Vehicle & Technical > Freelander

So just how good off-road are they?

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cotefarmboy:
I am looking at a late FL1 TD4 Auto and want to use it off-road a fair bit. I know the ground clearance is an issue but I am thinking of fitting slightly bigger tyres along with some under-body protection, will it really embarrass me at the pay-n-play or can it really hold its own?

Not comparing with a Defender of course but say compared to a Disco 1?

Opting for Auto to compensate for lack of low-range as I reckon it will be better than slipping the clutch to control a manual version, HDC and a bit of left foot braking should help on descents, main issue is will it handle ruts and mud OK if fitted with decent rubber. Will the Traction Control keep me going?

Main reason for the choice is it will be a daily drive so need reasonable economy and comfort. D1 is out due to rot and reliability, D2 also unreliable and too thirsty.

Can't think of another decent 4x4 around £10k that can do 35mpg+ and go off-road, anyone got any ideas?

Help !!!"

schuee:
Evening Andy,

Have had my TD4 from new for the last 3 years, and on the whole I'm really happy with it, had a few problems with the old girl though all sorted under warranty so anything you are looking at now should have been seen to and hopefully sorted out.
Now regarding using it for off road use, I use my Freelander to drive the length and breadth of the country and find it a pleasure to drive, and mine is a commercial model which has the most basic of trim and everything is plastic ( no worries about the inside getting muddy ) ;) have driven top of the range FL1's as courtesy cars and must say if you can get one go for it.
So the upshot is I try not to damage it as I don't want to be without it, the only damage I have sustained from greenlaning is two anti roll bar link arms and a few scratches.regarding greenlaning I know the hippo is slung low, so you have to pick your route carefully ie, through deep rutts and get used to the scraping noises as you slide along.The Freelander seems to cope really well in the really muddy stuff and keeps on sliding through were other Landy drivers thought I would get stuck, not sure if its due to the weight of the vehicle or how flat the under belly is, or maybe its the drivers ability ;) :lol: :lol: :lol: or it just could be luck.
I think if you were to mod a Freelander with a lift etc would make a great off road toy seen some modded ones on MC though you could check out http://www.mad-freelanders.org.uk/, not sure if this is correct though I've heard if you put too aggresive tyres on the traction control does'nt work correctly.So to sum it up its an ideal everyday car and also you can still have good if not too extreme fun either off-roading at a p&p or legal greenlaning.

Cheers
Keith

Rockin Robin:
You might find that you’re embarrassing others at pay & play sites. Auto is def. best option off road and because FL is a lot lighter you’ll find it will sail through some sections where others are breaking out the winches and tow ropes! TC will propel you through most sticky situations, but yes … you do have to bear in mind the ground clearance issues - particularly when dealing with very deep ruts.



It would be best to ditch the OE plastic sump guard, and source a good Mantec replacement, as you’ll be spending a fair amount of time sliding along on it! Sills can also be vulnerable, but sliders are available from the likes of Bearmach. The exhaust silencer is also supposed to be vulnerable, but I’ve yet to do any serious damage to mine! I have a 1.5” lift, and  run 215/80/15 MT’s off road, giving about 3” additional ground clearance (and it looks a lot better too  ;)).

And at the end of the day,  I can clean off the mud and I have a leather upholstered, air conditioned quiet comfortable motor which turns in 35-40mpg. If you can (and are bothered about cost) try and source a pre-March 2001 model, since the TD4 auto will be hit hard by the Gov’ts  new tax regime - £430 in 2010  :shock:

cotefarmboy:
Lift kit is certainly on the cards, is it simple to do a 1.5" lift, i.e. does it affect steering geometry. propshafts etc or is it a simple spring and shock upgrade?

redhand:

--- Quote from: Rockin Robin on June 16, 2008, 23:00:08 --- I have a 1.5” lift, and  run 215/80/15 MT’s off road, giving about 3” additional ground clearance (and it looks a lot better too  ;)).


--- End quote ---

I'm a bit confused at that staement as in order to increase ground clearance. you have to fit bigger tyres. all the lift kits in the world don't change the height if the axles & diffs. In order to lift these 3" you would have to increase tyre diameter by 6". A body lift might get the floorpan higher but it doesn't change the ground clearance of the vehicle.

Also with no low box getting up steep slopes is a nightmare.

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