Anything I should know?

**rmp** · 3rd April 2009, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by asterix

OZ,

Yes i fully understand how there is virtually no suspension mods to enhance offroad ability and no aftermarket diff locks and that tyre choice is limited. For what i want (island hopping, some 4wd parks and the Cape) the D3 will be fit for purpose. Having owned a lot of different vehicles (some heavily modified and some not) they all had one thing in common. Whenever suspension kits, diff locks, power enhancement and the vast array of kit gets added, it does little to enhance the enjoyment, safety and performance where my vehicles spend most of their life these days(unfortunately),,, on-road.

A good friend has purchased a 200 series VX diesel and has spent another $20k on extras. It is more capable than stock and there is a lot of companies that make almost anything you could want to put on them. But i dont want something that i HAVE to spend $20k on, to perform the way the D3 will (with a rear E diff). I have seen 1st hand how capable a well driven D3 is, both in person and on camera. Sure they wont go major rock hopping without bending panels and breaking bits and i am aware that i cant fit 35" muddies, but im also not 25 anymore. I have a family that i want to show all the places i have been in our beautiful country and do it in the haven of a comfortable, capable and most importantly SAFE vehicle.

I have been to the Cape twice, first in a MY82 Subaru wagon with a 2" lift kit and 14" Desert Duellers (that was a true adventure!!) and the second time in a V6 NL Pajero SWB. I'm really loking forward to taking the D3 there, as i know it will be supremely more comfortable and capable.

Sorry for the rant, but i am becoming more atuned towards the D3 and cant wait until my current lease expires (imaging how my wife is sick of my raving about the D3

)

Hope i didnt offend or bore anyone, just my 2cents worth.

cheers
Geoff

It's easy to spend $20k on a D3. However, none of that money will really go into improving offroad capability. It'll go into improving touring capability.

**Desert Traveller** · 5th April 2009, 08:02 PM

Totally agree, having spent $20k on extras. The only ones that help the offroad capability are
1. Tyres - running MTR's
2. Rear Kaymar Bar - stop ripping off the plastic skin off the rear bumper.
3. Adjusting the suspension height by changing the sensor rods (a number of ways to achieve this end, need to visit Disco3 to catch up on developments).
4. Some additional underbody protection

Of the above only tyres really make any difference, the others are insurance. For 99% of occcasions this is all that is required as a D3 with an e-diff (and DCS "turned" off) is awesome.

**jonesfam** · 5th April 2009, 10:02 PM

Yep! Wondering about tyres.
Should we end up with a D3, do I change the tyres straight away or wear the Wranglers out first?
Will I do a better deal changing them while they are new?
The Pathie came with 17" Wranglers which are still on it. After 8 months they are showing a fair bit of stone damage but I was surprised the went OK in the mud during the wet. They did struggle in the black mud but went fine in the red mud. They have a few K's in them yet.
On the Terracan I had Yoko ATS tyres, they were very good but cost a few bob.
Jonesfam

**rmp** · 6th April 2009, 05:35 AM

If you need offroad rubber, swap the tyres immediately.

Thread: Anything I should know?

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