Thread: What cost for basic mods/upgrades

Firstly, I apologies for the long post.

1. CDL actuator: The CDL actuator that took me 4 hrs on a 42deg day to make was crap! . the 10mm connector fits but the arm has to pass too many cables on top the chassis and then, the ACE pipes and sensors get in the way, another hour of adjustment and while it worked didnt provide that positive "clunk" I wanted. I removed it shortly after and drank a LOT of beer. while pondering how far could throw it!
I'll bolt on the 10mm connector for now which will make it much easier to engage anyway and get the proper Land Rover geniune kit when budget allows. This mod is a must, if only to get you out of the poo when the amigos arrive or a prop breaks.

2. ABS/TC/HDC: "3 Amigos" fault codes cleared, no issues and all ok, fault verified as low voltage on each wheel sensor. I expect they'll return some time giving item 1 above my main priority.

3. Sahara bull bar from ARB to suit the D2a is $1898 fitted but fitting would cost more as I'll need to mod the grill to make it fit my D2. But this would allow me to keep the fog lights. Otherwise the Deluxe Bull Bar (winch compatible) is $1685 fitted for the basic D2 version and I loose the fog lights.

4. 2" Suspension lift kit (complete) for my SLS D2 from 4x4intelligence is about $1100 and includes Bilstein shocks all sensor adaptors, springs and SLS extenders. Definately keep my eye on that, cheaper than the bull bar. Just need to assess the look without changing wheels and tyres aswell and all roof rack options so I can still clear 2.1M carparks.

5. The SLS sagging: This has been the biggest issue as it effects the cars drivability right now. Background, 10 months ago I bought and replaced by original old arbags with the Arnott ones from the US. Not convinced it was the problem I also bought a new compressor so poorly advertised as "Disco Air susp compressor" that no one else bid, now these are $940 from Landrover here!!!! I got it for US$200 when we were 98c/US$.

I was guessing that the new compressor had a grubby exhaust valve from a fair bit of dusty corrugated driving recently, I dismantled my "old" one to see how it ticks, and refitted it to the D2. Same issue with the sagging, so put the new one back on. Then I took the Arnott bags off and refitted them, still the same.

I did the soapy water test again everywhere (or at least I thought) without a trace of a leak. Seeking some further advice I contacted Arnott who mentioned testing with soapy water at the top of the bag by the large retaining ring and hey presto! there were bubbles.

I sent Arnott some photos and to get me by I put my old land Rover airbags back on, which surprisingly seem to be ok now! (confirming it never was them at fault 10 months ago). On Friday two new Arnott bags arrived on my doorstep (these have a lifetime warranty) so good on Arnott for the quick service, they did mention the retaining ring may have been too tight causing the rubber to be stressed and fail early (its funny they new where I should look for leaks!). I have been working all weekend and am buggered now, but these will go on in the next few days.

I know some of you looking at new Airbags and are considering the Arnott brand and may ask will this keep happening, to be honest I dont know, they did tell me the new ones should be ok. But remember, they have a lifetime warranty and the service and response from Arnott was faultless.

Still on this, I know some others who bought Arnott bags around this time last year have mentioned on the forum some sagging, and some even the same leaking issue confirmed in the same location. To those pulling their hair out, look at the photo below and do the check.

6. Finally: For now and my only cost is the Headlight Washer the cow knocked off, $55 from Landrover and the status quo is maintained.

Simon

Originally Posted by Bytemrk

Might be awkward to get , but this is a very cheap ARB winchbar:

ARB LANDROVER BULLBAR - eBay Bumper Bars, Exterior, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 01-Feb-09 16:31:20 AEDST)

Looks a little rough.. but damn cheap

Cheers, Mark

Thats a D1 - Commercial Winch Bar... Seller thinks his facelifted D1 (post 95) is a Series II...

Its not SRS compatible - And the Wings will be wrong....