Thread: The perfect 4WD?

Originally Posted by justinc

THAT, is NOT a Defender, in my opinion.


Should still be Simple, rugged, have live axles, coils and hose out interior.

If you want a 'comfortable' version, buy a Disco or RRC.


The County/ Defenders are an iconic landmark and ARE the design Datum for their intended purpose, which is hard work and no nonsense reliability.

Steer away from this criteria at your own peril, LR.


JC

The no nonsense hardworking qualities may apply to the 110 series of the 1980s, but until LandRover start fitting proper differentials, halfshafts and CV joints to Fenders IMO it doesn't apply to them I'm afraid.
Wagoo.

G'day Folks

Well whatever it looks like it will have to conform to Euro 5-6-7 or what ever and to meet US standards, And after it is OK for the rest of the world, then it has to meet AUSTRALIAN ADR's which differ (to protect the Aust Motor Vehicle Industry) just look at the farce with the 90's, a year plus to get the exhaust pipe the way ADR's wanted, and then only plated as a 2 seater, when the rest of the world has/had a Wagon (estate)

We may see it in 2019


cheers

Originally Posted by wagoo

The no nonsense hardworking qualities may apply to the 110 series of the 1980s, but until LandRover start fitting proper differentials, halfshafts and CV joints to Fenders IMO it doesn't apply to them I'm afraid.
Wagoo.

100% agree. I have been doing some Salisbury rear conversions to later 'Fenders for a while now. They started down the soft path after 2002 IMHO.

JC

Originally Posted by Fish78

I found this picture doing an image search, i cant say how authentic it is but it looks the part.

The picture on the LR mag site with ICON written in the corner is a fake, its a Ford Bronco concept, they photo-shopped a LR badge on it lol.

Sorry but that is NOT what I would call a Defender! It's a Disco with a fender grille on the front

whats wrong with the current body shape that needs upgrading? Maybe just put some new engines & gearboxes on offer and be done with it

The 76 series Landcruiser has got it nailed, live axels, V8 turbo diesel, auto or manual, factory upgrades, modern but minimalistic interior - It's all you need... why can't LR see what they are missing

The 76 doesn't have it,they aren't selling because people don't want to pay 70K for a basic workhorse,they are a 80's design with a 90's engine sold in 2010 and don't do anything well.The ''new'' Defender doesn't want to be anything like it,price wise especially. Pat

Originally Posted by Newbs-IIA

Sorry but that is NOT what I would call a Defender! It's a Disco with a fender grille on the front

whats wrong with the current body shape that needs upgrading? Maybe just put some new engines & gearboxes on offer and be done with it

The 76 series Landcruiser has got it nailed, live axels, V8 turbo diesel, auto or manual, factory upgrades, modern but minimalistic interior - It's all you need... why can't LR see what they are missing

Sorry, TOTALLY disagree with that. Overpriced and questionable reliability. Future corrosion issues are still to be experienced, and they are a shadow of the 75 series for strength and simplicity. Infact a 62 series Sahara Turbo diesel was IMHO one of the last 'great' Landcruisers.

Manufacturers continue to 'move forward', but in all reality MOST are moving away from the past reliable and simple workhorses. A true workhorse can not by definition be a comfortable luxurious family vehicle aswell, too many compromises start to creep in, eroding its original purpose.

JC

Originally Posted by justinc

Sorry, TOTALLY disagree with that. Overpriced and questionable reliability. Future corrosion issues are still to be experienced, and they are a shadow of the 75 series for strength and simplicity. Infact a 62 series Sahara Turbo diesel was IMHO one of the last 'great' Landcruisers.

Manufacturers continue to 'move forward', but in all reality MOST are moving away from the past reliable and simple workhorses. A true workhorse can not by definition be a comfortable luxurious family vehicle aswell, too many compromises start to creep in, eroding its original purpose.

JC

All are valid points which I was aware of but negelected to mention for that very reason I was trying to make a point that IMO, the Defenders are moving in the wrong direction i.e. towards the yuppy soccer-mum market whereas Toyota have at least ATTEMPTED to make something more basic...

Totally agree they are way overpriced and there have definatly been teething issues with the V8 but any moreso than the Td5 had??? or whatever the current Defender engine is?

This is why I buy Kingswoods and Series Landrovers... basic proven relyability

live axles (coil sprung)
rear LSD with manual E-lockers front and rear
4.4L TDV8 (from 2011 Range Rover)
short wb, 5 seater (maybe similar dimensions to old Discovery)
hydraulic body mounts
fully-boxed, E-coated frame with as many cross members as they can possibly fit.
Dana axles
Fox shocks (mounted outboard of frame for stability)
6 speed manual or 8 speed auto option (with dual range TFC) - paddle shifters for the auto
exhaust brake / jake brake
trailer sway control
trac/stability control
5 star crash rating (including rollover)
retro but modern body styling