Restoration tips Defender tdi300

[lrdef]

Hi, I am looking for some advice on rebuilding a defender 130 single cab. My dad bought it new and I am sick of buying throw away cars and want to restore it.

I am leaning towards restoring it to stock but am open to suggestions mainly drive train. She has the 4cyl 2.5 that is worn out. I am thinking of brand new motor and rebuilding everything else.I am open to all suggestions to make it a reliable workhorse like she was for the first 250,000km.
Thanks for your time

[weeds]

What's your definition of worn out motor........??

[lrdef]

Rod thru side of block.

[weeds]

Oh that would do it.

[rick130]

What's your definition of worn out motor........??

Rod thru side of block.

Yep, works for me.

[PAT303]

Oh that would do it.

That's funny right their. Pat

[lrdef]

Yep, that did it!!

[rick130]

How bad is the leg out of bed ?

Bores can be sleeved and blocks patched, but it probably isn't cost effective these days so you'd probably be better off getting at least a reasonable short engine to rebuild.

Parts prices aren't too onerous, all things considered they aren't an expensive engine to rebuild compared to some.

BTW it isn't the first Tdi I've heard of to throw a rod.
Curious what the build date is ?
There was a batch of dodgy rod bearings in the second half of '98, I've heard of quite a few doing cranks from that half of that year.

[lrdef]

Its a 96 model but I'm not sure build date I will have to have a look tomorrow. I'm thinking of spending the money and buying a new motor. I think I have seen them for sale online. But I am wondering if I am not better off putting a different motor in her.

I'm doing a bit of searching on this site to see what people have done. I own a rodeo with the 4jb1-t and its a pretty reliable Ute but not what I would call a 4wd! But I have also owned a range rover with 5lt v8 and although it was a beast the drive train was not built for the power.I got to know that a lot!

So it leaves me to think maybe I should restore to stock standard.it handled the first 400000 Km with not to many dramas! Just looking for some advice to what others may have changed. This will be a full strip down to chassis rebuild.
Thanks

[BadCo.]

4BD1-T!!!

Also interested in following your rebuild.

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