Converting transits to 4wd?

[PeteB]

I've had both a County Transit with live axles and an Iveco 45.10 with the locking rear and centre diff with IFS. Both expensive to buy and run, not too goog either on or off road either I'm afraid.

 

You lost payload, on-road stability, speed and economy, they chewed through expensive tyres and still got stuck! You did get a bit closer than a standard truck but the Defender 130 single cab dropside was best.

 

The two trucks have long been in truck heaven but I still see that 130 and she must 17 or 18 years old now.

[VTS]

The cheapest option has got to be snow chains.

Bit of a pain to fit at times but gives the grip you want.

As said before though, once a wheel starts spinning your stuck.

I also keep a few barrow loads of chip in the back to give it a bit more traction.

Good luck

[County4x4]

Half the trouble with the County transmission was that people didn't know how to use it! That's why they have stickers with the instructions on the windows and dash! There's no centre diff - so using the 4x4 on hard surfaces won't do it any good - that's the reason so many have the front prop disconnected. It's basically like driving a 110 with the difflock engaged. As far as ability goes I can't say I've ever had any trouble at all - and the number in use with mountain rescue teams suggests that they don't either. I think the biggest problem they have is getting through narrow gates in walls up on the moors. As far as stability is concerned - to be honest I was surprised when I first bought mine by how good it was on the road - very little roll.

 

MJ Allen designed the new AWD system for the current Transit - but it's one of these "intelligent" systems that sense when wheels are spinning - the vehicle ride height is normal so not really designed for proper off road use - more like muddy building sites and the like. The original County Transits are often advertised for silly money - but they often don't get it - though being a bit of a rarity they usually fetch more than a normal van of the same age.

 

There was a guy who fitted Landcruiser running gear to a Mk3 Transit with very little bother - seemed almost made to measure. He also got the benefit of a 4.2 diesel which took up a bit of cab space but certainly made a difference!

 

Edited December 17, 2012 by County4x4

[Brick100]

No, no, no,no. As others have stated cost and time would equal a good Landy, or you could try and purchase 4 x 4 iveco or similar.

 

I have been researching the rb 44. Now I know there's lots of talk about steering / brake problems etc, but these were sort by the mod and Reynolds boughton. Parts can be an issue, put if you sign up to the dodge 50 owners group, you can get all parts as required.

I have found out that the tyres are the hardest thing to get, owners are changing the rims to unimog 20 inch with 10 inch tyres that are easier to get.

 

The rb is well built and did pass a string load of mod tests, most a lot harder that the vehicle would ever face in everyday use.

 

Engine is a low Reving phaser which are bullet proof, but like all engines require servicing for longevity.

 

Withams and Jacksons have them in stock with military winches at £8k plus vat, but the amount of vehicle you get for your dosh is massive.

 

The backs unbolt and lift off, so tippers or boxes can fitted.

 

My iveco is just about to hit the 175k miles mark, so it's replace ment in the spring will be an rb44.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

If I was you I'd buy Stephen Blair's Iveco 4x4.

I would.

[Hodge]

If I was you I'd buy Stephen Blair's Iveco 4x4.

I would.

 

If I had 36 grand plus vat I would too:)

[[email protected]]

I used a transit county years ago and it wasn't great. We had a few front drive shaft issues when turning on full lock. At the time the county was only a few months old so god knows how one would perform years down the line.

As others have said (although it pains me to say) try a landy. But be warned you will start getting land rover crap like tea towels for Christmas. ;-)

[agrimog]

RB44 s a good option, the steering and brake problems are a military thing, caused by vehicles sitting idle for long periods, and muppets not being aware if you brake, and try to steer hard with a leaf sprung live front axle, you will get a certain amount of tuck under. used sensibly they are a good truck, and have the option of a pto takeoff in the transfer box as well

[Brick100]

Brake an steering issues on all mk 2 rb44 were solved, but agimog is right in stating you do get a bit of movement when changing direction especially if you are towing a very heavy load. But there is just so much vehicle for you money, a guy recently contacted me the give his views. He had his 8 years with no problems a part from general wear and tear. Mod construction at a cost that would only get a half decent Landy, transit etc which we have all had but I find a bit mickey mouse if they are used heavily continuously.

[Petemate390xp]

IF you can have a look for one of these its a B120 bit bigger than rb44