L322 set up for serious touring.

[Homestar]

Ok, here's the new thread for discussion of what would work and what wouldn't to make the ultimate L322 tourer.

SWMBO now has a taste for doing this more and more, and want the car to be more capable of the sort of stuff we were doing, and more.

The Rangie really shone on the outback tracks we were on - even on the 20's and road tyres, but I was always paranoid about doing a tyre as there were some really rocky and corrugated sections that had to be tip toed over.

So, up for discussion is what sort of mods you would do to make it a more capable tourer?

The electrics are all sorted with a Traxide dual battery kit already fitted. And along with the solar panel I had, kept the fridge and lights working even on extended stays at one site - very happy with the performance of all this. I also have a UHF fitted and is situated in an ideal spot that works well.

Used Memory Maps on my Ipad to log all the tracks we were on, and to use as a moving map - works fine, but not as good as Oziexplorer which a couple of others were running - hoping Ozi get the Ipad version finished soon.

Tyres and rims I have mentioned on another thread but feel free to comment here.

Raised air intake - this is almost a must going forward I think, as the factory air filter hasn't faired too well even on this fairly short excursion. Thoughts so far on this is to fully fabricate one myself as no one seems to be looking at making one commercially. Standing around looking under the bonnet with others from the forum the other night, there were some good suggestions thrown about as to what could work. The biggest thing is finding somewhere for an entirely new air cleaner and housing as there doesn't seem to be any real way of sealing around the existing filter. There is some room on the drivers side behind the headlamp that a vertical style housing may fit in. There is enough room to run a pipe into the engine from there. Thoughts are that maybe an air cleaner housing from a 200 TDi may fit. I have advertised for one in the wanted section if anyone has one...

Bull Bar - we all know the issues we have here, so the only options are to not run one, put the factory one on (ain't gunna happen!) or fit a modified D3 bar and live with the legalities this may bring.

Suspension lift - anyone seen or put some spacers above the airbags on all corners??? Just throwing it out there, I think it would be an easy way to get another inch or two of clearance when needed. I think someone here made mention that they had done this, but can't find any details on it. Not sure at what point the drive shafts and bushes would start to complain when lifting it...

So, any other thoughts, comments or whatever else would be greatly appreciated.:)

Cheers - Gav

[Disco Muppet]

4" lift, 37s, guard chops, flares, sliders, scrub bars, full barwork and a straight through exhaust. :lol2:

[Homestar]

4" lift, 37s, guard chops, flares, sliders, scrub bars, full barwork and a straight through exhaust. :lol2:

I like your thinking! Probably get in a bit of trouble if I did that to it...:angel:

[Disco Muppet]

I like your thinking! Probably get in a bit of trouble if I did that to it...:angel:

Do it anyway, live dangerously! :twisted: :angel:
On a serious note, can you fit LLAMS to the L322? that would probably be a good idea.
Some good tyres, decent recovery points, maybe a discreet mount for an LED light bar or something would be a good idea, other than that I can't think of anything really besides frontal protection. Maybe one of the factory A bars? I know they're not exactly the bees knees but anything stopping skippy headbutting your radiator is a good thing IMHO.

[Homestar]

Do it anyway, live dangerously! :twisted: :angel:
On a serious note, can you fit LLAMS to the L322? that would probably be a good idea.
Some good tyres, decent recovery points, maybe a discreet mount for an LED light bar or something would be a good idea, other than that I can't think of anything really besides frontal protection. Maybe one of the factory A bars? I know they're not exactly the bees knees but anything stopping skippy headbutting your radiator is a good thing IMHO.

Already got full control of the air suspension so that is taken care of. As mentioned in the first post I was thinking some spacers to get a couple of extra inches beyond what the air springs are good for.

No where to mount decent lighting without a bar, and the factory A bar really REALLY looks bad IMO, so that is not an option...

[Graeme]

can you fit LLAMS to the L322?Yes. 2007+ with Terrain Response uses the same plug-in kit as D3/D4/RRS but if pre-TR then a hard-wired loom is needed but quite easy to fit. In both cases a longer switch lead is needed (contact me) because the suspension ecu is under the passenger end of the facia.

[Grimace]

fool or replace the bags to obtain a 2 inch lift, fit some 33s, done!
Have posted this before, it's the only style of L322 I would own :)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[jsp]

Raised air intake is a good point, my filter got absolutely chock a block full from that weekend.

I know I didn't do the real hairy stuff but did play in mud and I was amazed how easily the 322 ate up stuff, and don't think its needs to much help apart from good rubber considering I have cheap road tires. It clearly went places the stock D2 with atr's wasn't.

