Hi Ken,
If you do the routine stuff yourself, you should be able to to do the B
service stuff yourself.
All the fluid side of things is pretty straight forwardn - the thing to
remember with the auto gearbox is to drain off as much as you can and
then top it up with exactly the same amount - you will never be able to
drain it all hence you only put back in what you can get out.
The valves on the 1HD-FTE engine are pretty straight forward - a
workshop manual would be handy - you can pick them up from the dealers
on CD or printed manuals - the printed versions are a lot more
expensive.
I always recommend trying to adhere to the factory recommended service
intervals, although for most they tend to skip things like valves,
sticking to just fluid and filter changes.
Also factor in stripping down and regreasing the wheel bearings and CV
joints every 20-30,000 miles - dealers tend not to touch these until
they go wrong - some simple maintenance can help them last a lot
longer.
Also for the pads side of things, just replace as and when required.
As for overlanding in the 100, it is a very capable machine - yes it
does have some electronics but these are general very reliable -
certainly more so than the LR electronics. When I have some more time
I'll be replacing my '94 80 series for a 100 for overlanding trips
which I'll prep myself - it's basically bigger (I travel with the
family) and also a much more comfortable ride on the rougher roads.
OK, with the independent front suspension you don't have the
articulation of a solid axled 80, however if you are doing a big trip
and encounter terrain where you really do need that extra bit of
articulation, I would be more inclined to turn around and find another
route.
I would concerned over the active suspension - it can be a bit tiresome
and if you are planning on doing plenty of off roading - I would swap
that out for an upgraded setup. There are a lot of options for
upgrading the suspension with a lot of good work being done in the US
and Aus - if you want details give me a call.
There are also concerns with the front diff - depending on the version
you have they are considered to be weak - however if you fit an ARB air
locker to the front it strengthens things quite well and you avoid the
problems.
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
07971 540 362
Skype: julianvoelcker
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift