Tom A

We'll be taking a couple of Pinz up hopefully. Been in the workshop trying to make the white one go faster today - it's a long way to Lincolnshire!

While I wish that there was an exciting alternative to boring old beams, they are probably the best form of suspension for low-speed off roading, particular in portal or de-dion incarnations to get those diffs out of the way. As you can see from the pictures of me trying to put that red Pinz on its roof while attempting a trials section laid out for LandRovers, Pinzgauers are best at going quick over marginal terrain, and rely heavily on diff locks and bravery to go over anything seriously lumpy. Their high CoG and limited travel can make them look pretty stupid if you drive at things as you would a Land Rover; at least that's the excuse I like to use :-) Will, if you're still interested in seeing the dirty bits of a Pinz axle, I'll post some pics on Monday. Undoubtedly, given large sums of money and active suspension, an independent can be made to act like a beam at low speeds but why not just use a beam in the first place? I'm afraid these fine gentlemen have done some extravagant beard stroking and concluded the same thing: "SAE Technical Papers Title: Independent Versus Axle Suspension for On/Off Road Vehicles Document Number: 921662 Author(s): D. A. Crolla - University of Leeds G. R. Firth - University of Leeds D. N. L. Horton - University of Leeds Abstract: The conflicting suspension requirements of vehicles which are designed for both on and off-road operation are examined. The example vehicle used throughout the calculations is a six-wheel truck of 24 tonne GVW and is based on an existing crash tender design. Using the vehicle dynamics analysis software (VDAS) package, the ride and handling behaviour of the truck is analysed for two versions of the vehicle; one with three axles suspended on lead springs with a bogie arrangement at the rear, and another with independent wheel suspension throughout. The overall conclusion drawn is that axle designs have significant advantages for off-road vehicle applications; they maintain good ground clearance, they are based on inexpensive, well proven technology and, with attention to detail deisgn, offer vehicle dynamic performance comparable with independent designs. On the other hand, if the optimum ride and handling compromise for on-road conditions is a priority, then the independent suspension may be worth the additional investment. " Anyway don't let me or the beard strokers stop you trying, innovation is good.

Pretty confident I'll be able to get a 6x6 Pinz from work to abuse for the weekend. See you guys there. Tom

Okay, next question. Any routes planned with low hanging vegetation - got a new A/C system on one of the vehicles that's a bit vulnerable at the moment!

There's a possibility that I can rustle up a Pinzgauer or two for this weekend. Any chance of joining in?

Thanks to all involved, a quality day out. Made me realise how much I need some mud tyres. The Pirelli's had about as much directional control as Stevie Wonder steering a rudderless oil tanker. Still, just about avoided ending up in the ditch getting back off the course and I made it half way back up the field before I had to be towed. Sign me up for next time. Tom

Paul, that's an intriguing enough post to force me to register on this forum!! I work for ATL in Guildford and will try to bring a Pinz along if given enough warning/the site weight limit will allow, otherwise a D90. Any weekend in Jan is fine by me. Tom