4x4 Green laning [Archive] - SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum

_Stretchie_

29-03-09, 10:44 PM

Following on from the laugh at Grunty giggles thread...

I went up there last week at lunch and had a look at where she got stuck and I can see how (although that won't stop me taking the pee ;) ). It was a REALLY deep trench that it slid into.

We went out on Thursday from Barnstaple over to Taunton on Greenlanes. It was AMAZING, I can't believe what these vehicles can do.

Started off on a very steep decline, tight lanes and trees smaking off the car, the next lane was the same but going up hill on a very steep slope over stone and slate, the third lane was a problem and we got stuck, but 2 hours later and lots of effort using a hand winch got us on our way... And then some more, it was FANTASTIC..

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1176Medium.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1177Medium.jpg

That is a STEEP slope, the uppermost car (my Disco) is WAAAY higher than the the other car (N reg 90. GORGEOUS)
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1183Medium.jpg

Big descent
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1185Medium.jpg

This photo was taken perfectly level, you can see how steep it is, we just came down that, and also the difference in height between the left and right side of the track
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1199Medium.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1191Medium.jpg

This is Graham's 90 who we were with
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1202Medium.jpg

On the way up....
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1204Medium.jpg

We got stuck and I had to get out.... Unfortunatley the lane was a bit narrow here... And I had to get out through the window..
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1205Medium.jpg

No.. Really...
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1206Medium.jpg

Here's where we were stuck
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1208Medium.jpg

We got over it and had the same problem with the rear, even with another 4x4 pulling us we had to give up and do some digging and get the hand winch out
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1211Medium.jpg

We got wedged against the lane wall
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1213Medium.jpg

This might make more sense
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1214Medium.jpg

A few more battle scars on the Disco now
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1219Medium.jpg

Get the winch out again.!!!!
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1221Medium.jpg

DIIIIIRTY car
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1228Medium.jpg

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 10:47 PM

That looks fun!

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 10:53 PM

Oh, what a great, great day that was. The dogs loved it, we loved it, graham loved it and even one of the farmers we met loved it!

One thing I will mentions is that if we had had all the protection under our disco, we would not have heard a big loud bang against a rock and lost our diff lock and we would probably have been able to get over that bit of lane ourselves. However, with at least one wheel at a time well off the ground, no diff lock means no traction!

Looks like we'll be drilling out the rivets to get to the transfer box again love!

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 10:54 PM

I want a go!!!

_Stretchie_

29-03-09, 10:59 PM

Well, we're up to Scotland this week
; )

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:10 PM

Oh!!! Where? Where?

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:10 PM

Yeah.....lets take MBK greenlaning. MKB, do you know anyone that has a decent 4x4??

hehehehe!!!

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:12 PM

Erm.....ma dad hs a mitsibushi L200.....I think.....no idea what a "decent" 4x4 is!

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:12 PM

Oh!!! Where? Where?

Oooh, as a copper, can you get OS maps that show all the legal byways, boats and UCR's?

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:15 PM

????? I have NO idea! boats? UCR's?

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:17 PM

????? I have NO idea! boats? UCR's?

haha, sorry.....BOAT (byway open to all traffic) UCR (Unclassified Right of Way).

We'd be more than happy to go out for a trundle while up there so long as we have someone in a vehicle that can tow us out...lol.

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:18 PM

a dont know where i would find that out!

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:21 PM

It was just wishful thinking.....can get an OS map for £7...lol

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:23 PM

lol! So where abouts in Scotland are you going? Bearing in mind it is a big place!

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:27 PM

Looking at going to Crail, but may move inland a bit as we'll be in a tent and I am beginning to think that being on the coast may prove a little too fresh! Would like to be around Fife though if poss as I think it would be good for Dan to see Edinburgh, ST.Andrews etc on his first visit to the glorious land!
Would love to take him to the Wallace Monument in Stirling as well, but I think he'd faint at the sight of the steps and we'll have all four dogs with us too!

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:29 PM

hehe! A fair bit away from my part o the world really! Fife is a nice area. I've not been to the Wallace Monument.

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:29 PM

A bit far from you :-(

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:31 PM

hehe! A fair bit away from my part o the world really! Fife is a nice area. I've not been to the Wallace Monument.

You'll get there and think, "hmmmm, a pretty monument on top of a hill....big ****ing deal"!
Then you'll climb the steps, climb up the monument and see the actual sword of William Wallace and wonder how they could have ever cast such a shorty as Mel gibson to play him ( IT'S HUGE), then you'll get to the top and see the view and all the work and travel is worth it.

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:31 PM

:( I no, if you are ever going to belfast thru stranraer let me no.....its the only time anyone comes my direction!

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:33 PM

:( I no, if you are ever going to belfast thru stranraer let me no.....its the only time anyone comes my direction!

Hmmmmmm, going to Scotland and choosing to leave in favour of going to Ireland???? NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!
Nothing against Ireland, but Scotland wins every time for me. MAYBE........we'll arrange an AR there so that we can all come to Stranraer JUST to see YOU!

Milky Bar Kid

29-03-09, 11:35 PM

Aw! YAY!! Can we? Please???!! That sounds good! Loads of bikers come thru Str to go to the North West every year. The town is just a mass of bikes and my work is directly across from the ferry terminal so I get a look all the nice (and some not so nice) bikes that are going across!

gruntygiggles

29-03-09, 11:51 PM

I think me and Dan have just decided that a 6.5 hour drive to Stirling (where we had moments erlier decided would be a better option than Crail) would be too much to do there and back when we only have four nights away. So, I think we are going to go somewhere in the south west. I have been to a few places in the South West, but don't know it very well past Taunton and Dan is the same, but has never been past Taunton.