Given I got a nice chunk out of my passenger front door I would be saying sliders or sill plates would be high priority also, and also for a bit of protection long term for stopping mud and crud getting up underneath as that aera took a bit of cleaning.

Also after that weekend away a nice little winch tucked up under the car behind the rear bumper attached to the tow pack somehow would be great also, and would have given peace of mind. This ontop of a front mounted one on a bar if your going wholehog!

I would look at extending the air capacity of the EAS tank and putting a second compressor on it also, and using it for tires etc rather than a standalone compressor for other tasks.

[Homestar]

I would look at extending the air capacity of the EAS tank and putting a second compressor on it also, and using it for tires etc rather than a standalone compressor for other tasks.

Be an interesting exercise. The EAS is a bit too smart for its own good sometimes though. Have you seen some of the faults it will throw if you try to tamper with it?

If you try to run the compressor when it doesn't think it should be you get a fault - something like 'compressor running without cause'

If you bleed air from the tank without it saying so, you get something like 'air loss without reason' and it locking the system down. I'm sure there must be a way of fooling it though. Maybe a second tank with a lock out valve of some description so the system doesn't see you stealing air from it...

Also, you would need a pressure reducing valve or something as it runs at a very high pressure.

I'll add it to my list though - I love a challenge.:). It would save a bit of room too as I dragged my compressor around the whole trip - but I did use it a few times...

Cheers - Gav

[jx2mad]

I changed from 20"rims to 18"rims and fitted normal height tyres. This allows me to air down if needed. With 20"low profile tyres this cant really be done. Jim

[Homestar]

With 20"low profile tyres this cant really be done. Jim

Agreed. I did drop mine down to 38 PSI while on the rough stuff, but much further than that and I would have risked them coming off the rim. It did help, but 20's just won't cut it long term in the bush - which is where we plan on being much more often from now on.:)

[BigJon]

fool or replace the bags to obtain a 2 inch lift, fit some 33s, done!
Have posted this before, it's the only style of L322 I would own :)

http://imageshack.us/a/img254/5687/img1201g.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img694/3403/img1205ch.jpg

Don't give me evil thoughts when I am a week away from picking up an L322... :D

[peter g]

Re Tyres,
I have 2 sets, the standard 18'' GG's, used for trip 2 years ago Ghan track to AS, then Cobourg Pen and return via Roper Bar, Hells gate etc, no problems at all, air down to 26/27, also improves the ride. Recently picked up a cheap set of wheels fitted with new Goodyears, so now use these for everyday. GG,s now worn so have bought 5 BFG,s ex Tire Rack, LT 265/65 R18 for "trips". Have only used for trip to high country, so far no issues, will use for a trip back to the Kimberley June/July, so will report then on performance. Note I did rework the cover over the fuel filler line (right rear wheel arch) to ensure clearance was maintained.
Re Raised air intake, have just fitted a modified D3/4 RAI and it has come up quite OK. I have not touched the airbox at this stage, can be done later if necessary. I have some pics so will start a new thread with a bit more info when I figure out how to load them.
cheers Peter

[rar110]

I thought I would revive this worthwhile thread by bacicat aka Dr Nefario aka Gav.

I've had the tdv8 L322 for a bit over a month now. I am still learning about its features. Its a beautiful to drive and the power & torque is mind blowing even when you transition from a turbo Isuzu 110 (which runs pretty nicely). It also gets a big tick from the family which happily surprised me. The move from a really good 110 Isuzu is anxious, exciting, & daunting rolled together.

Tyres/Wheels: I would really like to buy GOE rims and go to 18" tyres, but money just won't stretch to a $3.5k tyre and wheel refit (I will probably regret this one day in the middle of now where). Also I don't mind the 19" rims. They are a reasonable all rounder for this vehicle. And there are a few good tyre choices in this size now. Next best option is to buy a couple of spare shocks and extra tyre instead.

Accessories: I have a few things to transfer across such as a UHF, Hannibal awning and maybe a HF. I will probably build another draw system for this car. I will buy or make a roof rack (make if I understand how it attaches to the roof). For trips I will just put a spare on the roof instead of go with a rear wheel carrier. I probably won't go with a snorkel or bull bar. I'd rather get Liams air system for extra height to avoid water and restrict myself to day time driving to avoid roos I have a HF/autotune, but can't see it actually fitting anywhere on this car neatly.

I will go with a dual battery system (probably traxide) and electric compressor. I have a ARB compressor that I quite like.

Im mostly happy to leave it how it is rather than play around forever with mods. Im pretty happy with it as it is.

Any other suggestions from L322 gurus?

[chaybra]

I thought I would revive this worthwhile thread by bacicat aka Dr Nefario aka Gav.

