Getting a used D4 - rear diff dilemma

[chp]

Greeting,

I planned on getting a used D4 before Christmas but unfortunately vehicle with rear diff lock are not that plentiful.
The D4 is not just going to be just for city driving, I do plan on taking the D4 off-road like Vic High Country, Cameron Corner etc.
Three Questions:
1. With the above kind of driving I am anticipating, how difficult will be the trip without a rear diff option.
2. some other thread mentioned possible ARB option. Has anyone actually install an ARB front diff lock ? If you have, is it a big gain in the vehicle traction ability ?
3. Anyone actually installed any other 3rd party diff lock on their D4 ?

Very much appreciate your comments if you have first hand (or second hand) experience with my kind of situation.

Thanks

[Epic pooh]

I wouldn't be that concerned about the absence of a rear e-diff - regard it as a nice to have option but not critical. I've survived for a long time without one as have many others. As far as I understand it the D4 has improved traction control over my vehicle on account of having bigger brakes and that the absence of an e-diff is even less noticeable in a D4.

For the trips you are considering, wheel size and fitment of appropriate tyres would be your number one concern. HTH and welcome.

[LeighW]

Hi and welcome chp - I agree with Epic pooh, choice of tyres will have a big effect on suitability for offroad conditions. The e-diff is a 'nice-to-have' option but the advances of the TR (even from D3 to D4) mean that it will handle most of the heavy stuff anyway.

Just saying; tyre choice is important...

[~Rich~]

I agree with the above comments however I'd be purchasing LLAMS before investing in either a front ( available for D4 & D3) or a rear locker ( only available at this time for the D3)

Clearance & Tyre choice is more important than the lockers.

[WhiteD3]

I didn't have an eDiff in the D3 but do in the D4 although I doubt its ever been activated. FYI my D4 is in the markets section.

[Bytemrk]

When I was looking to purchase my D4, I had put a eDiff in the "must have" category..mainly because everyone told me I needed it and the car would be used off road.

The car I ended up buying does not have one.... I bought it because it had everything else and more at the right price.

I don't regret that decision at all - having just come back from some time up near Lithgow with some of the guys here I can tell you no eDiff made no difference at all..... this thing will still go places my previously well kitted D2 would not make.

If you can find one... go for it... if not I really wouldn't stress.

[chp]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your comment and it helps to validate what I had suspected. As for the tyres setup, I do have in my list as the first item to look into once I get the car. Too bad there are not too many rim/tyre options for the a newer D4. Reading from the other thread it looks like the GOE rim is currently the best option but at a high price. I guess it's going to be a one time pain.

A bit of story on my journey in getting a 4WD vehicle. I started about 3 months back starting with the popular 4WD make - toyota, nissan, isuzu etc ... but not the Land Rover. I actually narrowed down to the Toyota 200 series and was just waiting for the right car (price wise) to come along.
Last month I attended the Sydney 4WD show and had the opportunity to test out the Discovery and the RRS. It was the wake up call for me. Though the 200 series is a good car, it feels very big, in term of ride quality the D4 has a bit of edge over it. In terms of what you can get at the same price level the D4 is better value for the money, I feel. More importantly, though the exterior looks smaller than the 200 series, the interior feels just as comfortable. I never would have considered any of the Land Rover cars as I had the preconceived idea these cars are only for people who wants a good car to driving round town. Maybe it's just the prestige image. As I do more research I can see the D4 is very capable 4WD vehicle. Like everyone else, I wish LR would have put in a more 4WD'ing friendly set of rims.

Thanks guys, look forward to participate more in the forum AND getting out there with you guys soon.

-chp

[Graeme]

Too bad there are not too many rim/tyre options for the a newer D4.Keep and eye out for owner feedback on the 19" Duratrac that have only just become available locally.

[nat_89]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your comment and it helps to validate what I had suspected. As for the tyres setup, I do have in my list as the first item to look into once I get the car. Too bad there are not too many rim/tyre options for the a newer D4. Reading from the other thread it looks like the GOE rim is currently the best option but at a high price. I guess it's going to be a one time pain.

A bit of story on my journey in getting a 4WD vehicle. I started about 3 months back starting with the popular 4WD make - toyota, nissan, isuzu etc ... but not the Land Rover. I actually narrowed down to the Toyota 200 series and was just waiting for the right car (price wise) to come along.
Last month I attended the Sydney 4WD show and had the opportunity to test out the Discovery and the RRS. It was the wake up call for me. Though the 200 series is a good car, it feels very big, in term of ride quality the D4 has a bit of edge over it. In terms of what you can get at the same price level the D4 is better value for the money, I feel. More importantly, though the exterior looks smaller than the 200 series, the interior feels just as comfortable. I never would have considered any of the Land Rover cars as I had the preconceived idea these cars are only for people who wants a good car to driving round town. Maybe it's just the prestige image. As I do more research I can see the D4 is very capable 4WD vehicle. Like everyone else, I wish LR would have put in a more 4WD'ing friendly set of rims.

Thanks guys, look forward to participate more in the forum AND getting out there with you guys soon.

-chp

They are an awesome car they really blow a lot of people away as they just don't consider them and realise how good they actually are!! I find nearly everything about the D4 better than a 200 series. The only things the 200 series has over the D4 is bigger fuel tank and a great size fridge plus the wheel choices aswell, but boy stand on the brakes on the D4 and sheesh these things pull up quick. They are a great car and you will love it guaranteed and it will always bring a smile to your face.