The Defender thread

Suckler

Noticed to small holes in the chassis, just behind rear wheel on my Defender. Has anyone patched and repaired something similiar? Want to get this sorted before it spreads.

Slidey

Common enough issue with the defender as they get older.

You will probably find that the damage is worse than it appears when you go poking at it. They are handy enough to weld as there is a good bit of room and I have been told if the rot is very bad you can buy a section of the rear chassis.




Saw this a wee while back, wonder if it is legit?

Deer Hunter DL

Suckler wrote: »

Noticed to small holes in the chassis, just behind rear wheel on my Defender. Has anyone patched and repaired something similiar? Want to get this sorted before it spreads.

i have fixed a few landrover chassis and what looks like a small job can turn into a very big job quick , normally you need to cut away a much bigger area then looks to be gone from the outside , but the good thing is most areas are easy to get at , just make sure if there is alot of welding to be done that you brace the chassis before cutting and welding cause you can end up with ver big door gaps and doors not closing and all sorts of problems when your finished

roman0red

Howdy Folks

I am looking to get my 2003 TD5 defender chipped - anyone know where I can get this done in the republic - I live in north roscommon region.

Will I need to get the Chip physically relaced or can I get it reflashed? Can this be done by DIY or do I need to leave it to the experts.
I'm looking for a mixture of performance and an economy boost.

Looking to get an EGR kit added also. Lots of places in the UK but not aware of any in the ROI?

Any assistanc would be great

101sean

Slidey, it's doubtful that's legit but there's loads around :rolleyes:

Suckler, as others have pointed out, Land Rover chassis do rot but are easily patched and just about every part of the chassis inc the rear crossmember and outriggers are available to weld on. Be aware that the rear wiring loom runs inside the LH chassis rail.

roman0red, as yours is post 02, it can be flashed without rechipping. There's only three places I'd use to get a re-tune, IRB, BAS or Alive tuning, they all co-operate and are regarded as the best in the business. You can DIY if you have a Nanocom or Hawkeye, Alive Tuning will email you a tune but they need the fuel map off your ecu, alternatively, send them the ecu. No two tunes are the same and depends on what you want it for and whether you've fitted a bigger intercooler, which is why they prefer to have the vehicle. I don't know if they have agents here (mmm, business opportunity )
Don't be tempted by a plug in tuning box, they area waste of time.

No point in doing any of this without getting rid of the EGR, cat if fitted and putting in an ITG air filter, putting a straight through centre pipe helps too.
Jonathan at Crozier 4x4 in Offaly can get you most stuff although I get most of mine from the UK.

http://www.irbdevelopments.com/ Ian is the god of Td5 tuning.
http://bellautoservices.co.uk/
http://www.alivetuning.com/
http://www.crozier4x4.com/shop/index.php?categoryID=293

roman0red

Thanks Sean

I have tried to contact IRB but they are impossible to get through to. Left Ian and voice mail and no response. Must be the paddy accent that puts him off

Sounds like I need to take it to the UK - we have an office near chester so I have an excuse. Any of the 3 you reccommend in or around that neck of teh woods? I'll check the links you;ve sent me

Thanks for the advice

101sean

Ian gets pretty busy apparantly and he recently got married so your not the only one who couldn't get hold of him goinng by the other forums. Pete Bell at BAS is just south of York, don't know about alive tuning.

wowa

Hi all
I am restoring a 110 CSW and will need a 'specialist' locally to look after the old girl. Any suggestions? Did a quick search to no avail.
Thanks in advance.

kermitpwee

Landyaddict wrote: »

I got offered a tired looking 1984 90 last week and jumped on it. Got a lift down to roscommon and drove her back up. All I can say is WOW. It's been too long since I drove one, too long indeed.
So, I'm selling of two of my series 3 to finance a few "toyz" for the 90.
I'm hoping to use the split doors from one of my other trucks on the 90 as well as the seats and the wheels.

Specs:
No power steering
2.5NA Diesel engine
150K miles up on it
Rust in all the usual spots

Robbie

HIS is a mayo 1986 reg I do believe

101sean

Not sure who's down your way wowa, if no-one comes up with a suggestion, try asking in the Ireland forum on Land Rover Addicts

wildefalcon

Slidey wrote: »

Saw this a wee while back, wonder if it is legit?

What's wrong with this? It's either a 110 or a 90.

