Thread: Defender Newby

Originally Posted by karlz

I like.

Are those windows tinted?

Yep... Tinted, but I went 1 shade lighter than "darkest legal". I've found in the past that the normal dark tint is a hindrance on tracks in low light or darkness. This level of tint is a nice compromise.

Originally Posted by csb4x4

Yep... Tinted, but I went 1 shade lighter than "darkest legal". I've found in the past that the normal dark tint is a hindrance on tracks in low light or darkness. This level of tint is a nice compromise.

I did the same! But went 2 'shades' lighter to 50%. Still get the same UV protection but can see out at night!

Love the colour combination... silver pack looks great!

Enjoy! I LOVE mine!

Originally Posted by RVR110

Welcome!

Take your time with the built - As they roll off the production line, Defenders are extremely capable so there's no hurry. There's plenty of information on this forum from those who have gone before about the benefits and pitfalls of just about every enhancement you can imagine, so take advantage of that.

...and since you've got mates with Toyotas, grow a thick skin and ignore not just the insults but also just about everything they recommend because it will probably be wrong for your vehicle. For example the idea that every vehicle needs a 2" lift. Straight from the showroom, your 110 will have more clearance than most Toyotas will have after getting a 2" lift. 70 series Toyotas are the only ones that even come close. Upgrading the front springs to genuine LR HD springs will (more than) correct the sag from the bullbar & winch without causing you warranty issues or requiring a DC front prop shaft like a 2" lift would. The combination of HD front springs and 255/85/16 tyres is brilliant.

There's just one piece of absolutely critical advice that I will give you: Whatever you do, don't use a generalist service/repair place, even if they "specialise in 4WDs". Find a Land Rover specialist to service and repair your car - one that ONLY works on Land Rovers. getting things done right the first time is much, much cheaper and much less painful than any other approach. Even though at heart Defenders are simple vehicles, if they aren't LR specialists then they just don't "get" it and you will feel the pain.

FWIW, I'm, very happy with having both my batteries under the seat (standard battery plus a 100 Ah secondary). But it requires some planning & research to get it right.

And don't forget to wave when you see other Defenders! Relax and enjoy the ride.

Thanks for the advice re sticking with the LR suspension and putting the HD springs in. Researched the forum afterwards and got my head around the lift issues on the puma's and the need for the DC prop shaft....definitely don't want to screw up my warranty etc just yet.
So since then I have been trying to find photo's of a 110 with standard suspension and 255/85 muddies....have found lots of threads on the topic but no definite photos.
Does anyone out there have a photo showing wheel arch clearance (side on shot) with this type of a set up?

I really question the need for bigger or wider tyres. Only on Saturday I followed a lifted hilux with fat Cooper STs up a steep, rutted, washed out track to a lookout at Possum Brush and had no problems at all, on the original GG ATs. While he was spinning tyres and lurching about, George the Defender just crawled steadily up in low range second with the centre diff locked.
Incidentally, George has both an ARB bullbar and a winch on the front, and drawers and a fridge in the back, but as far as I can tell he hasn't dropped much at all. Don't rush into changes until you've thoroughly tested what you already have, is my advice.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

Congrats on the new family member, looks sweet, quite like the silver with the white roof, I'd take advise from the former replies and take your time, I'm still blown away by the places I take Molly my 130. If there is one thing iI would put on my wish list would locking diffs. Every now and then I find my self on a twisted angle and find I loose a lot of traction. I'm also find myself loving the standard conti's very impressed with their versatility.

I love the Apt gear , I know ARB is the main choice for a lot 4wds but there's a lot great Australian made bull bars the look great and are just as strong and not manufactured in Thailand.

Enjoy the ride , I'm a little addicted and loving mine to.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I really question the need for bigger or wider tyres. Only on Saturday I followed a lifted hilux with fat Cooper STs up a steep, rutted, washed out track to a lookout at Possum Brush and had no problems at all, on the original GG ATs. While he was spinning tyres and lurching about, George the Defender just crawled steadily up in low range second with the centre diff locked.
Incidentally, George has both an ARB bullbar and a winch on the front, and drawers and a fridge in the back, but as far as I can tell he hasn't dropped much at all. Don't rush into changes until you've thoroughly tested what you already have, is my advice.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

Congrats on the 110! I've got a 90, had some 32x11.5r15s ATs laying around, so threw them on for a beach trip! they were great on the beach but happened to go for a day trip on some steep climbs; I think that the wide tires were killing me. I'm thinking maybe the 255x85r16's might be a better combo, not that there is anything wrong wiht the 235s that are supplied.

As to lifts, I have better clearance than Patrols with 2"lift and 30mm spacers.

Sounds like you are going to throw a bit of money at your Puma! I am not sure about a lot of what you are quoting as far as mods and how good they will be on your brand new Puma but I would take it out and give it a good spanking first and see what it can do straight off the factory floor. If you are new to Landrover then you may very well be surprised what one can do straight out of the box. If you still want to throw good money at tyres then I think the 255/85/16's are a good tyre size that will perform well in a lot of different terrain. I have BF Goodrich Mud Terrain 255/85/16's shod on Wolf rims. Previously I have run 285's Kumo's but the 255 BF Goodrich's would be my choice again when it comes to replacing them.

It is always personal choice and there will be good arguments for and against going to a wider tyre but after many years of owning Land Rover's and using them in a wide variety of terrains I think the BFG MT 255/85/16's are great. Good luck! Great looking Land Rover too!

Regards Warrick.

Originally Posted by csb4x4

Thanks for the advice re sticking with the LR suspension and putting the HD springs in. Researched the forum afterwards and got my head around the lift issues on the puma's and the need for the DC prop shaft....definitely don't want to screw up my warranty etc just yet.
So since then I have been trying to find photo's of a 110 with standard suspension and 255/85 muddies....have found lots of threads on the topic but no definite photos.
Does anyone out there have a photo showing wheel arch clearance (side on shot) with this type of a set up?

I don't have many photos on level ground
It's not taken from the side, but it will give you an indication. In this shot, the car has 255/85/16 BF Goodrich KM2s with standard springs in the rear and Genuine LR HD springs in the front. Between the bull bar & winch there's just shy of 100Kg of accessories:



This one was taken the same day. It's from the side, but due to the angle of the vehicle there's a lot more weight over the front than there would be on level ground:


Hope that helps...