Thread: Vogue L322 TDv8

Hi Charita,

Welcome to the forum.

There are a few things that can be, and have been done, to newer Range Rovers to make them more bush ready. Unfortunately the array of after market gear that is available for other models is pretty scarce for a FFRR. Some of the stuff designed for the D3/D4 e.g. bullbars will fit with modification but raises a few issues with insurance and such. There are a few members on here that have fitted them. Have a search around and you'll find a few posts here and there.

Fitting a set of rock sliders to protect the sills is always a sound policy as these vehicles are a reasonably long wheelbase and more prone to ramp over damage than, say, a 'fender 90.

If you want to be thorough there are protective covers available for most of the driveline although it is pretty well tucked up out of harms way underneath anyway.

As for the interior, no-one here in Australia seems to produce a cargo barrier. There is a full height barrier produced by LR which conforms to EU safety standards (the standard is less strick than AU but only very marginally so). IMHO if you're going to test it to it's limits under duress this difference will not really matter. It's a slightly awkward shape to fit due to needing to keep clear of the curtain airbags. This may be what deters the locals from building one. Don't know. I have the genuine LR product fitted to my 03MY.

Don't know about the 07 but in the earlier ones the little storage cubby in quarter panel of the rear drivers side (where the rear fuse box is) there is an ideal spot for a second battery. Again have a fossick around on the forum and you'll find plenty on this.

Tyres are a huge matter of personal preference. I run GG AT2s (stock size) and have had no issue with them so far.

As for taking it into the outback. I took mine out into the Finders Ranges and parts north to check out the water in Lake Eyre for about two weeks late last year. No problems experienced and an absolute dream to tour in.

There's not a huge amount of cargo space but with the cargo barrier there's enough there for a couple of weeks of touring for two people.

Hope that helps give you an insight. This could go on for pages and hours.

If you have some specific questions I and others here will be happy to respond if we can.

Cheers,
Iain

Hi Charita and unfortunately there are huge differences between the TD6 and TDV8.

Most of the gear available for the TD6 does fit the TDV8 but the biggest problem is the ridiculous 20” mags and tyres.

While your version of the L322 has similar offroad electronics as the D4, the old ( TD6 ) is far more agile off road.

There is a few pictures of a TDV8 in the states with a few mods, including smaller rims and bigger offroad tyres but I have been unable to get any info on how it was done.

Again, the tyres are going to be your biggest stumbling block to getting off road properly.

I gave up trying more than two years ago, and I bought mine specifically to take it off road.

You will found out pretty quickly that it’s a great CAR, but a pathetic excuse for an off road vehicle.

I believe you can alter the shape of the brake calliper to allow smaller rims to fit but I have no idea how this effects the vehicle’s breaking and or handling ability.

Hi Charita,
In Perth you have easy access to the guys at Green Oval. www.greenovalexperience.com they have 18" wheels for the TDV8 sport which I imagine would fit the RR TDV8. If so, then you have the option of General Grabbers AT2 in 265/60/18, I have used these without a problem on my RR TD6 for outback travel, (Ghan route to Alice, Gulf road etc). After my latest trip I decided that a little more clearance would be good and have now a special set for out back travel - 265/65/18 BFG's. I have had only a little time with these, they are a signifigantly larger tyre than the 60 profile tyres. They seem to have adequate clearance on my 02 RR after modifying the cover to the fuel filler line (RHS rear wheel well). I am not sure if there is much difference in the body work between your model and mine, but if the clearance is the same then you should be able to run the larger tyres. Incidently the larger tyres eliminate the speedo error on my car it reads the exact speed. I have driven the TDV8 and love the engine it is great to drive. Hopefully you will find a solution that works, if so please share it so that we all can learn. I would love to upgrade at some time in the future.
Peter

Whilst the Green Oval 18" rims will fit the 3.6L V8D unfortunately they won't fit over the bigger brakes in the 4.4L TDV8 or the Supercharged V8 Petrol.

Originally Posted by RangieBit

Fitting a set of rock sliders to protect the sills is always a sound policy as these vehicles are a reasonably long wheelbase and more prone to ramp over damage than, say, a 'fender 90.

You could plug in a LLAMS kit to get additional suspension height control, just like D3/D4/RRS owners.

If you have the need to get a bull bar (Like me and most others) we are desperately trying to get one manufactured.
The only place willing to do this without 10+ worth of deposits is xrox in perth and they will need the car for around 2 days. So you are lucky to have that option and we are all hoping you choose to do this so we can then buy one! haha

I also do NOT agree with "drivesafe" and the claim that the FFRR is "a pathetic excuse for an off road vehicle", in my opinion the combination of the traction control and the flexibility of the air suspension makes it one of the best factory off road vehicles available, especially when compared to the standard capabilities of the patrols and land cruisers. As long as you drive it like a range rover and let the car do the work that is.