Thread: D2 Extended Wheelbase Dual Cab

Originally Posted by Travis

Laingley Australia im thinking about this for mine if it doesnt sell different tray design and more mods but basic idea

Had a look at the site and they dont look too bad.

My only comment is on the White D3 dual cab they have done. They have kept the original wheelbase and therefore the entire tray is hanging past the rear axle.

I really think that for a dual cab to work on a Land Rover you need a longer wheelbase, especially if you want a usable tray and carying capacity.

The single cab D2 looks good though, if I didnt need the five seats I would go for a D2 king cab and build some drawers and fridge etc. into the extra cab space.

I am currently looking at options for a Defender chassis as the start of my build, from what I have been informed they are probably the strongest chassis around and will give me the extra wheelbase required for the dual cab chop and an increased GVM.

Now just to decide what wheelbase I want. Do I want just 110" (2794mm) wheelbase and a more off-road specific vehicle with minimum tray or go for something longer with the 130" (or 127" as it is, 3226mm) and still build something as tough as possible but with a bit more capacity and a bit more practicality.

If only there was something in the middle around the 115 - 120" to use, hold on there almost is, Devon 4x4 sell extended rear arms etc. to turn a 90" into a 100" so a 110" chassis with extended arms and there you have it.

Maybe not that simple though.

In terms of viability, why not just buy a defender to begin with, you will save thousands. And from your ambitious plan, I take it you will want to play hard off road? In that case a 130in wheel base will be a nightmare, you can kiss slow creek runs good bye. You need about 60million acres to turn them around...even the 110 guys complain about the terrible turning circle, which is a real downer in the bush on the tight tracks.

Originally Posted by Hendrik

In terms of viability, why not just buy a defender to begin with, you will save thousands.

Ever sat in a Defender?

The answer is right there...

Originally Posted by BigJon

Ever sat in a Defender?

The answer is right there...

That is a good point.

I would like a defender but they are not confortable, especially compared to the disco and I want to stick with the V8 and Auto. And its a Disco what more can I say.

If I could buy a Defender 110 Dual Cab with Disco Comfort, V8 and Auto I would be sold.

I understand the issues with a longer wheelbase on creek runs and turning etc. however I would not have thought 110" would be too bad or even up to 120".

The vehicle of choice at comps still seems to be the Nissan Patrol with the GU having a wheelbase of 2970mm or 117".

im not a fan of extended WB on dual cabs unless you have 35s or bigger as you ramp over angle suffers alot

Travis,

I agree in regards to stretching the wheelbase on a Land Cruiser or a Patrol as they are already a large wheelbase. I just dont think a dual cab Discovery is practicle with the standard wheelbase as shown in the attached pic of a D3. The whole tray is hanging of the back, past the rear axle. It may still have the factory ramp over angle provided by a 100" wheelbase but the daparture angle is lousy.

Also in that instance the tray probably weighs more than the metal that was cut off, so the payload is reduced and the weight possibly pushed further back effecting the weight distribution of the vehicle and possibly effecting handling.

I would still rather have a slighlty longer wheelbase and a good set of sliders with an improved departure angle.

On a side note, I am looking at running 35's and a lift to suit so chances are my ramp over would still be better than a std disco.

yeah i understand what you mean, what would you be doing about increaded width of wheelbase?

Originally Posted by Travis

increaded width of wheelbase?

Not entirely sure of the question, however hopefully this is what your after.

I am looking at using a Defender 110 chassis, possibly a reproduced galvanised one ordered with the V8 engine mounts.

From there the body outriggers will likely have to be removed and re-attached in the correct locations to suit the disco body.

As for the final wheelbase this will depend on what I need to keep 35" tyres (on-road) clear of the rear wall of the cab. I dont want it to look like a chopped down wagon with the space from the rear wheel arch just filled in. I want it to look like a proper dual cab body with no rear arch visible or noticible. If I need to go larger than a 110" wheelbase I will go to 120" with the use of parts from Devon 4x4. I am looking at using one of their rear crossmembers that replaces the entire swept down section on the rear of the chassis. From there the spring and shock mounts are moved back by 10" and longer trailing arms put in along with an a-frame extension arm to match. The following link shows what I am talking about on thir website Devon 4x4 Off Road - Challenge 90 Rebuild : Rear winch mount and suspension mounts

I still need to check out issues with wheel track on the vehicle, I am hopeing to widen it around 100mm minimum.

I am currently trying to piece together as much data as possible and start to produce some design drawings soon to go to the engineer and Qld Transport for approval in principle.