UdderlyOffroad

Interesting - I would have thought that this has to continue in at least some form surely, for one because military/utility buyers will want it, and secondly because chassis cab options (Pick ups) and the like will require it. They manage this trick on transits and the like. I for one look forward to something with decent build quality and modern levels of toys. Sadly the Defender just cannot continue as is

No worries Jason! Had one of those days too....

I know, but for some reason most of the stuff we buy here in the UK is gnat's pee, which will freeze if you even threaten with a cold morning.... But as Jason's got a 'hot shot' that should cover it! Matt...Though I could be Barry.

Hello Tweety! That's what I was thinking, was just curious if there were any alternatives. Am not planning a round-the-world-trip yet, but nevertheless don't fancy a stiff harsh ride up front, hence the question to the great and the good on here...

Get proper low temp screenwash in the tank before you go too! You'll be able to buy the really hardcore stuff once you're there, but between here and Barley-Jock-Land is a lot of cold, salty, motorway miles! As you're ex-forces Jason, I'm going to assume you already own the MOD-spec thermal underwear...

I've fitted Britpart 'OE' spec metalistic bushes. Will report back on how they do, but if you look at my build thread, it might be a while yet!

Ok so rather than write a new thread I thought I’d resurrect this old one as my query is similar. Am just about to bolt my (nearly) refurbed front axle to the chassis, and realised the original springs are a) quite flaky, probably the original ones and therefore 20yrs old so likely to have sagged b) possibly not up to the task of supporting the weight of my winch and bumper combo. This has yet to be purchased, but it will be more of an ‘insurance policy’ winch than a competition-warn-double-motor-Giggle-name-thing, after all I am driving a 110! In other words we’re looking at a Goodwinch or an Ebay special, which lists its mass as 43 kg. Factor in the bumper and moose-bar – which I probably will fabricate myself, but lets be generous and assume 20 kg – so 63 kg extra noseweight (assuming the factory fit girder weighs nothing – which by Land Rover standards, it does!). So what springs to fit? At the back I’ve put in the later CSW progressive springs (RKB101111). 110 Heavy Duty? (NRC9448 Driver, NRC9449 Passenger) Any other suggestions, based on experience?

+1! They seem to be tight as a ducks wotsit and skimp on things like this, yet think nothing of fitting (read: being given for free) a pair of LED headlamps costing north of a grand a pair! And the standard of electrical work especially varies wildly. I've found some of the Lindsay Porter articles in LRM interesting though - he does employ professionals for his money-no-object 110, then does some picture-book style walkthroughs. The current series on re-furbing a Defender door is definitely being kept for future reference!! I find myself being spammed regularly by the publishers offering me 3 issues for £1 or £5 for 5 issues....well if you insist. But that's the only way I'll buy the damn things these days. My LRO stainless mug holds the heat in quite well too!

Have a look at this thread for some battery-box/Anderson connector pr0n (totally unrelated subject): http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=65702entry566897 Or even, Lesmond's build: http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=67196&st=120#entry659880 http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=67196&st=180#entry683989 Which shows 3 isolators - which means you shouldn't have to open your battery box except to occasionally check the tightness of the terminals and apply a coat of Vaseline...oooeer. Matt

IKB. An interesting one because anyone who did business with him went out of business pretty quickly! As for entrepreneurs - well my choice would be Harry Ferguson. Come to that, Henry Ford. Both changed the way tractors and cars receptively were perceived and their cost. And please, if you do go for the latter, avoid the 'any colour you like as long as it's black' nonsense.

I might well have done something stupid like picked up the wrong hubs - but i'll have look. Was too late to go outside tonight after finishing my various jobs. I think I might print out some pictures of the various hub p/ns for comparison just to make sure. Thanks Ralph, will report back!

Ok hit a brick wall It foesn't dit!! by udderlyoffroad, on Flickr I can't get the hub on far enough to even start the thread on the first nut. I've used the 'genuine LR' solution, I.e. 300 tdi hubs and calliper brackets without the need for a spacer. I think the issue is that I've used a stub axle from a 300 tdi-era Disco, not defender. Aha you say. Use the right bloomin part. But the thing is, it looks the same as the defender items, FTC1740, and nothing like the two options for the disco FRC8005 or FTC3188. Any ideas? Other than stop being a tight-wad and stump up for the correct stubs?

