And just to add to my dribble above I have a list of things I need to do to the Patrol just to get it reliable again. I stretched it a little on our last 11000 klm trip and just got away with it, so there is no way will I risk doing another desert trip with out addressing several issues.
5th gear in gear box is obviously a must do, seeing as I broke it!
While the gear box is out I think ill upgrade the clutch, be mad not too imho unless the clutch thats in it is still looking very good.
The whole suspension has done more than its share of work so it needs new springs, shockys and some bushes. The last trip really highlighted just how bad my shockys are.
I need to repair or replace the radiator as I also broke it.
And besides the obvious servicing thats about it really as far as the patrol goes. I 'think' my tyres will have enough tread on them still in 12 months if not thats another thing ill have to replace.
We have all the required camping gear so no extra expense needed there. Between the boat trip, fuel, some accommodation, and general expenses the trip will cost us around 4k for the 2-3 weeks so that along with the repairs needed is why we are in the 'maybe' list............but i have a pretty good idea Ill turn that maybe in to definitely sooner rather than later