There was an article in LRO that actually showed that the d3 is better off road than a def 110, mainly due to the electronic aids, I was quit suprise as allway thought a defender would win all the time.
8th Apr 2014 12:20 pm
TdV6Pete
Member Since: 10 Aug 2012
Location: Rutland
Posts: 415
pro's and con's to both.
defenders make some stuff look easy where a D3 struggles, and visa versa.
Its like comparing a Toyota to a Land Rover. Both score punches. (lucky the Land Rover gets the knockout though!) 2inch Lift, 33inch Cooper STTs, Wheel Spacers, Hidden Champion 9000lbs Winch with recovery points, Full Underbody Protection including Rear Bumper Guard, Rock Sliders, Snorkel, 4x4 screen enabled and Sat Nav on the move (thanks to Bodsy), Discreet LED roof lights, LED work light, BAS Re-map and EGR's blanked, V8 Brake upgrade with Grooved, Drilled and Slotted Brakes, Halo Fog Lamps, Roof Rack, 240V Inverter, CB radio and finally a Swing away wheel carrier with Hi-Lift mount...
8th Apr 2014 12:36 pm
ifx
Member Since: 19 Jun 2013
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 69
The D3 is immensely capable off road, however the deafener remains the ultimate overlanding vehicle mostly due to its simplicity and purpose built ruggedness.
Considerations:
- It has lots of electrickery, and therefore it can be trickier to repair on an overland trip - for example if you your compressor for the air suspension fails (there is quite a bit of info on this subject, and some workarounds, and I guess you'd also need a fault code reader if you spent lots of time in remote areas)
- Definitely need decent off-road tyres (easy fix)
- You probably need to replace the standard bumpers with an ARB unit for better approach/departure angles, and better defence against front dings
- You will probably care more about scratches to your D3/D4 than those on your Deafener (so maybe a VPS type protection or a wrap)
- You should consider under body protection and rock sliders
- Consider something to allow for additional lift (e.g. IID tool etc.) - can be useful for sticky situations or where the 50kph limit for off-road height is a problem (like big-a$$ sand dunes).
- Consider seat covers/protection to carpets, leather etc.
- Consider a snorkel (and remember that the standard OEM 'RAI' isn't properly sealed, so seal it yourself) - but its not a submarine, and even with off road height and a snorkel some have drowned (and once drowned its pretty much written off).
- The 18" / 17" wheels are better than the 19" wheels when it comes to off-roading.
- I believe the locking rear e-diff isn't installed on all models, you definitely want that if you're going to do the really serious stuff.
- The mud-flaps are a joke, just replace them when they get damaged.
I have yet to find a situation where I couldn't go with my D3 - but there have been plenty of situations where I wouldn't go as a result of the potential for damage.
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6403
simple answer is to go for coilover D3 version as capable as AES one and more reliable
G
8th Apr 2014 2:47 pm
steve smith
Member Since: 11 Mar 2008
Location: up north towards the hills.
Posts: 2427
My Coiler goes wherever the air sprung D3' s go no issues Steve
8th Apr 2014 2:50 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73085
Steve, am I allowed to post "that pic" to shows it goes places an air sprung one wouldn't??
8th Apr 2014 4:33 pm
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6403
if there is nudity on it DSL you should
8th Apr 2014 4:49 pm
steve smith
Member Since: 11 Mar 2008
Location: up north towards the hills.
Posts: 2427
Derek , it has to be done !!! Steve
8th Apr 2014 4:52 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73085
No nudity, everybody that knows Steve will be truely relieved to hear that!!
Proof that a cooler goes anywhere:
Click image to enlarge
8th Apr 2014 5:17 pm
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6403
had one corner up in the air before but not as high nice one
8th Apr 2014 5:22 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73085
It took some doing.
8th Apr 2014 5:23 pm
steve smith
Member Since: 11 Mar 2008
Location: up north towards the hills.
Posts: 2427
Ha Ha, I still laugh about that moment!!!!!!Good times, doesn't look like I will be doing it in the Pyrenees this year though (well up to now that is!!!!!)
Steve
8th Apr 2014 5:34 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73085
Touch wood you'll be there.
8th Apr 2014 5:44 pm
Andy Foster
Member Since: 27 Dec 2009
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 6551
I think something was touching something, if you know what I mean
AndyD4 MY15 SE TECH
D3 gone but never forgotten.
8th Apr 2014 7:44 pm
Jay666d
Member Since: 11 Feb 2014
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 753
Hairy Dan wrote:
The D4's not so bad either
Click image to enlarge
This is an awesome picture Dan!
I don't think mine has been in quite the same situation, but no one is there to snap my picture! 07 Land Rover Discovery III HSE
07 BMW 1200 GS Adventure
08 Mercedes Sprinter
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