Defender 90 TD5 weakest link

[Blade74]

I'm looking to do a few trips in the next year and a half and am wondering what I should look at doing to the drive train on my Defender 90 TD5.
What is the weakest link and what should I upgrade?
I'm assuming the weakest link is the front half shafts?
I have standard springs with Koni heavy track shocks.

[Blade74]

Also forgot to mention I'm due for some new front flanges so will be upgrading then with some maxi drive or Ashcroft ones.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

the track rod is pretty weak on defenders.......

[Blade74]

Does that require a guard or replacement?

[jimr1]

Does that require a guard or replacement?
I replaced mine , bent It twice had to straiten It out on the tow ball , plus my son bent his on his Disco " driving in sand , my mate bent his on his R/R as well . I put a heavy duty one on , cost a bit over $300. Well worth It in my opinion !!.. Jim

[Blade74]

Would a steering guard protect it?
Thanks for the replies too

[Patchy]

I think track rod would be protected by decent steering guard I've fitted the APT one on my td5 and works a treat.... Although if the other guys are referring to the tie rod which I think they are you can get a cranked ones from the states this is on my list to do soon as just looks like it wants to get bent hanging all low bellow the diff...

As to weak points in drive line I recon the front and rear diff would be one the first up grades I've just done my rear replaced with a true trac and cant believe the amount of backlash thats been removed from the drive line also seemingly with the lsd's there doesn't seem to be the urgency to upgrade axles and cv's as they are softer on them plus traction control should tget you most places you want to go...

Cheers Brian

[Blade74]

Yeah cool thanks. I'm looking at a steering guard for sure. I'll check that tie rod/track rod in my car so I can see what you all mean.
I also wouldn't mind an Ashcroft LSD or two.
What made you choose the trutrac?
I know they're meant to be good but the ashcrofts look more affordable.

[Patchy]

Gumtree made me decide on the truetrac I was also going to go the ashcroft but brand new in the box for $200 with everything needed to fit just seemed to good also you dont really hear of truetrac's failing so wasn't really a concern.

I will probably go ashcroft in the front just because they are cheaper to buy than the truetrac from a supplier.

cheers Brian

[Blade74]

So if you wanted to make the drive train a little stronger what would you replace first?
I'm due for new HD front flanges.
Do I change the front half shafts?
At 87000kms do I leave the front CV joints standard or renew and change to ashcrofts?
Are the rear shafts in my car a lot stronger as they are one piece shaft and flange?
How strong are all the drive shafts?
I'm just wanting to remove the chance of breakages on a long trip.

[MLD]

A cheaper alternative to a HD track rod is to weld a piece of 6mm angle to the bar. Cheap as chips to do, flat edges makes it easy for multi grips to bite to adjust. Spray it black. I'll buy you a case of beer if it gets picked up in an roadworthy pink slip. To those that will cry "illegal" save wearing out your your finger tips, yes i know there are Rules. Rules are subject to interpretation and argument.

If you are merely touring and not tackling tough tracks that call on long travel suspension and lockers then keep it simple. The "driveline" on the truck from the factory will get you around the globe multiple times without failure. Personally i'd focus on replacing service parts have a tendency to give up the ghost in the middle of no-where. Things like heater hoses that you don't turn your mind to. The oil pump bolt in the TD5. FYI there is a short length of hose under the exhaust manifold that steps from 3/8th to ?" and with age and heat exposure will deteriorate. It's a RPITA to replace on the side of the road because of the step up in diameter. Get in there and have a look at its health.

You've made a good choice with your suspension and if it holds the weight and offers a nice ride, don't mess with it. If your TD5 has TC then an ATB will give you a little more traction control but again that's moving into the 'want' and not a 'need'.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Modify one thing and you will join the line on the water slide of chasing bigger, better, higher, faster, stronger.

my 2c's coming from someone that has owned 2 defenders and dropped the purchase price on a third in modifications over the years.

MLD