In the market for a 130 - Advice needed plz

**MLD** · 15th January 2018, 07:38 PM

For what it’s worth. I run 35” rubber, 4.11 C&P, dual lockers, 11.5” travel suspension with superior engineering radius arms and cranked trailing arms, wide angle A frame joint and the list goes on and on. Having spent as much on mods as the initial purchase price i have come to this conclusion:

1) the 130 is an extremely competent 4wd, it rides ruts and wash outs better than the 110 i owed

2) save for the most extreme of rock climbing and technical driving the 130 will get you there and home in stock configuration

3) the 130 consumes camping equip with room to spare.

Having done the hard yards multiple times i strongly recommend this set up for all but the type of driving in item 2: i would fit 255/85 (33”) MT rubber on stock suspension with dual lockers and upgraded axles/CV’s. Upgrade the steering arm rods, the trailing arm rods, replace worn bushes with superpro bushes.

This set up in a Puma will avoid a ratio change to the C&P, the double carden front prop shaft for the lift, flogging out trailing arm bushes from the long travel suspension, the diff pegging of the C&P to handle 35” rubber. It will give you diff clearance, traction when crossed up and civility of km’s on the hwy. if you are concerned about Summit’s comments you can remove the inner rear coil and run an Alu tray. With a load of usual camping equip on the tray it will articulate nice and not try to kill you on the hwy. keep in mind a 130 has coils that give a 1” lift front and rear compared to a 110. Aftermarket lifts usually assume the shock length remains the same with factory mount, so they use a firmer coil with a similar to factory free length to avoid dislocation. Unless you do the research on coils you could end up with a coil suited to a 110 with no actual lift.

Congrats on choosing the 130

**Tins** · 15th January 2018, 07:44 PM

Ankaz, checkout Weeds' thread on air springs for the Deefer. Down on the left, at the bottom of the page, search AULRO only, enter air suspension defender or similar. I reckon it's going to be a 'must have' on any Deefer I get. There are a few systems about, something that amazed me, being a Disco man so far.

Airbag Man - Home

We now offer VB Air Suspension Systems for Defender 90, 110 and 130 -

**Zeros** · 15th January 2018, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ankaz

Thx for all the info guys, exactly what I was after,

Summiitt it's nice to know they handle that sort of rough terrain under working conditions mate, I wont come close putting that sort of weight in the tub though,

Wicks I'm looking to build a very capable mean looking rig, but at the end of the day I'll be using it a lot so everything has to be practical for day to day use and very good off road, it's the reason I've gone down the 130 path.
As I said I just fkn luv a Defender on 35's but if it's not practical and come with to many down sides I guess i'll have to rethink.
How do you find them compared to 33's? on & off road.

Pod, thanks for the info buddy, has the Ashcroft gear handled to your expectations mate?
I'm not mechanically minded enough to be replacing things out in the bush and I often head out just me and the dog who's not the best with a spanner either.
My aim for this truck is to get it as bullet proof & capable as I can afford.
It also has to look and sound mean,
The turning circle will take some getting used to I think,

Zeros, I've had an eye on that one, you don't happen to know the fella who owns it?
Looks alright doesn't it.

All other opinions more than welcome and appreciated

Hey Anzak, no I dont know the owner, I just like the look of it and the price looks reasonable.

When you get a Defender IMO standard height and wheels are perfect. You dont need anything like a lift or bigger wheels on a Defender. Better to spend your cash on some Ashcroft driveline gear like axle flanges and maybe an ATB centre difflock. Plus it's aleady got most other accessories.

**strangy** · 15th January 2018, 08:02 PM

Hi and welcome.
I’ve only recently finished my 130 project and AULRO information has been invaluable.
The folk who have taken the time to document their work and pass it on know their stuff.
The suspension suggestions for keeping stock or small lift and 33 tyres is going to save you big $ and keep a smile on your face in nearly all cases.
As mentioned unless extreme rock crawling. But then a 130 isn’t the right choice for that sort of thing.

