Freelander 2 accessories

[Turtle61]

G'day

Mate of mine wants a Freelander. As per usual, his wife doesn't want a Disco 'coz it's 'too big'.

However, that mate of mine does fair bit of country driving for work, mainly on good graded tracks, mine access tracks and the like.

One thing that worries him is the accessories, especially frontal protection available for the FL2.

So, my question is, what is available in terms of protective accessories (we're not going to mention snorkel at all...) so he can be a little bit more protected especially since some of his driving has to be done at night.

Cheers

[camel_landy]

Tell him to check out the Mantec range of underbody protection.

The main areas that are vulnerable under the FL2 are the sump and the area around the fuel tank. We fit a couple of plates to protect these areas.

HTH

M

[inside]

There's no bars available for the FL2, apparently no market for them yet on several forums you hear people asking about them frequently. Romik however do make a nudge bar type thing for the LR2 in the US.

[gghaggis]

For those that don't frequent the D3 forum, I have a small Perth-based company that makes accessories for the D3 (mainly protection plates and HS rods). As my wife's now got herself a new FL2, I'm considering expanding and doing a few things for it too. So far we've agreed on rock-sliders + side steps and a replacement for the front underside plastic cover. Anyone got any other ideas?

Cheers,

Gordon

[Turtle61]

Decent bar work for the front. That is my mate's main concern... and a snorkel, but I am not sure if you're into snorkels ;)

Cheers

[inside]

I'm very interested in any accessories you wish to make. The sump guard is metal already not plastic although it is quite thin. Sliders could not reduce ground clearance much otherwise there may be no point. One area that is vulnerable is the fuel tank and maybe the rear diff.

[gghaggis]

I'm very interested in any accessories you wish to make. The sump guard is metal already not plastic although it is quite thin. Sliders could not reduce ground clearance much otherwise there may be no point. One area that is vulnerable is the fuel tank and maybe the rear diff.

I was actually referring to the lower cover around the intercooler/radiator, not the sump.

The sliders I make for the D3 wrap the existing sill very closely with 6mm structural alloy, so I'd probably do something similar for the FL2, which shouldn't affect the clearance. Trust me, I know the value of ground clearance - which is why I only make a 60l additional fuel tank for the D3, as all the 100l+ ones that everyone else makes drastically reduce the departure angle.

The fuel tank is something I'll take a look at though - thanks!

Cheers,

Gordon

[djhampson]

Great news there ggharis.

I'd say in order of importance...



Redo the stock sump guard in something tougher
Rear Diff (only because of the cost)
Fuel tank
Sill protection

My sump guard has touched the sump a couple of times because I have found a mark where the sump has taken a little bump.

The plastic that holds the cover over the front recovery point is fragile and doesn't last too long after a few bumps. I was actually glad to break mine off because I discovered it was trapping mud and dirt which isn't good.

The read diff is fairly well hidden up high but a nasty rock or log could still give it a whack and the cost would be horrible (considering its electronic trickery).

The brackets that hold the fuel tank up get sticks and the like jammed between them and the tank so I would like to be able to protect the tank somehow.

Side steps that double as protection bars would be great. I like BeforeTheVisions side steps (made out of 50mm square RHS) but they are a bit of overkill. But freaking strong!

The rubber bottoms of the doors are probably 50-75mm high and I think it might be possible to trim them to allow the side steps to come out and up without affecting the clearance too much.

[Dorko]

I am very interested in under body protection.... and a lift kit :)

Dorko

[gghaggis]

I've modelled up a prototype fuel-tank protector for the FL2 - you can have a quick look on my web-site. I'll try and have one done by end-of-June and test it on the Missus' car :angel:

Cheers,

Gordon

[Timmo]

Hi Gordon,

Just had a look at the proposed underbody protection pieces. Both look like they will be great - just wondering roughly what each will weigh?

Timmo

[gghaggis]

Hi Timmo,

I finished the lower front radiator guard last week, but haven't fitted it yet. Weighs around 15kg. I'll post pics once it's fitted.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Timmo]

Sounds good.....wasn't going to do any "improvements" to this one, but I can feel the bug biting again!

[Dorko]

Hi Timmo,

I finished the lower front radiator guard last week, but haven't fitted it yet. Weighs around 15kg. I'll post pics once it's fitted.

Cheers,

Gordon

Cant wait Gordon... Bring on the protection!

Dorko

[gghaggis]

Just posted some pics of the prototype FL2 front plate at:

Services (http://www.greenovalexperience.com/fl2_tank_plate.html)

The production plate will have a slightly different lower profile.

Cheers,

Gordon