Defender auto conversion

[shamirj]

Hi all,

Just wondering how hard is it to convert a defender ute (200 or 300 tdi most likely) to a auto out of a Disco 1 - I presume. Apart from obtaining the auto box, what else is involved? Would need a torque converter, auto box cooler and lines but what else? Would the rear tailshaft change? Would need new centre console to suit. Not wanting to buy a wrecked donor Disco1 for parts but thinking what are all of the parts required for the job so can be purchased of a wrecker?

I know there are nice kits from the UK which has a centre console for this conversion but if wanting to do a diy at home how hard or involved is it? Anyone had a go. Aware of others who have a auto defender but they have not done the conversion themselves. cheers

[p38arover]

I noticed that Vera's 90 is an auto so it can be done. Davis Performance Landys used to do a conversion.

[loanrangie]

Grab a rusted out D1 tdi auto wreck and swap the parts over, 200tdi auto isnt common so stick to a 300TDI.

[Blknight.aus]

get ye a disco with the same engine as the defender of choice.


unbolt all the auto stuff from the disco, remove all the manual stuff from the defender, swap positions and bolt it all in.

Swear lots while you work out how to mount the shifter.

Curse as you panel beat the tunnel cover.

IF youve got a td5 and are using a D2, get a compushift from wholesale automatics, curse your luck with the wiring in and its pretty much done.

it is literally that easy.

[Bazzle218]

I did one several years ago. Was pretty easy I don't recall panel beating anything. The selector panel/shift leaver can be problematic getting it in the sweet spot . Search my post pretty sure i did a write up,

[V8Ian]

I think MR at Redcliffe did them.

[VladTepes]

the transmission from an auto d1, and a kick down cable and shifter. That's pretty much it. It's all there.
Additional cooling prob needed if towing but not in many cases.

Mate of mine had a D90 ute and he had put in the NAS (North American Spec) console - all those had Auto/V8.
Was very neat but also a very expensive console.