Thread: Is my Freelander TD4 a dud???

I assume you've reduced the tyres pressures considerably ???
If not, go down to around 15psi.

In my experience, the Freelander is one of the best LRs on sand in standard form. I must admit that I haven't driven a manual version on sand though but the autos are unstoppable.

Lower tyre pressures as said,keep up as much momentum as possible.Manual TD's are difficult to drive in sand,compared with an auto.In a manual you must keep the revs up high,as once they drop,as you have probably found out,it's all over.Quick gear changes are an absolute must as well.

Good luck,keep trying.

Hi Mark, I think you'r right. I think it is a dud and you should sell it to me really really cheap and buy and Kia..

The FL1 is one of the best 4wds (softroader or full on 4wd) on sand. So I would say it is either your driving style, high tyre pressures or you have a dud but after 5 years of ownership I doubt it.

Yes the clutch is a bit weak and power is reduced below about 1800rpm where the turbo is off boost but more importantly max torque comes in at about 1800rpm - but this is really no difference to other turbo engined vehicles.

You say you have burnt out your clutch getting off the beach - this indicates driving style. When you stopped did you let your tyres down further, did you dig out the wheels etc - the normal 4wd actions if you get stuck. The low ground clearance on a FL1 is a bit of a furphy as the clearance under the engine (flat surface good for sliding) is not much less than the pumpkins on most un modded 4wds. To be bogged and constantly dropping the clutch or riding it is not the way to get out - you will just dig yourself deeper.

Garry

Yes.









Seriously thogh I reckon tyre pressures are your first stop. Even less than 15 if you encounter powdery sand, but try not to steer too hard at those pressures. Unfortunately I agree that these Td4's WILL eat just about any little japper offroad, and on road too, but don't let anyone hear me say it will you?


JC

sounds like tyre pressure fer sure...
... first time I took my manual prado out on the sand it was like you explained - I'd taken the pressure down to about 20 psi - but I was revving the absolute crep out of it to make it move over the slightest of dunes.

Took the pressure down to about 15....
.... it was like a tractor.

Unstopable (... even pulled a few rangies out of trouble that day ;-)

Hi Mark,

I bought a 2005 TD4 manual freelander as well. I found it loved the beach but it took a bit of a change from me when behind the wheel.

Driving the freeway you could be a bit lazy & 'lug' the car up hills etc, but on the beach you had to be more alert & agressive with the throttle.

I found as soon as you dropped out of turbo boost the car would almost sink. Get those revs up, generally about 2.5 to 3G is fine & make sure the tyre pressure is right. The standard tyres are only 195's, but let down to about 15 psi they are ok. Last summer I spent a week on the beach at Manning Point & did not get stuck once, despite a soft & steep exit ramp.

Just be a bit carefull & not afraid to give it a bootfull, you should be OK.

Dave

Bit of a late posting, any way I have a 04 manual. Goes like the clappers in the dunes and soft sand near the waters edge. Tyre pressure low, have not gone lower than 18lbs, First gear, push the little button in at the gear stick (some times I forget ) revs up above 1800, pop the clutch and keep the reves up and your off. change up if required however this takes out the hill decent mode.
I can follow toyo's, nissies, mitch's and leave those jappy things on every steep dune. I have smoked the clutch, but that was rock climbing, I had to get pulled up this big rut. Did'nt have the ground clearance. She's got a big heart though.
Just keep the turbo in the boost range or it's over, clutch straight in, revs up, clutch out. having said that and what I know now, should have looked for an auto,
happy motoring
Bruce