Overland Journal Project Land Rover Discovery 4 (LR4)
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
What is the weight difference we're talking when it comes to the alu vs steel trans-case and gas-tank skids?
Jwestpro
Explorer
I bet a little goolging would return useful results for the basic weight of AL vs Mild Steel. Then all you need to do is know the weight of one or just ballpark that weight. I can tell you that my Rover Specialties sliders at steel and weigh about exactly 100 lbs each side. Yes, 100 LBS EACH. I would not be surprised if AL is roughly 50% weight even taking into consideration that to match the usable strength of 3/16 steel, AL has to be thicker which is why my Rasta plates are about 1/4"
Someone above said the RS sliders are 1/4". That would be a bit ridiculous/overkill. There are very few aftermarket 4x4 parts that are from 1/4" plate steel as it would be incredibly heavy and generally unnecessary. My RS sliders, after new thick powder coating, are still only right at 3/16"
Someone above said the RS sliders are 1/4". That would be a bit ridiculous/overkill. There are very few aftermarket 4x4 parts that are from 1/4" plate steel as it would be incredibly heavy and generally unnecessary. My RS sliders, after new thick powder coating, are still only right at 3/16"
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Jwestpro
Explorer
I don't think so. Not unless they changed them and your weigh 125 lbs each accounting for 25% more steel. They are, like most aftermarket steel parts, 3/16".
I bet the front end of your lr looks sweet with the hidden winch mount and it's better handling with less weight up front not having a bullbar. Not seeing a photo, is your rear bumper cover also stock with just the tire carrier installed? I love the Kaymar for obvious reasons but if I did it again I'd consider the lighter overall vehicle weight by doing what you did with no front or rear steel bumpers.
Jwestpro
Explorer
SWEET set up. I did not realize the FR tire carrier was nicely offset toward the middle, as per my groaning and complaining earlier regarding the other brands. I like it!
Do you realize you are saving roughly 250 lbs by not having either bumper in steel?
Question, and photo or link request: how does your Hannibal awning attach to that tubular style rack? The Hannibal version has flat side rail structure perfectly suited to the standard awning hardware so I'm curious how these could be mounted on other things.
Really what I want to do, and this could apply to anyone really, is eliminate the Hannibal rack from in between my vehicle and the tent or awnings to reduce roof weight by over 100 lbs. I may go with an autohome RTT and figure out a way for the rear awning to mount seeing as the autohome RTT models mostly access from either side. I like my short awning over the rear a lot especially when set with the 2 walls making a little windless, rainless, private room for cooking or changing at events. I figure I could also mount the side awning somehow and just access the hard top tent via one side.
This idea would also be significantly less wind noisy and more aero dynamic, presumably a little at least.
Oh, and you might as well list your tire choice and size in your build signature because people are going to ask you for sure.
Do you realize you are saving roughly 250 lbs by not having either bumper in steel?
Question, and photo or link request: how does your Hannibal awning attach to that tubular style rack? The Hannibal version has flat side rail structure perfectly suited to the standard awning hardware so I'm curious how these could be mounted on other things.
Really what I want to do, and this could apply to anyone really, is eliminate the Hannibal rack from in between my vehicle and the tent or awnings to reduce roof weight by over 100 lbs. I may go with an autohome RTT and figure out a way for the rear awning to mount seeing as the autohome RTT models mostly access from either side. I like my short awning over the rear a lot especially when set with the 2 walls making a little windless, rainless, private room for cooking or changing at events. I figure I could also mount the side awning somehow and just access the hard top tent via one side.
This idea would also be significantly less wind noisy and more aero dynamic, presumably a little at least.
Oh, and you might as well list your tire choice and size in your build signature because people are going to ask you for sure.
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brickpaul65
Adventurer
What tires are you running JAK?
Jwestpro
Explorer
pretty obvious: LT275/65R18 Goodyear mtr
LT275/65R18 Goodyear MT/R with Kevlar. Tires do not rub except slightly on the fender liner when at the bump stops. This is a "C" load rating and when aired down to 20psi a significant amount of side wall flex is to be had. These are also the obsolete white lettering tires. I have painted them black with forever black tire paint. Every time I go out I come back with white cuts, scraps and gashes on the sidewall as the outer black rubber coating comes off easily. This tire is no longer available with white lettering which is a good thing. I have had around 40,000 miles on the tire with half the tread left. Because they are aggressive and have taken a lot of trail damage, I can no longer keep two of them balanced. I will be moving up to LT275/70R18 this summer. I will have to make some other changes to the suspension to accommodate the extra inch. That tire size is an "E" rated tire. I should be able to drop the pressure a bit further and have less sidewall flex.
I am not fussed with weight as when I go out with the family there is so much in the truck, tools, spares, kid, food, dog, cameras and so on. We pack the thing full as most of our trips are at least a week at a time. Mileage is 12 mpg, I am not sure how much the weight may or may not have played into it at this point.
The Baja Rack has been modified by welding on mounts for the tent, awning and lights. My awning has the side kit to make a nice little room.
Scott Brady
Founder
Let the durability testing begin. With most of the modifications complete its "job" at a few trade shows done, a good layer of dust will do the girl good.
We have spent some time with Land Rover product managers and performance testers, all driving the vehicle as currently configured. They were particularly interested in stability and drivability. Even in "off-road" mode, the vehicle has passed all stability expectations. They didn't want to give the vehicle back, but upon returning it, they gave me one last piece of factory kit. It nearly choked me up. . .
We have spent some time with Land Rover product managers and performance testers, all driving the vehicle as currently configured. They were particularly interested in stability and drivability. Even in "off-road" mode, the vehicle has passed all stability expectations. They didn't want to give the vehicle back, but upon returning it, they gave me one last piece of factory kit. It nearly choked me up. . .
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brickpaul65
Adventurer
Congratulations! I would say that it is well earned.
Jwestpro
Explorer
Looking good. If it weren't for my irrational worry over air suspension out in the boonies, I'd be considering an LR4 to move my kit over to soon.
It is obviously seen there having the 18" factory wheels. Did you already post how this was achieved?