Defender re-build

[Dougie81]

Hey all - I need to steal a bit more info from you guys if you don't mind!

The more info I read here and the more answers I get I'm starting to think with my lack a mechanical ability maybe buying a Defender may not be a good option.

That said, I love the look of the Defender's and It seems to be the only decent dual cab ute option around.

So.... do you think getting a Defender body/chassis and then just just adding the best bits from other cars would be a good option to make it more reliable? The fact that everyone is saying time is a big key with Land Rover is making me think that maybe the Landy motor/electrics/gearbox etc are a little hit a miss?

Even though I'm not very mechanical, as I've mentioned before, I have many friends and family who are so a in that sense, the work side of things wouldn't be an issue - however, I wouldn't like to be hitting them up every time I have an issue with a stock Landy.

So I guess what I'm asking is -

1). Would any of your start with a body/chassis and work up from there and if so, what would you add (motor/gear box,suspension etc).

2). If anyone out there has done this, what did you add and what costs where involved.

3). Has anyone got any better ideas?!

Thanks guys - I hope this hasn't come off as if I'm bagging Defenders out. I'm just being extra careful with this (and exploring every option) as I can't really afford to be making a bad decision with a new bub on the way!

:)

[Offender90]

If you're considering a rebuild we must have given you the wrong idea - they're not THAT unreliable.

When we talk of "reliability" it generally refers to bush travel, which is what they're made for. If most of your work will be around town, you have nothing to worry about.

Some owners have had issues with the new (Puma) Defenders, but many have also had good experiences. I think we just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. I mean, it's not like Pumas use 1/2 a litre of oil between changes and call it "normal". ;)

TD5's (1999 to 2006) are on the whole very reliable and those before them even more so.

[steveG]

So you're talking about building a vehicle up, starting from just a chassis/body?
Thats a big project, and I would say unachievable unless you are a) quite mechanically capable or b) have a lot of cash and/or favours to call in to get it done.
Its definitely more expensive to build something up than to start with something stock in reasonable condition then tidy it up or mod as (and if) the need arises.

Steve

[BilboBoggles]

Buy a new defender and it's covered with a 3 year warranty. If you are able to get it under the corporate program it's covered for maintenance as well.

After the initial teething troubles I expect my new PUMA to settle down and be very reliable. All of the teething problems have been minor in nature, and I've not been stranded anywhere.

After having driven over 600,000 kms in Land rovers, I've only been stranded once due to a issue with a water pump. And that was really due to something missed during maintenance. I'd say Land Rovers are very reliable, but with the proviso they need a decent mechanic.

Also don't forget you only hear on forums when people have problems, I know that's the only time I create new threads! But for all of those problems I'd say there are thousands out there without significant issues.

And at least a Land Rover is worth fixing, unlike many other cars where a minor fault means it's uneconomical to fix and it's a one way trip to the crusher.

[lr90freak]

So you're talking about building a vehicle up, starting from just a chassis/body?
Thats a big project, and I would say unachievable unless you are a) quite mechanically capable or b) have a lot of cash and/or favours to call in to get it done.
Its definitely more expensive to build something up than to start with something stock in reasonable condition then tidy it up or mod as (and if) the need arises.

Steve

I'd have to say i disagree ive just spent the last two months using all the parts off a 110 i crashed (motor/gearbox/transfer/firewall/doors) to give my 85 v8 90 and 94 300tdi face lift. And i found due to there mecho set nature of there build its very easy to do.
They would have to be one of the easiest 4wd to pul down.
I used a engine crane to lift the heavy items like fire wall and tub, and once the body is off engine assembly on the chassis is super easy, i loaded the whole lot engine gearbox transfer in one peice onto the chassis.
Most of the body was then reassembled in a weekend.
It wouldnt be hard to buy a base car and a donor and build exactly what you want.
Just dont be scared, its not hard.

[rar110]

I know the attraction and frustration of this sort of project. The greatest advantage after its done is you know your vehicle very well. However it will take up a shirt load of time and a fair bit of cash. 130s are generally (not always) bought as a work truck and so can see a fair bit of harsh treatment.

I would buy something that didn't need a lot of work like a 2000+ td5, and after reading a few threads would also get a nanocom diagnostic thingy - learn how to use one, a spare injector harness and learn how to fit one if required.

[weeds]

not sure that you would need to do a ground up build, have it checked out by a landie specialist prior

i have a 95 wagon and i doubt i will ever do a ground up re-build. defenders are pretty good out of the box and looked after should just keep on keeping on

[Dougie81]

If you're considering a rebuild we must have given you the wrong idea - they're not THAT unreliable.

When we talk of "reliability" it generally refers to bush travel, which is what they're made for. If most of your work will be around town, you have nothing to worry about.

Some owners have had issues with the new (Puma) Defenders, but many have also had good experiences. I think we just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. I mean, it's not like Pumas use 1/2 a litre of oil between changes and call it "normal". ;)

TD5's (1999 to 2006) are on the whole very reliable and those before them even more so.

- Most of my drive will be road work, however I do quite a bit of camping and I am planning a couple big trips around the top end in the not too distant future.....

[Michael2]

I tried a 3 litre Nissan Diesel (4cyl) and 5 Speed Nissan gearbox in my 1976 SIII Land Rover, in an effort to make it more reliable for outback travel. The ONLY thing that let the car down for the next 5 years of outback travel, was the conversion. It cost me thousands and left me stranded. That was using a bought conversion kit, that was supposedly engineered, but ended up running the gearbox & transfer case out of alignment and splitting apart. I eventually put in a reliable old Land Rover engine and gearbox.

The standard Land Rover set up is reliable.

Other 4WDs have a life span of 10-15 years unless they're really well looked after. Land Rovers last 30-50 years. So if you're comparing a 15 year old Toyota to a 15 year old Landy, you are comparing a well maintained Toyota to a Landy. So for a fair comparison, you should compare it to a well maintained Land Rover.

I drive a 14 year old Defender, so by Defender terms, it's still a pretty new car. If I had a 14 year old 'other car' I'd probably be looking for another car. When I got rid of my SIII it was 30 years old and reliable, though if no attempts had been made to change it - it would have been more reliable. I sold my Range Rover at 22 years of age and it was in daily service with 460K km the week before I sold it.

So if you're going to compare reliability between brands, compare like vehicle age and usage with like, because aged neglected Land Rovers will still keep going, albiet with issues, whereas aged & neglected other stuff will already have been buried.

You're becoming a father and time is precious, I've got 3 kids, my time is precious too. I can tell you that the most time taken on the car is not repairs, it's designing and fitting accessories. And on a 130, there's no end to what you can fit.