Little tips for Defender drivers

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Originally Posted by jackdef90

Don't use zero offset rims unless you love changing wheel bearings, they use offset wheels for a reason. Wheel spacers are just stupid and dangerous

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Could you please explain your offset reasing. What do you mean they use offset rims for a reason?

I run 2 sets of tyres. Standard 32s with terrafirma billet alloy spacers. These are strong, well engineered and hubcentric. Spacers are dangerous only when you use cheap knock offs. In fact some european cars have them from factory, japanese drifters use them in what would probably be the toughest testing ground and dont have issues.
My other set are 255/85/16 BFG km2s on king terra 16x8 x 0 offset rims. Whats the issue here with wheel bearings? There are a lot of misconceptions and myths one this site. This is one of them. You can run 0 offset with no issues whats so ever, as long as your wheels are hubcentric it isnt a isuue. An issue would be negative offset wheels, thats when the leverage becomes an issue. Defenders are not made of cheese, people have been runing offset wheels for years on all model defenders with no issues. Have you personally worn wheel bearing using offset rims? If you have you probably had other issues there.

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Originally Posted by 1nando

Lol....smells like sheep for a while but it works a treat.

I have done a lot of things to my landy, if i were to list my top 3 things to do to improve a puma they would be as follows:
1) hd flanges all around. If you can afford to do the rear axels do it at the same time. The axels arent 100% necessary but are a good bet long term. The flanges however are a must. Most so called p38 rear diff issues are due to the flanges
2) constant attention to rust prevention and protection. Maintenance is key here.
3) this will be a controversial point but makes everyday life with everything from shopping malls to tight bush tracks becoming easy and a breeze. Increase your wheel track to be able to adjust your bump stops to improve your turning circle. This can be achieved through 1 of 2 ways. 1 is to use spacers......i can hear it already...."there illegal". I get that, i also dont care, personal opinion. 2 use 0 offset rims to achieve a similar result to spacers. The turning circle becomes amazing and in my opinion improves the driving experience even further.

Thats my best 3 tips.

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I haven't used O offset wheels but have been running 30mm spacers for about 7 years with no issues whatsoever. the turning circle is so much better, the track is more positive in corners. Overall the 'feel' of the car is much improved.
And I have never had any wheel bearing issues.
I totally agree with the comments above.
And I get that they are illegal if they aren't offered as a genuine part. But I'm sure I've seen them in the parts catalogue somewhere:angel:

Also has the 2nd gear problem on my 13 defender. Will take it back to dealer, maybe need a softwear upgrade. Rain water always comes through. But never had the start problems even unlocked for 1 week.

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Originally Posted by David Black 90

Also has the 2nd gear problem on my 13 defender. Will take it back to dealer, maybe need a softwear upgrade. Rain water always comes through. But never had the start problems even unlocked for 1 week.

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The perfect shift 1st to second, try this:

Accelerate from 1st upto 3000-3500 rpm, then take the gear leaver to neutral (you must find neutral) and from there push it into second. As you hit second lift your clutch to find its friction point and slowly start to feather your accelorater pedal. Takes some practice but works a treat for me. Also i have hd flanges which helps alot

1. Convert wheel bearing lubrication from grease to oil.
2. Increase rear passenger door opening to 90 deg by modifying rear passenger door limit strap anchor brackets by elongating holes and repositioning bracket slightly closer to outside of vehicle. Be careful not to go too far or the door will crease the B pillar when fully open.
3. Raise 'cubby box' between front seats to give improved arm rest height by either fitting a Mulgo X-Box or as I have done, mounting an inverter under the box.

I am aware that lots of owners in the U.K. have wheel spacers fitted to their Defenders.
However, I've always believed that they were illegal on any vehicle is Australia, & I would never use them. If the wheel comes further out from the wheel bearing, there has to be more "pressure" on them, & other bits of the suspension.
I would suggest that if anyone were in an accident, and there was a front suspension failure & spacers were fitted, an Insuranc company could be very interested.
Pickles.

Only problem with raising cubby box is when passengers put water bottles into cup holders, usually followed by me missing first gear change and throwing bottles into passenger foot well.

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Originally Posted by David Black 90

Also has the 2nd gear problem on my 13 defender. Will take it back to dealer, maybe need a softwear upgrade. Rain water always comes through. But never had the start problems even unlocked for 1 week.

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When you change into 2nd don't go straight back,kinda push the stick away from you,imagine the H is leaning to the right slightly so you need to push the stick to the left. Pat

Particularly on cold starts stick the transfer case in neutral and work up through the gears before setting off. Makes for a much smoother shifting experience I've found, even the dreaded 2nd gear kangaroo.

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Originally Posted by mekon76

Only problem with raising cubby box is when passengers put water bottles into cup holders, usually followed by me missing first gear change and throwing bottles into passenger foot well.

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I was going to mention this even without a raised cubby.
I've had a shaker-style drink container and a tall Red Bull interfere with gear shifting into 6th, when in the driver's side cup holder.