because the world is not an egg...

Yesterday I waved a couple of friends (Robin and Boj) off on a small journey - they are driving to Ulan Baatar in Mongolia! Not quite on a whim, but with a group of some 400 other nutters in a range of vehicles all under 1000cc engaging in The Mongol Rally.
Team Goldenoeuf have chosen a 1984 (ish) Suzuki SJ as their chariot for the event - quite a good choice I think as it is mechanically very simple requiring nothing more than a socket set and a large hammer in order to fix almost any problem that could occur! Saying that though, there are three things renowned for going wrong with the SJ.
Firstly, wheel bearings have a habit of seizing. Whilst it is actually relatively simple to remove the seized bearings, putting the new ones on requires a ten ton press to get the bearings in place. To remedy this, the boys have had two full bearing assemblies (attached to spare axles!) made up 'just in case'.
Secondly, the cylinder head. The SJ was quite revolutionary for it's time by building the engine block from Aluminium. This saves it a lot of weight (so can have a smaller engine) but the nature of the material means that if it overheats the head warps. Permenantly. Being the intrepid chaps they are, they have also sourced a spare cylinder head.
Finally, the Suzuki SJ is rather famous for being top heavy and falling over. Oh dear.

Good luck chaps!