Freelander Mods

[djhampson]

Woohoo - Our own little peice of cyberspace :)

So what mods can we get done to the Freelanders?

[101RRS]

Whahoo - this will be the most popular section on the site.:D

Plenty of mods for a F1 but don't know about F2.

Garry

[chunk]

Woohoo - Our own little peice of cyberspace :)

So what mods can we get done to the Freelanders?


Well the first thing you should do is take it down the beach and drive it into the ocean.:o Then with the insurence money go and buy a Disco or a Defender.:D:D:D No more mods needed.:twisted::twisted:

[Blknight.aus]

now thats a bit harsh, not to mention bad for the environment.... what you could do is

take the badges off so they dont get damaged

remove the suspension and axle bits, replace them with a live beam axle setup then yank the motor and gearbox around 90 degrees, fit a 2 speed transfer case with a locking center diff, lift the body work off and then install some box beams for a chassis, panel beat it with a brick till it looks like a shed with too many doors and too much glass then put the badges back on but leave the freelander ones off. Then when youve got all of that done go and ask a dealer for some defender badges since youve now added all the things that are at the heart of a landrover you might as well have the badges to boast about it.


calling a freelander a landrover is like calling a RAV 4 a fourwheel drive.



:twisted:

[101RRS]

Well the first thing you should do is take it down the beach and drive it into the ocean.:o Then with the insurence money go and buy a Disco or a Defender.:D:D:D No more mods needed.:twisted::twisted:

oye :mad:

[RonMcGr]

What is a freelander, some form of Ford product like Mazda?

[101RRS]

now thats a bit harsh, not to mention bad for the environment.... what you could do is

take the badges off so they dont get damaged

remove the suspension and axle bits, replace them with a live beam axle setup then yank the motor and gearbox around 90 degrees, fit a 2 speed transfer case with a locking center diff, lift the body work off and then install some box beams for a chassis, panel beat it with a brick till it looks like a shed with too many doors and too much glass then put the badges back on but leave the freelander ones off. Then when youve got all of that done go and ask a dealer for some defender badges since youve now added all the things that are at the heart of a landrover you might as well have the badges to boast about it.


calling a freelander a landrover is like calling a RAV 4 a fourwheel drive.



:twisted:

And for you - oye oye - :mad::mad:


Grrrrrrrrrrr

[djhampson]

Guys, We don't come into the Disco \ Defender section and **** all over your car do we! :mad: Now I don't mind the odd comment (eg Freeloader) and I've made a few similar comments myself but 3 negative posts in row is pretty low going.

I was always told if you don't have something positive to say don't say anything at all.

Those of you who have seen Freelanders in action (both 1 and 2 series) KNOW that they are capable 4WDs.

I don't want to start some pathetic agrument about which
Land Rover is better so how about we just go back to what the original thread was about - mods for the Freelander.

[drivesafe]

And considering how well yours went to day, including doing one section in one attempt while a number of other LRs could do it first time round, including defenders.

djhampson, I would both, we know genuinely, just how good it really is.

[Blknight.aus]

But I was talking about modding a freelander..... quite substantially.

Ok in their defence for what they are they are definately more capable than what they have the right to be. so mods that I considered when I was looking at one but the wife said I had to have a WRX instead.

snorkle but thats a gimmie on any real 4x4 in this country

Dual battery, with a remote controled jumper so that if the main battery died I could power up the vehicle from the second battery.

underbody water and reserve fuel tanks, I always thought they were a bit light on for fuel and range given their size.

and a small 750Kg reece hitch mount winch with a snatch block (and the appropriate gear to suit it). In reality if 1.5t of pull cant get you out of trouble with a freelander you probabley should be reconsidering your route selection and driving technique.

[weeds]

Hey Dave (djhampson), totally agree with comments

I was more that impressed with the FL2 today for the type/design of vehicle

I would like to have seen a rav4 or x-trail out there today to compare

Mate you even cruise up a bit today that I had three attemps at, a rangie had to be snatched up and I think a D3 had two goes as well

Stick it up em

[hiline]

Guys, We don't come into the Disco \ Defender section and **** all over your car do we! :mad: Now I don't mind the odd comment (eg Freeloader) and I've made a few similar comments myself but 3 negative posts in row is pretty low going.

I was always told if you don't have something positive to say don't say anything at all.

Those of you who have seen Freelanders in action (both 1 and 2 series) KNOW that they are capable 4WDs.

I don't want to start some pathetic agrument about which
Land Rover is better so how about we just go back to what the original thread was about - mods for the Freelander.


well said mate :D:D

now hope you guys enjoy your new own cyberspace ;)

[gorby]

Too right, I quite like freelanders, and am trying to convince Vanesa to get one. Especially one like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/11/269.jpg
:twisted::twisted::twisted:

[djhampson]

That bash plates is not dissimilar to what BeforeTheVision knocked up for his Freebie.

[PeterC]

Woohoo - Our own little peice of cyberspace :)

So what mods can we get done to the Freelanders?
With the 2001 V6 I replaced the plastic part of the sump guard with checkerplate using the standard alloy sumpguard base.
It's then strong enough to support jacking the car with a floor jack.

