Defender Newby

[csb4x4]

Picking up my new Defender 110 later this week....this'll be my first LR, but I've always admired them for a number of reasons, which I'm sure are common amongst other owners. Wanted to grab one before they're gone - much to the disgust of my Toyota driving mates. Just joined this forum today.
At the moment I'm enjoying researching after market accessories for the build (wife refers to it as obsessing).
My current thoughts are:
ARB bulbar/winch/roof rack, OME lift with medium weight springs, BFG Muddies (255/85/R16 on dual finish rims), Dept of Interiors drawer system, Milford cargo barrier, APT rock sliders/diff guards/front steering guard.....that will be the starting points anyway.
I'm up in the air about which dual battery system to go with, and whether to go for under the seat or in the back storage area.....anyone got thoughts or experiences on which way to go? I'm not looking for a 100ah battery...Around 70ah has always done me, because I don't set up in just one place...keeping moving keeps the battery charged.

[loneranger]

I went with an under the seat install with a Traxide isolator. It works well and also charges my camper battery efficiently as well.

[csb4x4]

Took delivery today :D who wouldn't be happy....

[komaterpillar]

Looks good with the white roof! My 110 was nearly exactly the same except for i got a body colored roof.
Your list sounds pretty good, APT make quality gear.

[RVR110]

Welcome!

Take your time with the built - As they roll off the production line, Defenders are extremely capable so there's no hurry. There's plenty of information on this forum from those who have gone before (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/) about the benefits and pitfalls of just about every enhancement you can imagine, so take advantage of that.

...and since you've got mates with Toyotas, grow a thick skin and ignore not just the insults but also just about everything they recommend because it will probably be wrong for your vehicle. For example the idea that every vehicle needs a 2" lift. Straight from the showroom, your 110 will have more clearance than most Toyotas will have after getting a 2" lift. 70 series Toyotas are the only ones that even come close. Upgrading the front springs to genuine LR HD springs will (more than) correct the sag from the bullbar & winch without causing you warranty issues or requiring a DC front prop shaft like a 2" lift would. The combination of HD front springs and 255/85/16 tyres is brilliant.

There's just one piece of absolutely critical advice that I will give you: Whatever you do, don't use a generalist service/repair place, even if they "specialise in 4WDs". Find a Land Rover specialist to service and repair your car - one that ONLY works on Land Rovers. getting things done right the first time is much, much cheaper and much less painful than any other approach. Even though at heart Defenders are simple vehicles, if they aren't LR specialists then they just don't "get" it and you will feel the pain.

FWIW, I'm, very happy with having both my batteries under the seat (standard battery plus a 100 Ah secondary). But it requires some planning & research to get it right.

And don't forget to wave when you see other Defenders! Relax and enjoy the ride.

[karlz]

Congrats on the new 110. Your Toyo mates will be really ****ed off.
Ive had my 110 for 2 months now. Every week or so I do some sort of enhancement.

I went the ARB bullbar, Landybitz slider/steps, and I have a traxide from my Disco. Yet to install on the Defender yet, but the traxide I have allows me to have 2 extra batteries in addition to the one under the seat. Therefore I will have 2 under the seat and a long cable to the rear area, where I have an Anderson plug which can connect to an additional fridge battery. Havent worked out where to mount the rear battery yet. But I still need a drawer system first.

[jackdef90]

the standard battery will easily fit with a auxiliary deep cycle. I've got that setup in mine I use a piranha dual battery tray which fits nicely with plenty of room for the isolator and wiring.

[karlz]

Took delivery today :D who wouldn't be happy....

I like.

Are those windows tinted?

[DiscoMick]

Don't rush into mechanical changes as its very capable standard. I'm not planning to lift mine at all. The standard suspension is doing just fine so far despite the weight added to mine. I may add rear airbags eventually for when towing.
I got drawers built for the rear with a compartment big enough to take a second battery. Got power run to the back. In there will go an AGM on its side, hidden out of sight, connected to some plugs.
Also recommend extended seat runners, rear wheel carrier, rear wheel stay, bracket to let the rear passenger doors open to 90 degrees.
To reduce noise and allow easy cleaning I just bought a dozen second hand carpet squares at $2 each and chucked them in the footwells and luggage area.
Enjoy and don't stress too much about modifications.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[csb4x4]

Looks good with the white roof! My 110 was nearly exactly the same except for i got a body colored roof.
Your list sounds pretty good, APT make quality gear.
Thanks - the photo colours don't show it real well, but the roof is silver....the 110 has the "Silver Pack".

[csb4x4]

Welcome!

Take your time with the built - As they roll off the production line, Defenders are extremely capable so there's no hurry. There's plenty of information on this forum from those who have gone before (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/) about the benefits and pitfalls of just about every enhancement you can imagine, so take advantage of that.

