Thread: Can't wipe the smile off my face!

Originally Posted by DoctorJ

Just put a deposit down on my first Land Rover. Saw this D3 just come up today and took it for a test drive and fell in love. I have always loved the look of the D3 since it came out even though that in itself can divide people and was actually on the hunt for a Prado, something made me have a look at the D3 and it came up (it was only posted on today). Scored it for a bargain with a full service history and 86k on the clock for $32,000. Heading off to get some accessories ordered tomorrow so I can get it out there. What does everyone recommend I mainly do touring/high country trips and am looking at:
Drawers
Cb/Aeriel
Bullbar with winch
Dual batteries
Long range tank
Cargo barrier
Roof rack
I was going to upgrade the suspension had I bought the Prado but with the setup on the d3 is this necessary or is the oem suspension fine?

If the D3 has airsuspension, you will not need to upgrade, unless the shocks need replacing .
Note that if you are installing a long range tank, you will need to relocate the spare onto a rear wheel carrier.
The only obvious omissions ( particularly high country work ) are a snorkel, and some solid bash plates underneath.
Your list is pretty good apart from that. You may want to have a good think about what your priorities are.
Have you had a good read of the FAQ's at the beginning of D3/D4 section ? Don't also forget there are tutorials on this forum for a lot of your component installations.

Thanks Admiral they were omissions but definitely on the list will check out the rest to get more info. Thanks heaps!

Originally Posted by DoctorJ

Just put a deposit down on my first Land Rover. Saw this D3 just come up today and took it for a test drive and fell in love. What does everyone recommend I mainly do touring/high country trips and am looking at:
Drawers
Cb/Aeriel
Bullbar with winch
Dual batteries
Long range tank
Cargo barrier
Roof rack
I was going to upgrade the suspension had I bought the Prado but with the setup on the d3 is this necessary or is the oem suspension fine?

DoctorJ,

Firstly congrats on the purchase, is it the 2.7 TDV6 or a petrol ?

What yr and spec S,SE HSE?

Anything above the S has air suspension and does not really need modification, but you can look up Llams (forum member Graeme is the vendor on this site) as it is a product a number have used to provide additional heigth options with the OEM air suspension.

All the other add on's appear pretty standard and with a bit of searching you will find plenty of good feedback on options etc.

As Admiral mentioned the snorkel, probably a good investment if you plan to do lots of touring and High country work with associated water crossing. Bash plates and side steps etc depend on what you plan to do as well.

Other thing to consider, on which there is endless debate and discussions is tires. With D3 OEM is normally an 18 in rim, you can in most cases also fit a 17in rim. There are some pretty good 18 in A/T and MT tyres and options but the 17 in gives you a wider range and arguably more availability when remote touring as it is a more "common size".

Anyway enjoy the ride.

George

Thanks George it's a 2006 2.7 diesel in SE spec with the upgraded stereo. Just came back from Arb and unfortunately they couldn't fill my complete order as they don't stock much for the D3 so I have been able to get the rest from my land rover specialist in Frankston who has given me a heap of advice, seems to know his stuff so I think I found my new mechanic too.

Welcome and congratulations

Hi Doc,
congratulations on your purchase, this mob do a very good quality side awning
Supa-Peg Stand Easy Deluxe Awning Australian Made

and I got my cargo barrier from this mob Autosafe Industries Pty Ltd - Home
cheers