Settle a debate please

[nrene]

I have an acquaintance in the UK that is claiming that the UK Discoveries were built differently than the ones that were shipped to the US (DI through DIII/LR3).

Besides the obvious steering wheel locations, engine availability (diesel) and other cosmetic differences, were there any significant technical differences that would, in the works of the Brits make their versions "more rugged and capable because [their] roads are worse"?

Anyone know of anything?

 

[stu454]

Sounds like someone is sad that their empire has fallen and is trying to compensate.

Can he back up his claims with anything more than nationalist pride?

If not, just pat him on the head and tell him that 'sure, your trucks are tougher than our trucks'. Then give him a scone and send him back out to play.

 

[nrene]

Sounds like someone is sad that their empire has fallen and is trying to compensate.

Just pat him on the head and tell him that 'sure, your trucks are tougher than our trucks'. Then give him a scone and send him back out to play.

Haha, that was my thought as well...

 

[robertf]

theirs don't have the nubs on the rear of the frame. Maybe thats what he's talking about?

 

[ipgregory]

What he is probably referring to is that NAS trucks 'generally' are sold as standard with a higher equipment level than the average trucks sold in the UK. Not to say that similar trucks can't be bought there (if you ignore the available engines) but the typical trucks on the road are of a lower level. That means the average NAS truck is more complicated and has more electrickery than the average UK truck you will come across. So its likely more prone to issues that may not plague a UK truck because the same systems are not in place. In the UK, most NAS trucks are seen as loaded down with crap to go wrong. Even here people look for the lower trim models to use for trail trucks like the SD D1s and Hunter RRCs because they are seen as having less 'stuff' to break and go wrong.

There are also some differences between NAS trucks and most other trucks that are specific for the US market and dictated by US regs. Things like lock out solenoids on the shifters and t-cases for example.

The differences have decreased over the years. A typical NAS D1 or D90 is much more complicated and loaded with 'stuff' than the typical UK versions. D2 less so and D3/D4 even less as more and more systems became standard rather than options. Today with the newer trucks I would say the differences are minimal and related primarily to country specific safety regs rather than trim levels.

 

[NikeCheck246]

There is not enough of a difference that he can make a blanket statement. Obviously, powertrain options are different and what not, but it is the same, basic truck across the Atlantic as it is here.

 

[ukoffroad]

Other than 2 door versions, I thought the us were just a little higher spec.

 

[bobkitten]

That guy is more or less right. There are quite a few more sensors and what not on American spec vehicles. I first noticed it when i had my old 3 series bmw. On the forums, I kept seeing all these little issues with sensors that i noticed i never had.
However those sensors can be life savers.

 

[NikeCheck246]

Besides a second set of O2 sensors on later trucks, what sensors do we have that they do not?

 

[bobkitten]

Mine does not have coolant level sensor.

 

[antichrist]

Manual windows and sunroofs were available there, so no window ECU's.
Earlier models available without ABS so no brake failure like in the US.
Just two, off the top of my head.

 

[NikeCheck246]

Mine does not have coolant level sensor.

Neither does mine. Range Rover Classics had it, but I'm not sure any D1's had it.

 

[listerdiesel]

There isn't a huge difference, most relate to emissions equipment, which meant SAI and an extra pair of Lambda sensors (O2 sensors)

Trim levels were in 3 stages generally over here, we had the entry level GS which I believe was fairly rare in the USA.

Air Con was an option, things like ACE (D2) were optional but nearly always fitted, windows were all electric, I haven't seen manual windows on the D2.

ABS was on all D2's.

Mine is a GS, basic cloth trim, Hi-Range audio though. Manual box, ACE, coils, etc.

Peter

 

[antichrist]

I was speaking just to D1's. I forgot the OP included DII/DIII's