EMB <embtwo@ihug.co.nz> wrote in message news:<cecai6$sc3$1@lust.ihug.co.nz>...
> Jason Hall wrote:
>
> > What makes you say that? I thought defenders couldnt get crossaxled?
>
> They have better suspension travel before they get cross axled, but they
> cross axle just as well as a Series (or a Lada Niva) :-)

Coil sprung LRs with their softer, long travel suspension will dig a
wheel quicker and deeper into sand when you get stuck compared with a
leaf sprung LR. It will of course be more comfortable while doing so!
All we ever used in my time in desert seismic exploration (Libya,
Egypt, Oman) were standard 109 LRs with standard wheels and Michelin
7.50x16 XS tyres (with tubes). The XS is a very good sand tyre, will
run at low psi and has very flexible side walls. Great for flotation
over sand, but not good in mud or rocky ground because of the
relatively weak side walls. Forget about diff locks etc, they're just
more to go wrong in the middle of nowhere, and if you DO need them on
your trip you shouldn't be going alone. A second vehicle with a good
rope is always the quickest way of getting unstuck.

Gordon