Buck Rock Jeep Trail - Sequoia National Park

[PacificGroveRover]

Well,

Over the last two years I have not done much off-roading in my 05 HSE LR3 (has heavy duty package; it's white..I think NWOODS would want my LR3), but have been camping all over the Sierras pulling my new Starcraft Pop Up Trailer (3,750 lbs -Big One). We have spent 36 days in it since we bought the trailer last June. The LR3 has done an outstanding job pulling my new trailer and it's always loaded down with 2 or more bikes on top and one tiny one in the back because I have 3 daughters under 9, so with that being said the LR3 has been a real work horse.

So last week we are camping at Lodgepole Sequoia National Park and we explored the Buck Rock Fire Tower which was fantastic, but I had to choose to take the smooth fireroad back or the Jeep Trail. The Jeep trail is rated 5 out of 10 in the Backcountry Adventures book, so I took a poll and everybody was ready for an adventure so we took the Jeep trail back. Now my LR3 has the 19 inch wheels with the Michelin Synchrones and has no modifications. Well I was shocked at how well the LR3 tackled the trail. Even though the family was screaming due to the inclines, declines,and tilts the LR3 made it through like butter. I know the guys who off road frequently in their LR3's know how capable the LR3 but for me it was very eye opening.

Another point. I currently own a 99 DII with 156,000 (no leaksss!) and would like to get a modified 04 DII, but after that trip, I think the only vehicle that fits my lifestyle is the LR3. The 04 DII I know would struggle with 5 people in it while pulling my trailer in the Sierras. Also, the 04 DII would not perform as "smoothly" off road (stock no modifications). Again I am sure an 04 Disco II can go on the same trails but the ride is far different from what an LR3 provides you. I don't want to come to that conclusion because I love the look of the DII.

Question:
My wife remembers all of are DII trips and she quickly realized that the LR3 does not rock and dive into the holes but stays dramatically more level, which of course is due to the air suspension. My question, it seems that even though the LR3 has 9.5/10 inches of clearance in off road mode its effective clearance, in some situations, is somewhat higher due to the air springs pushing down into hole where as a DII tire would fall into the hole bringing the actual axle closer to the ground. I am wrong on this one?

atriot:

 

[CoyGlasscock]

That's the differance between Solid axle and Indie

If your one wheel drops into a hole then the center of your LR3 would have MORE ground clearance (than a Solid Axel).

If your one wheel is raised over a rock then the center of your LR3 would have LESS ground clearance (than a Solid Axle).

I have driven both (DII and now my LR3) on many occasions and I believe they both have their strong points and their weak points.


But if you really want to have some fun just sit back and watch where this thread goes.



Solid Axles SUCK!!!!!! Indi suspensions are better!!!!








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[agbuckle98]

I was just out in Sequoia / Kings Canyon, it'a so great there. I am envious of your trip with the Land Rover, I flew out and rented a surprisingly capable Chevy Aveo! Did great on the Forest Service roads!

 

[jwest]

? O.P. - you have an lr3 and ou have a 99 DII? but you also want, in addition I assume, an 04 DII...presumably to modify a little?

A. Why not modify the disco you have?
B. If you say, get 18" rims and slightly more appropriate tires, you can kind of have it all from what it sounds like you'd realistically get into on trails anyway - no offense, with three kids and mom who were already freaky about what was most likely prett tame angles, you aren't needing a full on crazy rig anyway - right?

So, by tires I mean some that will travel and wear well, but also be much better for any gravel roads, snow, mud, and even very rugged. BFG AT ko load rating E - will be better for load of all the people and what I'm guessing is a lot of food and stuff for long weekends, will be just fine for the whole year, snowy passes to sand, to 100 mpg, if that's our thing (sure was fun in Utah making some time)

Check mine out in the link. with all your cmaping, you might even be interested in knowing my solution for secondary power to run a real freezer fridge - the biggest marine battery I've ever seen in a car

We don't pull a camper but basically put one on top. You'd also gain about 1.25" more clearance underneath just by going to these tires. Nitto Terra Grapplers are decent too but these are generally regarded as being better quality/build/dependability.

 

[PacificGroveRover]

JWest thanks for the response. I have thought about modifying my current D2 but its tired. Traction control does not work so thats money and does not have CDL and the air bags have a leak and many other issues. Just does not make financial centsss! If I am going get an 04 it will be one that has already been modified because I dont have the time and I will let someone else eat the modification costs. Hey the angles and slopes were not wimpy, and the family screamed but loved it. I am aware of the Nittos and the benefits but I like my 19 inch rims...smiling! I have thought about the fridge set-up and if go that way I will send in a message..! I saw your web page and I love your LR3.

 

[PacificGroveRover]

Buckles it was great. It was our 3rd time to Sequoia/Kings. Great place for everything. We will be going back again later this year.

 

[nwoods]

You're right! All white HSE with HD - I would love it! Glad to hear you took out into the dirt where it belongs. I've seen that trail in the book, and have it marked as one of the things I want to explore. I've been to Yosemite many times, but never to Kings Canyon...yet.

 

[btp98w]

opcorn:

 

[agbuckle98]

I've been to Yosemite many times, but never to Kings Canyon...yet.

Dude, wait till you finally get to S/K park, after that, Yosemite will seem like a waste of time. I was in Yosemite this June and was just disgusted by the number of fat tourists, snack snands, and the whole privatized Curry Village. Of course you can get away from all that, but the whole upper park along Tioga rd was still closed in early June, no camping at all. S/K park wins in every aspect.

 

[PacificGroveRover]

What makes Sequoia and Kings Canyon very attractive to people who like to off-road is that the National Forest is intermingled between the two parks which allows off-highway fun.

 

[wooderson]

independent suspension is better than solid axle? then why do toyota 4runner owners always do solid axle swaps?

 

[jwest]

independent suspension is better than solid axle? then why do toyota 4runner owners always do solid axle swaps?

don't take the bait, it wasn't worth responding to.

 

[PacificGroveRover]

independent suspension is better than solid axle? then why do toyota 4runner owners always do solid axle swaps?

If I owned a Toyota 4-Runner I would too!

 

[kjg48359]

on the 4 runner, usually swap are for the front where the wheel travel is lousy (compared the rear), but that the independent front setup limits the tire size. I'll bet if you look, most of those guys are going to start running 34" or taller tires (which I don't think would fit w/ stock suspension)

 

[kjg48359]

on the 4 runner, usually swaps are for the front where the wheel travel is lousy (compared the rear), but that the independent front setup limits the tire size. I'll bet if you look, most of those guys are going to start running 34" or taller tires (which I don't think would fit w/ stock suspension), and they've lifted it all around.

 

[gmookher]

popcorn time;

1-Keep LR3 for easy trails

2-Add CDL and lockers to the 99D2 unless u want to ante up for the 04 which scores you a bigger motor, go with dual ARBs or a TT up front and ARB in rear

3-either D2 with CDL and a locker will out perfrom your Lr3(even if its HD package) with a rte 2" lift and 265 tires

Last year at the rally, we proved that a TT equipped d2 with CDL can do anything a ARB CDL d2 can do. Bit more skinny pedal, that was the trick. Each set up has pros and cons.That ended that debate, I ate my own words.

Are we gonna do the modded lr3 v s modded d2 test this year?

Hands down a stock LR3 can out drive a stock d2

 

[D Chapman]

Last year at the rally, we proved that a TT equipped d2 with CDL can do anything a ARB CDL d2 can do.

Haha