↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home > Technical > Improving offroad manoeuvrability?
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 1 of 2 12>
Print this entire topic · 
rallysteve



Member Since: 10 Feb 2014
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 2196

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Keswick Green
Improving offroad manoeuvrability?
Morning all,

I did my first and the V8's first RTV trial on Sunday. Came an unimpressive joint last Whistle. Along with a few annoying mistakes by myself, the real Achilles heel of the vehicle seems to be a total lack of manoeuvrability in the mud.

The almost brand new Toyo MTs admittedly arnt the best tyre for the conditions as they clog up almost immediately but i would expect better lateral traction from them. The vehicle had a real tendency to just push on forward all the time. I tried both with and without CDL engaged with little difference. This resulted in under steering most of the time and clipping/missing gates. I have not experienced this to this degree with other 90s running General SAG tyres or on 109s or 110s running BFG KM1s or KM2s. I don't know if it is a factor of the vehicle/tyres or both. This was pronounced even at the lowest sustainable rpm in Low 1st so not merely a speed issue. On road handling and tyre wear seems fine.

The main issue though was the total lack of steering lock, i adjusted the lock stops sp that the tyres have about 5mm of clearance from the radius arms. I think a big difference can be had by fitting spacer to move the Wolf wheels and 255/85 tyres out so that the lock stops can be wound in a bit.


Click image to enlarge



Cheers,
Steve 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread
84' 90 3.9 V8 Caged Pickup Build Thread - Now For Sale


Mobile Diesel Heater Build Thread
Post #808979 6th Jan 2020 10:38am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16858

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Fiddle brakes on rear.
Post #808980 6th Jan 2020 10:57am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
rallysteve



Member Since: 10 Feb 2014
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 2196

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Keswick Green
That was the original plan, not allowed in the RTV regulations though Big Cry

Cheers
Steve 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread
84' 90 3.9 V8 Caged Pickup Build Thread - Now For Sale


Mobile Diesel Heater Build Thread
Post #808982 6th Jan 2020 10:58am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Pilgrimmick



Member Since: 16 Nov 2015
Location: Highlands
Posts: 581

United Kingdom 
Just remove the stops, you are running larger than standard tyres, this will reduce the possible steering angle. You will hear the tyres catching the radius arms and can decide on a case by case basis if it is worth keeping the lock on.
Providing the breathers etc are routed correctly on the inside of the radius arms then there is nothing to get damaged.
The time the tyres are rubbing on the arms will cause far less tyre damage than a couple of seconds of wheel spin.
The difference will be unbelievable.
My first year at the ARC nationals I came in very low down the scoreboard, not quite last, but nearly. The next year, albeit with some more practice, I won the 90 class. To this day I think removing the steering stops was a significant part of the success. 80" 1948
Lightweight V8
Bowler Tomcat
130 Station wagon
90 300tdi
(Santana PS10 pick up)
Range Rover L322 (Ful fat)
Post #808990 6th Jan 2020 11:41am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
rallysteve



Member Since: 10 Feb 2014
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 2196

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Keswick Green
Excellent, a very reasonable point. Will give that a go!

In a very crude way; I guess the inner tyre being forced against the radius arm on full lock actually will result in more power to the outer wheel with an open diff and may actually help the vehicle rotate a little better!

Cheers,
Steve 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread
84' 90 3.9 V8 Caged Pickup Build Thread - Now For Sale


Mobile Diesel Heater Build Thread
Post #808993 6th Jan 2020 11:55am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
diesel_jim



Member Since: 13 Oct 2008
Location: hiding
Posts: 6031

United Kingdom 2006 Defender 110 Td5 SW Epsom Green
What were the tyre pressures at? You need to let them down quite a bit to get purchase in claggy mud.
Post #809057 6th Jan 2020 7:40pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
CarMan



Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1777

United Kingdom 
Interesting, I think it's the 255's on Wolfs. Turning circle great with 235's and much as I love Wolfs (ET20?) maybe think about wider offset wheels e.g. ET10 or even ET0 with no spacers Thumbs Up

I think 20 or maybe 22psi is the minimum but check.

