snow chains Ummmmm???

[papabeefis]

should i require the use of snow chains.... any one had luck with any brand or supplier ... i have a stock 2003 disco ... would there be a better type that fits easy and is safe on my 28000 grocery getter... wife has not let me put it in low... seriously i should make sure it will still go before warrantee is up...lol thanks luv the forum peace

[rmuller]

http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm -- RUD Snow Chains .. recommended by Bill Burke..

Also, a different type of tire could help.. BFGoodrich All Terrains are great in the snow (and acceptable substitutes to places that *require* chains) ... and PUT IT IN LOW! What you're wife doesn't know, won't hurt her

[Disco Mike]

Your wife has not let you put it into low range??? Why??? Does she understand what it is for and how under certain conditions it can be very useful?
Might want to try and get her out with some other familys for an afternoon of wheeling.
I think that before you worry about chains, you find out what yor trucks abilities are, Disco's are neat family vehicles with the abi;ities.
Mike

[Rovin4life]

before you buy chains please check out all the local dept of motor vehicles laws on the use of chains. When, where and for how long.

[Adam in NYC USA]

You might want to try it first without the chains. My D1 is the only vehicle I have owned that I don't have to worry about getting stuck in mud and snow. I run stock Michelins with ProComp shocks and a modest 1 1/2 inch lift.

But if you looking to run thru a tsunami of maple syrup, I could see you wanting to get some chains.

Check out the ones out at Atlantic British but also check the local laws regarding chain use.

[salty]

Low is probably not the right solution for snow as this will actually increase the torque delivered to the wheels and therefore more likely to break free on you. Does you D2 have the center diff lock? I'd engage this first if I were you.

If you really want to get chains, call Bill he'll set you up with the right set from Rud. The good thing with these chains is that they are very easy to install, I've put them on with Bill before and you can literally do it in 30-60 seconds. More like 60 if it's cold, I have to admit it was >80F in the desert when I tried.

If you do experiment with low on the snow, use the shifter button (normally it puts you in sport mode) to set the gearbox into "Manual mode" and set off in at least 2, this will help with the wheel spin. FYI like all things in life if you don't use it, it will seize up on you. I'd recommend a monthly switching to low if you can remember to try it. Given the snow where you are try the low when the gear box and everything has warmed up, I would not recommend you try first time when everything is frozen in the morning. This will be challenge on a center diff that is used in low on a regular basis.

Take a look at www.offroadexperience.com they have a whole section some place on driving on snow, I think you'll find some good advice there.

Jim

Jim

[salty]

http://www.offroadexperience.com/offroadguide2.htm#25

look here for a good start

[Bene]

unfortunatly the 03s didn't have the center diffs.

I'm also curious what you mean by the not letting you put it low.

[Adam in NYC USA]

Originally Posted by salty

Low is probably not the right solution for snow as this will actually increase the torque delivered to the wheels and therefore more likely to break free on you. Does you D2 have the center diff lock? I'd engage this first if I were you.

Jim

Since he is a novice on mud and snow, you would be remembered more fondly if you told him to start the roll in first gear (no diff lock) until he got to the section on the road or the trail where he has plenty of traction. After that point, he can decide what gear to use. I have a 96 D1, so I am all gas pedal, no brake, and usually keep in a second or third based on the level of snowplowing. When I get to a semi-plowed or plowed first time road, you will have some compacted reflowed ice and snow that would enhance traction.

If he was stopped on ice or worse, then use the diff lock and when you hit excellent traction, loosen up the diff lock.

As for braking distance, the above mentioned advice was dead on. Do not use any pre-conceived braking distance. Use all the space available and let someone kill themselves in their 2 wheel drive vehicles.

I dont't wish to sound mean or callused. I drive as an Emergency Medical Technician, and did rescues on paved roads all the time. Most civilian drivers don't gauge weather as a dangerous variable and think they can do 80 mph in hurricane and blizzard conditions.

There is a reason a HMMWV and a half-track look the way they look. They are designed to go anyway and anywhere. With the right equipment you can too. You got a Land Rover.

If I had the budget, my second car would be a original HMMWV. But I got a Land Rover instead. A good friend of mine had a Range Rover for a stint, and stated he did not like it. His opinion was that it was too heavy and gave "the wrong ride".

He is used to American GMCs and towtrucks. I know he never put the RR off-road and then and only then he would have known why the ride felt that way. The RR and the Land Rover was designed for off-off-road and has the tech built for that.

Be careful with that advice. He or she might not think about it and think it wrong and blame you on the next event he or she has to do dangerous driving.

Adam in NYC USA

[papabeefis]

drove my 1977 dodge extended 1 wheel drive up I 15 till the closed it for two hours then crept up to cedar city utah had a dennys 11 pm breakfast ... drove i whitre out till i got to 9000 feet my buddy fellow snow boarder sat on rt wheel well while i put the three speed in first... add chains at 9500 feet 12 inches snow and sever switch back.... have to tension chains .... oh well no tensioners.... slap the crap out of my 77 disco van.... road poweder with three other people who made it ... roads closed all day.... slept in parking lot 3 foot pow pow nextr morning .... chains rock when you need them ... now just need them for emergency....thanks for all the advice guys peace