Ron Low replies:
My experiences are limited to Land Rovers, Cherokees, and Suzukis.
Once Land Rover abandoned North America in 1974, my Land Rovers slowly used up all
the parts resources I could find. Before that, however, I found that 4X4
capable of handling anything on my trails. We did not have the after-market supply that we do now, so to get a locker, you were pretty much stuck with welding the diff. It broke
axles but it worked.
After wearing out my last Land Rover (I had 88's 109's), I found myself driving , if it is called that, an LJ80. It was fully capable and I lifted it some and welded it some and finally installed a Lockright in the front. But I have used 700X15X8 ply Bridgestones, some of them recapped. It will go anywhere but don't stop too good. It has been used to tow the Dumont Bronco. It is the worse for wear but its been there. If you have travelled the Dumont Poker Run, IRC, and Morningside Trails, etc. you'll be familiar with the trails that the little Suzuki has conquered, sometimes before anyone else.
Your question really goes to how you use your 4X4 and what your limitations
are. Others will try to influence you but you need to know how YOU plan to
use yours. What application is each component capable of? What is your own comfort level?
Who you travel with is important too. As safety and preparation are paramount, consider that most of your luck on the trail will be your preparation mingling with the opportunities the trail offers.
Adding "stuff" to your rig may make it more useful in your skill level.
Breakage will occur, that's a given. Try to carry the parts that are the
easiest to replace in far less than ideal conditions. Try to engineer your
breaking points for the simple fix. Getting out the special tools for the
occasion will impress few. If swapping in a part makes sense in all this then it has another notation on the pro side. My experience on the trail and in the back yard
urges me towards less sophistication. Ease of repair as well as transport of
parts is one criterion. Each 4X4 has its idiosyncrasies, these need to be
learned before the crisis if possible. Off-roading is fun, made more so by the fellas you run with. Sharing tools and expertise is also a bonding experience. But no matter what you are running, lack of preparation will be a grinding experience. Independence
includes "runnin' what yuh brung" and carrying your own needs among your possibles.
If it isn't fun anymore then find out why and fix that first. Above all try to keep the greasy side down.
Ron Low
