Thread: The perfect 4WD?

Originally Posted by superquag

Phantom,
of course you don't need to put the seat all the way back to feel comfortable...at least regarding leg-room... the steering wheel is way too close and the pedals too far away, relatively.

It would suit anyone with extra-long legs and short arms/prefers the British, 90+ degree bent arm position.

Grumpy James in Perth

Yes but..... this complaint fits most British cars. However, I did a bit of race track driver training and the first thing they taught us was the obvious - with 'straight arm' driving, Sir has less control over the steering wheel. I was told immediately to move the seat forward and he was quite right, much more control. I use all my vehicles that way now, bent arms definitely makes for more sensitive control.

Cheers all,

Paul

Originally Posted by Tikirocker

Dunno ... for me the perfect 4WD is one that has a traditionally mechanical engine system ... not one that relies heavily on electronics and computer chips etc. Call me a Luddite though.

I voted with my feet and bought a County, feels pretty damned perfect to me at this point.

S.

Totally agree,



With reference to the Cruiser, I priced up both a few weeks ago,

1: The LR dealer doesn't want a bar of you until you start walking away, the Toyo dealers were more than helpful

2: The LC is 10k more than the Defer, but the service costs are 1/3 the price of Landrover's service costs, added up the Cruiser works out around 5k more than the Defer

3: The LC has the ability to get serviced nationwide, the Defer still hasn't got the dealer network

4: LR assist, all good and well, I can get my broken car home, what about the horses, float, family, luggage etc...

Both cars have had reliability issues, that need addressing, both are vastly overpriced for what they are.

All this plus, the members on here who approached me about buying my County and either lost interest or in one case asked so many stupid irrelevant questions and that they nearly got told where to stick their Nimbin cash (sorry near queensland border cash).



After much thought, I have decided to rebuild mine. Doing it this way might (I doubt it though) cost me more than 50k but eventually it will be a much better vehicle.

Originally Posted by superquag

As someone only recently infected with Rover-itis, (bought a 94 Vogue SE) and has owned an old 89 diesel Pajero for more than a few years....

I have never experienced such crappy unreliability in what are the 'basics'... like wiring thats inadequate in gauge and LENGTH, switchgear that is far from robust, door-handles that are a consumable item....

My left-field fantasy... (reality if I win Lotto)

Take the chassis of an older Rangie, or Defender, put it under a Gen1 (mine) or Gen 2 PAJERO body... engine of your choice... then you'd have a body that gives you heaps of 'human' room. rear seat leg space better than Patrols, certainly more than ANY Def or Disco, and most importantly, electrics that work, and keep on working, that don't fall apart, and even rear side windows that wind ALL the way down !!!

Maybe not literally, but the Paj is way more efficient in its interior space, the seats are pretty decent, and the proportions virtually perfect. - As much as I love it, the Rangie's steering wheel is too small and tooo close to the driver...and pedals a tad too far. Sideways legroom is much less than the Paj even though the vehicle is wider.

And don't start me about the lack of headroom for a 5'10" person !!!

Quite bluntly, Rover missed the boat 30+ years ago as far as sensible and practical body design goes.

As much as I love the Classic, there is NO way my Paj is leaving the family fleet. - Nothing (japanese) ever breaks on it!

James in Perth

Looks like you got the right car there sunshine. Ever wonder why they didn't call your perfect car a Pajero in Spanish speaking countries?

1996 OKA LT Multi-cab

Well we've owned many 4WD's over the years, Series II, Series III, RRC, P38A, D2, Troopy, Jeep and now this. OKA call it the 'The Ultimate 4WD" and they're not far off the mark.
No fancy electronics and computers here. The only electronics are the radio and the speedo, neither of which is essential. If you removed the fuel stop solenoid you could even do away with the complete alternator/electrical system and still be 100% mobile.

4 litre Turbo Perkins
Spicer 5 speed all synchro gearbox
Massive Vickers Armoured car transfer case (usually Rockwell)
Dana 70 rear / Dana 60 front with LSD's both ends.
Factory dual batterys, SS water tank and 12000lb Warn winch on front
8500lb Thomas winch on rear
305/70R19.5 tyres and wheels with solid centres (1/2 inch plate)
Inbuilt snorkel in 'b' pillar behind drivers head.
Twin 105 litre fuel tanks
Loooooooooooooong semi elliptical leaves with dual shockers and aeliron rubbers at each corner for a beautifully smooth ride.

A delight to own and drive, and best of all..............

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Deano

Does look good. Mind me asking how much does it weigh, what's its fuel range and how much does it cost?

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Does look good. Mind me asking how much does it weigh, what's its fuel range and how much does it cost?

G'day Mick,

Tare is 3920, Gross is 5500 and GCM (with a trailer) 7500. It is possible to get under 4500Kg GVM depending on body type, fit out and wheel/tyre combo if cheaper rego and driving with a car license is reqd.
On our recent trip to WA and up the CSR averaged 16.5 l/100Km, fully loaded, to Kalgoorlie sitting on 100 Km/h. Doesn't change much when in 4WD on the dirt but the sand knocks it about a bit. On the CSR used 230 litres from Wiluna to Kunawaritji (near Well 33), haven't worked it out properly but is probably around 20 l/100Km. Tanks hold 210 litres, had 60 litres in jerrys for a total of 270 litres.
The OKA cost us under $30K 18 months ago as a basic unit, multi-cab and tray with 8.25R16 wheels and tyres and < 160K's on the clock. They come in single cab, dual cab, multi-cab and bus derivatives being the most common. Have spent extra on Dynamat (magic stuff) soundproofing in cabin, carpet and seat retrim, 19.5" rims and tyres (6 off), upgraded axles, yokes and LSD's, additional rear winch and 50 metres Dynamica rope. Plus building in the back. All up probably spent another $15K. Worth every penny as is now a very comfortable and capable 4WD tourer.
Spare parts are readily available as the vehicle is made in Australia and many of the parts are locally manafactured or sourced.

Deano

Agree, I have had three now.

I have had Landrovers, Landcruisers, Patrols etc etc.

With a family you end up towing a trailer etc.

Not so for the OKA.


Plenty are getting engine swaps now with a Cummins 6bt. A engine that is simple, but ultra reliable.

Also with the OKA, you can swap bodies etc to suit.


See pictures

BTW
Pictures are all same vehicle