Heavy Duty (HD) option

[K5MAP]

I have a question for those LR4 owners who have the HD option... given the LR4 is a great 4-wheel drive vehicle, why did you purchase the HD option?

I plan to haul a few things (boat, jet skis and motorcycle) at times but not for long distances. Is this option really needed?

Regards,
Mike

 

[Finlayforprez]

Hello K5MAP,

This is a great question and I know other folks on the forum have some advice on the the HD option. I do not have the HD option on my LR4, but I did switch out the donut spare with a full-sized spare. As for the locking rear differential, it's probably a good to have, but I know that very, very few people ever use it. I don't think that the HD package would make a difference in towing? I know there is a tow package.

I know several LR4 owners who are pretty ********* off-roaders and none of them have the HD option. They all seem to do really great and have no issues. I do moderate off-roading and have never had a problem - the truck is amazing through all terrain. I would say the locking rear differential is important if you plan to do some extreme off-roading. Is that your plans?

With all that said, if you are going to order your LR4 - go for the HD option since it's not that expensive; however, if you are looking for a left over it may be difficult to find one. I know other forum members have discussed the lack of inventory for 2011/2012.

Regards, David

 

[bromhead]

I can confirm that inventory for the hdp is very low. My dealer had a tough time finding anything. I also searched the online inventory for the configuration I wanted. Very rough guess, less than 5% of the vehicles have it. Geography also plays a bit of a part. Colorado had a few, SoCal had nothing.

But this changes as inventory is obviously added

Hdp was important to me, but the standard capabilities are probably beyond most of my needs anyway.

 

[DonMitsu]

I wouldn't have purchased our LR4 without it. We do take our truck off road quite a bit. I have too many times watched a truck struggle with a steep slippery hill as one rear tire will spin faster than the other and the truck will have to attempt the hill multiple times or be winched up in some cases. The dealer did have to locate the vehicle and we ended up with the Lux package when all we really wanted was the HSE. but I can't tell you how many times someone watches me take a difficult hill and comments how easy I make it look (and it's not me it's the truck) The HD package will turn your truck into a vehicle that can truly go anywhere the only other mods I made to our truck were Johnson Rods (lift kit) and Pirelli ATR All-Terrain tires. If you're not going off road why get a Land Rover, and if you are the HD package will allow you to do things that will make other peoples Jaw drop as it locks up on a hill and climbs hills that look too steep and too slippery with ease.

 

[uhur]

If you're not going off road why get a Land Rover...

I got it for the looks and luxury...Other than that, I have nothing to add to the HDP discussion

 

[NASdiesel]

Can't see why you would need it for towing unless you are on loose surfaces, gravel for instance. As far as why, while it isn't necessary, it helps to take additional effort off the drivetrain off road. I'd never wheel an LR4 like I do my d-90. But locking the rear means less slipping, less traction control usage, less strain potentially on the drivetrain to overcome an obstacle or approach a hill for instance.

 

[bromhead]

Can't see why you would need it for towing unless you are on loose surfaces, gravel for instance. As far as why, while it isn't necessary, it helps to take additional effort off the drivetrain off road. I'd never wheel an LR4 like I do my d-90. But locking the rear means less slipping, less traction control usage, less strain potentially on the drivetrain to overcome an obstacle or approach a hill for instance.

D-90....is she a diesel?

 

[NASdiesel]

Yes, thus the "NAS Diesel" username.

 

[Finlayforprez]

This thread has been very helpful. While I would likely never use the locking rear differential, if I get rid of my truck next year and get a new one, then I am definitely going for the HD package.

 

[bromhead]

Yes, thus the "NAS Diesel" username.

I figured. So, you and alex (PR diesel lr4 with 18in wheels) have just jumped to the top of my envy list....px?