Originally Posted by
popemobile
My opinion,
I dont mind if they clamp down and make virtually all mods illegal, provided they let you get well engineered mods certified, then if you have a good engineer then all that you want to do is possible if you engineer it well.
I have 36inch tyres, but wanted to retain drivability.
IF i just bolted 36 inch tyres on the vehicle it WOULD NOT BE SAFE.
here is the list I did, and now it drives better than on 31s, with virtually NO draw backs, I have done many mods but heres the list that applies to the 36 inch tyres.
1. 25mm wider offset disco rims (legal change no engineer, ok not sposed to weld them but....)
2. Changed diff ratio (4.7 sals rear)
3. Complete fabricated front diff, engineered, extra castor(front sals 4.7)
4. Disco ratio 1.22 transfer change from 1.41 defender.
5. Custom front radius arms strengthened cranked pins
6. Custom lower rear arms strengthened and cranked pins
7. Widened axle housings.
8. Upgraded axles, flanges, and cvs.
9. Mildly upgraded brakes, more to come.
10. Custom air suspension, more to be done.
12. Upgraded steering links
11. Body clearance sorted for full articulation.
12. Terrafirma LT pin pin shocks front and rear, maybe not best valving for air suspension....
Without these mods, a stock defender would be unsuitable for 36s and should be pulled off the road, suitably built and engineered it is as safe as standard, so long as you dont fall when getting out :)
I actually think SOME (read minority) of the weekend drivers are the problem. They think big tyres and longer springs and 6 inches more air under the vehicle equals fun and more capable. I engineered mine to be a daily driver if I want, I do not endanger other road users by being on the road in a moded vehicle. A vehicle only suitable for weekend work should be trailered, for the safety of others.
NOW if you choose to only drive your moded forby on the weekends, Im always up for a play on the weekend, but if its not SAFE to drive day to day, it shouldnt have number plates on it.
I always mod my vehicles with this thought overriding all other goals.
How can I mod this vehicle to improve it in the area I want.....but NO drawbacks from the standard vehicle, while maintaining current safety or improving it
SOMETIMES this thinking sees me ignore the RULEZ:twisted: