On the subject of L/Cs and Patrols. Of course they've developed a LOT in the last 20-odd years. However, back in the day, when the choice was made for a 4x4 for the house, the contenders were:
- Nissan Patrol 3-door 4.2 straight 6
- Isuzu Trooper 2.8 TD
- L/C Series 60
Being 19 years in Malaysia in the east where the plantations were, my father had used all of these vehicles to the limits. His personal favourite was the Land Rover 88 with the 2.6 inline petrol, but as a family car, it was horrible. The Patrol was unbeatable on the rough, but its steering kicked hard at speed on broken roads. The Isuzu Trooper we had for quite a while, and though it was very comfortable and respectable off-road, some aspects of the car were not confidence-inspiring, namely, it was oddly fragile in some areas. The L/C 60 series was a behemoth, and pretty stiffly-sprung and noisy. Plus with the big engines, it drank diesel like an elephant as well. Oddly, he had only driven a 5-door Pajero once or twice and really liked it for its refinement and comfort. Plus it was very good at high speed on rough tracks, so that's why it got the nod.
As for the tires, you're spot on. For proof, look at Dakar racers, they're running on nearly the standard width tyres. It's the same for guys who ran in the Camel Trophy.
I'd love to have a go someday in the L200 Animal/Walkinshaw. I'd like to see how the 4D56 has evolved from 72 N/A BHP to 168 BHP or thereabouts...