Impressed by a Discovery 3

[p76rangie]

Had a interstate person down and the local group of D2 owners decided to take him out to show him some local tracks. The interstate vehicle was a D2 with 35 inch simexs, front and rear lockers and a 4 inch spring lift. So this trip was not going to be easy. Some of the D2 group had progressed to D3's and I was a bit surprised that they allowed a D3 along on the trip. This D3 was bog standard out of the showroom, except it had 31 inch Goodyear MTRs on it. It did have the factory fitted rear locker, but still, it was hardly what you would call set up for anything serious.

We decided to go up one of the harder tracks in the area. It is a steep track with a very lose surface made up of very large rocks. This track has broken many Diffs, Axles, CVs, etc on very well set up vehicles, so it is no walk in the park. This track I would get up around 70% of the time with double diff locks and 34 inch simexs. But many times I have had to give up on it. The interstate D2 went first and he was having a hard time, even with twin lockers. My front locker was not working as I had blown the front air line, but I decided to go up with just the rear locker. Something I would not have done by choice. I was brought to a halt at least 6 times with the rocks throwing me off the track. I had thought about giving up a couple of times, but the thought of backing down this track kept me heading forward. Finally made it to the top, but it was a struggle all the way.

2 of the D2's thought wiser about tackling it an turned back. I was therefore surprised to hear that the D3 was going to have a go. I was even more surprised, and very impressed, when he pulled up behind me at the top. I did not get any photos of this track as it is fairly long and it was not like you could stop and take photos.

But I did take some photos of the D3 coming up and easier (but still hard) track later in the day. Of the 7 vehicles we had, only 2 were prepared to tackle this hill. All the double locked vehicles ran for cover and my Rangie and the D3 were the only ones that made it up. Photos taken down or up a hill never show how steep it was, but it gives you a bit of an idea about how impressive a stock D3 can be.

[TerryS]

Oh Jeez, Ian. Tami is almost not gonna hate you now.
Nice Pics.

[stolenheron]

that lr3 does look pretty damn good on a trail. the 3rd and 4th pictures you uploaded are pretty badass.

[XtremeMarine]

Terry; you've got my sentiments, lock on. Tami's LR3 (D3) has impressed many a hardcore off-roader. From the beginning, to the present, that truck just gets set up the right way, one thing at a time; and her driving skill has grown by leaps and bounds.
It's good to see more people getting into taking them off-road. Now that it's 08', the first batch of lease vehicles are turning up on the showroom CPO lots, and being fetched at rather fair prices.

[Alak]

I took a D3 for a drive the other day. What a night and day difference. I was deeply considering buying one, but Im going to use my DII for a couple more years and see what becomes of land rover under the new ownership. Perhaps a diesel? Perhaps a Defender?

[Jupiter Rover]

yo extreme you still ride? and yeah.. i didnt think a DIII could do any of that... props to the driver.

[XtremeMarine]

Yeah, man. I still go off-road. I'm still working on my Series IIa Hybrid project. And I now have two Series III 109's at the house. A 3 door utility body, and a 5 door station wagon. Planning on selling the 3 door to put more money into the hybrid project. I tried calling you a few times last year, and sending you some pm's, but never got a response. Figured you were away at college. How is your father doing? Tell him that I said hello, and wish him my best. He was such an interesting fellow to meet. Take care of yourself man. Good to see you on here again.

[disco12]

damn that is pretty damn nice. I did a trail similar to that at Hollister. and it costed me a rear axle

[sideview]

Originally Posted by TerryS

Oh Jeez, Ian. Tami is almost not gonna hate you now.
Nice Pics.

LOL yup...almost

[p76rangie]

Here are some more pics from our trip.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...AaN27Vk5cs1Goo

www.slunnie.com - Toolangi 0408

d2au.com - the home of Australia's best 4x4xfar... - Slunnie Toolangi Trip April 08

[cthulhu]

Nice pictures, I have driven a D3 all over New Zealand on road and off road as the MD of Land Rover Experience, NZ. I have found them to be incredibly capable!

I drove a diesel model up a muddy track, that climbed the side of a mountain and switched back and forth as it went up to the top that was high enough that we were above the approach to the Queenstown Airport!

It was fitted with factory tires, and a rear locker. The thing was incredible! I will have to find that picture, it is pretty sweet.

The only thing I found was that if the bottom ever hit mud, and for your info, NZ is mostly mud, it would stick like glue due to the flat bottom...

[barbara]

Oh Jeez, Ian. Tami is almost not gonna hate you now.
Nice Pics