Anyone done Djanet–Tamanrasset in 2 wheel drive

[Tunde]

Anyone done Taleb Larbi - Djanet - Serouenout - Tamanrasset - In Guezzam (Algeria) route recently in a 2 wheel drive car, I’m drive down to Nigeria mid December this year (2007) in a Peugeot 505 and would like to get an idea of how the route looks like especially between Djanet – Tamanrasset. Pictures of the piste would be helpful (tundeadu@hotmail.com), so I can decide if it would be absolutely necessary to do any serious modifications to my Peugeot 505 i.e increase the height and fit a bash plate.

[Sam Rutherford]

I have not done it myself, but know that many, many people have. It's easy (particularly with a good guide to avoid the softer stuff).

Tam-In Guezzam is mostly tarmac now as well.

Sam.

[AliBaba]

Personally I wouldn’t have used my car (505) for Djanet-Tam. Most of the piste is easy but when you get close to Ideles there are some steep riverbeds with large rocks.

When it comes to Tam-Arlit I guess it depends of where you meet the dunes (I guess they still are there?) You might come into huge tracks in soft sand but you will probably find someone that can help you if you get any problems.

I only have picture of the easier parts on the Djanet-Tam piste:


At least one 2WD has failed :-)


Halfway to Ideles:






Close to Ideles:

[Chris Scott]

The problem with a 2WD is that you have to attack some sections steep or soft to get through - and this is where you can damage the car. Or join up with a 4WD for the crossing then you can take it easy and not worry about getting stuck.

I have done this route several times using 2WD 98.32% of the time - but in a 4WD car. The ground clearance (helped with a meaty engine) counts for much more than 4WD so I would go with a 4WD - or raise height and fit bashplate (mine was 5mm, thick, ran from gearbox to rad and wishbone to wishbone)- or take the highway (or bring some epoxy glue).

Ch
Tips on preparing 2WDs for Sahara piste here:
Sahara Overland ~ the book and online resource

[saharayro]

Hey , Tunde,

I travelled a lot in these countries with:
R4 - Tanezrouft-Mali- Agades Bilma Djanet.... - Very good car
VW Cox : a lot and across Ténéré - the best car for désert
Mini Moke: I had to go trough the Oued before djanet in the reverse gear otherwise it could not be done.

A 505 is enough strong to go this way, especially with higher tyres.

Yves

[Tunde]

Thanks to you all for your replies, it gives reassurance that I can do the trip in a 2 wheel drive car.
The pictures of the easier parts at least give an idea of what to expect in the easier areas, worrying later of over the harder parts. nice pictures!
I would be raising the height slightly be changing the tyres from the standard 195/60 R15 to 205/62 R15 (side walls reinforced) which is the maxi size I can fit without touching anything. Changing the springs and adding rubber bump I only want to do if it’s absolutely necessary?
I intend to try and make a bash plate myself; Chris is there a minimum thickness for the metal plate that you would recommend.

Tunde

[Hans Bo]

Hi Tunde,

I wonder why you hesitate to raise the ground clearance of your car by adding spacers (spring distance kits). I think ground clearance is crucial when travelling dirt roads.
I used the alloy spacers made by weitec, these are widely available in Germany, not very expensvive (look out at ebay) and even TÜV approved, besides next time I would use even bigger spacers.
Changing the springs and the shocks is an much more radical modification of the car, potentially affecting the way the cars handles in critical situation (on European motorways.)

All the best from Bonn

Hans