what makes a LR so good offroad?

[VArova87]

a friend and I got into a friendly discussion today about the capabilities or our rigs (both stock, he has a 97 Heep cherokee)

Many people say (everyone on this board) say Land Rovers are probably the most capable SUVs made, they were "designed for the trails"... even stock they can go amazing places other SUVs cannot. My question - why? What makes a Land Rover such a reliable off road vehicle? If they have a reputation for having alot wrong with them, why dont they just evaporate when taken offroad?

PS - I love my Disco, and im not doubting its capabilities, I just need some data and facts and info to show people, lol. thanks!

[Muddy Oval]

They have very stout chassis and they carry the vast majority of their weight down low. They don't have tons of HP, but plenty of torque and far stronger transmissions and transfer cases than Heeps.

[Funrover]

With the CDL or viscious coupling.....better traction...Coils provide better flex...lower weight dist.....stout.....etc etc.....I really like the fact I have better visability!!

[disco12]

Originally Posted by Muddy Oval

They have very stout chassis and they carry the vast majority of their weight down low. They don't have tons of HP, but plenty of torque and far stronger transmissions and transfer cases than Heeps.

X2 on that Muddy Oval. They do have very stout chassis and construction systems within the body and safety cage. They also have very strong gearbox and transmissions. Plus they look better than most 4x4's. Thats why Jeeps say we don't understand which in fact we do that's why we drive rovers.

[smileyq]

Man.. I always thought it was because they cost 50k+ Boy I must be missing something

[keptin]

hey, dont they also have a stock long arm suspension?? If not, those control arms are pretty long.


Keep in mind, as far as similar vehicles (weight, wheelbase, etc) it all comes down to the driver.

[01001010]

Here come my .02

Down here, everyone is surprised to see me out on the trails but at the same time recognize that the Land Rover is the vehicle to have! Just today someone told me that I would be able to make it through where their H1 got stuck....I did!

So down to the facts...Although some have criticised British Engineering with the D1, its construction is like none other. The drivetrain is made up of a combination of different great systems, for example, the Swivel Ball enclosed CV Joint. The Old Toyota BJs (also legendary) have this same system up front. Coil Sprung suspension. Transmissions and T-cases that are (seems like it to me) nearly indestructale. With sway bars removed, flex is optimal with the right sized tire (everyone has their own definition of this, but I find that 245/75/16 are PERFECT for a D1). With the bumper trimmed, frontal approach angle is GREAT and although the rear could be better, its a lot better than most SUVs.

Another thing that makes the Disco such a great off roader (D1 atleast) is its ability to be serviced out on the field. Its a mix of modern computer controled engine management with classic drivetrain/suspension components.

Another point to consider is that you can comfortably live out of a Disco with the right equipment and all of the survival essentials.

But back to talk about stock rigs, its one of the few SUVs you can literally drive from the dealer to the trails. In the 90's this was so true, being that Land Rover chose Michelin XPCs as the standard tire...it just so happens that this tire is a great AT tire (my opinion).

There are many more specific reasons whyt he Disco is a great off-roader, but I can't think of them right now, my nephew is screamin his lungs out because he doesnt want to go to sleep!

Someone take over...

[FrankyRizzo]

Drivetrain components are tucked up in the chassis to keep from getting hung up.

[Rovin4life]

What makes Land Rovers the best for offroading isnt the design.


Its the fact they are designed to go offroad, All Land Rovers.

They are not adapted to go offroad.

They new vehicles now like Audi and MB have offroad capability air ride vehicles that adapt to offroad conditions. But the question is is adapting a vehicle to somewhat offroad use better or is the designed for adventure better.

[k12]

I own a 100% stock auto 98 disco and an 89 5 speed 4.2 wrangler. The wrangler has 5 inches of lift and 33/12.5/15 MT tires.

The Disco is WAY smoother on the trails. The Jeep has WAY better approach and departure angles. The Disco has WAY more articulation. The Jeep has a soft top. The Disco has AC, a lazy boy for a seat, and a radio with weather band (but also a front sunroof and rear windows not working). For deep mud, I'd prefer the Jeep (w/current set up). For a long steep hill climb, I'd prefer the Disco. For a boulder field, I'd prefer the Jeep (w/ current set up). For snow up to 14 inches, I'd prefer the Disco (jeep for more due to ground clearance). The Disco can cruise safely and comfortably at 80 mph. The jeep has a hard time getting to 60 mph. BOTH get horrible gas mileage (disco=14-16/ jeep=12 (due to the tires).

The jeep has 250 k and has only needed a new ecu, u joints, carbarator, and wheel hubs (not a joke, that's it besides tires, brakes, cap, rotor, wires and plugs). The Disco (178 k) needs more things with greater frequency (mostly electronic, ha ha).

If I could have only one, . . . I love them both so I'll keep each. I will say this, with a little lift, some bigger MT tires, a locking rear diff, sliders, winch and HD bumbers, the Disco would be the better rig by far.

Let the debate continue!

K

[01001010]

K12....good to see you again man!...been a while!

[RageRover]

Because it is a LR, LOL. They were originally designed for off road use, multi-task vehicle (fire engine, tractor, welder, generator). I just didn't know what I was missing out on when it came to looking at the history of LR. The use of coils, and multilink suspension was the key to a good off road vehicle, at least IMO. I like the idea, with leafs, articulation and ride quality is all there.

Plus the full time 4x4 system makes it superior to anything else, along with the off set pumpkins front and rear (diffs).

Plus aren't these axles on RRCs, D1s and 2s, aren't they the equivalent to like a Dana 60 or something?

[Geobloke]

Oooo eck talk about an open ended question, so many great statements already too! Lemme see what I can add...

First off from the day they were concieved way back when the earth was young they were being designed with a purpose in life, not as a fashion accessory. THey were designed to be all things for all men, to plough the fields, carry sheep, travel large distances, cross all terrains, be repairable by even the most inept mechanic in the middle of nowhere with nothing but bailer twine and grease, run on pretty much any combustable liquid, able to tow heavy loads anywhere (have heard stories of farmers happily towing 20+ tons off the back of a D90 200tdi!! )...

...The thing to try and do is not list what they can do but try and list what they can't!! The only thing I can think of is not do 35mpg, but then again thats not what they were designed for!

Yes they have problems, yes they cost a bit to repair (esspecially the newer models), but after all is said and done there are still 75% of all Land Rovers ever built still working and driving around this planet and for me thats what makes the marque so good! Longevity and undeniable ability!

[k12]

Originally Posted by 01001010

K12....good to see you again man!...been a while!

Yeah Man. Been a little while since posting but always stop in for a visit. I have been working some serious hours at work and have been too busy to really post much.

Summer is here and I am getting the Disco ready for a big road trip from PA out to Co and AZ. Def. doing some wheeling up in the San Juans around Ouray/Telluride, etc. May even blast over to Moab for a day. I have so many things to do to the disco to get ready:

change fluids (all)
front d-shaft u joints (already did rears)
front hub bearings (already did rears)
resolder window ecu and sunroof ecu
weld on recovery points to front frame (got 11,000 lbs D rings from Tractor Supply for $5 each!!)
t-stat, hoses, collant temp sensor
tires (going with AT but would prefer MT)
instal rear jump seat (lots of people in the disco)(already put one in)

What's new down in FL? It must be hot already. Any good war stories of late?

K12

[disco12]

Not to mention girls dig Rovers all of my girlfriend friends always commment on how good I look in my lifted Disco. I better be careful don't want to be referee of a catfight.