Thread: Yah - settled on a 2010 D130 dual cab chassis

Update: the truck arrived yesterday to Hoxton Park (nowhere near my house) and I collected it this afternoon. Boy it was hot out west today.

I'll take some side by side photos with the 110 and 130. It's funny looking at 2 defenders in my yard. I jokingly asked the wife if i could get a D90 to make the set. It was an emphatic NO.

First impressions. The Puma is a lot more civilised to drive than the TD5. You would expect it having 44,000 kms versus 380,000 kms. I prefer the rawness and power delivery of the TD5. The TD5 is chipped, the Puma is not. The tray sits a lot higher than i expected and is not practical at that height. Think of the deck of the tray at the same height as the top of the tub. Upshot there is a mountain of space under the tray for water tanks, second fuel tank and a spare wheel. I'll have to give it some thought to redesign it to accommodate the tanks but reduce the deck height. The dodgy installer didn't give thought to the fuel filler and have put it at an angle that it faces down. That will be the first thing on the list. Simple as putting a bent fuel pipe in the line to direct it upward. Just a PITA and a sign of all care and no responsibility. Also the wiring to the tray leaves a lot to be desired. Another thing to address before the xmas trip.

Now the fun bit of walking around all 4 sides pondering, planning, pointing, pontificating, p...., p..... etc.

True to defender form there are some things that need attention. The door seals on the passenger side stop an inch short and i can see day light. The usual squeaks, rattles and other mystery noises. No point chasing them, just turn up the stereo.

MLD

Originally Posted by MLD

The door seals on the passenger side stop an inch short and i can see day light.

From the factory, that gap is filled by a small, spongy block of foam rubber that is stuck to the door. The trouble is that it usually falls off, leaving a gap through which you can readily see daylight and which dust can get in. If you have side steps - especially the kind that replace the sills - then rain will bounce off the sidesteps and through the gap. Easily fixed by a trip to Clarke Rubber.

Mine has this same gap and has from new. It is the last of your concerns when mud is being thrown up by the tyres and caking the inside of your roof and rear window. Keep the window down and enjoy the outdoors coming to you.

Needs 35s.............

Na, looks good mate! You'll be able to customise the tray to your needs pretty easily being flat. And loading things onto the side is pretty handy- one thing I miss about the tray vs tub.