[DEF130]

Well hello all, I've been sand bagging on here for a number of months and thought I should jump in when I saw the trashing Freelander was receiving..However instead of regurgitating this v's that I would like to add comment to Freelander mods.

A couple of years back I spent some time with a fellow LRO enthusiast over in the UK. Gordon has owned many LRO's in all categories. It was at the time just after Camel Trophy had run their rally through South America using Freelanders. Gordon being hooked happened to buy number 13 from the Rally. This machine would was modified considerably and would do practically everything the larger LRO's were doing. I was very impressed with the winching setup both front and rear. Basically the winch setup was a portable electric winch which could be mounted to either the front or rear attach points. The rear point being inserted into towbar goose neck type arrangement whilst the front setup used a simple dshackle configuration to fasten to the vehicle. ......................Will continue next post

[DEF130]

I do have some pictures of this particular Camel Trophy Freelander and will try and find them to post here. Anyway I was so impressed with Freelanders capability upon my return to OZ I bought a 3 door 2003ES model for the better half. Five years on and I've never had the time to really take it off road and play. (the bigger LRO's carry more) With just 33K on the clock and always garaged with a cover it has rarely seen the light of day however when it does the roof usually comes off and we do have a lot of fun.

As for mods I'm actually hoping to find a hard top to replace the canvas back. LRO Australia tell me they are hard to find and costly (couldn't even give me a price!) So if anyone has a Freelander hardtop for sale or know of one let me know.

BTW great site and always interesting reading :-) Regards Rob
03 Freelander ES - V6 3 Door
98 Discovery TDi
98 Defender 130 - ex CFA

[bushrover]

Too right, I quite like freelanders, and am trying to convince Vanesa to get one. Especially one like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/11/269.jpg
:twisted::twisted::twisted:


+ 1

[bushrover]

HARFORD (http://www.harfords4x4.co.uk/Motorsport_Articles/Motorsport-Pictures.htm)

If only I had the money!:(

[djhampson]

That thing looks like a hell of a lot of fun

[bonti]

still not many comments on modifications!
I have put a strut lift on the little tyke, and it never fails to impress me on where it will go. It is a little bit disconcerting trusting the electrics, but so far I have driven everwhere that I have taken the old series3, and done so with remarkable ease and comfort (mind you most things are more comfortable than a series3). Not that I am one for hard core tracks though.

[beforethevision]

There are lots of mods done, most of us have posted them all before, prior to the site rearrangement. Also on muddy oval. I opted forthe spring lift, and love it, but would go for a spacer lift next time, as the springs are firmer than the shocks like, and being at the end of travel it reaches full extension easily.

My freelander is modded a fair bit, and can handle most things.

sliders
ATs
springs
6mm sump guard,
death bar
VC slider
muffler swap
steering cooler relocation
extra gauges
significant engine head work
UHF/VHF
Full stereo upgrade

etc... plus more.

there are construction pics of a number of them, or i can direct to someone who will...

Cheers!

[SuperMono]

Can you tell all about the muffler swap?

That is where I have a regular crash bang, oh dear another dent issue.

[beforethevision]

Can you tell all about the muffler swap?

That is where I have a regular crash bang, oh dear another dent issue.

Yeah thats cool

The muffler is huge, and hangs very low at the rear. You can get muffler guards for it, however they reduce height even more and hold grass....

Some guys in the UK replace the first muffler, (not the cat) with a bigger one, and remove the one behind the diff altogether. Then instlaling either a second fuel tank, LPG or water. Often the rear sump thing in the boot is removed also.


OR if your simple like me, just go to an exhaust shop, and tell them you want a slimmer one. They cut the old diaper thing out, and put in a smaller, slim one, mine is probably no thincker than 4". IT makes the tone on the petrols better too! :P


That way, it sits higher than my towbar, safe, but is still quiet. Its also less than 200$ to fix.


Cheers!

[SuperMono]

Bugger, the use of logic again.
Muffler is too fat, get a slimmer one......
I guess then you could use some of the new space to add a big flat slider to ensure nothing gets easily snagged.
I'll be casting my eye under there on the weekend.

I have thought about the strut lift idea because every little bit helps when you have a Freebie, is anyone selling the kits in Australia or is it a case of DYI or buy from OS?

[beforethevision]

I dont think you would need a slider on the rear. The K frame holding the rear diff is very wtrong wnd protective. The only issue is colelcting mud inside the rear bumper.

IE. save the space, and weight for a better mod IMHO


There are a number of lift mods out there for the freelander, the best one is from bearmach, available from Karcraft or through DAP in Vermont, USA.
Its an aluminium bolt on piece, giving 50mm. Well built and deisgned piece. Gives lift without sacrificing travel or ride.

Since i have the springs, im in now hurry to order one, but if there cheap ill use both ... :P

Cheers!

