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Thread: In the market for a 130 - Advice needed plz

  1. #1
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    In the market for a 130 - Advice needed plz

    Hi everyone

    As the title says I'm in the market for a 130 Defender.
    2007 - 2013 - was going to look at something a bit newer but looking in this age bracket leaves a bit for a few extra goodies.

    I've never had any experience with the Defender so I just want some advice from those who have gone through it before.

    I've been around to a few car yards and they've let me take them for a spin for an hour or so, which has a been good to be able to figure out if I wanted to start getting serious about finding one to suit.
    As unique as they are with all the little quirks there's just something about driving them that's grabbed me.
    A few I've test drove had been set up for touring with a fair few mods, but had done some work in the past judging by the condition of a few bits and pieces.

    Just got some questions (probably a lot of questions by the time I finish this thread)

    1 - There's one I've been eyeing off online for a while,
    If after an inspection it ticks all the boxes do you think it's reasonable to ask to get it looked over by a LR specialist of my choice prior to purchase? at my cost of course
    (it's in country Vic so it's not exactly round the corner for the fella)
    I really don't want to miss something that will cost me plenty down the track.

    2 - Can someone recommend a trustworthy LR mechanic that knows the in's & out's of anything to do with Defenders?
    I'm in S/E Melb but will travel for a good mechanic.

    3 - I do a lot of 4wding & camping in the Vic High Country so a lift is a must.
    ARB suggested I go to a specialist because they don't like to do them.
    What is the reason they're a bit tricky to do?
    Anyone with experience with a 130 let me know how the long wheel base goes over the big washouts?

    4 - Cons of running 35's full time - etc. handling - fuel - towing
    Also do I have to look in to rim offset if I'm to change the rims?
    I just cant get enough of 35's on Defenders.

    5 - Best place to source parts & after market goodies - service & price
    AUS - UK - SA

    6 - I love a great sounding truck, whistling turbo & pounding intercooler when hitting the low range tracks.
    What's the best way to achieve this?
    Garret turbo - bigger intercooler - 3" exhaust??? I know it can be done because I've heard nasty sounding Defenders getting around.
    Any other tricks?

    7- If anyone comes across a good 130 or knows of one coming up for sale in the near future plz send me a personal message, It'd be greatly appreciated.

    8 - Diff Lockers - I've had experience in the past with ARB Air lockers - what are some other options out there?

    All & as many responses would be greatly appreciated

    Thanks Everyone

  2. #2
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    Hey mate,
    Im running several 130s for work in forestry Operations. We are in the Brindabellas, and Snowy Mountains, so all of our terrain is steep, with washouts and rock crawling.
    One thing you must do with the 130s, is load them up. The suspension is designed to run at 3500kg all day, everyday. Im running 235/85/16 on 2 Utes, and 265/75 on another 3 Utes. The 130s run different standard springs to the 110 models. Id suggest to get your tyre/wheel choice sorted then run the vehicle loaded with the standard suspension and see what you think. Ive never had any dramas with clearance or a lack of traction, and don't run air lockers on any of the Utes..hope this helps.

  3. #3
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    I'm with Summitt, save the money on the 35s and the suspension lift and see if you can get it stuck. Pumas (allegedly)have issues with lifts but they are probably not necessary.
    I've not had any issues with the ramp over angle on the 130
    The UK is a reasonable source of parts, I brought in a set of ZU mags considerably cheaper than they can be had locally
    I have a rear locker on my list but it's not desperate

    Regards,

    Tote
    Go home, your igloo is on fire....
    2014 Chile Red L494 RRS Autobiography Supercharged
    MY2016 Aintree Green Defender 130 Cab Chassis
    1957 Series 1 107 ute - In pieces

    Assorted Falcons and Jeeps.....

  4. #4
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    Ankaz,

    Sounds like you're a man that knows what he wants. As others have said, defenders are pretty good from standard with the stock wheels and suspension.

    I run 35s on my 130 and I think it just makes it! It was good on 33s, but it's even better on 35s.
    Admittedly not regeared or locked yet, still very hard to get stuck.

    I have a 2" lift with flexy coils, 5" shocks, superflex arms etc etc.

