Thread: D3 Compressor and tyre life.

I have an '08 D3 that has now got 190.000 KM on it. We've been across the Simpson, to Darwin via the Oodnadatta track and done many other less remote trips. I've had a compressor failure but the failure mode was such that I had a couple of weeks warning before it stopped working altogether and when it did the vehicle was still drivable but stuck at on road height.
I get around 70,000Km from a set of General Grabbers which I ave been running since 30,000 KM. Some more info here

My biggest concern would be the condition of the automatic as while these are a good unit the service recommendation of "sealed for life" does not appear to be adequate. I would budget for a new transmission oil pan and oil change (around $1K) on any automatic D3 that I was purchasing. I would also be wary of purchasing a vehicle with more than $100,000KM that does not have evidence of the transmission oil having been changed. Replacement cost for the 6HP26 transmission is around $8K fitted. If the oil is changed every 50 - 80000KM these boxes should be trouble free, however.

I now have my disco set up as a family tourer and there isn't much more that I can think of to improve it for my needs. As an indication the list of bits and pieces is listed below.
Arb Bar
Spare Tyre Carrier
Long Ranger 105 Lt aux fuel tank
Front Runner Roof Rack
LLAMS height control
Aldi Winch ( not really necessary for what I do but only cost $400.00)
Icom IC440 UHF
Traxide second battery system and Ultima battery
Arb Compressor
Parrot Bluetooth Kit
Freelander Headset screens and a WD media player (happy Kids means happy trips)
Extra 18"spare for long trips

I'd happily take my vehicle on any trip confident in the knowledge that I would have the same reliability as any comparable vehicle.

Regards,
Tote

Hi Dennis,
My main concern is tyres, I foolishly fitted Coopers and had two go on me on the Great Central both on the NT section. I carry a spare compressor and because I do I suspect I'll never need it, heres hoping, I picked mine up on ebay second-hand for $100 not sure if the guy knew what he was selling, anyway my gain his loss.
Getting back to tyres, buy good tyres, GG's seem to be the go I haven't got any yet but I'm going to get some, I'm just trying to get some klms on the Coopers before I give them the flick. I find the D3 very heavy in the bot bot with the accessories fitted, LR tank, dual wheel carrier, fridge and drawers, this doesn't help the tyres case at all, hence the reason you need good ones at the onset. I reckon it would be easier and cheaper to get a compressor for a D3 than a set of, or an 18 inch tyre for a D3, when I got to Alice I asked at the tyre shop for a new tyre he looked at me like I had come from the planet Zod, basically no chance off the shelf, but can be delivered.

Hi Dennis (again)
Agree 100% with Tote, transmission would be my other concern, I've done the steel pan change, did it at 80k. Can't beat a good lubrication schedule, sealed for life, yea the life of the warranty.....

re tyres, the GG's are a good low-cost option, but if you don't mind spending a bit extra you could look at either the Mickey Thompson AT range (AT-4rib, AT-5rib and STZ) or the Pirelli ATR's. Strong tyres with good range and grip. Suit the D3 well.

The new Cooper STMax is a very aggressive AT, strong sidewalls and cheaper than the Mickey Thompson's but noisier. I think the Pirelli will give the best mileage though (and they've come first in a few AT tyre tests now).

Cheers,

Gordon

We know everybody has the right answer and there are many ways to skin a cat.
Tote's list is great..
I put jerry cans of diesel on the caravan (2.4t) rather than have a long range tank. Then the extra spare is on the carrier on the back of the vehicle.
Steel pan ASAP.
My battery system is Raytronics from Adelaide. Built like brick chicken house. I didn't know about Traxide at the time but very satisfied with what I've got.
LLAMS is not obligatory although it sounds fun. Unlikely to be necessary if pulling a caravan.
Steering bushes gave me a noisy time on corrugations after about 120k but don't stop a trip.
Suspension warning, temporary in Cairns on the way back from towing to Seisia, did not reappear till after travelling to Lawn Hill and home to Bendigo when she it went down to the stops at 140k.
Lumpy tyres are a great idea but don't help in sand and are just as smooth as road tyres after one more rotation in the mud unless you're in competition. My Michelins on my Rangies from 1978 and my Wranglers on my 07 Disco3 only failed when I foolishly followed advice to let them down in stony high country tracks.
My Wranglers lasted 65k, my Cooper STs are half warn after 20k but everyone's experience is different.
Intercooler hoses rupture, take duct tape.
Take out Land Rover Assist, they're great.
And don't be put off by someone who believes they have all the answers.Good travelling, Disco 3s are the best.

Originally Posted by gghaggis

The new Cooper STMax is a very aggressive AT, strong sidewalls and cheaper than the Mickey Thompson's but noisier.
Cheers,

Gordon

An acquaintance just put them on his Defender and is happy with noise, grip etc. They look the goods but I did not see a listing in 18" that will fit a D3 without serious mods.

Garry