4wd Van offroad driving techniques?

[DisabledExplorers]

Well with the countdown on to delivery of the Disabled Explorers SMB I have started to wonder about the differences in driving styles between these vans and my current FJ Cruiser.

I was lucky enough to get a short test drive in Andy -blackeye's rig so I have a little idea but I would like to hear from those of you who have wheeled smaller rigs and then moved into a SMB.

I felt very different sitting so forward & close to the front axle, that gave me a great forward view but how does it effect tight turns and your perspective?

The rig will be diesel so I know there will be a nice low end torque curve for crawling.

I hope to make a front locker happen which will be new to me. My FJC has ATRAC which is a computer controled application of the front brake to prevent wheel spin. I know a locker will drive very differently.

How off camber do any of you get? What is the seat feel vs reality? At the Overland Expo the course the was a 15-20deg side slope I think.

Looks for all the driving tips I can get before I hit the trail. Of course I will take it easy and work my way up in difficulty but forewarned is forearmed

[b and j]

You will be surprised at how much the SMB will do BEFORE you ever even put it in four wheel drive.
B & J

[geoffff]

I think I've already told the story of climbing most of the way up Bald Mountain (near SMB Fresno) with my brand new Sportsmobile before learning how to lock my hubs.

-- Geoff

[DisabledExplorers]

good info on the front diff breather on your site...
nice all around read also