"The VW T3 Syncro Bus, must be the best performing vehicle on dirt roads ever!"
"Koos
just a short one on high speed driving on dirt roads in general. There are two main issues we have to look at:
If you take for example the VW T3 Syncro Bus, that must be the best performing vehicle on dirt roads ever! Hi speeds no problem, until you hit an area with soft sand or fine dust a few centimetres deep. Then all hell brakes loose and one has both hands full to tame the beast, but it will emerge on all four wheels for two reasons:
1. Independant suspension all round
2. Torque sensing centre diff (Viscous coupling as in some RR's) which automatically transfers traction to the axle that benefits most from this.
Now if we look at the Disco1, Disco2 and Defenders, all those vehicles are at a disadvantage up front for the following reasons:
1. Live (beam) axles front and rear - This can result in trampling on very corrugated surfaces and if that is around a corner the "fun" really starts
2. Open centre diff, which puts power normally to the axle with the least traction .That is why it is highly advisable to lock the centre diff on untarred roads so that the power delivery is at least directed to both axles.
3. When we now introduce LSD especially on the front axle, this will assist with directional stability, as one of the front wheel s cannot start spinning uncontrollably under power (or deccelerate under engine braking) which would affect directional stability with very often a flick roll onto the roof.
So there you have it guys."
From the Southafrican Landrover forum.