[weezlebub]

Hey guys, figured I'd put my name up and say "here!"

resently purchased an early 2000 model freelander (5spd manual soft top, 1.8L), it's stock-standard at the moment (except for a stereo and a missing diff mount that i'll be fixing shortly).

anyways, I'm gathering up the camping gear because i want to start taking it on fortnightly camping trips, of course, space is of the essence so i've been making a point of getting light weight stuff ...

sooo, once i've got it decked out, i need to start looking at making a few modifications, I'm thinking first and foremost should be some larger rim's with wider wheels as a lot of my trek's will be driving on soft sand to start with ...

do you guys have any further suggestions?? being a 4cyl i was thinking of chipping it, but i'm a bit concerned that that may have a detremental affect on the off road capabilities.

like a previous poster, i'm looking for the hard top too (and whatever other things i can find along the way, so roof racks and some side step's while i'm looking at wreckers / ebay)

anyways, that's my 2c, take it easy guys!!

[101RRS]

Welcome to the forum - well the first thing to do is through away that toy engine and put in a real one - like a L series diesel :D

Seriously the first mod i would do is ensure you engine has the thermostat cooling system mods done to it - this will ensure you continue to have a happy long-term cost effective relationship with your car.

Beforethevision will no doubt be along soon too give you all the good goss - I would listen to him as he know the insides of a 1.8 better than most.

I have put the standard 16" Freelander mags on mine with 225/70 BFG ATs on it - give it a lift of about an inch and the ATs are like muddies on the big trucks. You might get away with either 225/75 tyres or 235/70 tyres if you were lucky.

A 2" spacer lift is also a consideration whicj I haven't done but like - there is also a 1.5" spring lift which in my view is not so good.

A bash plate under the sump would also be a good idea as are rock sliders for the sills - Beforethevision has the scars to show why this is a good idea. Also look at the front recovery point.

Other than that - as long as you are careful where you go - that should be it.

Welcome

Garry

[beforethevision]

Gday mate, Welcome to the Forum!

Freelanders go generally well on sand, and you can use the roof for storage quite happily.

The 1.8L engine is a good engine, but for the un-initiated can have issues (i think ive had them all lol). I would definately recommend getting the cooling fix (thermo relocation) installed if it has not, but then if it has been well serviced it may be already done. It is a sports car engine, (lotus, MG etc) so feel free to rev it hard, but service it well (get noises and any concerns checked) and it will love you in return.

The upgrage of the tyres is a good idea, BFG ATs seem to be the common choice, either 215/75R15 for just bigger, or 225/70R16 (or 235/75R15) if you want the maximum possible. Assuming it has the 15x5.5j common wheels, the second two require new wheels also. Also a side note is that wider tyres for the 1.8 are tough to push through soft sand, though only usually when starting off. Id advise doing some supervised (re: recoverable) sand driving in it before making a tyre choice...

In terms of chipping, dont do it unless your good. real good. lol. The MEMS ECU cant be chipped conventionally, and has to be replaced with an aftermarket ECU, meaning you get difficulties sorting TC, HDC and others. The only need is if you go forced induction, and if turbo is in mind, there is a turbo MEMS ECU (for the turbo K4) already in existance.

My recommended mods would probably be something like: (something like gary's too!)
1 -AT tyres ~$1000
2 -2" spacer lift ~$500
3 -sump armour (only last because you didnt mention rocks) ~$200

Expensive parts collect sand occasionally at stock height, and a fix may be more expensive that the lift itself!

I just realised that my list is also in descending order of cost lol apologies!
Cheers!!

[101RRS]

My recommended mods would probably be something like: (something like gary's too!)
1 -AT tyres ~$1000
2 -2" spacer lift ~$500
3 -sump armour (only last because you didnt mention rocks) ~$200



Have you fixed that sill dent yet:)? Number 4?

[beforethevision]

Have you fixed that sill dent yet:)? Number 4?

hahahahahaha no :blush:

Its not on the plans for the near future, freelanders with blown 1.8s are about for very cheap, cheaper than a profesional fix of the damage to mine.

I will probably just pull it out and rough it, then spray the sills on both sides with one of the 'tuff' liner style rubberized paints. Hopefully the same color as the arches.

When its time to sell my FL, i will most likely buy one with a blown 1.8L, and put my engine in it, scrapping the current body. Ive seen perfect nick bodies for $2k.

[weezlebub]

alrighty, so at this stage i'm looking at:

diff mount (if the car yard wont cover it, which is likely)

1 -AT tyres ~$1000
so just wondering, does AT stand for All Terrain?? I was saving towards some michelin mickey thompson 235/75R15's (mate owned a store) but he got out of the business on the spare of the moment before i had a chance to get them ... so i'm back at square one, wondering if i should go the 75's or change the rim's and go even wider ...

2 -2" spacer lift ~$500
not too sure what a spacer lift is, i get the whole spring / strut lift, but i'm not too sure what the spacer lift is ...