Registered between 1982 and 1986 in Kildare.

I don't get the problem?

101sean

My first look had me assuming it's dodgy, I'm getting too cynical

There are a fair number of newer Land Rovers on pre 1980 plates though.

wildefalcon

101sean wrote: »

My first look had me assuming it's dodgy, I'm getting too cynical

There are a fair number of newer Land Rovers on pre 1980 plates though.

Oh, you thought it was a ringer!

I understand. There ARE a lot of them. I used to get annoyed by it, but now I don't blame them, considering how well the tax revenue was spent.

Politicians should be given taxes like an alcoholic should be given booze.

101sean

Same here, used to really annoy me but not so bothered now especially if it's looks like it would pass muster. It's the blatant ones that will mess it up for the rest of us, saw a Range Rover LSE on ZV plates last year :rolleyes:

Bearcat

101sean wrote: »

. It's the blatant ones that will mess it up for the rest of us, saw a Range Rover LSE on ZV plates last year :rolleyes:

I put my hand up here but I moved my hybrid on......deal is you wont get this type past the NCT guys now if importing.

2nd...for those interested in chipping a TD5. From past experience do not on any account add a plug and play chip. I did with my previous one and suddendly the jeep on a motorway would suddenly revert to safe mode which is a life changing experience especially in the fast lane at night. Only way to get the engine back was to quickly put the ignition on/off/on....lethal stuff. Go with re mapping which kings did for me.

Ehh Sean, my man is nibbling re the TD5 I mentioned to you about......will let you know!!

denis086

Ive been thinking about a getting a defender lately as opposed to a car because im so used to driving a jeep that id be lost with out the room where you can throw all manner of tools etc in and not be too worried but if i got a car id probably ruin it! If i do go for one it would probably be a older one because i dont want to spend too much! But i dont mind a bit of work and would enjoy a bit of a project it would probably a 80's or 90's machine because of the budget.

Ive been driving a landcruiser and it is probably the most comfortable thing that ive driven for a reasonable amount of time but it is very thirsty no clue what mpg but its short journeys that kill it on back roads mainroad at 60 constant the needle doesnt budge once you go to 70 on the motorway the she gets thirsty again but i imagine this is the way with most jeeps. I was talking to a neighbour who works on cars and he said that theyre quite cramped driving position but hed be a wide frame of a fella and i wouldnt call mself overly big! But then he said anyone who has one says they are quite frugal but that you wouldnt want to drive it for any long journeys which is what concerns me as it would be my only option!

And in terms of mechanics what should i look out for if i do go to look at one? I wouldnt know a whole lot about the workings of them so id be thinking of bringing someone who would with me. But we got caught out badly with a digger before because the person we brought along forgot to check something so its alway good to know what to look for yourself

Caoimhín

denis086 wrote: »

Ive been thinking about a getting a defender lately as opposed to a car because im so used to driving a jeep that id be lost with out the room where you can throw all manner of tools etc in and not be too worried but if i got a car id probably ruin it!)

Not exactly "spacey" in the cab of a Defender. Still, go for it, best machine on the road.

101sean

Hi Denis

Try and get a drive of one first to see if you could live it, bit of a culture shock after a Landcruiser! Fuel wise, I get 25mpg out of mine no matter what but it is a heavy station wagon, some owners get 28 - 30mpg.

Overall condition is more important than the mechanics especially the chassis and bulkhead, look carefully at the rear crossmember, outriggers, footwells and top corners of the bulkhead.

Gearboxes are strong except pre 94ish they suffered from mainshaft wear which in the worse case you end up with no drive. Listen for clunks taking up drive and whines when driving, they should be reasonably quiet.

Engine wise, you'll probably end up with a 200 or 300tdi, look out for diesel smoke problems like any other, they should start instantly from cold. If it hasn't had a cambelt change, use that as a bargaining point. You may find an early 2.5 naturally asthmatic diesel, very reliable and go forever but slowly and noisily! There was a 2.5 TurboD, these are best avoided.

Very simple and cheap to work on, buy on condition rather than mileage or age. Don't discount Discoverys, if you find a good rust free commercial, it will half to third the price of a straight Defender of similar age.

Mycroft H

Caoimhín wrote: »

Not exactly "spacey" in the cab of a Defender. Still, go for it, best machine on the road.

