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Thread: Defender 130 Project

  1. #1
    Nugg Guest

    Defender 130 Project

    I thought I’d use this post as a record of the work I do to my truck.

    Firstly some background - other than a few very early V8 petrol Range Rovers, I’ve never owned a Land Rover, in fact I’d never sat in one until I bought this 130 a few days ago.

    It is a 1997 300TDi Defender 130 extended cab with 220,00klm on it.
    Extras include a MaxiDrive rear locker, snorkel, winch capable bull bar, front and rear diff guards, 2nd 85lt tank and bigger tyres.
    It has just had new discs and rotors all round and a new clutch.
    The body has some dints and there is a small patch of rust behind the seat.

    Firstly a few observations as a Defender virgin.
    For a big truck it feels surprisingly cramped inside - I think it is because you sit so close to the doors.
    Power output was a little surprising - I’m comparing it to a 4.2lt HZ1 80 series custom ute that I’m replacing.
    1st gear seems a little taller, second and third seem to have a bit more get up and go once the turbo kicks in.
    I think it also holds on going up hills a little better - especially if you get a bit of a run up.
    Fuel consumption was also surprising.
    Driving it from Sydney to Brisbane yesterday I filled it up, reset the odometer to zero, drove till it was empty and filled it again - I travelled 800 klm and put 70 litres in it.
    I was also surprised at the seats - they look basic and simple but after 10hrs driving I was pleasantly surprised - I wasn’t aching like I’d done a few rounds with Mohammed Ali.

    Now for the peculiarities of this particular beast.
    I haven’t found them yet but somewhere in that cab is a flock of canaries.
    I’ve never heard so much whistling and chirping in a truck in my life.
    A closer look and I can see the door rubbers have been repaired many times and there is no rubber along the bottom of the door - I can see the road whizzing by!
    I’m sure that can be fixed - I’ll look into to a rubber door seal kit to fit - it definitely needs one.

    I’m also pretty sure someone is trapped inside the engine with a little hammer trying to get out.
    I know nothing about Land Rover motors except where they are - under the bonnet - but to me it sounds top end - one noisy lifter.
    It also has a few oil leaks but nothing major - I think they are factory issued.

    The steering is entertaining - a Dream World scary ride type of entertaining.
    At 100 kmh I can rock the steering wheel 2 inches either side on centre with no effect on the direction I’m going.
    I think I can also feel a slight clunk through the steering column when going over speed bumps slowly.
    Nothing money and time wont fix!

    The gearbox makes some interesting noises... At 100klm it has a slight high pitch whine under acceleration - I can almost play a tune with some careful on and off throttle feathering.
    Sounds a bit like bagpipe music being played backwards.
    It also makes some clunky noises if you change gears a little roughly.
    There is also a slight scraping feel as I depress the clutch pedal .
    I have no idea what system the Defender use but it feels like either the pedal itself is scraping the firewall or the throwout bearing is dry etc.
    I’ll add that one to the list of too do’s.

    The speedo is almost 10klh out by my phone GPS.
    The truck has Cooper STT 265 / 75 / 16 tyres on it.
    If anything I would have thought this combination would be larger diameter than standard which to my pea brain suggested the speedo would be out in the other direction.
    They also seem to make a lot of road noise as well.
    I think the tread pattern is a bit overkill for me - I don’t do any hard core off roading.
    I drive around puddles and mud - been there done that now I just want to get where I’m going dry, clean and in one piece.
    My main use will be as a camper for beach and some semi difficult dirt tracks.

    On the electrical issues... - quite a few dash lights don’t work, the wiper control arm has several position that do nothing, I’m sure that’s not normal and the indicator switch flashes several unrelated dash lights on and off which makes me feel young again - disco dance fever!

    Where do I start the repairs...
    My mates have suggested I sell it quickly before their LandCruisers catch something off it - I’m going to persevere.

    This is not my first 4wd project - they usually turn out great, only the dollar value to make that happen varies!

