Hi Thomas,
Yes, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Ideally start from the ground up. Obviously a lot will depend on what
has been done recently on the vehicle and the type of driving you are
likely to be doing, but I would go for:
New wheel bearings, steering knuckle bearings and seals all round on
the axles.
Repack the CV joints, unless they are the original ones when I would
consider replacing them - you can't really tell if you need to do that
until you open them up. The last two 80s I've opened up the axles on,
both had around 140k miles on the clock - one set of CV joints looked
almost new and the other set were extremely worn with a lot of rust in
the ball.
Possibly new disks - again depends on if they are original or not. As
a guide, most original disks on 80s tend to last around 90-120k miles.
New clutch/thrust bearings - again depends if original.
New brake pads
Possibly replace remaining suspension bushes - several will come with
the upgraded suspension kit.
As you say, upgrade the suspension and make sure the springs and
dampers you choose are correctly rated for the loads you will be
carrying.
Extend the diff breathers.
Possibly replace the battery with a new one.
Don't forget that anything you do replace that isn't that worn can be
used as your spares kit.
Replace the thermostat.
Replace all belts and filters.
Replace fuel filter - also consider fitting extra filter like a Racor
550.
Possibly a new alternator if original. Same for aircon compressor if
you have it.
Replace all fluids and flush out the gearbox (if auto) as well as flush
the radiator.
Do bear in mind that if you are driving in harsh conditions the wear on
the vehicle is going to be a lot higher than pootling up and down the
M4 so service intervals will need to be a lot closer together.
Here (
http://tinyurl.com/7d9a3) is a handy guide to the sort of
maintenace will need to be prepared for.
Having said all that a stock 70 should be able to do the trip with just
basic maintenance so it is up to you how far you want to go with
things.
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
Mobile: 07971 540362
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift