Off camber improvements

[Cadaver]

As I continue to mod my D1, she gets taller and more unstable in the off-camber situations. The OHV park I frequent is full of off-camber situations on nearly all trails, even the easy ones. I guess Im still trying to get used to my truck (4 years), but there are times that it is plain scary and feels like I could tip or roll down a hill. Guess Im getting too old. And Im only running the 3" RTE w/ 265/75s. I cant imagine running some of these trails with a taller truck. Im fortunate to go wheeling with some well experienced friends that spot well, but we still have some close moments and they (Jeepers) are less familiar with the maneuverability of the Land Rovers. The reason for this post is to discuss modifications to modifications that can keep a steady footing on off-camber situations (excpet chopping the roof which Im already contemplating).

Simplest things I can think of is getting a level gage and keep track of those "shit pants" moments. Other ideas would be wider tires on rims with less backspacing creating a wider stance. One other that comes to mind would be to increase the bumpstops to prevent too much stuffing of the tires. And, keeping as much of the heavy gear on the floor of the truck and secured.

Any other ideas?

 

[jamsandwich]

get the levo gage. i seriously almost shit my pants realizing how much the rover can actually lean.

 

[marc olivares]

you'd be amazed what offset wheels will do for you mentally.

most of southern utah is off camber wheeling, swapping wheels gave me nice warm fuzzies.
the jury is still out as to weather it actually helped the vehicle.
but he helped me 1000 fold for piece of mind...

loosing the cones helped me too, but that's a can of worms you east coast guys dont like to get into...lol

 

[Cadaver]

Yep, tires were actually the next mod on the list. Still have a month or two before it happens, but its next up. I was considering the 15" offset wheels from GCR and some 33x12.5 or 33x10.5. Way down the list on mods is a roll cage, which is peace of mind.

The off camber spots make for great photo opportunities, but the last outing I took the wife and kids. First major trail was rather difficult and had some serious teeter tottering and near tip over moments. Lets just say it went over like a terd in a punch bowl with the family. My wife is still yelling at me and both my daughters need therapy.

It gotten to where this is the limiting factor of my vehicle when I go wheeling. I sit and watch XJs, ZJs, and other SUVs squeeze by. My turn comes and I quickly swallow a handful of xanax and hope for the best. My favorite part is watching my spotters face. We've all seen that expresion of apprehension on his face symbolizing "YIKES" when you start that lean that never seems to end while you sit there helplessly.

Keep the ideas rollin!

 

[DiscoDino]

with a 3 inch lift, I'd easily fit 33" tires that are MAJORLY offset...

That's the only way to regain.

Another is weight distribution and weight reduction...

 

[alex]

get rid of your roof rack, if you have one, especially if you have heavy stuff up there, like gas cans or a high lift jack.

Get wider wheels and tires--I have 12.5" wide tires on 11" wheels (10"+beadlock), which has increased my track over stock by a good 6". It is stupid-stable!

Even without the wider tires, however, you would be amazed how much your rig is able to lean without flopping. I bet you can sustain more of a sidehill right now than your jeep buddies. just doesn't feel like it.

 

[ptschram]

loosing the cones helped me too, but that's a can of worms you east coast guys dont like to get into...lol

BINGO! I finally joined the retained crowd and will not look back, The first trip out, it was immediately obvious that I had imporved the controllability of the truck. It just didn't feel as loose when in off-camber situations.

The pictures of the springs dislocated are dramatic, but it isn't what's gonna get you home and that's what counts to me.

 

[stevenr]

FULL tank of gas helps too. I try to never go wheling with stuff on my roof rack. Aftermarket heavy front and rear bumpers and a winch help. I have also gained about 20 extra pounds... you think that helps?

 

[Mike_Rupp]

loosing the cones helped me too, but that's a can of worms you east coast guys dont like to get into...lol

Marc, you should know by now that the terrain on the east coast is such that cones are superior to retainers.:banghead:

 

[sharp21]

Im going with retainers in my lift. As i understand it, with cones & your springs extended, there comes a point when they are not working to push your wheel to the ground, ie no traction on that wheel! That would be pretty extreme I think, but it IS all about getting home.
S.

 

[Cadaver]

Excellent ideas. I dont run a rack anymore, use retainers, have RTE front and rear bumpers, and Im about 40lbs overweight.

 

[jabber]

Something that helped me a bit was the front sway bar. gave me a little piece of mind.

 

[p m]

Get wider wheels and tires--I have 12.5" wide tires on 11" wheels (10"+beadlock), which has increased my track over stock by a good 6". It is stupid-stable!

Alex - my daughter almost rolled my jeep that had 80" sidewall-to-sidewall
But she was only 9 then...

 

[alex]

You can roll anything, but compare my rig to they typical disco with the usual pizza cutters, and there's a noticeable difference, at least in feel...

 

[Steve Rupp]

BINGO! I finally joined the retained crowd and will not look back, The first trip out, it was immediately obvious that I had imporved the controllability of the truck. It just didn't feel as loose when in off-camber situations.

Someday everybody will be convinced.

 

[Revor]

Big Wide tires 3 inch lift, no roof rack, put the spare in the back seat, fully retained, really soft shocks, three link. 35 pounds over weight..
Yousef's levo gauge said over 40 degrees and it didn't fall over.
Of course I was sliding to the other side of the car but the new PRP seats have now helped with that.

 

[LuisC]

I'm surprised at this point that no one has suggested spacers behind the wheels. For some reason I can't seem to find them on the net and I went to EE, RTE, and GBR. I'll have to seach more when I get time.

 

[marc olivares]

for a D1, spacers are twice the cost of a set of wheels...it's a no brainer.

 

[Bannon88]

I'm surprised at this point that no one has suggested spacers behind the wheels. For some reason I can't seem to find them on the net and I went to EE, RTE, and GBR. I'll have to seach more when I get time.

Marc is right on, wheels cost less than spacers. However you still have to get the tires mounted and balanced at $15 buck a pop. That is $75 dollars.

I checked into this before.

This place is $125 a spacer. $500 a set. OUCH.

http://www.wheeladapter.com/home.asp

I found a machine shop, by my house who will do it for $80 a spacer at 30mm thick, but I would have to bring him the 20 studs to be press fit into the spacer.

The cost comes from the fact that they have to turn down a 8" round stock to the right size, and then press fit large studs into a big 5 x 6.5 pattern. I'm pretty sure LR is the only manufacturer who uses M16 x 1.5" studs as well. All adding to the cost, that and they don't sell like Jeeps, Ford, or GM.

 

[mike97d1]

If your near a dealer, go over the off road course. The one near me has a 40ish degree off camber section. It will make you way more confident in you trucks ability to not roll.