Btw great looking truck and don't be demoralised Smile Rob

1993 200tdi 90 hard-top
1998 300tdi 90 soft-top
2016 2.2 XS 90 hard-top
Post #809059 6th Jan 2020 7:50pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Mdm



Member Since: 11 Sep 2013
Location: Sunny Lancashire
Posts: 1523

United Kingdom 
i would adjust the lock stops until the tyres just rub on the radius arms .if you remove the bolts you can stress the cv under load at full lock. then they break.

255 are what i run on my 90 but for trailing 235 or a narrower tire will help as will lower pressures.

90 is looking well .
Post #809062 6th Jan 2020 8:03pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16858

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Remember though that it will fail an MOT (and for that matter a VOSA roadside roadworthiness check) if the tyres actually touch the radius arms. I usually adjust mine for the MOT and have been know to unadjust them afterwards.
Post #809065 6th Jan 2020 8:13pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
grafty99



Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: North Devon
Posts: 4784

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Caledonian Blue
I adjusted my lock stops so that I have literally about 2mm of clearance. The steering lock isn't too bad Thumbs Up 2002 90 Td5 Station Wagon
1990 Vogue SE
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200
Td5 90 Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic50767.html
Tdi 110 Thread https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic69562.html
RRC Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic54492.html
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/george_grafton
Post #809068 6th Jan 2020 8:23pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
markb110



Member Since: 22 May 2010
Location: Guildford
Posts: 2520

England 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Epsom Green
Hi Steve

A couple of the guys in the club run larger offset wheels on the front only to get the better turning radius. Spacers I believe are not allowed.

When I did my first British Army Navigation event after 10 plus years of marshalling we came last by such a large margin I think that they had to add an extra plain page between us and the second to last team Laughing

Keep going and you will do well, remember fun first (and lots of mickey taking)…..
Post #809072 6th Jan 2020 8:33pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 19535

United Kingdom 
I think I've got about 20mm (I can't remember exactly.) clearance on mine with the 255/85's. no spacers.
The turning lock doesn't concern me, although I'm not using it for competitive reasons etc.

I believe if you have it set too close it's a tell tale sign to the MOT tester to look for rubbing / scuff marks.
From there, they will if that's been spotted actually take a look on full lock just how close the clearance is.

Tyre pressure will affect clearance too, lower pressure will mean it'll be closer, and higher more clearance. Diesel$ Live$ Matter. ⛽️🛢️👨‍🔧🧰⚙️ RED, WHITE & BOOST! 🇬🇧
Post #809073 6th Jan 2020 8:39pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7682

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
All mine rub radius arms on full lock , I just back off the steering as required.

Wolf wheels offer great protection for the caliper and give a narrow track.

Mach5s will increase lock dramatically especially when combined with adjusting lock stops to just off radius arms and compared to your wolfs.

You'll get more scrub steer and vehicle will be wider which can be a pain on narrow gates. Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop
Post #809079 6th Jan 2020 9:05pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
diduan



Member Since: 13 Oct 2016
Location: Central Balkan
Posts: 260

Bulgaria 
Normal mud tires clog up qiuckly in clay type mud and you can't steer any more. Using more wheel spin can help or just get some aggressive mud tires like Silverstone mt117. Defender 110 SW MY2011 2.4tdci decat, no EGR
Jeep Wrangler YJ 1990 4.0. Front 78' Dana 60, Rear CUCV 14 bolt
Post #809083 6th Jan 2020 9:11pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
CarMan



Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1777

United Kingdom 
Think most of our club use 235 Insa Turbo Special Track
Post #809084 6th Jan 2020 9:18pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Post Reply  Back to top
Page 1 of 2 12>
All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Jump to  
Previous Topic | Next Topic >
Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Site Copyright © 2006-2024 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
DEFENDER2.NET RSS Feed - All Forums