...and since you've got mates with Toyotas, grow a thick skin and ignore not just the insults but also just about everything they recommend because it will probably be wrong for your vehicle. For example the idea that every vehicle needs a 2" lift. Straight from the showroom, your 110 will have more clearance than most Toyotas will have after getting a 2" lift. 70 series Toyotas are the only ones that even come close. Upgrading the front springs to genuine LR HD springs will (more than) correct the sag from the bullbar & winch without causing you warranty issues or requiring a DC front prop shaft like a 2" lift would. The combination of HD front springs and 255/85/16 tyres is brilliant.

There's just one piece of absolutely critical advice that I will give you: Whatever you do, don't use a generalist service/repair place, even if they "specialise in 4WDs". Find a Land Rover specialist to service and repair your car - one that ONLY works on Land Rovers. getting things done right the first time is much, much cheaper and much less painful than any other approach. Even though at heart Defenders are simple vehicles, if they aren't LR specialists then they just don't "get" it and you will feel the pain.

FWIW, I'm, very happy with having both my batteries under the seat (standard battery plus a 100 Ah secondary). But it requires some planning & research to get it right.

And don't forget to wave when you see other Defenders! Relax and enjoy the ride.
Thanks for the advice. I've been researching mechanics in my area and Ritters look like they'll be the front runner.

[csb4x4]

I like.

Are those windows tinted?
Yep... Tinted, but I went 1 shade lighter than "darkest legal". I've found in the past that the normal dark tint is a hindrance on tracks in low light or darkness. This level of tint is a nice compromise.

[YOLO110]

Yep... Tinted, but I went 1 shade lighter than "darkest legal". I've found in the past that the normal dark tint is a hindrance on tracks in low light or darkness. This level of tint is a nice compromise.

I did the same! But went 2 'shades' lighter to 50%. Still get the same UV protection but can see out at night!

Love the colour combination... silver pack looks great! :cool:

Enjoy! I LOVE mine! :D

[csb4x4]

Welcome!

Take your time with the built - As they roll off the production line, Defenders are extremely capable so there's no hurry. There's plenty of information on this forum from those who have gone before (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/) about the benefits and pitfalls of just about every enhancement you can imagine, so take advantage of that.

...and since you've got mates with Toyotas, grow a thick skin and ignore not just the insults but also just about everything they recommend because it will probably be wrong for your vehicle. For example the idea that every vehicle needs a 2" lift. Straight from the showroom, your 110 will have more clearance than most Toyotas will have after getting a 2" lift. 70 series Toyotas are the only ones that even come close. Upgrading the front springs to genuine LR HD springs will (more than) correct the sag from the bullbar & winch without causing you warranty issues or requiring a DC front prop shaft like a 2" lift would. The combination of HD front springs and 255/85/16 tyres is brilliant.

There's just one piece of absolutely critical advice that I will give you: Whatever you do, don't use a generalist service/repair place, even if they "specialise in 4WDs". Find a Land Rover specialist to service and repair your car - one that ONLY works on Land Rovers. getting things done right the first time is much, much cheaper and much less painful than any other approach. Even though at heart Defenders are simple vehicles, if they aren't LR specialists then they just don't "get" it and you will feel the pain.

FWIW, I'm, very happy with having both my batteries under the seat (standard battery plus a 100 Ah secondary). But it requires some planning & research to get it right.

And don't forget to wave when you see other Defenders! Relax and enjoy the ride.
Thanks for the advice re sticking with the LR suspension and putting the HD springs in. Researched the forum afterwards and got my head around the lift issues on the puma's and the need for the DC prop shaft....definitely don't want to screw up my warranty etc just yet.
So since then I have been trying to find photo's of a 110 with standard suspension and 255/85 muddies....have found lots of threads on the topic but no definite photos.
Does anyone out there have a photo showing wheel arch clearance (side on shot) with this type of a set up?

[DiscoMick]

I really question the need for bigger or wider tyres. Only on Saturday I followed a lifted hilux with fat Cooper STs up a steep, rutted, washed out track to a lookout at Possum Brush and had no problems at all, on the original GG ATs. While he was spinning tyres and lurching about, George the Defender just crawled steadily up in low range second with the centre diff locked.
Incidentally, George has both an ARB bullbar and a winch on the front, and drawers and a fridge in the back, but as far as I can tell he hasn't dropped much at all. Don't rush into changes until you've thoroughly tested what you already have, is my advice.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[NovaRover]

Congrats on the new family member, looks sweet, quite like the silver with the white roof, I'd take advise from the former replies and take your time, I'm still blown away by the places I take Molly my 130. If there is one thing iI would put on my wish list would locking diffs. Every now and then I find my self on a twisted angle and find I loose a lot of traction. I'm also find myself loving the standard conti's very impressed with their versatility.

