Thread: Early D90 compatibility

Originally Posted by milsy

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At present I am looking at an older D90, an 87 model. It has had a 300tdi and LT77 put in it which are both very strong. ................

Brett

Are you certain about the engine/gearbox combination ?

It's not that what you describe is impossible, but the more usual combinations would be 200tdi + LT 77 or 300tdi + R380.

Some would say that the LT77 couldn't ever be described as "strong", however, but if looked after and used carefully, it should be OK, but you don't know it's history - was it 2nd hand when fitted or was it the orig box in the vehicle ?

As with any "hybrid" these vehicles can be a bit "make it up as you go along" - customers who have them tend to drive spare parts depts "spare" but if you are competant you can usually work things out or adjust what is available to fit.

Thanks for the reply.

By strong I meant, drove well, no oil leaks, no whining etc. But I have also heard of the LT 77 being weak.

I'm not sure of the combo, it was originally said to be a 200tdi with a LT77, however after seeing the engine it is obviously a 300tdi so I put 2 and 2 together and got 5.

Yeah I hear you about spare parts etc. What a PITA! I think the defender type model shouldn't be so bad though due to the simplicity etc. But a few heads up from current County owners would be appreciated.

To anyones knowledge will a bar from a later defender fit on that year (87) Defender County? That what I am assuming it actually began life as, a County with a tiny naturally aspirated 4 pot diesel.

Cheers.

i dont believe the chassis have changes therefore a later front bar should fit.......

No problems, I moved a tubular winch bar from my '98 110 to my '84 90, it was a straight bolt on/bolt off swap.

I have spoken to a couple of ARB stockists in regards to ordering a winch bar. I was quoted this one, which obviously states the year is current.

Deluxe winch bar
Part no: 3432300*
This deluxe winch bull bar is available to suit vehicle models from 1985 on.
Deluxe winch bar | Products | ARB 4x4 Accessories

The above is possibly the ugliest bar I have ever seen. No offence to anyone that owns one, my tastes are a bit weird...

What I was hoping for is the following.

Deluxe winch bar
Part no: 3432090*
This deluxe winch bull bar is available to suit vehicle models to 2001 without factory air conditioning.
Deluxe winch bar | Products | ARB 4x4 Accessories

Why is it so hard for ARB to be able to tell me if it fits?

Anyone able to tell me the if last one mentioned, the 3432090 will fit an old defender (1987) without A/C?

Thanks for the assist.

Brett

Originally Posted by 87County

Are you certain about the engine/gearbox combination ?

It's not that what you describe is impossible, but the more usual combinations would be 200tdi + LT 77 or 300tdi + R380.

Some would say that the LT77 couldn't ever be described as "strong", however, but if looked after and used carefully, it should be OK, but you don't know it's history - was it 2nd hand when fitted or was it the orig box in the vehicle ?

As with any "hybrid" these vehicles can be a bit "make it up as you go along" - customers who have them tend to drive spare parts depts "spare" but if you are competant you can usually work things out or adjust what is available to fit.

You were right, it is the 200tdi and LT77 combo, right on the money mate

As far as I am aware the only difference in the bullbar is whether or not it has the forward extension on the grille for airconditioning. This varied over the years. As yours does not have airconditioning, it presumably does not have the extension. In this case either bar should fit, albeit the one designed for the extended nose would leave a gap.

A further possible parts problem is that the 90 was not sold in Australia at the date of that vehicle, and there may be a few parts hard to find here. But most parts are either the same as or interchangeable with later Defenders, up to the TDCI anyway. But 90s have always been rare in Australia, so specific 90 parts will always be a bit harder to find.

John

Don't worry about the engine/gearbox combination. Being a 1987 model it was probably a 2.5 Diesel (not very powerful) or a 2.5TD (prone to blowing the head). I have a 1986 D90 with a 300 Tdi mated to the existing LT77 gearbox, all I had to do was fit new chassis mounts for the engine.

HTH

Ivan