So I'm one of those guys that switched to coils. Ironically b/c my NAS truck (see the sig line->build thread, or if you want the short version hit the NAS-ROW post on just the conversion) went to the bump stops on the edge of the empty quarter when it was 120deg. Not like I was on some expedition mind you, just out playing near some dunes with the wife as the Arabian heat picked up and at that point I was like 'nope, not worth the expense of putting in the AMK upgrade in the UAE and still have the EAS variable in place to screw me later.'
There are no substantive differences between ROW coil trucks and convered NAS coilers other than with the conversion you retain some of the special programs (and still have vestiges of the EAS in various places).
To your original question; could you use these in the developing world where the normal day to day is as harsh as many of us encounter when we go on our occassional adventure? All I can say after being all over the Middle East (which isn't Africa) is that you don't see many of them there-they prefer Land Crusiers. Could you do it? Sure, I'd suggest a TDV6 and coils, and you may still run into problems if you are hitting mile after mile of harsh roads.
The query I'd have to your question is why do you ask? What I have found is many here want the D3/D4 platform to be everything that many times it can't be. If you want developing world longevity, go for simple robust and reliable platforms (think Hilux, of Defender in LR parlance). Overseas most folks driving modern Rovers do so b/c they can afford it, with some exceptions as noted or in places like Australia with a legacy infrastructure.
I love my coiled LR3, but if I want field serviceability I'll drive my D1 (and have a much less pleasant to/from on hardball). If I was going to South America or Africa, I'd buy a Toyota locally. Middle East...Rover was fine, but in truth I'd still go Toyota if I was going deep into the hinterlands.
r-
Ray