3 -sump armour (only last because you didnt mention rocks) ~$200
yeah, rock's aren't big on the adjenda at this stage, we've got the coorong on our doorstep with some descent 4x4 beaches an hour or so away from the city ... besides, we're turning it into a beach / camping thing ...

i'm thinking one of these weekends i'll be checking every wrecker i can in search of a hard-top roof, roof racks, side step's and a snorkel ... not too sure what other optional extra's i could go for (unless some wider rim's happen across my path at the right price) but yeah ... i've got a new job with some spare cash, so i'm alternating, one monthly pay had 500-1k going to camping, the next goes to the car :)

i just saw the review which mentioned the 132 known faults that came out on brand new freelanders ... i'm a bit worried about if something does go wrong, so i guess there's a double purpose to my rumage through the wreckers ...

on that note, do you guys have an idea of how much i should be paying for a hard top?? one guy on ebay said around 1250$ ... i was looking at the roof over the weekend and noticed that there's only space for one roof rack bar if i have the soft top ... which wouldn't be particularly useful (unless i was really into balancing games)

[weezlebub]

so have you done much work to your engine?? or you just know and trust your engine?

i've got the 1.8, but in retrospect, i should have test driven the diesel ... meanwhile, at the time, soft top was a major drawcard for me, i've had one now & i'm happy with the xei's sunroof, it does the job fine ...

have you guys got bigger pictures of your rig's??

[weezlebub]

oh, and since i'm ranting and raving, i'll try and get a photo of my 3door xei soft top next to my mates 2000 patrol ST monster :)

[beforethevision]

alrighty, so at this stage i'm looking at:

diff mount (if the car yard wont cover it, which is likely)
Easy fix, i did mine the other day, all three cost me $200.


1 -AT tyres ~$1000
so just wondering, does AT stand for All Terrain?? I was saving towards some michelin mickey thompson 235/75R15's (mate owned a store) but he got out of the business on the spare of the moment before i had a chance to get them ... so i'm back at square one, wondering if i should go the 75's or change the rim's and go even wider ...
235 profile wont fit stock wheels. and 235/75 will probably be pushing a lift for clearance. There is nothing wider that I have found. Always willing tho. Simex make a 29" ET which is pretty cool.


2 -2" spacer lift ~$500
not too sure what a spacer lift is, i get the whole spring / strut lift, but i'm not too sure what the spacer lift is ...
Land Rover Freelander Accessories (http://www.dap-inc.com/acc/app/fre/fre_prot-susp-spec.shtml#susp)





i just saw the review which mentioned the 132 known faults that came out on brand new freelanders ... i'm a bit worried about if something does go wrong, so i guess there's a double purpose to my rumage through the wreckers ... Most known faults had a fix. If it hasnt come up by now in a 1.8L, it probably wont.

[beforethevision]

so have you done much work to your engine?? or you just know and trust your engine?

i've got the 1.8, but in retrospect, i should have test driven the diesel ... meanwhile, at the time, soft top was a major drawcard for me, i've had one now & i'm happy with the xei's sunroof, it does the job fine ...

have you guys got bigger pictures of your rig's??

I have done alot to my engine, but thats not whats needed for most. If its quiet and smooth, then its happy. Just keep a check on oil and water. Its a sensitive little engine if it doesnt get them.

As for pics, not much , but this ok?
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/8761/dsc00450ry9.jpg

[weezlebub]

Easy fix, i did mine the other day, all three cost me $200.cool cool, will still try and get the car yard to try and fix it, free is always better than 200$ :)


235 profile wont fit stock wheels. and 235/75 will probably be pushing a lift for clearance. There is nothing wider that I have found. Always willing tho. Simex make a 29" ET which is pretty cool.ahhh, it says it on my door trim, so i'll just try and get the biggest one that it says i can fit ... which is why i was kinda thinkin bigger rim's ... but that's ok, the tyres are about due for replacement anyways ...


Most known faults had a fix. If it hasnt come up by now in a 1.8L, it probably wont.good point, it had done 90k km's so most of the stuff that would have already broken ... so i guess it's relatively safe ...


<quote>Just keep a check on oil and water. Its a sensitive little engine if it doesnt get them.</quote>
good point, had a funny smell the other day, i think i need to replace the oil, it's not due for a service, but i will anyway


As for pics, not much , but this ok?
ahhhh, you went for the 5 door :\

i've got a white early 2000 model xei 1.8 3 door soft top ... but i'm desperately looking for a hard top, if you guys know anyone that's prepared to part with one??

[weezlebub]

hahaha, just lookin at the pic of your car, going by the mud splatter, it looks like you spent a bit of time being bogged, the mud-streaks look like a lot were made while you were in reverse :)

i shouldda taken some shots of mine when it was dirty, but sand is never as impressive

[101RRS]

hahaha, just lookin at the pic of your car, going by the mud splatter, it looks like you spent a bit of time being bogged, the mud-streaks look like a lot were made while you were in reverse :)

i shouldda taken some shots of mine when it was dirty, but sand is never as impressive

Actually - he just stood there and threw dirt on it too make it look like it goes off road:p

[101RRS]

To be fair, beforethevision is one of the few people (me included) who really does get out and use their Freelanders in a manner that they were never intended. If you do a search in the Queensland trip reports there is some great footage of his Freelander in action.

garry

[beforethevision]

ahhh, it says it on my door trim, so i'll just try and get the biggest one that it says i can fit ... which is why i was kinda thinkin bigger rim's ... but that's ok, the tyres are about due for replacement anyways ...




Apologies, you made me think! Its the 235 on a 16" rim that rub without a lift.

Kinda makes sense being an inch bigger... lol



Actually - he just stood there and threw dirt on it too make it look like it goes off road

HAhahahahah yeah , i just like it to look used :P

oh, the dent is fake too.

