A D3 Changes Hands ...

[Walrus]

Hey guys ...

I've just kicked the tin, for a 2005 D3 4.0L Petrol, 229k on the clock, a dent (some pillock appears to have kicked the D/S front door) and a scratch or two and given that it's been well maintained by the previous one owner since new - it's sweet. It's only been a few days, but love it.

The amber engine warning light has just leapt into life, so I'll need to sort that. It may be related to the car just sitting virtually since Christmas, so it's off to a repairer (once I find Perth's best - subject of a search in the tech forum) and have that checked out prior to a shakedown cruise next week.

The car is stock-standard, other than sheepskin seat covers and a dash mat, so if you have a few minutes, I'd appreciate some advice on what kit you'd recommend for a good trip across the top end - Savannah Way, before we contemplate the big lap.

Thanks in advance for the input. It'll be appreciated.

[jonesfam]

Bar, UHF, decent tyres & GOE suspension rods or similar.
And do call in at The Doomadgee Roadhouse on the Savannah Way & say Gooday. I might even shout you a coffee.
Jonesfam

[Walrus]

Bar, UHF, decent tyres & GOE suspension rods or similar.
And do call in at The Doomadgee Roadhouse on the Savannah Way & say Gooday. I might even shout you a coffee.
Jonesfam

Cool. That's a done deal :-)

Now to sort out brands and types of bars and tyres. It's running Cooper H/Ts at the moment, and for serious use I seem to hear you either love or loathe Coopers. Had always used Duelers on Patrols without a problem.

Off to chase up the rods :-).

[jonesy63]

Walrus - I'd also suggest you make sure the auto gearbox has been serviced. Hopefully the previous owner has done the right thing and had the steel sump with replaceable filter, plus new ZF LifeGuard Fluid 6 installed. Recommended to change it every 80,000km or so - depending on how it is used. Most auto shops have worked on the ZF 6HP26 and can do the work - there are lots of these gearboxes in taxis!
Cheers,
Rob

[LandyAndy]

If you have come from Pootrol ownership you will love the D3 off road.
Search Green Oval Experience.Gordon runs courses on how these vehicles need to be treated off-road,they are very different and Gordons course is well worth doing If you survive the theory course,which is the one you need to do he also does off-road courses too.
Im sure many here will support this.
ENJOY
Andrew

[SBD4]

I definitely agree with Andy. Take advantage of Gordon's courses, it'll save you a great deal of frustration caused when you don't understand how differently you need to approach off road driving with these vehicles.

[NomadicD3]

Hi Walrus,
Welcome to the forum..
Best indi for D3's out your way is discovery automotive in wangara, paramount drive I think. Actually may be called tickels automotive now.
Now if ever feel like catching up for a coffee and sitting having a chat about all things landrover D3 I'd be happy to do so in the next few weeks, seems I have plenty of spare time due a recent motorbike accident, PM me if you're interested.

Jones family-- where were you last year when I was having lunch at the doomagee road house??

[shanegtr]

welcome to the world of D3 ownership. I've been loving mine since I got it last year.

For your big trip, me personally I like to have plenty of touring range of fuel on board. However you acheive thats a personal choice, jerrys or Long Range tank..... I brought my D3 and it already had the long range tank so that was a big tick for me

[jonesfam]

Hi Walrus,
Welcome to the forum..
Best indi for D3's out your way is discovery automotive in wangara, paramount drive I think. Actually may be called tickels automotive now.
Now if ever feel like catching up for a coffee and sitting having a chat about all things landrover D3 I'd be happy to do so in the next few weeks, seems I have plenty of spare time due a recent motorbike accident, PM me if you're interested.

Jones family-- where were you last year when I was having lunch at the doomagee road house??

Depends, I go home every 4th week, I also spend most of my working life in the office doing bloody paper work to make sure we are charging the appropriate exorbitant prices.

[Walrus]

Walrus - I'd also suggest you make sure the auto gearbox has been serviced. Hopefully the previous owner has done the right thing and had the steel sump with replaceable filter, plus new ZF LifeGuard Fluid 6 installed. Recommended to change it every 80,000km or so - depending on how it is used. Most auto shops have worked on the ZF 6HP26 and can do the work - there are lots of these gearboxes in taxis!
Cheers,
Rob

Sadly not. Took it over to RT in Bentley last week for a look. Can't diagnose the noise, but have booked in for the auto replacement metal for plastic swap - and they'll look then. It could be a catalytic converter problem.

They reset the amber warning light and that lasted a few days - until Thursday, when it came back, steady not flashing, accompanied by some hunting, shunting and surging for a few klics - along with the 'reduced engine performance' warning.

It's off to Bentley tomorrow for a couple of days of sorting. I hope it's not going to be a frequent flyer there.

Thanks guys for all the help, both public and private - it's very much appreciated.

Cheers.