SUZUKI LX7 dual range question

I have a 2004 XL7, there are 4 positions on the 'range' selector shift. 2H, push forwards to 4H. This can be done at speeds of up to 100km/h while traveling in a straignt line. Moving from 2H to 4H engauges the front differential and then engauges the air operated axles to the diff. There are no freewheeling hubs as the engaugement happens in the differential end. If you then stop (and I do mean stop), put the gearbox selector into N or P, you can shift the 'range' selector to the left, which is 'N' or neutral from the range selector. This enables the vehicle to be flat towed without turning the odomoter. From there you push forwards again to enter 4L.

There is no viscous coupling, it is a full differential in the centre so use with care on the black stuff. I have used it in heavy rain, and you can feel the windup in the drive train after a few corners in the steering.

Greg
XL-7

Dont bother signing there are better vehicles around, I had a XL7 Limited for 18 months and hated it!

Mine was a October 2002 build.
The bad
-three transmission mounts replaced
-I changed the springs and shocks because the soggy rear end was dangerous on high twisty roads(you wont notice it on a new vehicle but after you put some kays on it youll see it and it gets worse)
-the base of the drivers seat has no support so you get the bottom of the backrest in you lower back
-the third row seats dont fold flat so packing a fridge in the back is fun.
-the dashlights have no dimmer so long stints of night driving have your eyes bulging out.
-the radio has a delay turning off when you have something plugged in the ciggie lighter socket.
-60 series tyres mean you cant have LT tyres and if you upsize then your speedos out.
-no cruise control so I fitted the Autron one but it was not user friendly.
-450kgs towing capacity without brakes means towing a 4mtr tinnie is illegal.
-baby seat acnchor point is behind the driver not the kerb side.

The good.
- the fuel economy was excellent, 10ltr/100 city 9ltr/100 h/way 12.5ltr/100 towing.
-it went everywhere it pointed it, high range low range it did it.
-great little motor, a bit sluggish at first but once it had a 5k on it, it was great.
-dual air con best thing invented

The choice
First, Terracan because of the extra size and space. It has Pajero motor and running gear.
Second, the Kia Sorrento if you dont need the extra space and it too has Mitsubishi gear in it.
Both vehicles have better shoulder and legroom, the XL7 has a very narrow body.
Both manufacturers build heavy commercial vehicles so they know how to put them together, not like their lttle buzz boxes.
Fit and finish is better with more features. The Sorrento is a little more moden looking.
One bad thing I forgot is the resale of the XL7 is shocking, I dropped 20k on trade in 18mths later, too much competition form Vitara on used market.
Terracan and Sorrento resale? At least they arent competing with their own brand.

And for the record I now own a new Pajero and have had three 4wds previously.