[weezlebub]

Apologies, you made me think! Its the 235 on a 16" rim that rub without a lift.
well, had a chat with my mate who knows a few people in the tyre industry, i'd be looking at around 200$ / piece for a set of the 215 mickey thompson's, so i reon that's the go ...


HAhahahahah yeah , i just like it to look used :P
yeah, you'd be surprised how many times i've said
"no, i'm not one of them w***ers who has a 4x4 and just uses it to drive around the city"
then get the reply
"yeah, my dad's one of them"

ahh well, one of my mates just bought a 2005 nissan patrol ST, so i think i'll try and convince him to take me out 4x4'ing ... he should have no troubles getting me out if i run into trouble :) now i just need to work on finding place's to take it which aren't too far away, the last trip was 2 hours from the city, so i'm thinking upto 4 hours for the next trip

[101RRS]

ahh well, one of my mates just bought a 2005 nissan patrol ST, so i think i'll try and convince him to take me out 4x4'ing ... he should have no troubles getting me out if i run into trouble :)

Given the reliability of Nissans - I know who(m) will be towing who(m):o

[SuperMono]

I have a sneaky feeling modifications to Freebies are generally few and far between.

So far the extensive list of mods to my Grover runs to....

Road going mods.
1: A set of 17x7 wheels with sticky road tyres (for the road obviously).
2: 5mm offset spacers to widen the track and soften the suspension slightly.

Off road mods.
1: That would be taking the stuff above off and putting the 15 inch wheels back on.

Other than that, nothing, although I do have a data logger on board connected to the CANbus network (work toy) plus a GPS and little video camera.

Have a list of 'maybe' things to do.
1: Cargo barrier: this shouldn't be a maybe, I use a cargo net but need to do something more substansial.
2: Small suspension lift; haven't decided if it is worth the effort given I haven't gotten stuck anywhere.
3: Front recovery point(s); being a later model I have a fairly substansial loop compared to the earlier models, but not well regarded by some trip leaders.
So the loose plan is to duplicate the factory point with a mirror image fitted to the R/H side if possible.

Other than that I will wait for something or somebody to convince me I need more.

[beforethevision]

Road going mods.
1: A set of 17x7 wheels with sticky road tyres (for the road obviously).
2: 5mm offset spacers to widen the track and soften the suspension slightly.


Just a note, if you want this, get a smaller offset, ie +20 instead of +40 on your new alloys. This will give you the offset without the added bonus of questionable illegality (for spacers).

But yes, there are a number of modded freelanders going around especially in the states. Muddy oval is quiet, but was at one stage freelander specific.

[beforethevision]

Given the reliability of Nissans - I know who(m) will be towing who(m):o


Like this???
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/05/437.jpg

hahhaahha Atleast it doesnt overheat anymore.... :P

[SuperMono]

I went for factory wheels from an earlier model, so the wheels also need the offset spacers to clear the brakes.
A full set of 5 for the road and a quick swap to 15s for the dirt.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/05/423.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/9987) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/05/424.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/9988) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/05/425.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/9989) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/05/426.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/9990)

[101RRS]

I went for factory wheels from an earlier model, so the wheels also need the offset spacers to clear the brakes.


I would keep the fact you have spacers quiet as they are illegal in all states in Aust.

[neil-d1]

.3: Front recovery point(s); being a later model I have a fairly substansial loop compared to the earlier models, but not well regarded by some trip leaders.
So the loose plan is to duplicate the factory point with a mirror image fitted to the R/H side if possible.

Other than that I will wait for something or somebody to convince me I need more.

is that the same as closing the gate after the horse has bolted?

[SuperMono]

Could well be!

[weezlebub]

wow, i really didn't expect the forum's to be so populated ... that and i didn't notice that there was a # 5 next to the # 4 :)

I went to the local cashies last night and they have some 225x17's (from memory, which in my case, isn't so reliable) but i'm thinking they might be an option, they look like they're from an older model, but they've got the 5 stud and they're land rover branded so i might have to give it a shot, i dont think the 17"s will fit, but they've got semi-low profiles on them at the moment so it shouldn't be too bad ...

just looking at the photo's, the 5 door is an ugly beast compared to the 3 door, just kidding, it looks like a minature 4x4 :)

if anyone has any contact's, i'd love to track down a hard top for the last run of the xei's ... i have soft top at the moment and really want to change it for a hard top ...

as for the mod's, they've been delayed a little while in favour of attempting to own it out right in the shortest time possible ... something about now owing money on a vehicle makes it a lot more fun to push the boundaries :)

going in for a chat with the car yard tomorrow to see if they'll do the warranty items (long long story)

what else ... oh yeah, does anyone know any good tracks in south oz to test out the freelander? the coorong is the obvious choice for sand, but i wouldn't really want to risk it being the only 4x4 (unless we had 4 guys in the car that could just lift it out)

oh yeah, does anyone else have the 3 door freelander? i just saw a photo on trading post and found out that the rear seats do flip forward, i wouldn't have a clue how, so if you can give me some direction, it'd be great ...