HOWEVER, what that means is we can come to Scotland for a two week holiday in the summer and then, I would want to take him all over, so we could come and see you and take you off roading (when it's dry and we're less likely to get stuck!)

You shoukd turn your house into a little bikers haven cafe....sounds like you'd have a roaring trade!

Milky Bar Kid

30-03-09, 12:07 AM

Where is Taunton??!?

Luckypants

30-03-09, 09:07 AM

do some digging and get the hand winch out
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/Stretchie_/Disco/March%2009/PICT1211Medium.jpg

Tut Tut on a lane to...... ;)

No offence or anything, but your Disco seems to be lacking a bit of articulation? You still got the anti-roll bars on it?

the white rabbit

30-03-09, 10:05 AM

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 10:35 AM

I dont think there is much greenlaning in Scotland unless you get landowner permission, different from down here.

Anyway, what about Pembrokeshire for your break, its lovely down there.

I wouldnt mind a PM of the location of that lane, btw.

I'll get Dan on the case for a pm for you. As for Pembrokeshire, I know it well and love it there. I am Welsh anyway and my dad keeps his rib at Freshwater East, so took Dan there last summer. I think we're going to head south!

_Stretchie_

30-03-09, 11:12 AM

Tut Tut on a lane to...... ;)?

Anything that gets moved gets put back how it was sonny

; )

No offence or anything, but your Disco seems to be lacking a bit of articulation? You still got the anti-roll bars on it?

You've been paying atention to my rear end eh?? You are of course correct though. It'll probably get taken off as I get more experience off road. We're discussing a lift at the minute and wether to bother or not. Don't think we're going to be getting bigger tyres anytime soon as just had those ones put on.

It's a day to day car too so been thinking about how all this stuff affects mileage. Was getting 450 from a full tank, blanked off the EGR valve and this jumped up to about 480, put these tyres on, back down to about 450ish...

Next thing is some underneath protection. Diff guards, heavy duty steering rods. We saw a Rangie classic the other day that had the steering damper moved from behind the front axle up to the higher of the steering rods and attached to that rod and the steering guard on the inside..

Lot's of ideas, lots of time, lack of cash ha haaa.. It's like owning a bike eh... Just requires more oil :smt003

shifter

30-03-09, 11:27 AM

If I remember correctly the max you can lift them is about 3" before the prop shaft angle becomes a problem.

shifter

30-03-09, 11:34 AM

Oh and check this out!
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.simmonites.com/images/EXTREME%2520RED%2520RAMP.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.simmonites.com/susp.htm&usg=__0CNA-EZt6UVEWxqwyTO2hHwGYA8=&h=225&w=300&sz=32&hl=en&start=185&um=1&tbnid=QCpMLhJDbmhxLM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dland%2Brover%2Bextreem%2Bsuspension%2 6ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26start %3D180%26um%3D1

Rai86

30-03-09, 11:37 AM

Where is Taunton??!?

Down southwest

This has prob been asked before, but was is the law on green laning? We have a landy club (:cool:) at work, they often go up to bovey and sailsbury

I'l post up some landy pics for you to drool over, mind you they mostly 90's defenders, so you dico lovers might not like them

Milky Bar Kid

30-03-09, 11:37 AM

Loads of folk do off roading up here, sure its not a problem. Remember, we dont have such a thing as trespass...unless its with a shotgun or similar........and have the right to roam!

Milky Bar Kid

30-03-09, 11:39 AM

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 11:57 AM

Down southwest

This has prob been asked before, but was is the law on green laning? We have a landy club (:cool:) at work, they often go up to bovey and sailsbury

I'l post up some landy pics for you to drool over, mind you they mostly 90's defenders, so you dico lovers might not like them

I used to have a 1986 90 and loved it more than any other vehicle I have owned. Will get another one soonish!

The laws around greenlaning are:-

Boat (byway open to all traffic) is fully legal to be used by all motorised vehicles and anyone else, eg, cyclists, walkers and riders.

RUPP (road used as a public path)

Both of these are legal and there are also Unclassified roads in may areas, but you need to contact your local council or GLASS (Green Lane Association) representative to check the status at the time of your visit to ensure that it is legal for you to drive.

Also, a TRO (temporary restriction order) can be put on boats or rupps by the council at the request of residents/farmers etc, where there is a valid reason. If you go down a byway that has a TRO on it, you'll be fined.e

When me and Stretch went out in December, the guy leading our group either didn't see or ignored the TRO notice (none of the rest of us saw one) so we went down a lane that was blocked the other end. The locals came and took pics of our vehicles and we left the lane as we found it, apologised profusely and learned that we will now check the routes and TROs ourselves before we go out. The guy leading the group had a letter through the post last week in connection and is looking at a £160 fine!

I hate not doing it properly, as does Dan.....always better to behave, treat the land with respect, enjoy yourself, but not damage lanes or anything and keep up the good side of the of roading community. There are so many irresponsible drivers ripping up lanes and ruining farmland, I don't want to give the tree huggers any more ammo!

Rich

30-03-09, 12:05 PM

You could have called on me to come and play I'm in Taunton. :-( my lil freelander might have struggled though. I love Green laning my uncle used to take me when I was younger.

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 12:19 PM

I thought u meant south west as in south west SCOTLAND!

Dont think my mother would be impressed if I turned the house into a cafe...........

