I continually have similar thoughts on 2WD both for Africa and one day UK to Oz. Travelling reasonably light with the right sort of modifications(higher profile tyres(40mm rolling diameter increase so extra 20mm) / LSD(Manufacturers optional extra)) should get to many places you'd want to go. I've been looking at a Volvo 940 Est,for this very purpose - risky I accept as the spares support outside Europe/USA is poor but then again travelling light means you can carry the important gear and abandon the rest if needed.
Biggest concern I have is overstressing the monocoque bodyshell, which may lead to cracks in critical areas, and the second is fuel, diesel conversion is obvious but the standard VW isn't the best and using Merc or LR conversions would create a truly unique failure point(however as per the Field of Dream mantra "if you build it......" is the only way to trial and test,plus there are plenty of pay to play off road courses locally to trial modifications at...
|