Freelander 1 Freelander 1 absolute off-road capability limit – have I reached it?

Nodge68 said:

But a well sorted FL1 will do pretty much everything a D2 will do, especially if the D2 doesn't have a locking centre diff.

Click to expand...

Well no...

300bhp/ton said:

-lack of low range

Click to expand...

Agreed, but an automatic FL1 pretty much overcomes that issue.

300bhp/ton said:

low ground clearance

Click to expand...

Lower than a D1/2 under the body yes, but there's no diff case in the middle of the axle, unlike the D1/2, which means a they can still get stuck on the diff case, which is lower than the body of the FL1.

300bhp/ton said:

poor approach/breakover/departure angels

Click to expand...

The FL1 has a longer wheel base, and is lower as standard, so the breakover angle is less. However as the body is shorter, and the wheel base is longer, the approach angle is much the same, and the departure angle is better, simply because the D1/2 has an overhanging ass end.
The FL1 is also lighter, wider and lower, all of which help in tricky off road sections.

My mates D2 couldn't go where my FL1 would, simply because his was too big, to tall, too wallowing, and didn't have nearly enough traction for its weight.

300bhp/ton said:

That isn't a locking diff.....

Click to expand...

I never said it was.
I clearly said it's a torque biasing diff, which is better on a light vehicle, as it will drive the wheel with the most grip, and also help prevent tyres breaking away.

Nodge68 said:

Agreed, but an automatic FL1 pretty much overcomes that issue.

Click to expand...

Well, still a No I'm afraid. Else why does LR and every other car maker offer low range on their automatic vehicles...

Point is mute when the op says they have a manual anyway.

Nodge68 said:

Lower than a D1/2 under the body yes, but there's no diff case in the middle of the axle, unlike the D1/2, which means a they can still get stuck on the diff case, which is lower than the body of the FL1.

Click to expand...

FL1 as much less clearance stock for stock. Diff pan has a very small surface area and in most cases is unlikely to cause an issue. Or put it this way, hugely unlikely that you'll be hung up on the diffs while an FL1 isn't grounding.

Nodge68 said:

The FL1 has a longer wheel base, and is lower as standard, so the breakover angle is less. However as the body is shorter, and the wheel base is longer, the approach angle is much the same, and the departure angle is better, simply because the D1/2 has an overhanging ass end.
The FL1 is also lighter, wider and lower, all of which help in tricky off road sections.

Click to expand...

Tiny stock tyres mean the FL1 will likely dig it nose into the dirt far more often. Been there done it. Shape of the body and where it sticks out makes a big difference too. Yes the D2 has a long rear overhang and it will hit, but generally causes few problems other than being felt in the cab.

Nodge68 said:

My mates D2 couldn't go where my FL1 would, simply because his was too big, to tall, too wallowing, and didn't have nearly enough traction for its weight.

Click to expand...

Sorry just don't really believe it. Suspect tyres or more likely driver being the real issue. I do lots and lots of trialling and off roading. And have driven 80" coiler CCV motors, leafers to competing in my p38 Range Rover. Several FL1's driven over the years and own one currently. They are leagues apart in outright ability, but more importantly easy of deployment and use when off road. The FL1 will be bashing bodywork and underside into things, with wheels very high in the air. All while travelling at speeds much higher than you really want, in a far less controlled or composed manner.

For a crossover SUV the Freelander is capable off road, esp in snow, sand, wet grass. But on technical terrain it is heavily lacking in native ability.

Nodge68 said:

I never said it was.
I clearly said it's a torque biasing diff, which is better on a light vehicle, as it will drive the wheel with the most grip, and also help prevent tyres breaking away.

Click to expand...

Umm...

Have to say, its horses for courses and it depends what off roading you are doing.

Stock, the D1 must be better when rock crawling with the extra power and low range - you just can't get over that.

The D2 was knackered by removing the locking center diff - a totally stupid move by LR. Some **** thought the ABS/TC/HDC could replace it

However in about all other environments the practicality of the Freelander's VCU trumps the D1's manual locking diff. No stopping/starting, faffing around with levers or putting undue stress on the transmission - just point and go.

The D1 does have better visibility of where you're going which definitely helps and gives confidence.

The ultimate though must be a late classic or P38 RR with its power, low range and viscous activated center diff lock. Never driven one, but on paper it would appear to give the best of what I see in both D1 and Freelander. But then if its also your daily driver as well as off road fun truck, it'll cost many times a Freelander fueling and maintaining it