We were going to Crail....South East Scotland, but have decided not to go that far as we only have 4 nights. So, going further down into the South West (England) instead...lol

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 12:25 PM

You could have called on me to come and pl
ay I'm in Taunton. :-( my lil freelander might have struggled though. I love Green laning my uncle used to take me when I was younger.

Well, next time we're down there we'll give you a call. TBH, you're freelander would have coped fine with most of the lanes if you have low box engaged and diff lock where needed. The only reason we had trouble getting stuck in that one bit of lane was that we lost our diff lock after banging against a rock.

All you need to do really is get a decent set of all terrain tyres on your freelander and if you were really serious, that is one vehicle that would probably need a lift as I'm not sure they have as much ground clearance as the rest and therefore would need to be prtected underneath too.

Even if you didn't want to use yours, you could always come in ours!

Luckypants

30-03-09, 01:13 PM

Well, next time we're down there we'll give you a call. TBH, you're freelander would have coped fine with most of the lanes if you have low box engaged and diff lock where needed.

Freelander has same problem as my X-Trail, no low box. If you have one with the hill descent control fitted, that takes care of steep downhills by using the ABS to slow the car without locking wheels. They don't have a center diff lock either, but some have that terrain response (?) system fitted where a computer will automajically brake a spinning wheel to maintain traction on other wheels.

Jon took one over the Wayfarers last week and was quite impressed with that system.

All you need to do really is get a decent set of all terrain tyres on your freelander and if you were really serious, that is one vehicle that would probably need a lift as I'm not sure they have as much ground clearance as the rest and therefore would need to be prtected underneath too.

Again same problem as X-Trail, wishbone suspension to get hooked on ruts and rocks, lack of ground clearance between the axles. My sump is the first thing to get clouted with no underbody protection. TBH if I was going to spend out on ruggedising the X-Trail, it would be cheaper to buy an old 4x4 specifically for laning.

Milky Bar Kid

30-03-09, 01:14 PM

We were going to Crail....South East Scotland, but have decided not to go that far as we only have 4 nights. So, going further down into the South West (England) instead...lol

DOH!:smt021

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 01:28 PM

Freelander has same problem as my X-Trail, no low box. If you have one with the hill descent control fitted, that takes care of steep downhills by using the ABS to slow the car without locking wheels. They don't have a center diff lock either, but some have that terrain response (?) system fitted where a computer will automajically brake a spinning wheel to maintain traction on other wheels.

Jon took one over the Wayfarers last week and was quite impressed with that system.

Again same problem as X-Trail, wishbone suspension to get hooked on ruts and rocks, lack of ground clearance between the axles. My sump is the first thing to get clouted with no underbody protection. TBH if I was going to spend out on ruggedising the X-Trail, it would be cheaper to buy an old 4x4 specifically for laning.

Yay.....get an old Landy!!!

I have no idea what the set up is with a freelander. I've only heard second hand that they can be ok on moderate terrain, but won't handle anything too steep and obviously don't have the ground clearance to do any rough stuff.

I don't like the idea of relying on the abs system to control a steep descent. As STretchie found out on Thursday, it's odd the first few times you go down a really steep hill without having your feet touching the pedals, but to have low box first gear just taking you down at a controlled speed of next to nothing is by far the better option.

If you are going downhill and lose traction, the last thing you do is apply the brakes. You have to go against what is natural and actually tap (a really quick one) on the accelerator to get the wheels turning and find traction again. If you tap the brakes on a steep descent, the already light back end becomes lighter if your wheels aren't dead straight, you can easily roll the vehicle. Also, steering on a steep descent can have the same effect of lifting the back end and causing a roll.

The thought that the system is actually using a braking function to control speed would scare the hell out of me.

I am sure it's all done very cleverly and there are none of the above problems, but I still wouldn't feel comfortable with it.

As for clearance, you can change the suspension and axles out to modify a freelander, but noone really bothers as it's just as easy to go out and spend £2k on a disco, defender or rangy that has enough clearance as standard and makes mods much easier and cheaper.

I quite like the look of the new freelanders, more land rovery now..lol.

There are much better vehicles that aren't discos, defenders or rangies though. A trooper makes a great off roader for starters!

Luckypants

30-03-09, 01:40 PM

I don't like the idea of relying on the abs system to control a steep descent.
The thought that the system is actually using a braking function to control speed would scare the hell out of me.

I am sure it's all done very cleverly and there are none of the above problems, but I still wouldn't feel comfortable with it.

Agreed, and we all know how reliable LR electrics are.......;)

If you are going downhill and lose traction, the last thing you do is apply the brakes. You have to go against what is natural and actually tap (a really quick one) on the accelerator to get the wheels turning and find traction again.

Agreed scary and un-natural, but been there and done that a few times on play days. :pale:

As for clearance, you can change the suspension and axles out to modify a freelander, but noone really bothers as it's just as easy to go out and spend £2k on a Trooper, LJ70 or Patrol that has enough clearance as standard and makes mods much easier and cheaper.

corrected for you! :smt059

There are much better vehicles that aren't discos, defenders or rangies though. A trooper makes a great off roader for starters!

Correct, although the propensity for the 3.0 Diesel to eat it's engine put me off after having two Troopers (2.8 Mk1 and 3.2 MkII) :D

Rich

30-03-09, 04:15 PM

Well, next time we're down there we'll give you a call. TBH, you're freelander would have coped fine with most of the lanes if you have low box engaged and diff lock where needed. The only reason we had trouble getting stuck in that one bit of lane was that we lost our diff lock after banging against a rock.

