happydad59
31st March 2013, 06:50 PM
The final tweaks are now done, engine is running well, vibrations in front drive shaft solved by fitting free-wheeling hubs for the road - so it's off to the local un-official 4wd test track to see how she goes in 4wd. Just in case, eldest son brings along his defender to get us out of any trouble.
First off, the cross-over track with huge ruts just ready to hang up anyone without good articulation, she gets through that with flying colours (see pictures - look at the wheel angles in the third photo).
Next up, steep hills, no problem. Finally, the slippery stuff -
#1 son on the radio "do you want to try the mud?"
Me "OK, if its not too deep" (the floor is not sealed in yet and no roof and no door rubbers)
#1 son - "how will we know"
Me "You go first"
You all know what's going to happen to a very confident twenty-something in a Defender!
Next we know, he is stopped in the bottom of the biggest mud hole with 6" water in the footwells and soccer balls floating in the back.
Landy to the rescue! Quick work with the recovery strap and the little IIa has the defender back on dry ground and a big smile on my face.
We had a great hour or two and I'm very happy with her performance. Judging by the looks on the faces of the other drivers hanging around the rutted tracks, there were many people very impressed by what the old Series landies could do.
First off, the cross-over track with huge ruts just ready to hang up anyone without good articulation, she gets through that with flying colours (see pictures - look at the wheel angles in the third photo).
Next up, steep hills, no problem. Finally, the slippery stuff -
#1 son on the radio "do you want to try the mud?"
Me "OK, if its not too deep" (the floor is not sealed in yet and no roof and no door rubbers)
#1 son - "how will we know"
Me "You go first"
You all know what's going to happen to a very confident twenty-something in a Defender!
Next we know, he is stopped in the bottom of the biggest mud hole with 6" water in the footwells and soccer balls floating in the back.
Landy to the rescue! Quick work with the recovery strap and the little IIa has the defender back on dry ground and a big smile on my face.
We had a great hour or two and I'm very happy with her performance. Judging by the looks on the faces of the other drivers hanging around the rutted tracks, there were many people very impressed by what the old Series landies could do.