Looking mean- a set of the right offset wheels and 33 has these things look fantastic.
I love how the 130 has a natural imposing presence and when in the car park amongst others, mine makes even the toughest looking offerings from others look a little prissy.

I’m running an auto open front diff std transfer case (about to change to 1.2) Detroit locker in the rear.
I have Ashcroft axles, drive flanges etc.
It is good gear.
I have an ARB bullbar and diff cover in the rear and their steering damper.
That’s it, all other accessories and mods are from LR nuts like Ashcroft,QT, APT and Gwyn Lewis.
As others mentioned ARB suspension offerings for LR products have not been well considered.

My mods and the 130’s ability are probably way better than my capability/willingness.

**uninformed** · 15th January 2018, 08:09 PM

No more rear steer from Maxidrive. The original owner/designer/manufacture/fabricator and top bloke, retired years ago and sold some maxidrive products to M R Automotive that they still make.

There would be custom engineering shops in Australia that would be capable of the work involved but youd need very deep pockets and a really good understanding of what was needed before approaching them.

Ankaz · 15th January 2018, 08:23 PM

Bloody great input fellas,
MLD I’ve screen shotted that set up, hopefully soon I know what it all means lol thx mate

I like the sound of toughening up the driveline, Ashcroft seems to be the go to when it comes to that, is it easily sourced in Aus and rough price for the lot

Perhaps I got a little over excited jumping into 35’s and a lift, but hey that’s why I joined this forum.

As pointed out by a few already I think I’ll find one that suits and give it a few trips and see how it goes before I look into lifts and big rubber.

Whats the ATB center diff lock?
How does it work compared to front and rear differential locks?

**Tins** · 15th January 2018, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Ankaz

I like the sound of toughening up the driveline, Ashcroft seems to be the go to when it comes to that, is it easily sourced in Aus and rough price for the lot

Whats the ATB center diff lock?
How does it work compared to front and rear differential locks?

Ashcroft stuff is absolutely first class. Talk to them about the ATB thing as well. Better folk than me can explain ATB, but Ashcroft's are the go to people IMV.

Ankaz · 15th January 2018, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by Zeros

Hey Anzak, no I dont know the owner, I just like the look of it and the price looks reasonable.

When you get a Defender IMO standard height and wheels are perfect. You dont need anything like a lift or bigger wheels on a Defender. Better to spend your cash on some Ashcroft driveline gear like axle flanges and maybe an ATB centre difflock. Plus it's aleady got most other accessories.

I really like the look of it, nice and neat with some nice added goodies, my concern is I don’t know enough about All the stuff I should know to look for, like anyone I’d hate to make a expensive error that could cost me a packet.

**filcar** · 15th January 2018, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by Ankaz

I really like the look of it, nice and neat with some nice added goodies, my concern is I don’t know enough about All the stuff I should know to look for, like anyone I’d hate to make a expensive error that could cost me a packet.

Heaps of info on their site .. Ashcroft Transmissions

I have ATB front and rear in my 90 and soon getting an ATB for the centre diff as well. Les Richmond automotive are Ashcroft suppliers and installers or you can buy direct yourself.

**FV1601** · 15th January 2018, 08:50 PM

ATB replaces the centre diff lock, with a stronger LSD unit that is still lockable for off road work:
Ashcroft Transmissions
Good bit of gear.

I have a 2010 130 on standard springs, but upgraded Shocks. The diffs are still rover, but rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing, with Pro Locker's front and rear.
Climbing ability, articulation, traction is really good. I mean, REALLY good. In my opinion you will need to spend a lot of money to gain small improvement's.
Brakes and turning circle are bad, engine braking......depends who you talk to!
If fitting after market shocks, be aware that they may be too long and the springs will dislocate.
Cheapest/Biggest improvement if you are taller than a jockey are extension rails for the seats.

I suggest that you buy and drive, then consider your options vs requirements. I would rather some modicum of reliability than a lifted Landy that the navigator can't climb into...... Hmmmmm may have to reconsider some of that.....

Good Luck
Rich

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