ovalandrover
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Are P38s any good off road?
look at the video and decide for yourself!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV6Co8DWvYU
look at the video and decide for yourself!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV6Co8DWvYU
Off road in a P38 ?
- Thread starter ovalandrover
- Start date
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Littelwill
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Pretty good then...
brianp38dse
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Enjoyed that good compilation.
Nickpen
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Although a lot of the clips seem to stop just before they grind to a halt!
Nicktrackside
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A few looked to be coil sprung!
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996turbos one appears on that a few times dunnit?
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Yes, saw 996Turbo on there. A fair few of those are modified - running on springs, diff locks etc. Looks fun though!
I almost got stuck today on a rough patch with opposing wheels cocked up in the air. Seems the traction control isn't as good as it could be. Diff locks definitely required if doing any semi-serious off-road stuff.
I almost got stuck today on a rough patch with opposing wheels cocked up in the air. Seems the traction control isn't as good as it could be. Diff locks definitely required if doing any semi-serious off-road stuff.
biketeacherdave
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i saw that clip and a few others during my down time at xmas after i think the last mince pie and glass of champers 
:clap2::clap2:
:clap2::clap2:
Datatek
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TC is about marketing, it's cheap nasty replacement for LSD's and/or diff locks. My Pajero with LSD rear and lockable centre was much better than the P38 off the tarmac and on ice & snow.
StuckAgainSteve
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You've probably only got two wheel TC - the later 4 wheel TC is design for exactly this situation. Yep, not as good as diff locks but it'll usually get you out of trouble. When cross-axled like that your best bet is to get on the throttle and leftfoot brake at the same time which will transfer some power to the wheels with traction.
glenhendry
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In my opinion, the TC is neither cheap nor nasty. For its time it is was a great step forward. Of course, it is much better when it is on all four wheels rather than just two. Open diffs can leave you in 2WD regularly, and TC can save you in many situations, no matter what your offroad driving experience. All it was designed to do was get you moving again if you lift a wheel really, and it does that, very well, in a large percentage of offroad situations. If it can't save you, then you should have chosen a better line (just like you needed to do with open diffs).
No doubt lockers are better, much better, but LSDs -can- wear out so much that they are completely ineffective and without any warning.
I will also say after extensive off roading with a L322, that its TC is better than the P38 (as you would expect). I suspect it is just that the TC ECU is so much faster at detecting a stopped wheel, but also I think that my P38 VC may be 'more viscous and less coupling' than new. My solid axles and P38 TC do not overcome the perceived limitations of independent suspension and L322 TC, especially when the L322 is sporting mud tyres.
If you took the TC off the P38, I think that it would be a much less capable beast off road, and no different on road, therefore its TC cannot be considered cheap or nasty.
No doubt lockers are better, much better, but LSDs -can- wear out so much that they are completely ineffective and without any warning.
I will also say after extensive off roading with a L322, that its TC is better than the P38 (as you would expect). I suspect it is just that the TC ECU is so much faster at detecting a stopped wheel, but also I think that my P38 VC may be 'more viscous and less coupling' than new
. My solid axles and P38 TC do not overcome the perceived limitations of independent suspension and L322 TC, especially when the L322 is sporting mud tyres.If you took the TC off the P38, I think that it would be a much less capable beast off road, and no different on road, therefore its TC cannot be considered cheap or nasty.
Datatek
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In my opinion, the TC is neither cheap nor nasty. For its time it is was a great step forward. Of course, it is much better when it is on all four wheels rather than just two. Open diffs can leave you in 2WD regularly, and TC can save you in many situations, no matter what your offroad driving experience. All it was designed to do was get you moving again if you lift a wheel really, and it does that, very well, in a large percentage of offroad situations. If it can't save you, then you should have chosen a better line (just like you needed to do with open diffs).
No doubt lockers are better, much better, but LSDs -can- wear out so much that they are completely ineffective and without any warning.
I will also say after extensive off roading with a L322, that its TC is better than the P38 (as you would expect). I suspect it is just that the TC ECU is so much faster at detecting a stopped wheel, but also I think that my P38 VC may be 'more viscous and less coupling' than new
If you took the TC off the P38, I think that it would be a much less capable beast off road, and no different on road, therefore its TC cannot be considered cheap or nasty.
TC is very cheap, just a software mod to the ABS
Very nasty, it only works for a very short time to prevent brake overheat.
Never had a LSD fail but diff failure is common on the P38 even without LSD.
The VCU on the P38 does not become more fluid with age, it seizes.
Depending on year, the L322 has a Torsen torque sensing centre diff which does much the same job as a LSD.
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Correct: rear only. TBH there isn't much between it and no traction control although it does help a little.
In this instance I was in a narrow steep sided gully and wanted out! There was a patch which didn't look quite so steep and I thought I could maybe make the turn up without risking rolling it. Unfortunately in the process I somehow ended up with a front and rear wheel in the air and no progress but plenty of wheelspin. Easily to drop back down but a little disappointing as I had to go the long way round to get back.
StuckAgainSteve
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The main problem with LSDs is you usually have to replace tyres in axle pairs - so if you get an irreparable puncture - that TWO tyres you have to replace.
The later four wheel TC on the P38 is a great get out of jail free card - it will save you in most cross axle situations - but - if you're off roading proper there's no substitute for lockers as the TC will shutdown to prevent overheat. If you're a smoker that's not a problem - light a tab - chill and contemplate her next door's tits - then have another go after it's all cooled down.
I don't smoke unfortunately!
The later four wheel TC on the P38 is a great get out of jail free card - it will save you in most cross axle situations - but - if you're off roading proper there's no substitute for lockers as the TC will shutdown to prevent overheat. If you're a smoker that's not a problem - light a tab - chill and contemplate her next door's tits - then have another go after it's all cooled down.
I don't smoke unfortunately!
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Yes, if I have the cash to spare a set of those Kam-lockers will be going on.