All you need to do really is get a decent set of all terrain tyres on your freelander and if you were really serious, that is one vehicle that would probably need a lift as I'm not sure they have as much ground clearance as the rest and therefore would need to be prtected underneath too.

Even if you didn't want to use yours, you could always come in ours!

I've looked into a 2" lift kit and i could get that for £200, it's the AT Tyres that would be the problem. My 17inch rims don't exactly allow much choice in off road tyre,, Colway used to do some that fitted and were suppose to be cracking but they went into administration so thats boogered that... The sump guard works well but still could be made better and the VCU could easily be protected with another guard. The hill decent works well I was supprised but it's nothing like a low box....

I've been looking into a Disco for a while now, it's only £40 more to insure for me than my Freelander, it's just finding a gooden... I've seen Stretchie on Landyzone,, I don't show my face too often as the gaylander isn't too welcome there :D

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 09:35 PM

I've looked into a 2" lift kit and i could get that for £200, it's the AT Tyres that would be the problem. My 17inch rims don't exactly allow much choice in off road tyre,, Colway used to do some that fitted and were suppose to be cracking but they went into administration so thats boogered that... The sump guard works well but still could be made better and the VCU could easily be protected with another guard. The hill decent works well I was supprised but it's nothing like a low box....

I've been looking into a Disco for a while now, it's only £40 more to insure for me than my Freelander, it's just finding a gooden... I've seen Stretchie on Landyzone,, I don't show my face too often as the gaylander isn't too welcome there :D

In all honesty, if you are going to bother with a lift, look at what Luckypants has said and also bear in mind that a two inch lift will only actually give you an extra 1 inch ground clearance. The tyres will make more of an impact and for them, you need to click the following link for a superb remould. I used to use Colways on my 90 but Insa Turbo are the best remoulds on the market now and are believed by most in the know to be better than Colways were. I can vouch for that as Stretchie and I just fitted Insa Turbo Traction Tracks to the disco and you can see them in the pics...they are awesome.

This link though is for the all terrains (our are more like MT's) and I doubt that you'll need that unless you get a disco and want to do serious terrain.

http://www.paddockspares.com/sp/category/WHEELS_AND_TYRES/subcategory/Insa_Turbo_Remoulds/searchbox2/2__Ranger.html

These are the same tread as the old Colways but a little deeper and better spaced for mud and water channeling.

You'll notice that there are no 17" here and there is a reason. They do make a 17" in this tyre, but it's on a 265/65 which will not fit your freelander without getting a dremmel on your current wheel arches to increase their size to make steering work and then you'll have to find and fit extended wheel arches to make your vehicle road legal with those tyres.

I just did a little look and an option that may be available to you would be to put 16" wheels on (buy LRO magazine and you can get really good wheel and tyre deals)

If you don't mind me asking.....what would be your budget if you were to go and get a disco? The reason I ask is that if you wanted one, the guy that has been doing all the major work on my landrovers, the 90, rangie and both discos would be more than happy to go with you looking at prospective vehicles and would give them a full going over.

Me and Stretchie had him out to Bradley Stoke, then over the other side of Gloucester for a good 4 hours or so and he only charged us £40....so we took him for a pint! It was worth every penny. He totally tore apart the disco that we thought was pretty good. We knew it would need work in the obvious place in the rear wheel arch, but Noddy literally found dozens of things wrong with it that would have cost us dear.
The one we bought, the only thing he could really find wrong with it was that the p gaslet would need changing soon. It was up for £2,400 and he told us to offer £2,200, which was accepted and we got a bargain.

If you want to drive one to go play a bit before making your mind up.....me and Stretchie are off all this week and have just decided to work on the disco, building a false floor rather than go away, so come up and see us and have a go in ours!!!

It does sound like you could really get the bug (if you haven't already), so let the freelander be a nice memory and get a vehicle that is properly equipped off road. There is no substitute for low transfer box or diff lock!

_Stretchie_

30-03-09, 09:59 PM

Agreed, and we all know how reliable LR electrics are.......;)

I think these were designed in conjuction with the Italians ha haa

As above I'd either bin the 17" rims infavour of some 16", more options for tyres then.

ORRRRRRRR

Da daa daaaaaaa

Trade in and get summat different. Don't want to be biased and say get a Disco. It's the only 4x4 I've had and I've only been off road in it twice but I'd get a "proper 4x4" if you know what I mean, permanent 4 wheel drive and with a low box.

Depends on what your tastes are, as Cheryl said, ours is a 98 S reg and cost us £2,200. Can get an older one with more mileage but tricked out for less than that.

Get hold of us if you want to have a go

Luckypants

30-03-09, 10:02 PM

Almost bid on this.... (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170315013844)

Regret it now, but the insurance with my son on it was WAY to much really.

_Stretchie_

30-03-09, 10:08 PM

BALLS Mike..

DO IT. That's GORGEOUS

Apart from it being red

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 10:11 PM

Almost bid on this.... (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170315013844)

Regret it now, but the insurance with my son on it was WAY to much really.

Looked quite good for playing that did. Have you thought about defenders? Prob more than you'd want to pay as they hold their value so well, but as they are still classed as utility vehicles, you can insure them for peanuts.

My 90 was a 1986 and was less than £200 for me and the ex per year, fully comp with full off roading/greenlaning coverage, legal cover and roadside assistance. Not bad for two people in their twenties with points!

Luckypants

30-03-09, 10:11 PM

BALLS Mike..