I love the Apt gear , I know ARB is the main choice for a lot 4wds but there's a lot great Australian made bull bars the look great and are just as strong and not manufactured in Thailand.

Enjoy the ride , I'm a little addicted and loving mine to.

[debruiser]

I really question the need for bigger or wider tyres. Only on Saturday I followed a lifted hilux with fat Cooper STs up a steep, rutted, washed out track to a lookout at Possum Brush and had no problems at all, on the original GG ATs. While he was spinning tyres and lurching about, George the Defender just crawled steadily up in low range second with the centre diff locked.
Incidentally, George has both an ARB bullbar and a winch on the front, and drawers and a fridge in the back, but as far as I can tell he hasn't dropped much at all. Don't rush into changes until you've thoroughly tested what you already have, is my advice.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

Congrats on the 110! I've got a 90, had some 32x11.5r15s ATs laying around, so threw them on for a beach trip! they were great on the beach but happened to go for a day trip on some steep climbs; I think that the wide tires were killing me. I'm thinking maybe the 255x85r16's might be a better combo, not that there is anything wrong wiht the 235s that are supplied.

As to lifts, I have better clearance than Patrols with 2"lift and 30mm spacers.

[wpalmo]

Sounds like you are going to throw a bit of money at your Puma! I am not sure about a lot of what you are quoting as far as mods and how good they will be on your brand new Puma but I would take it out and give it a good spanking first and see what it can do straight off the factory floor. If you are new to Landrover then you may very well be surprised what one can do straight out of the box. If you still want to throw good money at tyres then I think the 255/85/16's are a good tyre size that will perform well in a lot of different terrain. I have BF Goodrich Mud Terrain 255/85/16's shod on Wolf rims. Previously I have run 285's Kumo's but the 255 BF Goodrich's would be my choice again when it comes to replacing them.

It is always personal choice and there will be good arguments for and against going to a wider tyre but after many years of owning Land Rover's and using them in a wide variety of terrains I think the BFG MT 255/85/16's are great. Good luck! Great looking Land Rover too!

Regards Warrick.

[RVR110]

Thanks for the advice re sticking with the LR suspension and putting the HD springs in. Researched the forum afterwards and got my head around the lift issues on the puma's and the need for the DC prop shaft....definitely don't want to screw up my warranty etc just yet.
So since then I have been trying to find photo's of a 110 with standard suspension and 255/85 muddies....have found lots of threads on the topic but no definite photos.
Does anyone out there have a photo showing wheel arch clearance (side on shot) with this type of a set up?

I don't have many photos on level ground :cool:
It's not taken from the side, but it will give you an indication. In this shot, the car has 255/85/16 BF Goodrich KM2s with standard springs in the rear and Genuine LR HD springs in the front. Between the bull bar & winch there's just shy of 100Kg of accessories:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/893.jpg

This one was taken the same day. It's from the side, but due to the angle of the vehicle there's a lot more weight over the front than there would be on level ground:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/894.jpg

Hope that helps...

[DiscoMick]

Nice photos.
I see your front springs are HD from LR. Do they make the ride stiff? Did you consider if medium springs could have achieved similar results with a softer ride?

[RVR110]

Nice photos.
I see your front springs are HD from LR. Do they make the ride stiff? Did you consider if medium springs could have achieved similar results with a softer ride?Unfortunately I can't take the credit for the photos :D

With about 100Kg of bullbar and winch on the front, the HD springs provide a ride that is similar to a Defender on standard springs with no bullbar and no winch. The standard springs are about 175 lb/in and the HD springs are about 225 lb/in.

I actually have some figures on the ride height... These measurements were taken on my 2011 110 Wagon (not the 2013 wagon in the photos). All figures are for the bumpstop clearance on the front driver's side:


Upon delivery (no accessories at all): 72mm
2 weeks later after installation of Bullbar & winch: 50mm (-22mm)
4 months later: 44mm (-28mm)
After installation of HD springs: 91mm (+19mm)

According to the workshop manual, the design range for front bump stop clearance is 57mm to 87mm. So, once I had installed the bull bar and winch the car was 13mm below the design range. Upon installation of the HD springs, the clearance became 4mm over the design range, so by the time the HD springs had settled in (sagged a bit) it would have been just within the design range...

[tact]

Thanks for the advice re sticking with the LR suspension and putting the HD springs in. Researched the forum afterwards and got my head around the lift issues on the puma's and the need for the DC prop shaft....definitely don't want to screw up my warranty etc just yet.
So since then I have been trying to find photo's of a 110 with standard suspension and 255/85 muddies....have found lots of threads on the topic but no definite photos.
Does anyone out there have a photo showing wheel arch clearance (side on shot) with this type of a set up?

