Good pictures. I don't seem to be able to post pictures yet (I do have a rebellious streak so wise maybe...) but I'd noticed they were the same system too.

Don't bother getting them from abroad, you can get them from reputable dealers on the web, I too noticed how much LR want for a pair, well, I got all four for less that LR charge for a pair (and a free sledge...)

As for the snow terrain response being 'set up for snow chains' I can't see how the system would know you had chains on? The difference between 4wd with normal tyres, winter tyres and then snow chains would be vast. The system surely couldn't be generic enough to handle such huge ranges of tyre grip?

How does the system in snow terrain setting use all four tyres compared to two chains and two tyres?

No, I think the rear axle/suspension suggestion from a D3 owner sounds probably correct.

Are there any LR technical people who can comment?

Thanks oldcro.

The transmission differential needs locking on a defender where all four wheels have chains attached.

Does that shed any light?

Ok, looks like I was half right - there is a clearance issue, but that appears to be the fronts more than the rears, see pics here for example http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic2581.html

So not sure that this explains LR's stance after all.

Loads of useful info. about different suppliers etc. here though http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic16612.h...now+chains

Thanks for that. Really helpful.

The pictures on the Disco forum look, well, worrying! Those chains only just clear the suspension.

Spike spider don't have a profile on the rear of the tyre wall at all so there's no clearance issue.

When my handbook was written I'd be surprised if spike spiders were what the handbook meant by 'chains".

Proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

4 x spikeys it is!

This is a great fourm for help btw...am impressed... 2005 Range Rover Sport TDV6 HSE in Artic Frost. 20" 2010 HST Alloys, sidesteps, Hawke tips, plus minor bits and bobs along with a remap. Four spike spiders ready for the Alps again now tucked up in their garage boxes...

maddogsetc wrote:

Ok, looks like I was half right - there is a clearance issue, but that appears to be the fronts more than the rears, see pics here for example http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic2581.html

So not sure that this explains LR's stance after all.

Loads of useful info. about different suppliers etc. here though http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic16612.h...now+chains