Yea you will get many a bruised elbow when driving the defender : P


Denis086, the defenders are a fantastic machine, nothing comes close BUT they are slow, noisy and like many other jeeps, there pretty uneconomical.

A 200tdi/300tdi defender would be a good buy. The 200tdi and the later 300tdi series of engines are virtually bulletproof if there given just basic maintenance - oil change and timing belts. Apart from that, they will live forever. The old non turbo units are among the best built engines ever made imo, incredibly reliable.

The 90 SWB gives me about 30-32MPG when driving economically, less if towing ect.

The chassis, although being extremely strong and robust can and will suffer from rust, especially in the rear crossemember. Look for one that has some sort of rust protection, eg waxol ect. This will add years to the chassis.

The hub seals are notorious for leaking. Easy and cheap fix though.

Caoimhín

landyman wrote: »

Yea you will get many a bruised elbow when driving the defender : P

Ive had bruised ribs and a broken toe from mine

denis086

No one seems to be saying anything too bad about them so your either salesmen or theyre not a bad 4x4! (had wrote jeep by accident!:rolleyes:)
An uncle of mine had one of the early ones with the inset centre grill had 2 in fact one was for spares he drove it for years got rid of it a few years ago but i was too young to pay attention im sorry now! :rolleyes:
Thanks for all the tips and out of interest whats the comercial tax like on a 90?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mycroft H

denis086 wrote: »

No one seems to be saying anything too bad about them so your either salesmen or theyre not a bad 4x4! (had wrote jeep by accident!:rolleyes:)
An uncle of mine had one of the early ones with the inset centre grill had 2 in fact one was for spares he drove it for years got rid of it a few years ago but i was too young to pay attention im sorry now! :rolleyes:
Thanks for all the tips and out of interest whats the comercial tax like on a 90?

288 per annum unless it changed in the budget :pac::pac:

roman0red

denis086 wrote: »

No one seems to be saying anything too bad about them so your either salesmen or theyre not a bad 4x4!


The title of thre thread is a bit of a give away - only enthusasist on here I'm afraid

Great Machines - espeically in this weather - and as long as you're not looking for comfort......enjoy!

Hey Sean - I still havent heard from back Ian :mad: despite posting a response on the other forum. Obviously doesnt need the business ??

101sean

Yep, come on this thread and you're going to get some very biased opinions!

It's frustrating when smaller traders won't deal with their customers, don't think I can do any more.

The only guy I'll buy military spec canvas hoods from is the same, can take up to 6 months to come up with the goods but the quality is worth the hassle.

caprilicious

Denis, Defenders are a humdinger of a 4x4 to go. They may not be overly comfortable or have many of the niceties of other vehicles, but when its snowy/icy out and you Landy is the only vehicle able to plod through it without effort they're great!

I used to have a 200TDi 90 as my daily runner travelling Carlow - Kilkenny at the time. I found it wasn't too bad on diesel and comfy enough for the drive.
I didn't fancy that one too much in the wet/cold though as the door was a bit crooked on the drivers side & let the elements in :eek: (yes, brrrr!)

I can not agree with Sean's advice more though, definitely take a good test drive in one first, they're a bit of an acquired taste & a totally different drive even compared to other 4x4's.
I went from driving a leyland mini to a 90 at the time & it was a bit of a culture shock to say the least

101sean

Bought my first Land Rover in London in 1981, drove all the way home thinking "oh my god, what have I bought :eek:"

Been hooked ever since though

dun79

Hi All

I dont have a land rover but I was looking for a manual for someone and found this site that has lots of manuals for land rover.

I haven't looked at all the posts the this thread, so I dont know if this has been post before.

http://www.landroverweb.com/landrover/pdf-land-rover-manuals/

101sean

That's a handy list and appears on several sites.

you used to be able to download RAVE Cds and Microcat from green-oval.com but looks like it's been closed :rolleyes:

denis086

Cheers lads! I must keep my eyes peeled for a nice one now!
I was on the way to into mass and there was a very nice metallic black 88 reg. 90 parked outside never seen it around before and i was late as it was but i spent a nearly 5 mins just admiring it! Then i said i better get out of there in case someone spotted me and thought i was trying to nick it!
Now anyone want to volunteer their machine as a guinea pig!!! :eek:

Slidey

Anyone else see the defender on the 9 news last night.

He was getting stuck on a hill and only his front wheels were spinning..