Here you go. Stock standard suspension. No heavy bullbar/winch etc. fitted with 255/85 Maxxis Bighorn. Factory Boost Alloy rims. No spacers, no mods to fit these tyres at all and - no rubbing even at full flex. Just took the vehicle and brand new tyres to workshop and asked them to pull off the 235/85 and fit the 255/85.

[tact]

Another angle..

[tact]

...and one more showing still nicely legally within the flares

[csb4x4]

Awsome - thanks for the pics all....255's it is then. Most of the off-road work I do is in the Vic high country (I'm lucky enough to live close by) so a set of nice muddies comes in handy.....to answer one of the earlier comments, yes - I'm going to throw a bit of coin at the truck....it's both a hobby and a passion for me (i.e boys toys)....so sometimes practical common sense will go out the window - and let's face it....I want it to look cool!! I'm still trying to remain a little smart about my choices though. Thus the decision to delay any lifting and get familiar with the truck before committing to that path....thanks again for the feedback. It's much appreciated...amazing how much info is on this forum!!

[tact]

Just to back up what others also said: I have been down some rough trails in the Malaysian jungles back when my barge was new & still stock standard, AT tyres and all. (Mine is 2yrs old now). What these vehicles can do in show room trim is pretty cool.

One particular trip comes to mind - it had mud, boulders, ruts and rivers. I followed the lifted and locked barges with 35" tyres and THEY were surprised I kept up.

I made some early mistakes (not keeping an eye on a CDL that had a habit of slipping to unlocked) and got stuck in easy spots. Later I got it tho - watched the CDL light. Back in the city sent it to be fixed (warranty).

Around the campfire later a few asked "yeah! How come you got stuck on easy stuff but clean swept thru the real hard stuff down the trail...?" They all expected the landy to fail badly on the hard parts. The big boys with their lockers and 35" tyres were valve bouncing and doing repeat charges to clear some obstacles that I putt-putted through on idle.

Had to own up to their question tho - my first landy and not so familiar with it.

I wrote a trip report on here somewhere. Search for Sg. Bil

[DiscoMick]

With a bullbar and winch on the front, I assume George has dropped a bit, although its not that obvious. I've been looking at the Terrafirma Pro Sport medium kit for George, which is said to offer a lift of up to 50mm, with extended shocks for longer than standard travel. There is also a Terrafirma All Terrain kit which keeps the height close to standard. Undecided at this stage. All I know is several installers recommend the Pro Sports. Anyone tried it?

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[csb4x4]

Here's some photo's with some of the mods now in place. List so far includes APT sliders, Rijidij wheel carrier, Safari snorkel, ARB bullbar, LED spotties, roof rack, awning, Frontrunner rear ladder, LR HD front springs and BFG 255/85 MT's.
Had a good 2 days on the track this weekend and still can't take the smile off my face.

[csb4x4]

Photo 2

[Babs]

Looking good. Thumbs Up.

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[stewie110]

Welcome!

Take your time with the built - As they roll off the production line, Defenders are extremely capable so there's no hurry. There's plenty of information on this forum from those who have gone before (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/) about the benefits and pitfalls of just about every enhancement you can imagine, so take advantage of that.

...and since you've got mates with Toyotas, grow a thick skin and ignore not just the insults but also just about everything they recommend because it will probably be wrong for your vehicle. For example the idea that every vehicle needs a 2" lift. Straight from the showroom, your 110 will have more clearance than most Toyotas will have after getting a 2" lift. 70 series Toyotas are the only ones that even come close. Upgrading the front springs to genuine LR HD springs will (more than) correct the sag from the bullbar & winch without causing you warranty issues or requiring a DC front prop shaft like a 2" lift would. The combination of HD front springs and 255/85/16 tyres is brilliant.

There's just one piece of absolutely critical advice that I will give you: Whatever you do, don't use a generalist service/repair place, even if they "specialise in 4WDs". Find a Land Rover specialist to service and repair your car - one that ONLY works on Land Rovers. getting things done right the first time is much, much cheaper and much less painful than any other approach. Even though at heart Defenders are simple vehicles, if they aren't LR specialists then they just don't "get" it and you will feel the pain.

FWIW, I'm, very happy with having both my batteries under the seat (standard battery plus a 100 Ah secondary). But it requires some planning & research to get it right.

And don't forget to wave when you see other Defenders! Relax and enjoy the ride.

I have to say thumbs up. That is some of the most sound advise that I have seen someone give a new LR owner. I've had a second battery under the passenger seat and a third battery up under the rear guard for powering a fridge in the rear. It would give me at least 3 days of good reliable power sitting still with average weather (nothing past the low 30's) and I tend to park in the shade. Having said that there is no substitute for a good quality battery monitor and switch to flip between, join or disconnect batteries. The number of times it's saved my bacon due to unforseen battery drain is somewhere in the many 10's... of times.