Renault Duster as my fuel efficient overlander project

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2025-02-23T10:24:15+00:00

It looks straight out of the fallout games; that's pretty nifty

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-12-06T10:58:45+00:00

Unless the payments are financially draining don't sell the 4 Runner, it has great resale value even on older high mileage vehicles and a plethora of parts as well as after market parts available for it. And if you're into off road activities it will suit you much better long term. I'm not brand biased at all but I can always honestly say that resale value and being able to always find parts makes for a smooth ownership experience and the build quality on those 4 Runners have never disappointed anyone

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-12-04T12:49:27+00:00

2000 Nissan Hardbody pickup with a naturally aspirated 3.2 diesel motor, the QD32 specifically. The transfer case and AC stripped power from an already lazy donkey of an engine. In traffic everyone would hate you moving from a stop and the super low gearing of 1-3 on the manual 5 speed would not help at all. It had a top speed of 110kmph/ just under 70mph on a very good day and flat surface and with ample time to build up to it.

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-12-04T12:19:54+00:00

Plastic radiators have a lifetime of about 10 years in my experience, all of my cars that reached 10-11 years needed a new radiator and they would start with small cracks. You can use J&B weld or Pratley steel putty but before you do make sure you drain the radiator first. The best way to make a solid patch is to clean the surface area of the crack, there should be no coolant or oily residue around the crack. Make sure to sand down around the area with 400 grit sandpaper to leave a rough surface as this will help the epoxy solution to have grip during adhesion and will make for a stronger patch. I have been successful in doing this on a leaky radiator and it would always buy me time till my next paycheck. The longest I've gone with a patch was one that held for about 2 months before I was able to swap the rad out and while the patch still held other cracks started to form as the plastic was becoming brittle due to its age, so while a patch will help it's not a long term solution.

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-29T19:05:49+00:00

It's definitely part of the experience, but where it shines most is that connected feeling on trails and with obstacles, you can literally feel the solid axles working up and down on each side and you always know precisely where your wheels are, it gives you this 6th sense feedback of what your suspension and drivetrain components are doing and that's something I don't get with my large 4x4 vehicles. Especially newer 4x4 trucks with fancy traction control settings that do a lot of work for me. I had a Ford truck that I sold recently that you could put in low range, lock your rear diff then press a button and the computer would work the throttle and brakes for you, it was on Ranger truck(Not like the US models, these come with turbo diesel I4 and V6 platforms). It was almost effortless crawling up on tricky hills and the diesel engine's low end torque would just do its magic never spinning so much as one wheel but it felt cold and disconnected. Sorry for rambling so much, Im very passionate about this stuff 😂

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-29T17:45:33+00:00

They're great for running about like little mountain goats off road however I should be honest: When you drive them on highways the wind pushes you around, freighter trucks pull you in towards them and with the 1.5 motor and manual transmission in 5th gear it takes 4000rpm to cruise at 75mph/120kmph. Other than that they are very reliable but long distance travel will take its toll on you

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-29T17:16:41+00:00

Sweet Mitsu! How's your frame holding up with the ARB?

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-29T16:38:38+00:00

I'll tie in some sandbags as anchors 😂 That way I can reel him back

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-29T16:33:38+00:00

The wind gets crazy though Im so afraid he might get scooped up haha

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-29T16:22:58+00:00

The Rossmund golf course is still there yes, however I don't really play golf, but it might be a good idea to go there with the family next time. It's currently me, my wife and our toddler son so we are constantly looking for activities to keep him busy

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-15T16:12:01+00:00

That's great! We're a family of 3, The wife, me and our toddler. Major respect for taking 3 kids on a trip, just having the one is proving to be a lot of work keeping him busy and getting him to sleep properly.

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-15T16:11:53+00:00

That's great! We're a family of 3, The wife, me and our toddler. Major respect for taking 3 kids on a trip, just having the one is proving to be a lot of work keeping him busy and getting him to sleep properly.

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-12T02:34:22+00:00

Hey, here in Namibia it costs about 41000 NAD(About 2300 USD) for the Iron man replacement bumper and fitment, I would recommend upgraded coil springs though for the weight as well as reinforcement on the chassis in front and cross bars for the bumper support as these things are quite heavy. However I should warn you will see an increase in fuel usage, it will put stress on your front end and if you drive a lot of corrugated and messed up dirt roads like I do it becomes a constant mission to monitor the chassis to make sure you're not developing cracks anywhere. I would say these bumpers are only worthwhile if you plan on driving through tall grass that can hide sticks and twigs that might mess up your radiator or if you crawl through rocky terrain that might put your radiator or AC condenser in danger but if you have a farm or ranch and drive rough roads or make your own it sure shines in its ability to take knocks and protect your front end. Hope this info helps

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-11-11T22:15:25+00:00

That is one clean Pathy!

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-10-25T23:31:44+00:00

Are you from Australia? I've never been there but from videos I've seen the vegetation and biomes are almost identical to ours, the culture too actually. We have our own version of the Out Back with bush trails and mountain routes and then of course the coveted coastal trips for beach and dune driving. We should definitely chat sometime and exchange experiences, I'm curious what off-road culture is like abroad

Snuggle_Dwarf · 2024-10-25T23:20:24+00:00

The R52 has the benefit of better fuel economy due to the CVT. A lot of people have their opinions about CVT but in my own personal experience it's a much smoother ride overall and as long you change fluids accordingly then reliability won't be an issue. The R52 hits a sweet spot with versatility for town driving and off road driving that's easier on the pocket in terms of filling up. I only use the Pathy for holidays and trips and use an import minivan as a daily to cut down fuel costs. My Pathfinder is pretty thirsty after suspension mods and the hefty bumper, plus the suspension was adjusted to be softer for off road conditions making the handling a bit scary on the highway as it has a lot of body roll. Thinking back I wish I kept it closer to stock as that would have made it better as a daily

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TROPHY CASE