AND HARD TERRAIN
Astwood 4×4 Land Rover Off Road For extreme off road over very rocky paths or roads with large obstacles. I.e. forest tracks with fallen timber etc, low ratio may be needed to avoid clutch slippage and ease of vehicle control, most hard surfaces can be negotiated in normal drive although it is advisable to lock the differential if any traction or wheel spin is lost.
SPEED,RATIO,GEARS
Before commencing an extreme off road track use low range in diff lock, for most purposes second or third gear is suitable to maintain traction, Avoid heavy use of accelerator to minimise wheel spin. Slow careful clutch operation should be used, never ride the clutch as this will cause unnecessary wear and loss of traction, in low ratio engine braking is very effective and should be used where possible on wet and muddy hills etc. It should be remembered that steering control can be lost on down hill slopes with slippery surfaces when applying brakes, for very steep slopes 1st gear should be used.
SAND AND SOFT BOGGY GROUND
Reduce all tyre pressures to give tyres more contact and improve traction, always walk or survey the area to be crossed first. Look for trees or terrain that could be used as a winch point if traction is lost remember there is usually another way of crossing, try to pick firm terrain. Do not take unnecessary risks driving off road as this can be hazardous.
TRANSVERSING STEEP TERRAIN
Astwood 4×4 Land Rover Refurbs and RestorationMost of the time low range in second or third gear should be used with the differential locked, when traction is being lost use high gear possibly with out stalling the vehicle, if you stall the vehicle hold the vehicle on foot brake select reverse gear start engine and without using foot brake where possible use engine braking to slowly reverse down the slope, experience will teach you how to approach steep slopes .
SAND AND SOFT BOGGY GROUND
Reduce all tyre pressures to give tyres more contact and improve traction, always walk or survey the area to be crossed first. Look for trees or terrain that could be used as a winch point if traction is lost remember there is usually another way of crossing, try to pick firm terrain. Do not take unnecessary risks driving off road as this can be hazardous.
TRANSVERSING STEEP TERRAIN
Most of the time low range in second or third gear should be used with the differential locked, when traction is being lost use high gear possibly with out stalling the vehicle, if you stall the vehicle hold the vehicle on foot brake select reverse gear start engine and without using foot brake where possible use engine braking to slowly reverse down the slope, experience will teach you how to approach steep slopes .
RIDGES, DITCHES, LARGE POTHOLES AND GULLEYS
Restoring land rovers, Avoid over steering keep the vehicle speed down allowing the vehicle to follow ruts as much as possible, try to find a path with a similar as possible path to the other wheel. With the angle of approach to the obstacle try to avoid any of the wheels lifting off the ground, when crossing a ditch cross at a relatively steep angle to try to keep three wheels in contact with the ground. Remember all traction will be lost if the opposite wheel leaves contact with the ground. Gulleys should be approached with caution, steering up or down any gully can lead to no steering or danger also rolling and loss of traction.
SNOW AND ICE
Driving techniques are the same as soft mud, use the highest gear possible with the differential locked. Keep engine revs to a minimum level sufficient to keep vehicle in motion, steering should be slow and methodical, keep road speeds to a minimum and remember braking distance is increased. It can be tempting to drive faster than braking time permits.
WADING
Astwood 4×4 Land Rover Restoration and Refurbishment Maximum depth is approximately 0.5 meters {20ins} ensure wade plugs are fitted and keep speed to a minimum. When going through deep water slacken fan belt to reduce saturation of electrics etc, revs should be held higher when the exhaust is submerged, remember air filters are not completely water tight use a snorkel for deep water, we have found connecting the snorkel direct to the manifold in the side vent . When the alternator is submerged this can cause an electrical fault, remember to drive a short distance with brakes slightly applied after going through water to dry them you can not rely on the handbrake when wet and this unit can get soaked with mud and water.
AFTER OFF ROAD USE
Reinflate tyres, tighten fan belt where necessary, clear mud from tyre tread, ensure air filter has not become clogged, remember braking efficiency can be reduced when wet or clogged with mud. Always check tyre walls for cracking and splits, remove grit from the brake disks.