New to owning a Defender...general advice sought

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Originally Posted by Chops

Thanks Nigel, I'll get back to you via pm after.

Troy, as with Nige's car, I have no lift or driveline mods on my car. Some here do have lifts done, and seem to advocate using Double Carden Uni's. Not sure on too many facts about that, but I've done a fair amount of touring and I don't really believe a lift is needed. The only thing I'm contemplating doing is putting in heavy duty springs, and then I'll go to Pedders for shocks.
I guess the only other thing is to ensure your snorkle is up to scratch, as in sealed properly. Mine was factory fitted, and had a split on the box section that is on the inside of the guard.
Specwarop, I haven't bought one yet, have to wait to get the car back, and then cash. I may end up getting a second hand unit off something (??).

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I would steer clear of pedders shocks Marcus, Koni's or Billies from US would be better.

If fuel contamination is a concern for you another option is to go aftermarket like a Fuel Master filter kit. It has a clear bulb on the base of the filter and a drain tap for water contamination. A quick glance at the bulb when you get in and there is no need to rely on alarms and pot luck. My Fuel Master kit has a manual pump to prime the fuel line which gets around the stupid idea by LR (for the Puma series) to not have a priming system in case you run out or when changing filters.

I'm out of warranty so arguments with the manufacturer are long gone. What people don't appreciate is that the factory warranty is not the limit of your available relief against the manufacturer for defects. You still have recourse to the Consumer Law and State legislation implied warranties provisions. What the fault is and the specific circumstances of your case will be the main factor if you have a remedy under the legislation.

MLD

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Originally Posted by TroyFenda

It's a long range tank by LRA Australia which sits fore/aft on the drivers side and holds around 55-60 litres.

I'm not sure of the brand of snorkel but its a quality installation. I'll have a look when I'm home in a week and half and get back to you.

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Nice truck Troy and welcome to the fold.

That's a genuine Land Rover snorkel made by Mantec UK. ;) I had the same fitted to mine from new. World's most expensive piece of plastic pipe, but coupled with Nugget's water proofing airbox kit, it's the business.

Go with 10,000km service intervals and having had 265's I reckon you're best off with 235's......get them anywhere, totally do the job. 255's actually give you a lift but harder to get in the backblocks.

Enjoy your new Rover, they are special machines. :)

G'day Bobby and Scallops,

Thanks a bunch for the posts gents.

I'm starting to shy away from running a bigger tyre. Currently I'm running Bridgestone MT 235s on the factory alloys and they perform quite well off-road despite some highway noise. That said, I didn't buy the Deefer for comfort and quiet ride characteristics.

I have noticed a puddle under both front footwells whenever it rains. Any fix for this? I was wondering about running some silicone somewhere across the top of the bonnet/firewall/cab joint...if that makes any sense. It's not that bad a problem bit it's also not ideal either.

On the weekend just gone I also noticed a slight split in the roofing joint where the angled section from the windshield meets the level section for the main part of the roof. As such, it looks like air would be collected under the roof just under the roof rack. Can't be a good thing in rain surely. Suggestions for a fix would be appreciated.

I had the front suspension replaced with Old Man Emu coils and shocks which lifted it 50-55mm back to its original ride height. It sagged over the years due to the weight of the bull bar and winch combo. I'm having the back upgraded to the same spec as we speak.

I have however noticed that, following a workshop oil change of all fluids, that I get some weird buzzing noises in 5th and 6th gear when the load comes off. I'm told gearbox noise is normal for a Deefer unit how much is an unknown to this newbie owner. I might have the fluid levels checked for both the main transmission and transfer case.

When I have time to scratch myself I'd be keen to meet up for a drive somewhere for sure. The minister for finance and husband social outings will however have to approve :D

Recent picture attached from a recent trip to a friend's cattle property near Barrington Tops in company with the wife, the little bloke, fur babies and some friends of ours in their Amarok.

[QUOTE=TroyFenda;2185098]G'day Bobby and Scallops,

I have noticed a puddle under both front footwells whenever it rains. Any fix for this? I was wondering about running some silicone somewhere across the top of the bonnet/firewall/cab joint...if that makes any sense. It's not that bad a problem bit it's also not ideal either.

On the weekend just gone I also noticed a slight split in the roofing joint where the angled section from the windshield meets the level section for the main part of the roof. As such, it looks like air would be collected under the roof just under the roof rack. Can't be a good thing in rain surely. Suggestions for a fix would be appreciated.

The two pieces above are probably related. If you do a search (use advanced search) you'll find a copy on this site of the 'Water ingress manual' which suggests places water gets in and how to deal with it. There's also a lot of tips form those who have had a crack at it.


I have however noticed that, following a workshop oil change of all fluids, that I get some weird buzzing noises in 5th and 6th gear when the load comes off. I'm told gearbox noise is normal for a Deefer unit how much is an unknown to this newbie owner. I might have the fluid levels checked for both the main transmission and transfer case.

This shouldn't be happening. Definitely check your gearbox and transfer case fluid levels. I don't have any gearbox noise so I'd suggest that it's not 'normal' for Pumas. I do get a touch of clunking occasionally in a bad gear change but that's been identified as a problem between the windscreen and the driver's seat.


When I have time to scratch myself I'd be keen to meet up for a drive somewhere for sure. The minister for finance and husband social outings will however have to approve :D

Awesome. PM me when you're up for it. Give me a couple of weekends' notice too....for the same reason.

Bobby

I have done a few things to my 08 90. I ruled out lifts and larger tyres. 235/85 Cooper Maxx's are the business. Transmission guard is meant to be good as a bit exposed under there and once I work out which way up is right that will go on this weekend. I really fretted about the rear corners so got some rock solid Terrafirma bumperettes.

http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps4ymls4ka.jpg

Tikka, do you have the proper L.R. towbar fitted, & if so, I was just wondering the Terrafirma model number bumperettes you fitted, & whether they just bolted on with no mods?
A close up rear pic would be good?!
Pickles.

http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/x...pspqtmjddu.jpg

Yes it is a straight bolt on and a huge improvement on the factory plough. It is provides a great rear recovery point with the removable hitch. Can't recall the part but not hard to find.

Sorry misunderstoood...but they both bolt on easily. The factory tow bar is a pig and was the first upgrade so I had a rear recovery point.
http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/x...psvww6qirt.jpg

Tikka...does your username suggest ownership of another fine piece of machinery that fires hot lead at high speed?