It has been mentioned elsewhere, but my current favourite site is this one: http://www.allbrit.de/UGCtree.cfm?Sprache=EN Looks to be a legitimate German parts operation too, with slightly better UI than the Russian sites.

Irwin bolt grippers. Drop the £20, get a set. Don’t be afraid to apply LR tool no 1 to properly hammer it home before attempting to undo. Available from the likes of Amazon too so definitely xmas-pressie territory Full set of flare nut spanners – useful more than just brake pipes ¾” drive socket set. Even a cheapie Ebay special. You’ll never again abuse 1/2” tools to undo tight fasteners. Believe me it does make a difference.

Ditto Retro - Gauge was upto 11 tonnes before the bush shifted. Probably not worth buying something unless it's heavy duty!

I think he might struggle to get to a branch of Halfords chaps, but Halfords.com do international mail order I think? I have a perfectly serviceable ‘Mannesmann’ branded one – which looks very similar to the ‘Alca’ one, so that would be my choice. At the end of the day, a torque wrench is only vaguely accurate if it’s regularly calibrated, lives in relatively controlled environment (temperature+humidity) and wound off after use. Something that isn’t available to the average DIY mechanic. But even an in-accurate torque wrench will at least ensure you do all the bolts on a given fixing up to the same torque.

Problem is with those connectors is that when they get old and oxidised they tend to leave bits of themselves in their mating halves on disconnection. Conventional bullet connectors crimped to individual cables work though. Extending this further, you could probably manufacture a suitable connector using bullet connectors and electrical potting compound?

Thanks JBS - running out of excuses now!

Nope, but have a look at Paddocks website - their bush & bolt kits list all the p/ns you will need. Will allow you to build order of genuine stuff elsewhere (their "OEM" kits are Britpart with a 'G' appended to the p/n).

Did you manage to get a pic? Am in South Brizzle and have a (somewhat temperamental) MIG welder if you're really stuck. I have to go away for work Wednesday but could come over Mon or Tues PM after work if that's any help? PM me if necessary Matt

Some pics of your install would be great JBS....Definitely a job on my 'round tuit' list!!

I've got a load of plastic pipe left over from re-doing my bathroom and wondered about doing the same. Thing is, whilst the pipe may be rated at 12 bar - I wonder the fittings are rated to? It certainly says "not for air" in large letters on the packaging the fittings come in. But presumably that's just an excuse to sell us more expensive, workshop style fittings? I guess you haven't had any issues John? Also, how have you mounted quick release fittings to the wall? 'Wing back' elbows?

+1 Certainly rude and disinterested in my business. Never had a problem with LRDirect, LRSeries or Paddocks. The former two give you the choice of the brand, the latter will be Britpart or own brand. Some of which ain't bad. Thing is, I can't help but get the feeling that we don't complain enough about poor service once we take delivery.

Wow that truly is website design from the NCSA Mosaic days! Wonder if he has a Compuserve email address? The only thing that worries me about over-volting the fan is long-term reliability. Have you managed to find a suitable linear pot to retro-fit in the Dash Si?

Sorry to hear about your loss. Surely though the Police have quite a bit to go on if you can get them interested. They should be, especially as he's a prolific offender in your area. Speak to your local beat officer if you can get no joy from the 'official response. (S)He should be keen to deal with something like this as it'll make him look good to his superiors! As for ebay - I use a 'throwaway' mobile number (PAYG sim in an old phone) and list that - stops me being bothered by questions from timewasters and genuine buyers whilst at work. As for piccies, well I guess with vehicles often one doesn't have a choice. Pictures taken, say, in a lay-by somewhere would make me suspicious of a listing. I tend to list 'collection only from XXXX' where XXXX is the first part of my post-code. This is a compromise between the seller knowing how far he has to come / getting a shipping quote for, and giving out my full address. Winning bidder receives this info via ebay correspondence. As for the EXIF data, perhaps someone more in the know can answer this, but surely the ebay photo uploading process will strip out that data?