    If I had my time again I would not lift it. Simply to keep the geometry standard and not have to worry about prop shafts etc.

    I would instead put longer/better shocks in with non castor corrected superflex arms to just maximise the articulation.

    As far as I know sound is all down to exhaust really, but its one of those things, like suspension:

    If you're going to play with one part of the system, gotta deal with all of it.

    I've learned this the hard way, what I mean is if you want a lift it's not just springs and shocks, all steering needs to be re-done to work properly.

    Big exhaust or a tune really needs it all, (intercooler, egt etc etc).

    Best thing would be to plan and budget accordingly!

  5. #5
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    There's a very nice looking red 2007 130 in VIC on carsales right now: We've taken a wrong turn ...I'd buy it.

  6. #6
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    When I bought my 130 I was coming from nearly 20 years of Range Rover ownership and a variety of 4wds before that; I was very concerned about what the extra 30 inches of wheelbase would do to offroad ability, we mostly get out into the VHC but also do some remote outback travel, have broken diffs etc over the years and I wanted this vehicle to be bulletproof. I upgraded all the driveline with ashcroft axles, CVs etc, also fitted their locker in the front- original owner had put an arb locker in the rear. With standard suspension and 7.50 /16 tyres I got it stuck once, sat hard on the l/r tank under the back. I fitted 255/85 tyres (33") and got the suspension lifted a little by Les Richmond automotive, they are not a defender fan but have the experience and stock to get it right. The tyres and lift made a big difference. I lead a group of blokes on a high-country trip each year about April, I scout and plan the trip to be as challenging as possible as that's what the boys want; I get a kick out of not using my diff locks and still managing everything that they all struggle with. One or two other vehicles (and drivers) are equally capable but the 130 always impresses me.
    The big downfall of the 130 on high-country tracks is the turning circle; despite maximising the adjustment on the stops, it can take a 5-point turn to get around switchbacks where others get around in one go. I reckon rear-steer or fiddle brakes would be a fantastic addition.
    With a suspension lift, a double-cardan front shaft is essential; I did mine at the same time as the lift, a mate with a 110 resisted but had to bite the bullet in the end after all manner of trouble. Just budget it in. The 33" tyres made a noticeable difference in braking, I expect 35" would result in unacceptable brake performance without brake mods.

    BTW I think it's quite reasonable to get a vehicle inspected by an expert of your choice; you're not talking about buying an old Hyundai for $100 after all. Get it done by someone who understands they're working for YOU, not the seller.

    Stay away from the ARB stuff, they are there to separate asian 4wd owners from their money. There are specialist LR outfitters such as Ashcrofts who will serve you far better.

  7. #7
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    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

  8. #8
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    Good luck with the shopping Ankaz.
    Hope I'm not railroading your thread but
    Does anyone know is 4 wheel steering in the 130 is an option (not that I'm ready to go that far)
    I thought I remember Maxidrive were advertising something about 15 years ago.
    And I have a ARB locker in the back of my 130, that hasn't been used for a least 10 years.
    Back in the day ARB were highly regarded. The only mention of them these days seems to be on the UK sites. Anything in particular that put them on the nose or has better options just come on the market?
    Cheers
    Mark

  9. #9
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    No worries Mark, the more I know the better.

    Why haven't you used your rear locker for so long?

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mark130 View Post
    Back in the day ARB were highly regarded. The only mention of them these days seems to be on the UK sites. Anything in particular that put them on the nose or has better options just come on the market?
    Cheers
    Mark
    Seems to me that ARB has gone to where the customer base is: people buying Asian built trucks that they will keep for the length of the lease and then buy another. It's hard to blame them really. However, now they are just another voice in the ever increasing cacophony of voices that are flooding that same market. Pretty soon Bunnings or someone will take it all over, and we will all be poorer for it. Seriously though, LR folk like us are in a backwater these days. Even Land Rover have abandoned us.

    I think my plan will be to find the best Defender I can afford, get the accessories I want while I still can, and drive it until I no longer can.

    Yet another thread going off topic. Sorry, Ankaz.
    ​JayTee

    Nullus Anxietus

    ​Getting involved in discussions is the best way to learn.

    2000 D2 TD5 Auto: Tins
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