Sump Guard Protection plus more for FL1

[Dart]

Hi, have just bought a 2005 TD4 SE Freelander, which was checked and passed the pre-purchase test by Brendan at British 4x4 in Adelaide. It has the standard skid plates attached however i am wanting to upgrade to something tougher and more reliable. Any suggestions of places that can do this? ARB? Has anyone ever imported directly from Bearmach? Their products look good but i imagine they are expensive!
I am also trying to source lamp guards for the front and rear, a cargo barrier, and a roof rack: anyone know where to source these from? Any feedback will be hugely appreciated, thanks Dart

[Dart]

I have since been quoted on some items from www.rovacraft.com in Vic, who will order in the parts from the UK. Although the guy (Steve Cochrane) said they are presently out of the sump guard and nudge bar unit. I have spoken to ARB and they dont do anything either. Will it be a matter of doing it myself? anyone? any idea?

[Scouse]

As you've discovered, there's not much (if anything) made locally for direct sale.
You might have some luck getting something made at one of the more specialised shops but accessories from the UK might be an easier option.

[101RRS]

As you have found there is virtually nothing available in Aust. Nudge bars come up on ebay from time to time but they are only good for holding your driving lights.

About the closest thing to a cargo barrier is the dog guard which only rarely come up on ebay.

The rest you need to get from overseas or make yourself. DAP do some stuff D.A.P. Enterprises LLC - Everything for your Land Rover

Garry

[Dart]

thanks guys! Yeah, i figured as much in regards to having to source parts from overseas! I checked out the DAP website, and they have a good parts list, although they dont do nudge bars or sump guards, just rock sliders, silencer guard etc. I might email them and see what they can quote me though, on the chance that they could find one. At this stage i just want underbody protection peace of mind for when i go 4wdriving. I'm planning seperate trips to Fowlers Bay and the Flinders, which is mostly sand driving for Fowlers Bay and loose rocky tracks for the Flinders. I will take things slow and easy, but i still want the protection. Now i have to decide on which tyres as i the standard Michellins have about 1-2 months of tread left. The Yokohama Geolander A/T are very good (had them on my X-Trail) and fit the standard 215/65 R16 wheels, but has anyone fitted BFGs on 16" wheels without having to do a lift?

[Dart]

do the BFGoodrich A/T KO tyres in 225/70R16 fit on the standard 16" rims without needing a lift kit? If so i think i'll get them as BFG have a good reputation as an off-road tyre.

[101RRS]

I have the BFGs 225/70/16 KO (LT) on my FL1 and they are great. I have covered 60,000km on them and they are only half worn - they give you about 12mm lift.

[Dart]

They look AWESOME!!! Think i'll call around today and get some quotes!!! What rubber you have makes the biggest difference!

Also have you upgraded your suspension to Koni or the likes? Does it need it?

[101RRS]

A lift would be nice but can be problematic getting it to fit - I think there is a thread at the top of the Freelander section.

My suspension is bog standard and is 270,000km old and still works fine - nice and soft for normal driving which firms up on the rough stuff. I have used mine quite a bit off road and find it is great except in slow steep stuff where my manual gearing is a bit high - yours being an auto will have much better low speed ability. I am mindful of the low clearance and the vulnerability of the sump and drive accordingly.

Some pics testing the traction control






Garry

[Dart]

Garry your photos are awesome!!! where were they taken? Makes me want to leave my desk job right now and hit the dirt in my Freebie and never come back! Talked to Bob Jane dealer in Adelaide and got quoted $299/tyre for the BFG 225/70R16 and $55 for an alignment etc. I will search around as the guy said he will price match, so i'm sure i'll be able to get that down a bit!
Thanks for the feedback re the suspension! It's good to hear the standard setup works well. I'm excited to see how the auto diesel will handle as i previsouly had a manual X-Trail and that's definitely not the ideal setup for 4wdriving. Auto & diesel all the way!!!
I'll put photos up of mine when i get it back from the mechanic!