, etc. all registered. I will also be able to read trouble codes, which I find critical in the field.


A little rust on the chassis, no doubt from its short time in the UK. The new rear shocks are visible, as is the gas tank skid.


The tires are +1 in size to 215/75 R16 from the stock 205/75 R16. Most importantly, they are LT rated and AT tread. Road noise is minimal. Trail performance will be determined tomorrow, when I head into the Pyrenees.

[Christian P.]

Scott,

Enjoy France!

looks like the prep team may have oversight one thing in their prep...the rear muffler...looks really rusty to me...

[Scott Brady]

Packing has been an interesting challenge, mostly because of the fuel and tools/spares we are taking.

We are using this new style EU fuel container. Hopefully it will be leak free. I strapped it the back of the split rear seat. The angle of the seat and rear door keeps the Pelican case and fuel cans locked in hard.


We are also taking a small tire repair kit (with extra plugs) and a decent compressor that is private labeled by Outback Imports. It looks like the Viair.


A big thanks to Patrice for all of the help and support. It is quite a relief to have this level of support in-country.

I am off for some camping and testing of the truck. More images and details soon!

[kcowyo]

Any reason you're keeping the back seat, instead of pulling it & tossing it?

It's a cute little bugger, hope it serves you two well!



.

[Scott Brady]

the rear muffler...looks really rusty to me...

I am expecting it to fall off around Kyrgyzstan

More horsepower!

[Scott Brady]

Any reason you're keeping the back seat, instead of pulling it & tossing it?

Two reasons. The first is that we have a minder in Tajikistan, who needs to ride along with us. The second is that this vehicle will be sold to a Mongolian family by the charity, so they like it if you keep all the seats in it. So far, it is working ok with the seats in.

Of course, Charlie is still not in the vehicle yet

[grahamfitter]

Because I like Land Rover Defenders I ought to like this - a Japanese replica that shrunk in the wash. But actually it's as desirable as shrunken Y-fronts. -- Top Gear

http://www.topgear.com/uk/suzuki/jimny/verdict

It sounds like the perfect vehicle for a on-off-road trip. Have fun!

Cheers,
Graham

[crawler#976]

Hey Scott!

Good luck with the journey - I'll look forward to your continuing reports! The Zuk looks like a fine platform. After seeing what a mildly modified Zuk can do here, I'm sure it will be up to the task ahead.

[LC4Dakar]

Make sure you have room for a 20-25 liter drinking water container. Comes in handy at those border crossings. Ours averaged 4 hours each, most of the time waiting in or around the car.

[R_Lefebvre]

That little truck is awesome. That thing would make WAY more sense over here than a SxS ATV like a Yamaha Rhino or Polaris Ranger, for about the same money. Too bad it's not available here. The North American vehicle market is so tragicly dysfunctional.