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What does Chris mean by "Modified 2WD"? What does Chris mean by "Modified 2WD"?
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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #1  
Old 3 Mar 2009
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In what context? can you write an extract?

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  #2  
Old 3 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Morocco-Overland WebLink
The 49 routes in the book are spread across six regions of southern Morocco. The Atlantic Route and five other routes are all-road (with off-road excursions), the rest are pistes, some with road approaches.
In good weather many are do-able with a suitably modified 2WD or a big motorbike two-up. Some will be suitable for MTBs (all known wells are indicated) while on a few you'll struggle even in a short 4WD or on a light enduro bike. In bad weather many will be impassable.
Nearly all start and end at a fuel station which usually means a town with accommodation and other services
Something like that!
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  #3  
Old 3 Mar 2009
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Modified
Until someone with more knowledge replies; Radiator protection as 2WD's need to take a run at dry river crossings and other obstacles and tend to hammer the "chin" of the car. This in addition to a sump guard. Higher profile tyres and perhaps stiffer springs. Start with a car with a limited slip differential and you're well equipped. Linzi.
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  #4  
Old 3 Mar 2009
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Yup, Citroen 2CVs used to be the 2WD of choice and (I think) Renault 4's. A lot of Morocco is dry and rocky (rather than muddy or sandy) meaning ground clearance is more important than 4WD. Not sure many modern cars would have sufficient ground clearance, even with sump protection. I found this out quite quickly with my Citroen AX. It was fine on low level gravel roads but struggled when the going got rough and I pretty much gave up doing any of the major pistes after a couple of "Oooooh... Aaaagh, No!" moments! In general the shorter and lighter the better with minimum nose and tail overhang.
You could always buy a restored 2CV and go and thrash it up some rocky pistes! I've seen Austin 7s do some pretty hard-core off-roading too!

Matt
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  #5  
Old 3 Mar 2009
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Both the last 2 replies have summed it up well:
The full story (or my version) is here: Morocco Overland ~ Mercedes 190 Project

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Last edited by Chris Scott; 4 Mar 2009 at 10:42.
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  #6  
Old 3 Mar 2009
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So a 1989 BMW 525 is best left on the more solid stuff

We have new larger tyres going on - but 1mm diamter is not really going to help

I had no intention of adding sump guards - my car budget for 2009 has already taken a battering - the question is - can it be a DIY job - I have enough tools - and basic knowledge to have a go!!!

As for the car - it only has 250,000KM on the clock - drives like a dream - smooth and quick - and the autobox drops a cog at the right times. IT has new front control arms and tie rods - and freshly serviced.

I will be taking a basic spares kit - fanbelts, sockets, toolkit, condoms, tights, cable ties, oil, water, metal putty - anything else that jumps out as being a "good" idea. I am expecting the locals to be pretty good and fixing things if needed - and I already have green card AND recovery/repair insurance for Morocco - it is TCS.CH ETI European cover - and includes all Med Sea rim countries.

Thanks - so far!

Edit: BMW do a sump guard looks like I will have to call the stealer tomorrow!!!
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Old 3 Mar 2009
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Sump guards can be fairly easily made - we put them on Golfs and old Benz 123 saloons to make them a bit more "bush proof", protecting sump and rad. Often there are plastic type guards that can me roughly copied IIRC. I have no idea what sort of suspension a BMW has, but on the Golfs we also jack them up a bit by adding spring spacers made from conveyor belting cut to fit. Works well. I was impressed by the conveyor belt spacers so stuck them on my TLC 105 and no complaints at all. Probably be a difficult one to source, but we also stick Ukrainian tyres (Rossava) on these 2wds with a taller profile and they also add a bit more durability compared to most road orientated tyres from the more "normal" manufacturers. IMHO the good old Benz 123 is still one of the kings of the busch, and are much sought after for their unburstable strength and basic mechanicals.
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