Thread: Freelander Mods

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!

Can you tell all about the muffler swap?

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

Originally Posted by SuperMono

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!

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?

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!

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!!

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

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

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!!