Overland Journal Project Land Rover Discovery 4 (LR4)

Scott Brady said:

What are our initial plans?

...
Ground Clearance:
1. Johnson Rods for 2.5" 'lift'. You basically gain 'normal mode' ride height clearance by stealing extension travel.
2. Taller tires. 32.5" diameter to start. 33.5" on 18s to follow.

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I run 32's and they rub with a lift. I would really like to know what the plan is for the 33.5s

Scott Brady said:

More pictures coming from Matt, who had the terrible job of driving the LR4 to Las Vegas and basically gambling and drinking for a few days while LRLV did the heavy lifting. Hopefully he will share his bribery story.

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Ah, the bribery story.

So here's a tip—the next time you're checking into a big hotel, Vegas is a great example, when checking in try slipping the person behind the counter a $10 or $20 bill in between your ID and credit card. In doing so, ask if there are any complimentary upgrades. I usually do this when I book a basic room on Expedia for dirty cheap (they do not disclose the rate to the hotel staff.)

I've done it 3 times, it's worked three times. Once prior at Ceasars (Jacuzzi Suite) and twice this trip, initially at Harrahs the first night (penthouse suite, top floor) and at Paris (strip view luxury suite)

But yes, as Scott had previously said, I had the terrible job of hanging out in Las Vegas gambling, drinking, and hunting transient cougar. I highly suggest the Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan and Tao at The Venetian.

Here's some behind the scenes images from LRLV when I wasn't on the strip:

...I really hope people understand the sarcasm.

LtFuzz said:

Interesting choice... Kinda hard to tell from this angle, but my first impression is that it lacks a certain...aesthetic quality. What turned you away from the Voyager or Baja?

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Aesthetically, it is benign, which I like. Simple and light weight. I do like the Voyager and Baja though, how they follow the roofline.

JAK said:

I run 32's and they rub with a lift. I would really like to know what the plan is for the 33.5s

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Actually, it is not a bit deal, just takes some time and quality relocation/body work. In Iceland, they fit 35s and 37s on these trucks.

Dang. My friend makes adjustable rods to lift these trucks for cheap. Also as mentioned, they are adjustable. PM me for info.

As a fresh LR3 owner who chose the Rover as the best choice to tote Boy Scouts around and go camping and adventuring with my boys, I approve of this project. I am looking forward to seeing this project progress. Off to a good start it seems.


One question..Why the ARB bumper? (sponsership?) From reading various reviews it seems that opinions are split, at best. Many saying that some models are not as strong as others (no idea on the D3/4 ones though).

PhyrraM said:

One question..Why the ARB bumper? (sponsership?) From reading various reviews it seems that opinions are split, at best. Many saying that some models are not as strong as others (no idea on the D3/4 ones though).

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I actually believe it's the only bumper available in North America for the LR4.

Are you adjusting the bump stops as well for the larger tires? If an airbag goes out and it settles down to the lowest level, might have a hard time clearing the larger tires.

ntan said:

Are you adjusting the bump stops as well for the larger tires? If an airbag goes out and it settles down to the lowest level, might have a hard time clearing the larger tires.

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We have a cool plan for that, which will live in our recovery/tool kit. The tires work great right now, even at full travel.

iPhone sneak peak. This is about 99% of what it is going to be for level I. Clean and simple, I like it.

Ah, I guess I assumed it was the same as a D3 because the gap below the headlights seems a bit wide and the grill seems to dip low behind it. Could be the angle of the shots though.

Scott Brady said:

We have a cool plan for that, which will live in our recovery/tool kit. The tires work great right now, even at full travel.

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Looking forward to the cool plan, on long expedition trips I actually have been carrying an extra front and rear bag in my spares case. I have also made four valves that can be attached to the airline to do a manual inflate if need be. The trick was finding the 6mm fittings.

I hope that you will post pictures of what you cut. I have identified a few culprits but can't see how to get a 35 under there. Do you expect there to be any gearing issues? Quite a step up from stock 29's

JAK said:

Do you expect there to be any gearing issues? Quite a step up from stock 29's

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Not really worried with a 6-speed auto and nearly 400hp.

Scott, Digging the LR4!!!

Just picked one up as well, love the sport mode!!! When I give up on the 80 series (when hell freezes over :sombrero I'm thinking about finding my Mrs something else and taking over our LR4 and seeing what its ready for.

Scott Brady said:

We have a cool plan for that, which will live in our recovery/tool kit. The tires work great right now, even at full travel.

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Looking forward to seeing your solution. If it works on the full size RR, even better!