The New LR Defender...

[Rokraider]

I have a few 70 series I look after. They are an excellent vehicle. The only thing that really lets them down is the poor quality of the paint and anti corrosion treatment. You certainly wouldn't want it near the sea. If you wanted one it would probably have to be a personal import, bought in via Malta (Right Hand Drive). Probably cost you about the same as a new Defender.

[mick]

Originally Posted by willk

They do - just not here. I would buy one of these tomorrow if I could.



Toyota LandCruiser 70 Wagon Workmate specifications

I have seen these at an Overland show over here nice bit of kit

[willk]

Originally Posted by Rokraider

You certainly wouldn't want it near the sea.

Useful to know, if disappointing. To be fair, most of the pics I've seen have been from dry climates. I mean, you couldn't leave AA-guns on the back of a pickup in this weather

[kerny]

Originally Posted by mick

I have seen these at an Overland show over here nice bit of kit

Did I read this right Mick

[mick]

Originally Posted by kerny

Did I read this right Mick

Yup there Defender like

[Rokraider]

Originally Posted by willk

Useful to know, if disappointing. To be fair, most of the pics I've seen have been from dry climates. I mean, you couldn't leave AA-guns on the back of a pickup in this weather

New limited edition pickup available in the Middle East
in black only

[tonymac]

Originally Posted by willk

Useful to know, if disappointing. To be fair, most of the pics I've seen have been from dry climates. I mean, you couldn't leave AA-guns on the back of a pickup in this weather

Stick to your Landy Wilk. To be honest nothing else would put up with the way you treat it!

[willk]

Originally Posted by tonymac

...To be honest nothing else would put up with the way you treat it!

I accept that I may have cut a few corners here and there...

[prairie tuber]

Real 4x4s have solid front axles.

[Rokraider]

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

Real 4x4s have solid front axles.

Generally I would agree for most off road roles. As always it is horses for courses. There is no perfect setup all round. For general use a solid axle setup is tough to beat, however there are exceptions. None of the Rallye raide overall winners are using solid axles and they are certainly doing some severe 4x4 stuff. The Humvee has independent suspension all round and manages to clamber about off road pretty well (providing it isn't operating in a confined space).
Most of the top range SUV's have independent suspension all round and with the advances in technology with traction and suspension control, can be surprisingly capable off road. Usually the tyres become the limiting factor with the trend towards huge rims and low profile tyres.
When I prepare expedition vehicles I usually use the Toyota 80 series Land Cruiser as the base. They are the best platform if you want a comfortable, capable, reliable vehicle that will do the business all day long and is big enough to lug some equipment or sleep in the back of. The next generation went independent on the front and it is not as good off road in my opinion.