4x4 critique requested.

[bob10]

Now I just watched this, this is not a " mine is better than yours post" I would be interested in the experienced members could cast their eye over this, & give an opinion if these fellows have done it right. Apparently 4 jeeps broke an axle this day. [ no, not the same axle, to get in first] Bob

Discovery II, jeep breaking axle.. - YouTube (http://youtu.be/HSyHC5cnAo4)

[dswatts]

Looks like the disco is locked

[zulu Delta 534]

In my opinion the Jeeps, which are quite capable vehicles, in this instance, are hampered by being fitted with tyres too wide for the weight of the particular vehicles (great flotation but no traction) and as a result are simply spinning rather than moving. Traction is all about the amount of rubber laid in the direction of travel (rather than width) and in a size/weight ratio that allows enough weight to keep that surface in contact with the road.
I was always taught that excessive power is the enemy when traction is limited, but this basic fact seems to have been long forgotten in today's world of "big is best".
Narrower tyres, less throttle and the jeeps would/should have conquered those challenges with similar aplomb of the Rover, which had similar sized tyres, twice the weight and more sensible use of torque applied rather than brute horsepower.
Of course traction control would also help in this case.
Having said that, those tyres would possibly be quite adequate under different conditions.
One of the problems with a vehicle that is designed to operate generally "off road" such as these vehicles are, is the fact that there are so many differing aspects of "off road", and the driver has to make a decision to fit the type of tyres that suit his (perceived) main usage and these tyres are obviously not going to be suitable for every single scenario encountered.
Regards
Glen

[wrinklearthur]

Driving technique of the Discovery driver plays a good part, notice how he eases off the rev's when the momentum is being lost, thus allowing the wheels to keep synchronised with the ground.

Then watch the Jeep owner rev harder as traction is lost, his wheels just tearing at the ground without gaining any grip.
.

[AnD3rew]

Awesome tracks, would love to have a go.

In the absence of lockers and upgraded longer travel suspension etc, if you get a tough steep track and you are lifting wheels and losing traction, unless you just winch up, you just need to choose your line carefully and use power to get through. Unfortunately this is pretty tough on componentry and you will get failures if you do it enough times and hard enough. You can sometimes reduce the power needed and the risk by doing some judicious track repair, You can try and find another way through and so on to reduce your risk but sometimes power is the only answer.

[bob10]

Did it look as though they had the right tyre pressures? Seemed to me the Jeeps tyres were pumped right up, and I agree that it seemed too much power was applied, where finesse may have been better. The larger tyres may have contributed to the broken axles, do you think? Seems a matter of capable vehicles being driven incorrectly, is there a lesson to be learned from this? Bob

[isuzutoo-eh]

Jeeps seem to have rather finicky throttles, the slightest blip turns into a blast of wheel-spinning power.
The dark coloured Jeep also sounded like it was stuporcharged, which will hardly help with feathering the throttle. It was obviously lifted, and swb Jeeps haven't the best suspension geometry as far as I understand-hence long arm kits are available.
The white Jeep had very limited up-travel in the suspension, judging by the lack of clearance between tyres and guards. Suspension travel is important!
The Disco (driver) on the other hand showed a gentle throttle and with typical Landy suspension it would have had reasonable travel and balance.
Lockers certainly would have helped too ;)

[DiscoMick]

Too heavy a right foot certainly didn't help the Jeeps. The Landy was being driven gently. Was it locked or was that traction control?

I also enjoyed this one:

Land Rover vs. Land Cruiser - YouTube

[Tote]

They look like pretty reasonable tyres on the Jeep as well. Most of the jeep communities agree that one you get up around 35" tyres the standard diffs wont last long.

Regards,
Tote