Any small SUV will be limited on their off-road capability compared to their bigger "brothers". One simple reason is that hey use independant suspension and as it transverses, the contact area with the ground varies. The wheels on a solid axle do not, or not as much. As stated before, their primary use is not off roading. If you definately want to go off-roading, I would suggest a discovery or similar.
Optimus Prime
Well-Known Member
It has a viscous coupling in the middle of the drive train, with lots of vanes, filled with a silicon gel. ordinarily, the front and back wheels turn at the same speed, so the vanes turn at the same speed, all okay and the gel lets them slip past each other.
when the fronts turn at a different speed, the vanes rotate at different speeds and cause shear in the gel. this gets hot because of the shear and solidifies, locking the two sets of vanes together thus transferring drive to the back wheels.
when their speed matches again, it turns back to a gel.
this all happens automatically in a split second, unless you lean out the window and watch the rear wheels, you really can't tell it's happening.
on the earlier models, the diff ratios weren't too closely matched front to back, causing near permanent shear, the vcu would sieze, over stress the IRD (equivalent to a transfer box). later models had different diff ratios.
freelander2002
Active Member
My freelander has been my first 4x4 and to be honest I find it really good, especially with the bad snow etc. I find it meets my needs when having a full car and dog in the boot.
Must admit if I had the option after driving a family members discovery I can deffo see the appeal. However as limited funds influenced my buy it was a freelander.
Not done much off roading in mine I must admit but that's due to a knackered driveshaft.
But overall I think they are a great car! Just a shame diesel is so expensive
Must admit if I had the option after driving a family members discovery I can deffo see the appeal. However as limited funds influenced my buy it was a freelander.
Not done much off roading in mine I must admit but that's due to a knackered driveshaft.
But overall I think they are a great car! Just a shame diesel is so expensive
have a look at the freelander faults poll to give yu an idea what to look for when buying......
like check if the VCU is there.
like check if the VCU is there
.
MikeV8SE
New Member
That's a very valid point - I think I am gonna stick with the Discovery idea, but thank you all for the information! Very helpful!
chromiumuk
Well-Known Member
Why not find a classic RR tdi model. Apparently they're not as heavy as the equivalent engined disco & are a bit more spritely even if still a little slow. It'll take a while to find a reasonable one but would be worth searching for.
Anguslives!
New Member
Thats called dogging!
Ground clearences a must, you don't wanna drag your undercarrage over a stinkin bush!
ming
SPACE TWOT
buy a stoopid tratter then . . . . . . .Hmm, i'm thinking maybe not such a good idea then
chromiumuk
Well-Known Member
That's nice but way too much money. I saw one admittedly over a year ago, 300tdi auto with around 100k on the clock for £1500 which was great condition. Saw another, again over a year ago, which wasn't as tidy but still nice, similar miles but 200tdi for £1100.
They are getting more & more desireable/pricey though, so you'd probably have to look hard for one with semi reasonable miles/condition within £1500-£2000 now but it can be done.
