Thread: What to do first to a new D2?

Oh there was one other thing I noticed.

On full lock it seems that there is a point where the front wheels "slip" somehow. I mean I was doing a u-turn and at one point if felt like the front of the car dropped a little, and I noticed one of the front tyres squeal as it slipped across the bitumen.

Is this perhaps the front axle universal knuckle (for a better word) just re-aligning itself as the wheel rotates?

'A little oil leak'

Yeah good luck with that. Try finding a Landrover anywhere without any oil leaks and you'll be a champion. Oil leaks are standard equipment on a LR. It's their built in rust proofing system!

Yeah I know ;-)

In my dad's words. It's a british car so it's entitled to have a few leaks.

From the looks of it it might only be the tappet cover on one side so I'll give it a go, if I have no success then I'll live with it.

If you're doing it bit by bit, the biggest thing to consider is what you actually need, and what type of driving and trips you are going to do.
Boring I know, but far more practical than kitting your D2 with all sorts of stuff you'll never use.

Maintenance and inspection, as the others have said is critical, (as is a good reputable LR workshop), if you're not doing the work yourself, as stated.

I've got just about everything, on my D2, but my favourite bits are actually a dual battery system and ARB awning. No other reason other I can take a fridge with beer and tucker, and sit under the awning with em.

Does it have a CDL?
If it doesn't I'd be fitting one first up.

A good set of rubber is the easiest way to make your D2 more capable.
Either All Terrains or Muddies.

Is it airbag rear or coils?
2" suspension would be the next thing I'd do. It'll keep it legal, and if a decent system (like OME ), will make for a much better ride and improve clearance.
Especially if it's got the original suspension still in it.

They'd be the first two things I'd do, if I was going again on a D2.

Next would be a bullbar, and set of recovery points.
If it's got the factory bumper, it's a terrible approach angle, and you'll end up cracking/breaking/losing it first decent trip out anyway.

Originally Posted by FenianEel

If you're doing it bit by bit, the biggest thing to consider is what you actually need, and what type of driving and trips you are going to do.
Boring I know, but far more practical than kitting your D2 with all sorts of stuff you'll never use.

Indeed. And this is the main reason I didn't want to go for expensive front and rear bars straight away. I'm starting to think it will be inevitable tho...

Does it have a CDL?
If it doesn't I'd be fitting one first up.

Yeah it's a 2002 D2a and I am happy to say the diff lock is definitely there.

A good set of rubber is the easiest way to make your D2 more capable.
Either All Terrains or Muddies.

I'm already trying to source some rims. I'd like to get something that does not rub on stock guards so I've got some research to do still. The car came with 80% good Pirellis so I'd like to keep those for the road (for now).

Is it airbag rear or coils?
2" suspension would be the next thing I'd do. It'll keep it legal, and if a decent system (like OME ), will make for a much better ride and improve clearance.
Especially if it's got the original suspension still in it.

Mine's got coils, but my mate just bought a 7 seater and it has the airbags. One of those has a leak so he's considering dumping it all for coils.

I'll be happy to lift it so long as it remains legal. 50mm seems to be the normal amount people lift by. I assume that's because it's the maximum allowed or the maximum practical (without redoing brake lines etc).

They'd be the first two things I'd do, if I was going again on a D2.

Next would be a bullbar, and set of recovery points.
If it's got the factory bumper, it's a terrible approach angle, and you'll end up cracking/breaking/losing it first decent trip out anyway.

I've resigned myself to this. If I am going to pony up for a bar, I think I might as well consider a winch as well, unless they actually hang down too far?

Originally Posted by MrFollies

I'm already trying to source some rims. I'd like to get something that does not rub on stock guards so I've got some research to do still. The car came with 80% good Pirellis so I'd like to keep those for the road (for now).

Those Pirelli's are great tyres.
With a lift you'll fit a set of 265/75R16 Muddies (which almost a 32), comfortably without any rubbing.

Originally Posted by MrFollies

Mine's got coils, but my mate just bought a 7 seater and it has the airbags. One of those has a leak so he's considering dumping it all for coils.

He's mad. Airbags give such a better ride, handle weight and are great for towing, plus you can raise you're rear 50mm at the push of a button.
If it's the original airbag, it's probably about 10 years old, that's a fair result.
They're cheap and v. easy to replace.
I'd never convert to coils.

Originally Posted by MrFollies

I've resigned myself to this. If I am going to pony up for a bar, I think I might as well consider a winch as well, unless they actually hang down too far?

This is the front of mine. I had a TJM bar & winch prior, and hung a lot lower than the ARB.

The first thing to do:

just drive the car and enjoy it!


Once you start playing with them where does it stop?!?

Hi,

Those fuel figures returned are great!

Having owned a V8 for 2 years now in a hot climate I can only echo what the others have said...check and maintain the cooling system.

I have had no real issue with mine but have saved the day (failed top hose) by being vigilant! Even the slightest overheating can cause major issues you don't want.

V8s are weak around the Rad & Throttle Body gasket and of course that horrible plastic screw on the top hose.

Cheers, Jerry