Originally Posted by Luke (Post 150417)

I’m not convinced by emotional “it’s a dog” reactions; particularly from REME kitbashers. There are so few vehicles in this weight category it’s worth looking at the complaints closely before abandoning the idea.

Vague steering:
Just like a series LR, a live front axle on leaf springs tends to get pushed left or right by the steering pushrod. The suspension movement will also push or pull the rod, giving a weave effect if you compress too much.
Jeeps, trucks and old LRs have had this problem for ages, The fix is a good stiff steering shock between axle and outer pushrod mount, and for even better precision, you can install a Panhard rod parallel to the steering rod. That way the compression of the steering rod is taken up by the Panhard rod and the steering becomes nice and crisp (well, as crisp as 9x16s can be!). Wiki Panhard rod and you’ll see what it does.
A triangular link like the design LR stole from the MAN KATs would also work well

Weak braking:
It’s a truck, it’s slower and you have to anticipate more. If you jump out of a LR wolf and into a truck you’ll find it brakes slower than the LR.
Change the cylinder seals when you get the truck and carry a spare set, you’ll out manoeuvre Murphy’s law. If you’re really adventurous you could convert the front to the Iveco disks and 4 pot callipers, they’re good.
Maybe the braking is heavier, but if the truck is homologated, and it passes the MOT each year then the brakes are within European leg effort standards. (I HATE these modern cars which stop almost before you’ve thought about the brake pedal)
You get used to most things, but swapping vehicles often can lead to jolty braking.

Next?

If it were famous for popping half shafts I would be less enthusiastic, but those who have bought a Dodge and written about it on the web all seem to be happy.

The Pinzi’s great, but too small for my personal tastes. It’s a pity it didn’t take its dimensions from the Tatra 805, of which the drivetrain and suspension is a direct copy. (The Tatra’s 2m wide)
The forward cab gives more liveable length in the vehicle and may reduce how hard you drive because you get more thrown about.

Vehicle speed; really annoying if you’re crossing Europe to get to Africa with limited time, but if you’re off the beaten track it isn’t an issue until you convoy with incompatible vehicles (drivers).
So don’t.

The argument on the size of travelling vehicle:
The thread’s not about that, but tastes change. I was happy riding around southern Africa on my bicycle in the 80’s, now I’m in a coachbuilt Iveco Daily 4x4 and looking to go bigger. I’ve gone through most of the steps in between.
I don’t agree with those who say that this size is better than that, my needs are not yours (and you don’t have my wife ;-) ) It’s cool to travel light, and comfortable to take the “trappings”. It’s reassuring not to have to fill up at every fuel station if you’re not sure about fuel quality, it’s great to get up those tight mountain tracks but you can’t do both in the same vehicle. Travel and let travel, and let’s share our experiences so that others can enjoy their preparations.

Gosh that sounds really peace and love. I must be in a good mood

I’ll sink back into silence and get some work done now.
L

(Mood darkens considerably)