L400, Long wheel base or Short wheel base?

[EnviroImports.com]

I've been doing some shopping and talking to alot of the current L300 owners, most dont know there is 2 versions for the L400 for length, so I thought I would post a couple pictures, I've linked to Jesse's picture in the L400 tech section as his is one of the nicest Ive seen for a SWB the other, the LWB is mine that I just bought, Both have the crystal lite roof, same engine pretty similar all around. (My LWB is not polished yet as the picts are just of it as its being bought, Please note that neither are auction picts...) So for those who havent had a look, here you go and what do you think? be honest, don't hold back, The L300 is not going away, and will continue to fill the streets of BC, but its also nice to see its sibling the L400
For those who say Soccer Mom van, ya maybe, but the coolest soccer mom out there who can pick up and deliver half the team while crossing a flooded river or mud slide. hahaha,
SWB


LWB

[loki]

I think I like the LWB better, though the SWB is likely a tiny bit better offroad?

[jessef]

I checked out both when I was in the UK.

I like the SWB better just because of the better angle for offroading in the back.

There isn't too much difference. About a foot max. lengthwise.

They're both good.

[MardyDelica]

i do have long wheel base, will see when i recieved my L400 by may.
its Royal exceed spacegear. will post the pictures later.
cheers;
Mardy

[Todd64]

What's the diff in cargo area? I imagine there's a weight diff as well.

[jessef]

You're gaining about lengthwise 12 inches of more space inside.

You're also gaining that additional length/weight on the outside over the rear.

It's a trade off.

More interior room = more weight/rear end sticking out more.

I'd like one of each please.

One more thing ... compared to the L300's.

The short wheelbase L400 has a better approach and departure angle for offroading.

[Todd64]

Anyone know if a 4X8 sheet of ply will fit with rear hatch shut?

[EnviroImports.com]

Anyone know if a 4X8 sheet of ply will fit with rear hatch shut?

You betcha, I know the Lwb will, cant speak for the SWB.



I think once Jessies swb and my LWB get here we will have to go wheeling together, see how they perform. would be a great little U tube video... Hmmmm theres an idea, bring a couple of L300s, and one of each L400 model, I dont know of any wheeling on the mainland that is available as Im from the island, but Skutts falls here close to duncan would offer some good off camber areas, dips climbs, with out doing any damage, who wants to go wheeling in June?
there is even a small water crossing about 2 feet deep.
I have tow ropes and a winch, so anyone that gets stuck would be able to get pulled out.

Perhaps a section for 4x4 runs , posting picts and video.....

[jessef]

I'm up for that

4WD comparison L300/L400

Both are lifted the same height, same tires, etc...

The L400 has larger diffs, axles and brakes front and rear = better for offroading.

The L300 is easier to mildly lift up to 3" than the L400.

L400 doesn't 'look' as tough as the L300.

Body of the L300 is more robust than the L400 as a whole.

Drivetrain of the L400 (Gen II) is more robust than the L300 (Gen I) as a whole.

[Green1]

Anyone know if a 4X8 sheet of ply will fit with rear hatch shut?

You betcha, I know the Lwb will, cant speak for the SWB.

From my readings on the UK site I'm pretty sure you'd need an LWB for that. the SWB will be better off-road, but if you plan to camp in it, you probably want an LWB. (though I have seen an SWB with an ambulance cot in it, most people weren't sure how they crammed it in)

[jessef]

the L400 SWB is like the L300 except no engine hump behind the driver's seats.

The L400 LWB extends the back about 12 inches.

[Green1]

the L400 SWB is like the L300 except no engine hump behind the driver's seats.

from what I can tell, the actual inside measurement is less on the L400 SWB than the L300 SWB (what we all have), most likely due to the hood out front that doesn't exist on the L300

[jessef]

It's perception as well.

I sat in both in the rear and the L400 SWB felt the same as the 300.

300 could well be roomier. Will have to measure it without the seats.

[InTheForest]

wheelin in June sounds like the cats pajamas. Lets do it.

[Brave Auto International]

New Model Spacegear
Long Wheel Base Model - Length: 508.5cm (bumper to bumper) - Wheel Base: 300cm - Weight: 2,170kg.

Short Wheel Base Model - Length: 468.5cm (bumper to bumper) - Wheel Base: 280cm - Weight: 2,000 - 2,060kg (depending on Hi or Low Roof or Skylite or Sunroof).

Production Numbers until Dec 1994.
SWB (combined High & Low Roof): 32,422
LWB: 4,314

Delica
P25W - Length: 448.5 (bumper to bumper) - Wheel Base: 224 - Weight: 1760kg (will vary slightly due to Sunroof or Normal Roof).
P35W - Length: 448.5 (bumper to bumper) - Wheel Base: 224 - Wight: 1960kg (will vary slightly due to Skylite or Normal Roof).

Cheers

MB..