I thought the terrain assist was able to fully lock all the diffs not just center and rear? Since there are very few LR3s in the states that didn't come with Terrrain Assist (I believe the only ones that lack it have the V6 in them), chances are he'll have it. Likewise, the fully extended mode offers, I believe, up to 11" inches of clearance.
They are VERY capable. The vehicle not only chooses when to lock what and what ride height is appropriate, but it also can sense when you are hung up and automatically gives you a little additional lift, but remaps the throttle and transmission controls to be suit the needs of the environment. It will allow you to "clean out" your tires in mud by spinning them, but will keep you from digging down in soft sand. I've been on several significant trails with LR3's and they never have failed to blow me away, even stock. I['ve watched them blow away '04 Disco II's (Me), Defender 90's, and Jeep Rubicon's (although that is likely down to the drivers). To be honest, they are more capable than I wanted them to be. The exhuast pipes under the rear IRS don't help, but ultimtately, aside from the Rubicon, I don't believe there has ever been a more capable 4wd for sale from a dealer (Unimogs/Pinz excluded). Even then, the Rubi doesn't have it by much as far as ability and the LR3 is WAY more useful and comfortable.
That said, I really don't like the complexity of them. Even if it was a Toyota, I wouldn't want to have that much computer control in my 4WD. And the mention of limited mods is very true. The suspension geometry changes that result in lifting any independant suspension inherently limits what you can do - unless you are going to start replacing a lot of things (read: everything including relocating the steering rack).
I would say, if you you look at the Rubicon Trail as a quaint little warm up, I'd avoid the LR3. Also, if you plan on putting 200,000 off-road miles on your rig I would say leave the LR3 out of the running. But for the way 90% off-roaders use their vehicle 99% of the time, they are pretty hard to beat.
(I still wouldn't get one for me though)
Originally Posted by
ssmathis
I'll add to the comments.
Scott
Low range? - All electronic. You don't have low range switch but with the terrain response the cumputer decides when the low range is required.
Lockers? - The rear locker was optional and part of a package when he bought his. They do come with their electronic traction control and center diff lock. Again, this is all computer controlled.
Ground clearance? - 7.3" up to 9.5" in high mode.
Strengths and weaknesses? - I can't add much here other than to say they are tooo heavy and get horrible gas mileage.
Fording ability? - 27.6" according to LR.
Tire size, choice, etc? - Can fit 275/65/18" with no problem. Copper makes some STTs in this size. This adds about 1" more ground clearance from stock.
Capability in soft bottomless sand? - The weight is a big dissadvantage here.
Traction assist? - Full time.
Tyler Winslow -
"A boy becomes a man through what he creates, not what he destroys"
Current - 2001 Lexus LX470 - can't wait to scratch it!
Previous;
- bone stock 98 Cherokee.
- Beautifully built 95 FZJ80 - shouldn't have sold it
- 2004 Disco - should have sold it much sooner
Can you guys tell me about the LR3?
. He's really excited, but the LR3 is completely different from my rig in almost every way, and I absolutely don't want to put him in a situation which would risk mechanical or body damage.
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