DO IT. That's GORGEOUS

Apart from it being red

you will note the auction has ended. £590 - it's nowt. Jon spotted it and asked if I would go halves with him. The work needed for next MOT seems minimal (although have reservations about steering play) so it was looking good until insurance time....

£1200 was cheapest we could get! Hardly worth it on a £600 motah!

Luckypants

30-03-09, 10:14 PM

Looked quite good for playing that did. Have you thought about defenders? Prob more than you'd want to pay as they hold their value so well, but as they are still classed as utility vehicles, you can insure them for peanuts.

My 90 was a 1986 and was less than £200 for me and the ex per year, fully comp with full off roading/greenlaning coverage, legal cover and roadside assistance. Not bad for two people in their twenties with points!

Won't get a 90 for that sort of money. But maybe investigate the insurance on one, that may be the cheaper combo. Getting Jon on the insurance is the problem, he is 21 - it's a killer.

_Stretchie_

30-03-09, 10:16 PM

: (

Insurance group 12 on the Disco

:cool:

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 10:25 PM

BALLS Mike..

DO IT. That's GORGEOUS

Apart from it being red

Well, this one is red too.....but check it out....read all the info!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/landrover-discovery-300tdi-off-road-monster-2-5-auto_W0QQitemZ260381754083QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutom obiles_UK?hash=item260381754083&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A3|39%3A1|240%3A1318

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 10:28 PM

Won't get a 90 for that sort of money. But maybe investigate the insurance on one, that may be the cheaper combo. Getting Jon on the insurance is the problem, he is 21 - it's a killer.

That's why it makes the difference having a 90. It's cheaper insurance by far than any other 4x4 as it is still classed as utility like I said. The one thing I will mention though is that the insurance we had was with Lancaster as they insure older vehicles and classed the 90 as utility. Also I know NFU Mutual offered really good quotes too. Worth looking into and an old series land rover can do everything that a 90 can do, you might even get one that's tax exempt with a new engine...lol.

Milky Bar Kid

30-03-09, 10:31 PM

It all sounds very technical....

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 10:41 PM

Almost bid on this.... (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170315013844)

Regret it now, but the insurance with my son on it was WAY to much really.

Check this old boy out

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Landrover-Series-2a-88-SWB-2-25-Petrol-99p-NR_W0QQitemZ140309300031QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomob iles_UK?hash=item140309300031&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18

Tax exempt, some decent tyres and you'll be off! I'll find and post a video in a min to show what these can do! Insurance would be well cheap on these. Hard to get in an accident when you have to struggle to reach 50mph...lol

Luckypants

30-03-09, 10:42 PM

That's why it makes the difference having a 90. It's cheaper insurance by far than any other 4x4 as it is still classed as utility like I said.

<snip>

Yeah I can see that. It is frustrating because the insurance on his SJ413 LWB was plenty affordable :( Shame a forestry tractor killed it. come to that, the insurance on his Delica was not all that bad either, but he had three years NCB on that.

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 10:49 PM

Almost bid on this.... (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170315013844)

Regret it now, but the insurance with my son on it was WAY to much really.

And look at this lovely old boy

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LANDROVER-109-SERIES-3-LPG-EX-NATO-YEARS-MOT-L-K-NR_W0QQitemZ270365263364QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomob iles_UK?hash=item270365263364&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 10:50 PM

It all sounds very technical....

It's one of the only things I know much about.....and even that is not a lot...lol

Milky Bar Kid

30-03-09, 10:51 PM

lol, I tried to keep up wit it but i ended up totally confuzzeled......although, thats not saying much!

stewie

30-03-09, 10:55 PM

Are the air portables a good choice ? always fancied one, used to drive them loads when I was in the mob, all the panels could come off and they used scavenger engines, basically run on an fuel available, used to wander all over the road though,or it could have been my driving skills ;)

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 11:04 PM

Almost bid on this.... (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170315013844)

Regret it now, but the insurance with my son on it was WAY to much really.

And this one I'd buy in a shot if I had the money.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/land-rover-series-2a_W0QQitemZ120397842834QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomob iles_UK?hash=item120397842834&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18

The problems he's mentioned are an easy fix on these vehicles as they are so easy to get to and get parts for cheaply! This one obviously goes off road already and looks like it's been down some narrow roacky lanes....love it! Tax exempt again too with nice new seats!

Have you ever driven one of these old boys Mike? If you haven't, you need to give it a go. A bit like the original Mini....not comfortable or refined, but a really good fun drive and always makes you smile and feel good!

skeetly

30-03-09, 11:10 PM

Ooh Landyrovers...

I 'as a very early s3 ex mil 109 on anacondas ;)

Luckypants

30-03-09, 11:13 PM

Have you ever driven one of these old boys Mike? If you haven't, you need to give it a go. A bit like the original Mini....not comfortable or refined, but a really good fun drive and always makes you smile and feel good!

Yes I have and they are what they are. :rolleyes: Two mates had IIa's before one went for a Series III 109 and the other snagged a hybrid Defender on a bobbed rangey chassis. That was a useful beast. Regularly went laning with them in my LWB Trooper and that went everywhere their Landy's did with little difficulty. The only time we had a problem was in deep snow, I was on ATs they had full MTs and we did a lot of digging / towing of the Trooper that day!

Luckypants

30-03-09, 11:14 PM

Ooh Landyrovers...

I 'as a very early s3 ex mil 109 on anacondas ;)

here's another one to join the fun in north Wales :D

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 11:14 PM

Ooh Landyrovers...

I 'as a very early s3 ex mil 109 on anacondas ;)

That post s useless without pics......I love the oldies!