I've had the tdv8 L322 for a bit over a month now. I am still learning about its features. Its a beautiful to drive and the power & torque is mind blowing even when you transition from a turbo Isuzu 110 (which runs pretty nicely). It also gets a big tick from the family which happily surprised me. The move from a really good 110 Isuzu is anxious, exciting, & daunting rolled together.

Tyres/Wheels: I would really like to buy GOE rims and go to 18" tyres, but money just won't stretch to a $3.5k tyre and wheel refit (I will probably regret this one day in the middle of now where). Also I don't mind the 19" rims. They are a reasonable all rounder for this vehicle. And there are a few good tyre choices in this size now. Next best option is to buy a couple of spare shocks and extra tyre instead.

Accessories: I have a few things to transfer across such as a UHF, Hannibal awning and maybe a HF. I will probably build another draw system for this car. I will buy or make a roof rack (make if I understand how it attaches to the roof). For trips I will just put a spare on the roof instead of go with a rear wheel carrier. I probably won't go with a snorkel or bull bar. I'd rather get Liams air system for extra height to avoid water and restrict myself to day time driving to avoid roos I have a HF/autotune, but can't see it actually fitting anywhere on this car neatly.

I will go with a dual battery system (probably traxide) and electric compressor. I have a ARB compressor that I quite like.

Im mostly happy to leave it how it is rather than play around forever with mods. Im pretty happy with it as it is.

Any other suggestions from L322 gurus?


Its a good thing you havent decided to go with a rear tyre swing, bull bar and snorkel....because these things dont exist yet...but we are working on it

[Hammer H]

Don't give me evil thoughts when I am a week away from picking up an L322... :D

What are the rims and tyres? Looks great!

[rar110]

Its a good thing you havent decided to go with a rear tyre swing, bull bar and snorkel....because these things dont exist yet...but we are working on it

The bar would have to be a modification from another model like others have done. I haven't given up on the idea entirely.

I realise the RWC would be a home made job. I'm not that keen as the back will be loaded up already. I'm more attracted to the idea of a carrier for a couple of water jerries and keeping the extra spare on the roof if travelling without a trailer.

For a snorkel I was looking to find a plastic one from another make with the intake on the same side, the right length along the guard and that suits the windscreen angle.

[chaybra]

The bar would have to be a modification from another model like others have done. I haven't given up on the idea entirely.

I realise the RWC would be a home made job. I'm not that keen as the back will be loaded up already. I'm more attracted to the idea of a carrier for a couple of water jerries and keeping the extra spare on the roof if travelling without a trailer.

For a snorkel I was looking to find a plastic one from another make with the intake on the same side, the right length along the guard and that suits the windscreen angle.

If you modify another bull bar to suit like the ones done off a discovery, yest they will fit, no you will not be legal, no you insurance will not cover you (prob even if you get rear ended)

for the rear carrier, im in the midst of finishing mine http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l322-range-rover/205476-rear-tire-swing.html

for the snorkel, a discovery 3 on is the most likely donor, people have done it, i intend to do it, i believe a bit of work is involved including using heat to bend it to the contour of the windshield and a bit of trickery work where it goes from the front wing clip to the engine bay.

good luck tho, id like to see some more people doing the snorkel to iron out the bugs ppl have

[rar110]

If you modify another bull bar to suit like the ones done off a discovery, yest they will fit, no you will not be legal, no you insurance will not cover you (prob even if you get rear ended) for the rear carrier, im in the midst of finishing mine http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l322-range-rover/205476-rear-tire-swing.html for the snorkel, a discovery 3 on is the most likely donor, people have done it, i intend to do it, i believe a bit of work is involved including using heat to bend it to the contour of the windshield and a bit of trickery work where it goes from the front wing clip to the engine bay. good luck tho, id like to see some more people doing the snorkel to iron out the bugs ppl have I'm still getting familiar with the RR but I think the air intake on the tdv8 is on the passenger side.

I liked your RWC.

Where are the rules on bullbars? I've read it before on here about them being illegal on the L322 but never understood why.

[chaybra]

I'm still getting familiar with the RR but I think the air intake on the tdv8 is on the passenger side.

I liked your RWC.

Where are the rules on bullbars? I've read it before on here about them being illegal on the L322 but never understood why.

Ahh tdv8 im not to sure on,

bullbars have to be deemed airbag compatible, thats the only (Very expensive) hurdle in the way. making them ADR compliant in terms of the shape etc is the easy part, its just crashing one into a deformable barrier at 43kph several times that will cost a minimum of $9g and thats assuming you make it just weak enough to deform at the right speed and strong enough to not deform at 18kph...IIIIIIiii know right. I'm in the process of getting some manufactures on board who are interested in developing one for us

[TONKA33]

Ok, here's the new thread for discussion of what would work and what wouldn't to make the ultimate L322 tourer.