[weezlebub]

sheesus, am i that much of a conversation killer? or am i being shunned cause it's a soft top :)

[SuperMono]

That'll teach you for calling the 5 doors ugly :D

Getting shunned comes with the Freelander, get used to it.
Only joshin of course.............or am I :angel:

Going out with the LROCV folk tomorrow, they will only laugh a little bit at my Freebie, I have thick skin.

[beforethevision]

I have done a few trips now with the GCLRO club, when the car is running. It goes fine, as long as steep uphill climbs are not involved. Regardless of mud etc, traction issues dont exist.

Cheers!

[WhiteD3]

IIt goes fine, as long as steep uphill climbs are not involved.

Don't be so modest! It's not the climbs, its the descents!



Now where's that Youtube link??????????????

[beforethevision]

Don't be so modest! It's not the climbs, its the descents!



Now where's that Youtube link??????????????

hahahahahaha ok, downhill sections immediately following tough (ie impossible for freelanders) uphill sections should be avoided, especially backward... :P

Cheers!

[weezlebub]

where's the link to the video guys??

ok, tracked down a local hard top for 1350, still searching ... i wanna go better ... the roof racks look wierd, so i might just skip them

[djhampson]

where's the link to the video guys??


Enjoy :) http://www.aulro.com/afvb/queensland-reports/53737-mt-mee-21-3-08-a.html

[weezlebub]

hahaha, that's awesome ... i've really gotta get my ass into gear and try getting out with one of the local clubs ... at the moment the fl's only done a few dirt roads and sand treks (and the dirt roads could have been done by 2wd's) ... i've got a pamphlet somewhere @ home for a LR club ... definately worth conscideration :)

and looking at the clips, i'll have another look at where to mount the halogens, i was trying to find it friday night (a little intoxicated) and couldn't see anywhere to mount them ... very cool ...

[SuperMono]

Join one of the LR clubs; it's lonely being one of the shunned all by myself :(

Only joshing, the LROCV lot have been really good and aside from the light hearted stirring (I think they were laughing with me.......) about Freelanders have been welcoming and offering great advice on driving technique etc.

Very social, a range of 4WD activities from easy to run in the other direction.
The observed section trials have been fun, when it got too much for Freebie I was given the keys to a 130 so I could have a go.

The day trip I did last week was my wife's first off road experience of note and she got along great with everyone and wasn't put off.
When we decided to bail on the harder bit and go around the long way we were joined by a Patrol, 2 D2s and a D3, so Freebie didn't feel defeated.

All good so far for me.

[weezlebub]

well, i guess you could say that "it's begun" but a chunk of the problems are my own fault ...

got the car yard to repair the diff mount, they said that rust on the muffler and road noise from a tyre weren't anything that they could help with ... muffler works fine and road noise is no biggie ...

it's only a coincidence that two weeks after i left my ex, i had a flat tyre, so i threw the spare on, the very next day, while driving home from work, i took a corner at normal speed and my freelander just didn't turn in time ...
turns out the spare had a subtle hole as well, result, two tyres needing repair and a dented rim ... got a repair kit and fixed the two tyres (funnily enough, the one that went flat shortly after the ex thing, had two screws in it) ... down to one dented rim ...

about two weeks later, my central locking ceased unlocking the drivers door, I pulled the servo unit out (who the hell makes the entire handle / central / everything in one servo unit) oiled it up and cleaned it up, put it back in, still wont open the drivers door, but rather than get in throught the passenger seat, the key is sufficient to open the door ...

so, i'm sure it's small in comparison to a lot of you guys, but 12 months down and it's been relatively cheap on repairs (tyre repair kit was 13$ and i haven't replaced the servo yet (anticipating 100-150$ as pure speculation) ... the muffler can wait until i find it @ the right price at a wrecker and the rim can be fixed by a mate who works with tyres (if i dont decide to opt for bigger rim's) ... the only problem is it's time to start thinking about new tyres ... this one's gunna hurt plenty :) i want chunkier

[stevesub]

http://steveandchris.netfirms.com/Misc%20Freelander%20Photos%20June%20July%202002/128-2836_IMG.jpg

[101RRS]

I have seen Freelanders with winches on them before but I am a bit perplexed. I have had the whole front of my Freelander off and I cannot see anywhere that is strong enough to bolt up a winch or rated recovery points for that matter.

There is a huge aluminium bar that runs across the car behind the plastic and this is only bolted onto sheet metal and the chassis which is relatively weak ends before the front of the car. Without substantial X bracing of this aluminium bar back to the chassis I do not see how they have done this - under bad conditions I could see this being ripped out of the front.

Also would you use a 3000ib winch on a car that weighs in at 1700kg (fighting weight)

Garry

[stevesub]

The winch was fitted professionally and I never saw how it was mounted.

Also my mistake, it was a 6000lb winch, not 3000lb. it was used many times in anger and worked well, especially with a snatch block.

I also had in writing from my Landrover dealer at the time a letter stating that the standard front and rear eyes (one front, one rear and not the tie-downs) were rated for snatching and we never had a problem using the front one many many times for snatching. The rear one was removed for some reason I cannot remember and we used the tow bar (not tow ball) for rear snatches.

We no longer own the Freelander as we could not afford to keep it due to the repair costs - it was totally un-reliable and once the warrenty ran out, it was gone and has replaced by a Rangie which has proved to be cheaper to keep..