    I’d love to get some opinions / feedback / ideas - as I said, although I’ve had 4x4s for more than 35 years, this is my first Land Rover so need all the help I can get.
    I think I’ll start with the steering, probably leave the motor noise and gearbox for the time being as I have always dreamed of a 130 with an Isuzu in it - probably cost prohibitive but I’ll explore that path before I spend money on this motor and gearbox.

    Dave

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
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    Logan,Queensland
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    Gidday dave,


    Sounds like all your issues are just standard for a defender of that age.
    Steering is probably just tie rods and drop arm ball joint wear.
    Could be the spline on the steering shaft universal as well.


    Clunks on take off, it's all in the technique mostly but could be spline wear on the drive flanges.
    The rear A-frame ball joint can also make noises if worn.


    If your on the southside you should swing by for a chat.
    I'm in the middle of rebushing a D1 tomorrow
    '95 Defender 130 Single Cab
    HS2.8 TGV Powered
    ------------
    98% of all Land Rovers built are still on the road.
    The other 2% made it home.

    Cost difference between Britpart and Genuine seals: £2.04. Knowing that your brakes won't fail at any moment: Priceless.

  3. #3
    BigBlackDog Guest
    Hi Dave.

    Your top end noise could just be tappets, they need tweaking on a regular basis to stay in spec.

    The steering will be bushings, tie rods etc. my 130 is exactly the same, is the next to do job. Give the steering uni joints a look under the bonnet, pull the shaft to feel for any play. They might just be loose bolts or need new UJs.

    Speedos are by law required to overread, that seems to be the figure land rover picked for the defenders. Those tyres are as close to standard diameter as near enough doesn't matter. Remember too, phone gps has no certification, same with in car navigators. Although usually really accurate there is not guarantee of such, I certainly wouldn't use if in court ad a defence to speeding!

    I don't understand that whole "land rovers are complete piles of ..." anger that seems to inflict other brand owners. I have been seeing it on Facebook a lot on the generic 4wd sites, it's not even in fun,, these people have genuine hatred. Sad. Every brand has its issues, trucks like these get tough lives, land rovers are enjoyable to drive, lots of soul. Good luck with it!

  4. #4
    Nugg Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by jboot51 View Post
    Gidday dave,


    Sounds like all your issues are just standard for a defender of that age.
    Steering is probably just tie rods and drop arm ball joint wear.
    Could be the spline on the steering shaft universal as well.


    Clunks on take off, it's all in the technique mostly but could be spline wear on the drive flanges.
    The rear A-frame ball joint can also make noises if worn.


    If your on the southside you should swing by for a chat.
    I'm in the middle of rebushing a D1 tomorrow
    Thanks all for the advice - I'm at Beenleigh - send me a PM with your details and I'll see if I can drop by with it - need all the help / advise I can get!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Brisbane
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    Hi Dave,

    If you are after some more information try coming to one of the clubs in Brisbane, being at Beenleigh you could either look at the Brisbane or Gold Coast clubs.

    The meeting for the Brisbane Club is tomorrow night at the Lions Hall, Muriel Ave Moorooka starting at 7:30pm.

    People will start arriving at 7pm if you want to have a chat outside and look at some of the vehicles.


    thanks

    Richard

  6. #6
    Nugg Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Wallaby Ted View Post
    Hi Dave,

    If you are after some more information try coming to one of the clubs in Brisbane, being at Beenleigh you could either look at the Brisbane or Gold Coast clubs.

    The meeting for the Brisbane Club is tomorrow night at the Lions Hall, Muriel Ave Moorooka starting at 7:30pm.

    People will start arriving at 7pm if you want to have a chat outside and look at some of the vehicles.


    thanks

    Richard
    Thanks Richard - I'll try and do that.
    Appreciate your help

    Dave

  7. #7
    Nugg Guest
    Dropped over to Tony’s place (Jboot51) today so he could have a look at the Defender - big thank you Tony - much appreciate your help.
    One obvious thing Tony noticed was the fan belt was shredded - hanging on by threads.
    Now I think about it - the previous owner told me he had just replaced it so how did a drive from Sydney to Brisbane in one day shred the belt?
    We put Tony’s spare on and it started to shred it in only a few Klm drive.

