XJ crossing the Simpson Desert in 2022?

[LuluBelle]

"The temperature needle sits just above 100" normal
A fan timer is useless why bother to drain your battery for ten minutes especially in the middle of the desert? If anything you need a fan over ride switch How much are you going to spend to prepare the stock XJ for the trip? Do you work on cars yourself? as I can see a few grand in preparation
If you bought a stock Xj cool but the shocks and steering dampener are probably 20 years old and what about the dif oils have they ever been changed You have to go over everything I think you have to build a XJ before you go bush Good Luck

[eksjay]

It is funny how the XJ (within reason) is able to keep up with the modded Wranglers out in the middle of bugger all. At 28 minutes into this video, there is an acknowledgement that a seemingly stock XJ is able to get through the same terrain as the other vehicles in the convoy, unfussed.

I guess the Arizona mountains and the Simmo have little in common, but an XJ with a roof rack containing some jerry cans could easily complete the trip so long as the rest of the car is not overloaded with gear. This is why I would only ever do this particular trip in a convoy.

https://youtu.be/dUGpDcOAexQ?t=1680

[awg]

That XJ is somewhat modded with ~4" lift, bigger tyres, a winch, and it seems like it might have traction assistance in the front axle as well, judging by what the front wheel did when it was crossed and off the ground

I find my trans temp is still a big problem when towing a trailer uphill, so much so, that I have to stop after 30mins of doing this to let it cool down temps touch 120C

[FARWEST]

AWG....Have you thought about adding an oil stabiliser to ensure viscosity integrity ?...those temps are high in a box...oil would 'breakdown' much more quickly than usual service cycles...I use Moreys...red label...have for over 40yrs...swear by it...have had boxes 'fry' due to low oil...it was a Range Rover, what do you expect !....the workshop that rebiult the box asked me what additive I used as the box was still 'useable' but obviously wasnt just gear oil in box...kind of...and should have siezed but kept going...kinda....that was proof enough for me of the Moreys product...4spd manual g/box manufacture specs engine oil...used a 30% mix ratio...towing 1.5t trailer @ ummmmm....yeah a li'l more than we can, so the signed 'suggestion' posts say....give it a go...no good...drop it and go back to what your using...only costs around $20 to find out

[awg]

Originally Posted by FARWEST

AWG....Have you thought about adding an oil stabiliser to ensure viscosity integrity ?...those temps are high in a box...oil would 'breakdown' much more quickly than usual service cycles...I use Moreys...red label...have for over 40yrs

I havent heard of it, I do use DEX3 compatible semi-synthetic ATF

Most of the time the trans runs at 80-85C, engine about the same

I have a 12 x 8 aftermarket cooler, and am thinking of adding the original in parallel

I tried bypassing the in-radiator "cooler" but it made no difference

I fried a previous transmission on this journey (up to my rural land)

Thats when I fitted the temp gauge

It measures the oil at the pump outlet, so that is at its hottest, its cooler in the pan

Its too hot though, I dont want to fry this trans ( a used unit I bought for $125), but it is taking slightly too long to engage reverse) My old one was doing that, then lost reverse

[FARWEST]

Have a 'google' mate...its good gear..by the sounds of the aftermarket tranny coolers and your attempts to 'sort it' you've tried lots of things...give it a go....mix ratios are on the bottle...Im currently running it in both diffs, transfer case and auto (but thats a long story)...also awesome in 'older' engines...as in high k engines.
ps: with those temps and it being a 2nd hand job it may be at its end...ie: clutches are slipping causing the hi temps...weird you have all that cooler work and its still gettin hot...really shouldnt...next step...electric fans on the tranny cooler...but usually for HIGH HP or HEAVY DUTY low range rock crawling