Stevesub

[beforethevision]

As i was going to make mention of armour in another thread, i figure its best to add it here and link it.

Sump armour.
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/738/dsc00431sc4.jpg


Sliders.
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4712/dsc00398nc3.jpg


VC Slider.
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/591/dsc00296hy2.jpg

I have other pics if you want details...

Cheers!

[TyGras]

Do you have any pics of those items bolted on on in place. To me those are probably 2 of the most impostant mods I should be considering.

Also do you have any extra recovery points attached to your frame?

[beforethevision]

Because the sump armour is welded onto the existing alloy frame, it uses the stock 10 HT bolts holding the original on.

The sliders are a lot more complicated, a fair bit of steel work was done in order to make them fit snugly under the sills.

metal work.
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/826/dsc00392jw6.jpg
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/461/dsc00393ue8.jpg
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/9430/dsc00394ju7.jpg

mounting positions.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9740/dsc00397bav8.jpg

If you look under your car you will see the 3 large rails these mount to. I drilled holes right through and bolted them in (blue lines). The red lines are M5x25 and go through the folded steel under the sill. You need to remove the factory plastic cover.

On recovery points, I should add higher rated ones, but LR suggest that the stock ones are ok. I dont consider them very heavy, but static loads and light dynamic loads are probably ok. Don't take my word, if your club doesn't like them, I'd find something bigger. I have never really considered the options, the rear towbar is heaps, and from the front there are very few options for extras. The alloy bar behind the bumper is for compression only, so dont use that.

Cheers!

[SuperMono]

What are you sacrificing in ground clearance?
Looks like about 20mm.

Do you carry a bottle jack now?

Wondering if it would be worth bonding the sliders to the sills with a decent epoxy. A bit of work, plus difficult to remove, but it would make the whole assembly pretty tough :beer:

[beforethevision]

What are you sacrificing in ground clearance?
Looks like about 20mm.

Do you carry a bottle jack now?

Wondering if it would be worth bonding the sliders to the sills with a decent epoxy. A bit of work, plus difficult to remove, but it would make the whole assembly pretty tough :beer:

Yeah i lose an inch, id prefer to slide over something than come within 25mm of damage. Its already so strong its not funny. You can jack from them, pivot on trees, etc. its nice to get them off sometimes for cleaning tho.

The point about the jack is amusing tho, i still carry the stock one.... a high lift is in order...

Cheers!

[TyGras]

With your sump armour; would it possible be strong enough to attach a recovery point to? Or are the bolts securing it to the car to weak?



On recovery points, I should add higher rated ones, but LR suggest that the stock ones are ok. I dont consider them very heavy, but static loads and light dynamic loads are probably ok. Don't take my word, if your club doesn't like them, I'd find something bigger. I have never really considered the options, the rear towbar is heaps, and from the front there are very few options for extras. The alloy bar behind the bumper is for compression only, so dont use that.

Cheers!

[beforethevision]

The 10 HT bolts would be easy strong enough to hold, but the strength of the alloy frame is what i am concerned with.

[SuperMono]

You can jack from them, pivot on trees, etc.

The pivot turns around trees could be useful, although don't you find it a bit troublesome to stop the car, wrap the tree trunk to protect, it, then jump back in for the pivot turn?

Not really trying to take the p^$s but we shouldn't really encourage damaging trees as part of a day out in the 4be.

On the ground clearance issue, I had a run in the LROCV club trials yesterday and the 50mm lift has helped noticeably, the sills never touched down although the muffler and rear tie down hook still had a light touch.
Sliders like yours and the lift would probably work well together.

[adz70]

Are there any simple mods that can be made to the FL2 to get it running a little better off road. The biggest problem I have is clearance and traction.

Could they both be solved (to a small extent) by fitting off-road tiers with higher side walls?

I run the standard Wranglers but find the traction not as good as it can be in mud but the biggest issue I have is the clearance, I'm constantly hitting bottom on rocky tracks.

I don't want to spend a huge amount or do anything custom - I was thinking a spare set of tires & rims for off road trips.

Any thoughts on this?

[inside]

Tyres will help a lot with traction, I have AT tyres fitted to mine and they are a definite improvement in traction and strength. With clearance you could fit larger tyres which will help as you may get an extra inch but the reality is that the FL2 does not have a lot of clearance so under body protection may be the way to go.

[cartm58]

I have seen a couple of Freelander 3 on the roads around Perth and l quite the look of them, but haven't heard anything as to theri mechanical and electrical reliability

[Scouse]

I have seen a couple of Freelander 3 on the roads around Perth and l quite the look of them, but haven't heard anything as to theri mechanical and electrical reliabilityPre-production models ?

[ghostpsalm]

Hi, I have recently bought a 2001 Freelander TD4. I do a lot of urban and some off road driving with work and am looking to make a few modifications, plus I plan on taking advantage of these on the weekends...

I would appreciate any advice on the following, in the end I will probably end up doing some of the below myself, but if there are good kits, etc it may save a lot of work!

