Chicken Drumstick

My rig isn't the most modded. And I'm restricted to what I can do, due to competing in ALRC events. However I'm pretty pleased with how the suspension performs, given the constraints. I run a mix of tyres depending on terrain/location/weather, I like to trial on some super narrow 7.00 x 16's more often than not though. They are tall for their width (these examples are almost as tall as a 235/85). However I have other tyres, sold some big Simex tyres last year that I want to replace and I'm currently sporting a "classic" set of Bronco Grizzly Claws in 285/75R16. This is the first time I've run them since messing with springs last year I think. And I've noticed an issue. They now impact the seat boxes under compression on the rear tub. The tub is slightly lifted from the chassis already. I know the easy fix is longer bump stops, but it kind of goes against my theories in suspension. I like the up travel and don't really want to reduce it. So I was thinking I could cut the seat boxes and allow for more tyre clearance. I could re-box them in. Only downside is making the bed less usable. Ideally I'd like to create enough space for some 35's, so at least and inch or two taller than what I'm running at the moment. Bit of a crappy picture, you can see the trimmed arch and the tyre stuffed into the bottom of the rear seat box. Just to give the above photo some context:

They are an improvement. But a bit like saying being hit with a cricket bat isn’t as bad as a baseball bat, kind of thing. Even in a 90 the Tdi’s are loud and unrefined. The 2.5 TD is much nicer in this respect. Although it is the only thing the 19J is better at. I’m not anti Tdi’s. if you have one in already in a vehicle. They are good power plants and I love the power delivery when tuned. But I’d personally not swap in another. I’d do something else.

I wouldn't bank on it being cheaper than an OD. You'll have to decide where to mount the gearbox, as it'll alter the engines position, i.e. you won't be able to keep the box and engine in the Standard Series locations. It'll be one or the other, or neither. There may be some interior trim to consider for the levers. Custom or different Props and a decision on if you want a 2wd conversion on the LT-230, so as to match a normal Series on road. I know you have the Tdi, but I'd seriously consider another engine if you are planning this amount of work. Having done a Tdi conversion, I wouldn't do another. In fact I'm looking at maybe swapping my current Tdi engine to something else in my 88 coiler. The Tdi is just unrefined and noisy and gets on your wick after a while.

Thanks. Just curious, but you know for certain the Ironman one is just a generic Chinese winch, or is it a guess? Not doubting you, I just like to be certain Going by the pics the winch in your link looks a lot bigger physically than the Ironman one, don't know if it will fit the bumper. The winch tray is enclosed.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these? Got an Ironman bumper on one of my vehicles (not a Land Rover) and thinking about a winch for it. Obviously the Ironman one will fit the bumper perfectly, but I don't know if they are a bit pricey or how they compare to others? http://westcoastoffroad.co.uk/product/ironman-9500lbs-monster-winch-with-synthetic-rope/

Google Steve Parkers. All the info is on there, as well as conversion kits for the bits. IMO: 1. Don't go down the Di route (no turbo) it is one of the most pointless conversions IMO 2. Consider PAS at the same with a p38 box. If you don't go PAS you'll have to do more work to remove the pump etc anyway 3. Lots of options for an intercooler, the Steve Parker solution is pricey. The Tdi will function fine without one however, although a stock Td5 or generic ebay intercooler could probably be reto fitted with relative ease 4. Consider not doing this. I love the Tdi as a power plant, in terms of performance and power delivery, but they are probably the least refined and most noisy engine built by Land Rover. In a Series they are not overly pleasant. The perform well and offer pretty good mpg. But if you aren't doing many miles, a Rover V8 would make for a much better conversion. Or if you are looking at a 5 speed upgrade too, then the Td5

Where are you getting the weights from? Wouldn't have thought anything like that had been released yet.

4” lift! Wow. Are you in Iceland building an Artic style truck? If not I’d look at lowering it a lot. A stock Defender is like running a 2” lift kit on other 4x4’s. ie they are already pretty high.

Indeed. The problem you have is, the Discovery has a 100" wheelbase vs 92.9" for the 90. So the rear prop on a Discovery will be longer. Do you know who put the gearbox in? The might have just shortened and balanced the Disco prop. Also did you say you need a wide angle prop? Any particular reason?

What you need to know is if your gearbox is mounted in the stock location. If it is, then the transfer box will be too. If the gearbox isn't, then the props will likely need to be different lengths. Maybe another off the shelf item for another model year. Or worse case a custom prop. You might need to crawl under and have a look how and where the gearbox is mounted and maybe measure the props. Or buy via trial and error. Just measure the new one against the old before fitting.

Very interesting, thank you I don't suppose you have any proof of the Type Approval for 255/85's do you, or know a way to get hold of it?

I haven’t. But won’t that just make the steering feel heavier?

Curious. What factory Defenders has 255/85R16?

Have to say I quite like it. No real complaints from me. It looks exactly the way it should IMO. Actually no, I'm going to revise that statement. I really like it!

I think it means their marketing department is probably their most prised possession

Yet in many places outside the EU modified suspension is perfectly fine and accepted. Who is to say the EU bureaucrats are actually correct? A 2" lift really shouldn't be making it drive all that differently on the road. Suspect there is a lot more going on here...

Personally wouldn't mind plastic panels. They worked well on my Smart cars.

It definitely has a weird bounce, even when going along on the relative level and smooth. Wonder if you can feel it inside? One would presume yes. If you watch the Jeeps, the body tends to stays fairly level and wheels go up and down. Watch the Land Rover and the body bobs up and down.

I think the other marques are big enough and long lived (multiple models/variants/mks) enough to have enough forum coverage across the web. The Grenadier is unlikely to get much of a forum community as a sole marque. As there won't be 1000's of owners straight off. But, no matter what anyone says, it does seem to be a kindred spirit to the Defender. And would likely fit in very well here. So no, I'm not proposing other marques. Just the Grenadier.

Looking forward to the reveal. On a serious note, I saw someone say about a Grenadier sub-forum here on LR4x4. I think it was meant jokingly, but I'd like to put a +1 to the idea. I think it would be good to welcome such a vehicle on a forum such as this.

Did the 6 speed auto get used with the BMW engine? Thought it was only the 5 speed. Anything is possible, but I'd have thought getting to all work with the rest of the systems is the difficult bit.

Only the 4.6

Thanks. Yes I’d love to have a butchers at some point. I’m half way between MK and Aylesbury. Used to work in Oxford. So you went with the BMW 6 speed box in the end or are you R380?

Thanks. I'd be really interested in what bits you used and what problems you had to solve. A friend who I don't see very often has just fitted one of these to his 90. R380 presently I beleive, but plans to fit an auto. As my Tdi ages I have to admit to seeing the appeal of this swap.

Which adapter did you go with in the end?