EDIT: I'd have one in a flash, only I wouldn't want to do any damage to one, so for off roading I'd go for a 90 and just have my series to look at and enjoy trundling around in.

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 11:19 PM

Yes I have and they are what they are. :rolleyes: Two mates had IIa's before one went for a Series III 109 and the other snagged a hybrid Defender on a bobbed rangey chassis. That was a useful beast. Regularly went laning with them in my LWB Trooper and that went everywhere their Landy's did with little difficulty. The only time we had a problem was in deep snow, I was on ATs they had full MTs and we did a lot of digging / towing of the Trooper that day!

You had me the first time we spoke about this....I am biased to LR's. I just love them, simple as. I've seen troopers and all sorts get through worse stuff than landies.....all depends on how you're set up. Actually, for really extreme stuff, L200's, troopers etc can be more effective as you can do more to lift and fit stupid monster truck tyres.

I'll just always love my landies.

Luckypants

30-03-09, 11:27 PM

I'm not totally anti-Landy, I would have a 101 like a shot. I've wanted one since I was a kid and the squaddies used to come to town in them and park up on the square :D. Trouble is, they are just too expensive for a 30 year old vehicle.

So if you know of a 101 FFR for sensible money.... ;)

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 11:30 PM

_Stretchie_

30-03-09, 11:31 PM

Are the air portables a good choice?

Air portables??????? WOTCHUTALKINBOUTWILLIS??

You don't basically mean a landy with lifting shackles in the corners and they get lifted by copters/heli's/choppers/hueys/rotors/helicoptor*

Like so..

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/8347/chinook.gif

delete as applicable

101 forward control eh??? They have on eat the Land Rover Orphanage, don't think it's for sale but might be able to find you one
; ) That would be AWESOME turning up at the AR in that, just like those camperhomes with mopeds strapped to the back, you turning up with the Viffer gaffer taped to the back of a 101 .....

CLASSIC

Luckypants

30-03-09, 11:46 PM

Air portables??????? WOTCHUTALKINBOUTWILLIS??

You don't basically mean a landy with lifting shackles in the corners and they get lifted by copters/heli's/choppers/hueys/rotors/helicoptor*

No he means the Series IIa/III Air Portable AKA Land Rover Lightweight. Slightly better off-road some folks think.

http://www.mmvg.net/Veh07.jpg

gruntygiggles

30-03-09, 11:48 PM

No he means the Series IIa/III Air Portable AKA Land Rover Lightweight. Slightly better off-road some folks think.

http://www.mmvg.net/Veh07.jpg

Lightweights are fab.....not for four dogs though!

_Stretchie_

30-03-09, 11:50 PM

Cheers Mike for clearing that up..

I have just had a premonition, a glimpse of the future if you will of you arriving at the AR

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6899/101fvl.jpg

Luckypants

31-03-09, 08:55 AM

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6899/101fvl.jpg

That's beautiful! Fugly gorgeous, if you get me.

stewie

31-03-09, 11:08 AM

No he means the Series IIa/III Air Portable AKA Land Rover Lightweight. Slightly better off-road some folks think.

http://www.mmvg.net/Veh07.jpg
I do indeed, just had a look at some online, kin ell they,re pricey :D still have one though

gruntygiggles

31-03-09, 11:21 AM

I do indeed, just had a look at some online, kin ell they,re pricey :D still have one though

And a good investment. They are going up in value now, as are most of the series LRs and eary 90's.

stewie

31-03-09, 11:28 AM

Wow, and the abuse we gave em :rolleyes: didnt always have an easy life, but they were serviced every 5 mins it seemed, still I can honestly say they never let us down, used to drive one of the LWB ambulances as well, crash ambulances we called em, mega top heavy, you could take em so far and hold em there all day, add a touch of power or extra lock and down they went.

gruntygiggles

31-03-09, 11:33 AM

the figures speak for themselves...I've said it before, but there's a reason that 85% of all Land Rovers ever built are still taxed, mot'd and on the road. There is not a single other vehicle that has that record. Personally I think it is because if you are strong enough and not afraid to hit bits of your vehicle with a heavy duty sledge hammer, you can fix most things on them yourself and they are much easier to navigate and work on than most vehicles. You just need to be prepared to lose the skin on your knuckles and bang your head on regular basis on the bonnet/chassis etc.

Frank

31-03-09, 11:37 AM

where was my invite?

stewie

31-03-09, 11:40 AM

Ive seen thunderflashes and smoke grenades lobbed inside them whilst on exercise, seem them overturned and treated like you wouldnt treat any other vehicle, we kinda took them for granted tbh, I used to drop my zippo into the fuel filter/basket if I ran out of fuel for it, never use,d to leave it long enough before trying to light a fag with it, lost count of the times I lit a fag and set fire to my eyebrows, hair and the hairs on the back of me hand, thats probably why I was a driver and not a pilot :D

yorkie_chris

31-03-09, 11:59 AM

_Stretchie_

31-03-09, 12:36 PM

Thank you YC, I do my best

plowsie

31-03-09, 12:47 PM

The 3rd and 4th piccies are they actually in Barnstaple or as you are heading out mate. Looks like the path we normally go down when we are bored at my Grandads...

gruntygiggles

31-03-09, 12:51 PM

I'd love one, but I should probably go to the effort of getting a driving license first...

Stretchie, congratulations for becoming public enemy no 1 for all the organic yoghurt knitting, red book carrying, hippy types.

Well, we've encountered angry residents, but they had every right to be angry as the guy leading us took us up a lane with a TRO (temp restriction order) on it. Other than that, just a nice farmer stopped for a chat while we had our lunch on Thursday.

