Is the KJ Liberty Capable, What others Think

AltE · **Posted:** Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:06 pm

I have a new camera coming before the trip, there will be plenty of documentation. I especially want to get a LOST photo all the local Liberty folks, to send to all those haters...

Mine won't be babied, but it won't be abused either. I believe in preparation and sound judgment, so I expect good results from the CRD. I'll start looking for a good mechanic to help with major issues I can't handle before I encounter them, then enjoy myself knowing I'll be in good hands with the help from you all...

kobusdP · **Posted:** Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:04 am

I do really suggest that you put the light bar on the roof. If you are driving on a trail at night, it makes a HUGE difference in lighting towards the oncoming road.

In Africa, all animals are not always fenced. You might just run into one.

The Kudu, for example, is a wild animal that can jump 6 foot fences standing still next to it, so even though they fenced it, if he wants out, he's gone.

When are you coming over?

We have a local Jeep Club based in Pretoria.
www.jeepclubrsa.co.za

I'm only jeeping now for 4 months and haven't been able to join them yet.
they have monthly outings.

AltE · **Posted:** Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:10 am

I would have neglected lighting, I figured I'd add some lighting for my custom bumper (animal deflector), but now you have me reconsidering. I have my own custom cross bars, so adding roof lighting would be easy enough...

I think we'll head over late October, ship the KJ to meet us there within a couple days of our arrival.

Selwyn · **Joined:** Sat Jan 03, 2009 9:17 am **Posts:** 12

Without a lift the KJ's front end is like a plough, with a lift your KJ can go just about anywhere in South Africa Botswana and Namibia. Driving at speed in the bush at night is not recommended, the front bar is useful, it will not stop a larger animal, the front end and windscreen will be destroyed a 120 Km/h. Your camera will never capture all the fantastic moments and scenery!

Kugellager · **Posted:** Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:59 am

You definitely want to get over to Namibia as well if you get the chance. My wife and I took our honeymoon in Namibia and S.A. There is lots of cool wheeling in Namibia.

Got to do a little sand wheeling in the Namib desert in the Sossusvlei area in our rented Toyota Hilux 4x4. Was easy but fun none the less.

John
];')

AltE · **Posted:** Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:49 pm

We are well aware our biggest problem may be leaving after 3 years, which is OK too. Of course I only will have 3 additional years until the big 20 year retirement military style. Who knows, there is a good chance I can follow-on somewhere else on the continent...

kobusdP · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 12:26 am

Have you ever checked out www.4xforum.com ?

Andrew gives alot of info on overlanding, equipment and all.

Definately worth a look at.

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2009 12:45 am

imho One of the major weak points of the kj is the front driveshaft. I have seen so many of them rip a boot and go to he@#. I just ordered mine from tom woods driveshafts and they are really great to deal with. Getting a u-joint style shaft built to last and guarenteed. A couple extra u-joints are easy to take along.

jnc91 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:52 pm **Posts:** 32

Get a Safari Rack, extra jerry cans, water cans, and a pull pal. Also a synthetic rope for the winch, onboard air bottle and full skid plates, a couple of 50 foot winch rope extensions, a high lift jack, a couple of sand ladders, a tree strap, plenty of tools and a snatch block. You will ready for any offroad contingency.

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:22 am

Than you can mount a kitchen sink to the RL rear bumper and you'll be ready for anything..

KJNick · **Joined:** Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:00 pm **Posts:** 56

Is there any concern with the quality or type of diesel found in SA versus what the US spec CRD requires?

Selwyn · **Joined:** Sat Jan 03, 2009 9:17 am **Posts:** 12

There are no problems with the diesel in SA, even the cheaper diesel is OK. The agents change the diesel filter at 20000Km intervals.

AltE · **Posted:** Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:54 pm

The fuel is great, may not burn as clean, but it isn't the Ultra-Low-Sulphur crap we have here in US. The CRD should be much happy breathing some good lubricated fuel for a change...

kobusdP · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:18 am

We have 2 different sets of sulphar content in the local diesel. 50ppm and 500ppm. The CRD runs better on 500ppm and 50ppm is better for the engine life I hear.

Also the diesel price is unregulated, so you can actually shop around for a better price.

where I stay 50ppm is going for R7.42 p/l and 500ppm for R7.25 p/l .

some places go up to R8/l or slightly more. depends on where you buy.

Kugellager · **Posted:** Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:24 am

FYI for all the Americans.

The South African exchange rate is currently about R7.6:$1US Same for Namibia which is tied to the SA Rand.

Was up as high as 10.5:1US at beginning of the year.

So the prices kobusdP quotes is about $1US per liter.

John
];')

AltE · **Posted:** Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:51 pm

Great info guys, can't wait to get this thing out there and see how she does. My kids are going to have the view of a lifetime, that is for certain. I'm already working on my first trip to Mt Kilimanjaro. I suspect the CRD will see most of the continent over the span of our assignment there, a lot of traveling for 3 years. If we come back...

kobusdP · **Posted:** Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:17 am

I know everybody says there country is the best, but think of what South Africa offers.

Bushveld, dessert area, rain forrest, we basically have all types of nature put into one country.

its a bargain. I haven't seen all of the Country in 30 years and some of my friends believe there is nothing to see here, you have to travel overseas to get your money's worth.

BULL!! Every country has its pro's and cons. It is what you make of it that matters.

Look me up when you get here AltE. Ill be around for a long time if the LORD permits.

tomsjeep · **Posted:** Fri Jul 03, 2009 8:28 am

I'll agree that a good attitude will open your eyes about visiting a country. And a bad attitude kills it. When the Army assigned me to Hawai'i, as soon as I arrived I ran into guys that said they hated it there and the felt trapped. If you can make Hawai'i a bad place, you're going to have a tough time finding paradise anywhere.
Best of luck to you and your family in your new adventure. I'm sure you'll have a great time, and it certainly offers all kinds of things to see... including the 'famous' shark leaping stunts out offshore.

KJ Taz · **Posted:** Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:20 am

From what I have heard in the past and what has been said in this thread you definately have a good vehicle for your travels. Have a blast and make sure you post lots of pictures during your travels!

Is the KJ Liberty Capable, What others Think

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