SWMBO now has a taste for doing this more and more, and want the car to be more capable of the sort of stuff we were doing, and more.

The Rangie really shone on the outback tracks we were on - even on the 20's and road tyres, but I was always paranoid about doing a tyre as there were some really rocky and corrugated sections that had to be tip toed over.

So, up for discussion is what sort of mods you would do to make it a more capable tourer?

The electrics are all sorted with a Traxide dual battery kit already fitted. And along with the solar panel I had, kept the fridge and lights working even on extended stays at one site - very happy with the performance of all this. I also have a UHF fitted and is situated in an ideal spot that works well.

Used Memory Maps on my Ipad to log all the tracks we were on, and to use as a moving map - works fine, but not as good as Oziexplorer which a couple of others were running - hoping Ozi get the Ipad version finished soon.

Tyres and rims I have mentioned on another thread but feel free to comment here.

Raised air intake - this is almost a must going forward I think, as the factory air filter hasn't faired too well even on this fairly short excursion. Thoughts so far on this is to fully fabricate one myself as no one seems to be looking at making one commercially. Standing around looking under the bonnet with others from the forum the other night, there were some good suggestions thrown about as to what could work. The biggest thing is finding somewhere for an entirely new air cleaner and housing as there doesn't seem to be any real way of sealing around the existing filter. There is some room on the drivers side behind the headlamp that a vertical style housing may fit in. There is enough room to run a pipe into the engine from there. Thoughts are that maybe an air cleaner housing from a 200 TDi may fit. I have advertised for one in the wanted section if anyone has one...

Bull Bar - we all know the issues we have here, so the only options are to not run one, put the factory one on (ain't gunna happen!) or fit a modified D3 bar and live with the legalities this may bring.

Suspension lift - anyone seen or put some spacers above the airbags on all corners??? Just throwing it out there, I think it would be an easy way to get another inch or two of clearance when needed. I think someone here made mention that they had done this, but can't find any details on it. Not sure at what point the drive shafts and bushes would start to complain when lifting it...

So, any other thoughts, comments or whatever else would be greatly appreciated.:)

Cheers - Gav


I am doing the same with my RRV L322 TDV8 autobiog -2008 - any tips as going to take on tourer and tracks., wanting bull bar and rock sliders, and any other mechanical tips, i cant find any wheels lower than 19" - have been told 20 might be ok with good all terrains on. Getting R/Rack awning and boot converted into conversion.

[TONKA33]

I am doing the same with my RRV L322 TDV8 autobiog -2008 - any tips as going to take on tourer and tracks., wanting bull bar and rock sliders, and any other mechanical tips, i cant find any wheels lower than 19" - have been told 20 might be ok with good all terrains on. Getting R/Rack awning and boot converted into conversion.

[irubix]

No-one makes much locally really.

Aux Battery Charging = Traxide Kit
Bullbar = Not available
Sliders = Custom, DIY or expensive shipped from overseas
Roof rack = Theres plenty of threads re this, search the forum. OEM if you can find it or Tradesman, also can do other platforms with modification to the feet.
Suspension = IIDTool, or Johnson rods
Wheels = Compomotive 18"
Tyres = Falken Wildpeak LT 275/65/18
Air Intake = Discovery 3/4 intake with modifications - search threads.

[Graeme]

You could fit a Llams kit for flexible height control, allowing extra clearance when needed but able to be at standard height for most of the driving.
(NB vested interest)

[bikeman]

You could fit a Llams kit for flexible height control, allowing extra clearance when needed but able to be at standard height for most of the driving.
(NB vested interest)

Hi, there is a recent post by RSW Vogue re a bull bar. I have been in touch with Nicole, from Ulitmate 4x4. They can supply a bar for 07-12 L322 that complies with the ADR regs. They can also supply a rear bar with wheel carrier, the cost is being worked out at the moment. I will be making a visit to them soon to discuss the legalities of the bars. As soon as I have a cost for the rear bar I will let you guys know. Nicole is quite knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. Might pay to call. https://www.aulro.com/mobile-gallery/56a875b10bd531d6261e0210c6df347c.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/mobile-gallery/2ff178550482d8c453c47933f2fbca39.jpg.

[NUTTTR]

Seems like that rear bar wouldn't be too bad!

Let me know the cost! (Without wheel carrier)

[rar110]

At one stage I was contemplating a rear wheel carrier. Low and to the DS was my intention so I could still open the upper tailgate. Mounting off the tow bar receiver with chassis rail support was also an option.

[Graeme]

My not so pretty home-made carrier...