People with a high chance of success in this sort of endeavor are likely not crowdsourcing advice - you get better information by doing your own legwork. In some respects, you get what you pay for. Since this is not a backpacking trip in the sense that we usually discuss here, most of us are not going to have that kind of advice - I'd think a vast store of funds, researching roads (there are not going to be maintained trails, for sure), researching the kinds of crime you'll be up against (lots, I think) and resources to combat that (minimal), and checking with the government agencies would be more use than talking about clothing and gear.

It'll be hot, potable water scarce, and good luck with that. I wouldn't touch that kind of endeavor with a sixty foot pole. I'd drive and spend time hiking along the way. I like my life.