|
I used to take my old '80 (and now, my '84) 240 down all sorts of campground roads, not just sandy but muddy as well, in addition to having rocks and tree roots as other obstacles. Only relevent modification is that both cars have Volvo overload spring/shocks in the rear -- doesn't really raise the rear, but just keeps it from sagging with a lot in the trunk. Never had a problem that a little planning (as in where to position the wheels) couldn't handle.
But all the more credit goes to YOU, because starting with the '86 models (I've got two '93's myself, so I know), the cars have about two inches less overhang ground clearance. It's not so bad with a level road (maybe that's all you faced?), but if there are dips in it, it's more troublesome. It's not that the rear axle is lower (same size tires), but the body is -- these newer cars have so much junk under the front and rear (fore and aft of the front cross-member and rear axle, respectively) that there's much more of what offroaders call overhang. This keeps you from going through a dip -- at the bottom, you hit the front overhand, and then as the car levels you hit the rear overhang.
You can see it clearly, with two cars side by side (e.g., my '84 or old '80 beside my '93) -- the difference in overhang ground clearance of these cars is startling.
But glad to hear you enjoy your car off as well as on the road!
Regards.
|