I remember a few years back in the 90 having an old woman with 5 or 6 dogs walking up a byway and she refused to move to the side to let us past. She was horrible...lol. She made all her dogs sit down in the road in front of us and it took a very diplomatic Colin (Chairman of the club) to politely tell her that if she refused to move, he'd call the police and she would be arrested for obstruction of a right of way. She didn't belive him, he called the police and they kindly told her that he was right and so she moved. She didn't move her dogs though, we just had to crawl along until they got up...lol

Rich

31-03-09, 05:01 PM

If you don't mind me asking.....what would be your budget if you were to go and get a disco? The reason I ask is that if you wanted one, the guy that has been doing all the major work on my landrovers, the 90, rangie and both discos would be more than happy to go with you looking at prospective vehicles and would give them a full going over.

Me and Stretchie had him out to Bradley Stoke, then over the other side of Gloucester for a good 4 hours or so and he only charged us £40....so we took him for a pint! It was worth every penny. He totally tore apart the disco that we thought was pretty good. We knew it would need work in the obvious place in the rear wheel arch, but Noddy literally found dozens of things wrong with it that would have cost us dear.
The one we bought, the only thing he could really find wrong with it was that the p gaslet would need changing soon. It was up for £2,400 and he told us to offer £2,200, which was accepted and we got a bargain.

If you want to drive one to go play a bit before making your mind up.....me and Stretchie are off all this week and have just decided to work on the disco, building a false floor rather than go away, so come up and see us and have a go in ours!!!

It does sound like you could really get the bug (if you haven't already), so let the freelander be a nice memory and get a vehicle that is properly equipped off road. There is no substitute for low transfer box or diff lock!

I could probably stretch to 3K after i sell the Freelander but i'm going to hang on abit i think, save up abit more and do some more research theres alot more to abit of green laning and off roading than you think... It is something i really enjoy though, getting the most out of a 4x4 is great fun...

How many miles did your landy have on it when you purchased it? Thats a good price you got it for, I was looking at similar aged disco's to yours something i wouldn't mind bumping about abit..

You looked into any winching equipment??? If i was going to do it i think i'd get a winch on the front to help with any sticky moments.. All i'd need is a decent Disco, nobbly tyres and a winch and i'd be happy as a pig in sh!t... :D Love it!!!!

Magnum

31-03-09, 05:32 PM

That looks like a lot of fun. It feels weird though to see a 4x4 that isnt on the school run. I hate 4x4's with a passion (unless theyre being used how they are meant to be used, like in those photos)

gruntygiggles

31-03-09, 05:52 PM

I could probably stretch to 3K after i sell the Freelander but i'm going to hang on abit i think, save up abit more and do some more research theres alot more to abit of green laning and off roading than you think... It is something i really enjoy though, getting the most out of a 4x4 is great fun...

How many miles did your landy have on it when you purchased it? Thats a good price you got it for, I was looking at similar aged disco's to yours something i wouldn't mind bumping about abit..

You looked into any winching equipment??? If i was going to do it i think i'd get a winch on the front to help with any sticky moments.. All i'd need is a decent Disco, nobbly tyres and a winch and i'd be happy as a pig in sh!t... :D Love it!!!!

I think we found ours and the others we viewed in the back of the local auto trader or free ads, could have been Friday ads actually.

When you're ready to do it and can have the cash in your hand, all you have to do is give my mate Noddy a call, arrange an afternoon that's good for him and then call the sellers and set up times to meet them Noddy will not let you buy a vehicle that's going to see you out of pocket and if he sees one that he thinks is good, he'll tell you what is a fair price for it. If the seller then tried to justify the price, Noddy would be polite and just point out all the reasons why the vehicle is not worth more than your offer and he won't let you agree on a bad deal. I trust him completely. We bought this and it's fab. My ex bought one the same age for £3k last year without getting it checked out properly believing he knew what to look for and he's had all sorts of trouble. 2 months ago the bonnet flipped up, breaking the windscreen and doing all sorts of damange to the wings and such. Then, 3 weeks ago, the engine blew and he now has no disco.

Noddy is good as gold. He'll give the same service whatever type of vehicle you decide to go for. He also has an enourmous assortment of used parts so getting things done on the cheap while waiting to afford shiny new bits is never a problem.

Rich

31-03-09, 06:22 PM

I think we found ours and the others we viewed in the back of the local auto trader or free ads, could have been Friday ads actually.

When you're ready to do it and can have the cash in your hand, all you have to do is give my mate Noddy a call, arrange an afternoon that's good for him and then call the sellers and set up times to meet them Noddy will not let you buy a vehicle that's going to see you out of pocket and if he sees one that he thinks is good, he'll tell you what is a fair price for it. If the seller then tried to justify the price, Noddy would be polite and just point out all the reasons why the vehicle is not worth more than your offer and he won't let you agree on a bad deal. I trust him completely. We bought this and it's fab. My ex bought one the same age for £3k last year without getting it checked out properly believing he knew what to look for and he's had all sorts of trouble. 2 months ago the bonnet flipped up, breaking the windscreen and doing all sorts of damange to the wings and such. Then, 3 weeks ago, the engine blew and he now has no disco.

Noddy is good as gold. He'll give the same service whatever type of vehicle you decide to go for. He also has an enourmous assortment of used parts so getting things done on the cheap while waiting to afford shiny new bits is never a problem.