    On closer inspection, it appears the alternator pulley does not line up with the rest of the pulleys.
    I can’t feel any wear in the mounting or in the pulley or bearing so can only assume it something to do with the mounting, pulley placement or the wrong alternator.
    Appears to be the later model small pulley like the Discos have.
    I’ve added a few close up photos - can someone confirm that the spacers are in the right place?
    The photos look a bit deceptive but the alternator pulley is set back closer to the block so shifting the spacer from the rear of the bolt to the front would push the alternator out and make it line up better.

    Anyone have a suggestion as to the cause?

    Thanks

    Dave
    Attached Images Attached Images

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Greatest city in Australia, Darwin!
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    Yeah she looks a bit off! See if you can get a part number off it and check it against the catalogue for Ashdown Ingram or someone with your VIN. Or just play with the spacers til it all lines up. Can be a real pain in the arse, but that may be why someone else hasnt done the right thing last time if they had it off. (Near enough is good enough I'm selling this bastard of a thing anyway, etc).

    Lucky spot. The TDI's are pretty solid otherwise, so good buy. I read in your opening chat that you thought the STT's were pretty noisy. I have a mate with a brand new FJ cruiser with STT's and by GOD they're loud. Even with all the fancy shmancy insulation etc that is truck has its so loud. He found the same thing with Maxxis 764's.
    I run the ubiquitous 255/85r16 BGF KM2's that so many deefers run, speedo was correct in my TDI and my TD5, and I'd say quieter, my theory is becuse the two aforementioned tyres have a very square rolling surface, by that I mean if you look at them head-on they seem a lot more square than my narrower tyres of same height and similar tread. You may go AT's etc but just throwing in my two cents worth on the STT's.

    In my 130 DC I have a drainage policy, water will always get it (It's the NT so water over the bonnet frequently) so I just make sure it escapes. So with your door seals on the bottom, make sure you dont effect those silly little drain holes and cause/exacerbate the standard defender door frame rust.

    Anyway, my two cents worth. Enjoy!

  9. #9
    Nugg Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Wicks89 View Post
    Yeah she looks a bit off! See if you can get a part number off it and check it against the catalogue for Ashdown Ingram or someone with your VIN. Or just play with the spacers til it all lines up. Can be a real pain in the arse, but that may be why someone else hasnt done the right thing last time if they had it off. (Near enough is good enough I'm selling this bastard of a thing anyway, etc).

    Lucky spot. The TDI's are pretty solid otherwise, so good buy. I read in your opening chat that you thought the STT's were pretty noisy. I have a mate with a brand new FJ cruiser with STT's and by GOD they're loud. Even with all the fancy shmancy insulation etc that is truck has its so loud. He found the same thing with Maxxis 764's.
    I run the ubiquitous 255/85r16 BGF KM2's that so many deefers run, speedo was correct in my TDI and my TD5, and I'd say quieter, my theory is becuse the two aforementioned tyres have a very square rolling surface, by that I mean if you look at them head-on they seem a lot more square than my narrower tyres of same height and similar tread. You may go AT's etc but just throwing in my two cents worth on the STT's.

    In my 130 DC I have a drainage policy, water will always get it (It's the NT so water over the bonnet frequently) so I just make sure it escapes. So with your door seals on the bottom, make sure you dont effect those silly little drain holes and cause/exacerbate the standard defender door frame rust.

    Anyway, my two cents worth. Enjoy!
    Thanks - the 255/85r16 BGF KM2 look like just as aggressive tread pattern, hard to understand why they would be quieter.
    I have a current model FJ Cruiser as my daily driver - wish I could get the Defender that quiet!
    I'll probably see if I can do a swap with someone for an AT style tire with similar wear or sell these - I think they will just chew up the beach.
    What is more important to me is strong side walls - spiking them is my main cause of tire trouble.
    Dave

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Toorbul
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    If you want quiet than have a look a Goodyear wrangler silent armour. I had km2's on my td5 defender and ran the radio at 23 to hear, pull up at a stop sign turn the radio down, 500m down the road turn the radio back up. Now run the radio on 16 all the time maybe 19 on the highway to drown out the transfer box whine.

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