Thread: Time to buy a 6x6

Originally Posted by Silenceisgolden

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Jackofalltrades, I wanted to up the ratios for less noise, not higher speeds. We seldom drive on bitumen so speed is not much use. As to the rear suspension, I am hoping that the extra flotation of the dual rear axles will be better in deep desert sand. Do you have any thoughts on this?

On our last two Edjit journeys we've taken a 6x6. In 2014 we drove cross country for 7 days in the northern Simpson and the vehicle was incredible. It had no more difficulty than the 110's and 130 travelling with it.

Thanks Weeds, thanks Numpty. That all sounds good, I am really looking forward to getting one of these and setting it up for long trips. I guess I will need to get bigger fuel tanks if they do chew more fuel than an Oka. Even with 210 litres in the Oka we sometimes need jerry cans - bloody big country, this!
Cheers,
Paul

Subject to having equal weight on board two extra wheels on the ground is fifty percent more grip and surface area. Worked well in the desert heavily loaded for our SAS.

If I had the money, ah there I go dreaming again.

Cheers

Mike

Originally Posted by Silenceisgolden

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Jackofalltrades, I wanted to up the ratios for less noise, not higher speeds. We seldom drive on bitumen so speed is not much use. As to the rear suspension, I am hoping that the extra flotation of the dual rear axles will be better in deep desert sand. Do you have any thoughts on this?

sorry mate needed to figure out your logic, make sure you hadn't gone goggle eyed for the extra axle, (think that happens a bit)

Diff ratio is nothing to with noise, thats a diff problem, either bearing or mesh, wrong oil

Oh the rear suspension is impressive for ride and handling on bad surfaces no question there, extra brakes are nice to

Buy the later bushranger with ROPS on the back, if your doing proper touring has the extra stuff for distance, run the 235/85 on army rims, (bigger tyres more weight eats the GVM etc)

go and drive one, think I would stay away from the auction if your doing long runs, (unless your set-up for overhaul)

But you have 130?

not sure if I already had a good 130 that I would go for the extra work of the 6x6, that depends on coin & time etc

You will need safari roof, I would go with ladders over winch


I bought mine as a plate form it can do everything I need to, and accept all the compromises, big plus I have leg room,

Originally Posted by Jackofalltrades

Diff ratio is nothing to with noise, thats a diff problem, either bearing or mesh, wrong oil

I think the reference to noise is lower the engine revs.......as sitting on $1.05 in a 6B she is at max revs

6x6. road speed 80-90 km (not that loud) do wear ear muffs long runs until sound proofing done

on steep hills 60km empty or loaded

thats the speed reality,

they are short on displacement, windage effects them, hills,

4.11 to 4.7 diffs deepening on gearbox engine combo generally give 80-90km usually only done to provide torque for load carrying / offroad


the lose of speed is offset by the handling, ride, cab space, payload, cheap consumables, over engineered, jacking points, wider track, etc

Thanks Weeds and Jackofalltrades, Yes Weeds, it is the reduced engine noise I was looking for with the higher ratios.
Jackofalltrades, the 130 is great, but I am getting soft and want a fully comfortable camper on the back. The 130 doesn't have the payload capability or really the low down engine torque needed to carry a bit of weight over sand dunes. Also the standard Defender cab is too small to fit the amount of sound proofing I want.
Whatever 6x6 I end up buying, I will probably get the KLR beefed up turbo.
Is there anywhere on-line that I can find the history of any vehicle I am looking at if I have the ARN?
Cheers, Paul