Thanks GG, i'll drop you a PM when the time comes :D

gruntygiggles

31-03-09, 06:33 PM

Thanks GG, i'll drop you a PM when the time comes :D

Coolio

stanie

31-03-09, 08:00 PM

In all honesty, if you are going to bother with a lift, look at what Luckypants has said and also bear in mind that a two inch lift will only actually give you an extra 1 inch ground clearance.

one inch ground clearance where?
ive never really understood this, because when i used to do 4x4 ( i built a hybrid, landy body 12" cut out of rangy chasis) it was always the diff that would drag. you cant chnage the height of that apart from going 900 tyres, but then the vehicle can be pretty unstable.

_Stretchie_

31-03-09, 09:23 PM

Alright mate. Basically a 2" lift will only lift the body from the axles by two inches. Your diff won't be raised at all.

HOWEVER, this allows you more room so you can put taller tyres on it. For example you could get wheels that are 2" bigger, but remember 2" bigger wheels is only 1" extra on either side. So your diff would only big an extra inch off the floor. You'd still need to get bigger arches on also to get wider tyres, but it all depends what you're after.

where was my invite?

You'd have to sit on Saffie's knee mate

gruntygiggles

31-03-09, 09:45 PM

one inch ground clearance where?
ive never really understood this, because when i used to do 4x4 ( i built a hybrid, landy body 12" cut out of rangy chasis) it was always the diff that would drag. you cant chnage the height of that apart from going 900 tyres, but then the vehicle can be pretty unstable.

Yeah it's like Stretchie said. Put simply, it's the tyre size that gives the added clearance and the lift allows the body to accommodate the larger tyres. It's a weird one and you can do a complete overhaul at a cost of thousands and end up with the axles lifted and diffs 3,4,5 even 6ft off the ground, but for this you need monster truck tyres and it's only worth it if you also have a monster truck body otherwise, as you rightly say, the vehicle would be very unstable. You're usually better off just having a bigger tyre, adjusting your wheel arches if needed and protecting your diffs with guards.

Got any pics of your hybrid???

skeetly

31-03-09, 10:06 PM

gruntygiggles

31-03-09, 10:22 PM

Tommys farm stuck, pre ragtop

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7519/image0256885432.th.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image0256885432.jpg)

Next two are in my yard tonight with rag top
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7342/p33103436888548.th.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p33103436888548.jpg)
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2332/p33103446900804.th.jpg (http://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p33103446900804.jpg)

In the snow pre rag top :)
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5170/snow6906497.th.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snow6906497.jpg)

Awsome. Do you rivet the hard top on if you need it in the winter then? That's one good thing about these vehicles....if you want the roof down in the summer, just take it off...lol. (ok, a little more work and a lot of rivets involved, but worth it!).

skeetly

31-03-09, 10:28 PM

Awsome. Do you rivet the hard top on if you need it in the winter then? That's one good thing about these vehicles....if you want the roof down in the summer, just take it off...lol. (ok, a little more work and a lot of rivets involved, but worth it!).

Just a few bolts holding the hard top on. I used to unbolt the top and the door tops and slide a couple of planks through, then rest the planks on some builders trestles and drive the 'british army sportscar' out from underneath :)

The ragtop went on and hasnt come off. Its drier, warmer and quieter than a tintop :)

gruntygiggles

01-04-09, 10:34 AM

Just a few bolts holding the hard top on. I used to unbolt the top and the door tops and slide a couple of planks through, then rest the planks on some builders trestles and drive the 'british army sportscar' out from underneath :)

The ragtop went on and hasnt come off. Its drier, warmer and quieter than a tintop :)

Drier, warmer and quieter I can believe as my brother in law had a very similar vehicle a few years back. Only problem I have with canvas is worrying about ripping it while greenlaning. I know it's daft, but I just do.

skeetly

01-04-09, 04:44 PM

Its pretty tough; the rag top. Its a proper military one that I bought of a feller who aquired them in the eighties :) They must be pretty tough to survive what squaddies throw at them.
The landy itself spent most of its time in Germany with the para's and then got retired to the hebrides on a missile range. Sold off in an a auction to a local bloke who used it for years to get down his track during the winter (and fitted the hard top), bought by a young lad who got bored with it after a year and then picked up by me :)

stanie

01-04-09, 06:45 PM

Yeah it's like Stretchie said. Put simply, it's the tyre size that gives the added clearance and the lift allows the body to accommodate the larger tyres. It's a weird one and you can do a complete overhaul at a cost of thousands and end up with the axles lifted and diffs 3,4,5 even 6ft off the ground, but for this you need monster truck tyres and it's only worth it if you also have a monster truck body otherwise, as you rightly say, the vehicle would be very unstable. You're usually better off just having a bigger tyre, adjusting your wheel arches if needed and protecting your diffs with guards.

a friend had a series 3 2.25 petrol.
he decided to go for a lift, so, he put his springs on TOP of his axle instead of underneath like they should be.
it was slightly ott! ha ha ha
he soon put them back.

Got any pics of your hybrid???

i do, but ive no idea where they are (i just tried looking), as we've recently moved. sorry

stanie

02-04-09, 05:11 PM

ok, i found my photos.
hope they arent too boring!

before it got turned in to a coiler, and before it got battered!
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy011.jpg

liking water
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy001.jpg

not liking water
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy002.jpg

still a leafer, but on its way to morphing into a coiler
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy.jpg

getting closer
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy004.jpg

lets change colour
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy006.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy005.jpg

becoming a coiler
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy007.jpg

not sure what im doing here, as it had been built, taxed mot'd etc
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/seitan/landy010.jpg