Member Since: 25 Jun 2011
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 454
Base spec - springs - off road capabilities
Hi, Just doing a bit more research before taking the plunge for a D3. What is the sprung 5-seater like off road? I assume obviously that you can't alter ride height, but does it have low ratio gears? Hill descent?
I have a D2 at present and that's fine in that department, so if it's at least similar to that, then perhaps I could consider one. I'd like more toys, but just checking out the options really. Base D3's seem to be a couple of grand cheaper and I don't use the extra seats on my D2 anyway.
I would use it for traversing fields, some with a fair slope on them, so the ability to grip on wet grass is required and also things get muddy at times. Nothing that would challenge clearance though.
27th Jul 2011 10:11 pm
CMG
Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
Yep, they have the HDC and 4 LO. And not having terrain response isn't as bad as what you think: all it does is change the traction control settings, and starting gears. Which, if you are pretty good at doing it the old way, you won't want it, as it gets a bit nanny ish IMO.
For the thousands saved, you could lift it, and be at the same height air ones are at in off road height. 17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
28th Jul 2011 12:55 am
roverdrive
Member Since: 08 Oct 2009
Location: Wirral
Posts: 181
If you are traversing side slopes you will notice the difference in weight, especially on wet grass. When a D3 starts to slide it can go a long way.
Fit better off road oriented tyres and you should be ok though.
Just my 2 penn'thMike - 47° 51' N 19° 43' W
Discovery D3 HSE - Gone
Skud Fabia
Triumph 675
110 County SW
28th Jul 2011 3:41 am
garrycol
Member Since: 06 Dec 2010
Location: Canberra
Posts: 1124
Ground clearance is pretty poor in the sprung D3 so a lift kit should be a consideration.
We had a D3 basic 5 seater for 4 years, as mentioned above initially ground clearance was an issue, then I fitted a 30-40mm lift kit and it was fine. Even went to Tunisia and the Sarah Desert with her. You just don't get Dial-a-Ride so you have to use your brain and have a sensitive right foot.
If you search my gallery and posts by me you'll see pictures of the D3 and the King Springs lift kit. Because of the stiffer suspension over air, you tend to get more impressive looking "air" under the tyres, but drive sensibly and smoothly it's no great deal. Here's a couple from previous Calendars:
On the 2010 Pot Noodle Challenge:
Click image to enlarge
3 from Tunisia 2009 (Courtesy of NJF):
Click image to enlarge
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28th Jul 2011 9:46 am
CMG
Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
Are the coils that much stiffer compared to air?17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
The uprated/lift kit ones are, but it also comes down to the fact that the CAS system does have the ability to push the strut down a little further due to extended mode etc which a fixed coil doesn't.
28th Jul 2011 2:57 pm
Pedros
Member Since: 25 Jun 2011
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 454
All good replies. Food for thought. Thanks folks!
29th Jul 2011 11:38 am
THE DOCTOR46
Member Since: 21 Feb 2010
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 624
Member Since: 12 Aug 2010
Location: beverley north yorkshire
Posts: 233
any D3 is better then no D3 i think too many people get hung up on spec, i would lift it if it was me. i have only used my terrain response once in a year of owning it.
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