1. A dual battery setup. There seems to be enough room in the engine bay next to the current battery, has anyone ever added a second battery to a FL1?
2. A long-range fuel tank (perhaps installed where current (large) muffler is at the rear, if I replace the first muffler in the middle of the car (I read this earlier---the muffler at the rear does hang pretty low compared to the rest of the car!).
3. The speedometer is out by 7km/h so I was going to see if 215/80/R15 (currently 215/75R15) would help a little, but I wonder if the higher sidewall will affect stability, etc? Any thoughts on BFGoodrich A/Ts compared to Bridgestone D694s; the former are nearly $50 more expensive?
4. Maybe a winch? I don't think I want to look into having one installed, from what I can tell from the chassis myself (not an expert) it would look like quite a task. Is there winch's that can be attached to the car/mounts and stored elsewhere when not in use?

I was also planning, in the longer term, to have a look into the 2" spacer lift, a stronger bash plate, and maybe some rock-slides. Any recommendations about these?

I have also seen beforethevision's VC slide, but I haven't had a look whether the TD4 has it in the same location, or indeed whether I will be in a situation where I might need it?


Thanks, I have enjoyed this website for the last couple of weeks, looking forward to it a lot more as I am now a bonified LR owner (though evidently some would disagree whether a FL1 is indeed worthy of such a title)!

[cartes]

Central locking on driver's door not unlocking is a small washer on the littel motor which unlocks wearing out and causing the motor to short and not spin. I fixed mine, it took some time and patience but cheaper than >$150 for a new actuator.

[Trngia]

5026050261

Freelander 2 Modifications - rooftop tent, roo bars, light guards.
I am new to the forum and thought I would share my modifications so far to the Freelander 2. Its not easy to work out what is possible and has taken some time to just do some basic mods. Anyway the mods came in this order.

1. Maggiolina airlander roof top tent fitted on Thule roof bars although the roof bars are not the standard freelander length so need to be careful.
2. Front and rear light guards fitted. Would have been simple enough to fit if it had not been for the rivnuts where I had to decide my own way of fitting. Would have been much easier with a rivnut gun.
3. Roo bars fitted by distributor in wa after getting it shipped from the east coast.
4. Thumper dual battery fitted in the boot which is a fridge power thumper capable of powering my arb fridge for 3 days and charges quickly back to full with a fitted charging cable direct to the main battery and protection against drawing anything from the main battery. Works well and also portable to unplug and use elsewhere if needed. There didn't seem enough space under the hood for a secondary battery system.

What I would like to do but struggling:
1 Air intake for FL2 is not easy. There seems to be a company in Italy making custom made ones but not much else out there.
2. Suspension lift. The 2 inch lift kit for the FL1 does not seem to exist yet for the FL2 although I see someone has custom made this on their own FL2 but no available kits. An extra 2 inches would make all the difference from those rocks that just seem to catch.

[djhampson]

When I had my FL2 a mate and I took a look at getting a spacer kit made but the issue was the angle the front CVs would be at. They have such a short axle that an extra 2" of lift might cause CV damage at full extension.

I suppose someone is going to have to try it to find out for sure tho.

[entilzh]

hi all just got a td4 first 4wd abd first landie from what i can tell not much has been done i need to find a workshop manual so i can fix things and mod things this is a daily so i stop running the ks up on my statesman am intrested in getting a bit more oomph out of the landie so chip engine mod ect also am intrested in going to 16" rims the car will be mainly on road both black and gravle but would like tyers that will get me somewere if i decide i want to go where there is no road
all up first impressions are fantastic love driving it its a fun vehicle to drive jumped in it last night to get som cash from the atm and 2 hrs later i got home love the stero in it it sounds heeps better than the standard one in the stato
hoping to hear from the wise ppl who have tinkered and owned one for years and learning how to keep mine on the road
btw broke down within 15 mins of buying caryard fixed it it was the sensor problem so that ones done :D:banana:

[baptistama]

no Freelander Mods for almoust 1 year... :(

[grmas1]

Well I rebirth this Thread and ask if there are any recent Freelander 2 mods

[XDrive]

One modification which is worthwhile is undertaking a Four Wheel Drive Training course. We often run courses and have had a few Land Rover Freelander II on the course. They are quite capable vehicles.

[grmas1]

One modification which is worthwhile is undertaking a Four Wheel Drive Training course. We often run courses and have had a few Land Rover Freelander II on the course. They are quite capable vehicles.

Is on the cards for sure. Just have to find the time.

[grmas1]

1st Mod is now on the cards have ordered a towbar. Getting Carasel Towbars in Moorebank to fit it. Awaiting shipment from Hayman Reece.

[entilzh]

yes well my latest mod is going to be interior recently got a v6 se with gearbox problems and unregistered it has the black leather interior soo am thinking my td4 could do with the interior going to be an interesting project will have to stick with the instrument cluster but dash linings trims ect the indicators bumpers

[entilzh]

well today have changed over the back door trims got the rear interior out about to take the interior out of the td4 and put the black in so far so good the easy bits first

[entilzh]

door trims done new speakers installed next but is seats then look at the dash but need to do some gardening first loose my cats in the long grass
done back seats this arvo slowly getting there should take some pics of the progress

[Dart]

Anyone still modding their F1 thesedays or have people moved on...?

[101RRS]

I think they have moved on - but what did you have in mind?