Taking a Defender 90 on a long, long, drive

I'm a new Defender owner, having just purchased a 1990 90 with an Isuzu 2.8 diesel transplant. A friend and I are intending on driving from London to Cape Town and couldn't think of better - or more iconic - vehicle to do it in!

Part of the reason for starting this thread was just to say hi, and introduce myself to the forum. Having owned a number of classic cars in the past (Morris Minor, MG Midget, etc), I know from experience the value of a car community when it comes to sorting problems. But the other reason for posting was to get our expedition bump started with regards to a spares list.

I was hoping that someone might have a good list of spares we must certainly pick up before leaving on our journey. This is especially because we're running the Isuzu lump, which I have little experience of working on.

Any advice would be more than welcome, and thanks!

good luck mate, that drive is something i really want to do some day i don't know alot about the izuzu lump, the beauty of a 200tdi for instance is they are so basic that even the bush mechanics can bash i back together, don't know how advanced that lump in but as long as its reliable and powerful you'll be fine

You are going to need a boat to get to Africa! There aint no road bridges or tunnels from Europe

Whatever you take you'll need what you dont have but dont let that put you off. It will be one of the best experiences. The African bush mechanics are brilliant at improvising and getting you on your way. Used LR and Toyota spares are plentiful and reasonably cheap. Not so sure about Isuzu but we saw plenty of Troopers on our travels.

In 2005 I drove from Dar es Salaam down through Mozambique and Swaziland to Sun City SA then back up through Botswana, Zambia and Malawi back to Mtwara and along the east coast of Tanzania back to Dar in a Toyota Landcruiser accompanied by two 110 Defenders which was an experience. It took three months but I'd do it again at the drop of a hat if the opportunity ever arose.

Ist thing is with a 90 you are not going to be able to take much in the way of spares as it will be fully loaded with two people and fuel , water , and the other gear you need to live/travel . If you overload it you will need more spares and so it goes on . The first thing is 5P,s Preparation prevents **** poor performance ! So attend to every detail of serviceing the vehicle . spares wise take things like special hoses, fuel filters(so that the crap fuel doesnt immobilise you) and probably things that you can fix yourself, as bigger things will need outside help anyway. Weigh everything and stay within limits HTSH

PS the izuzu lump is pretty reliable lump so no real worries there but make sure that the conversion is good , as its usually whre you will get most probs if poorly excecuted

Thanks guys. I appreciate the support and advice, especially the 5Ps!