hey guys I'm a jeep guy at heart but there's to meny jeeps on the road. I have a soft spot for 60's land rover 88's My grandpa had one and was the first vehicle I ever drove. Anyhow I was thinking about picking up a defender. My current jeep is my DD I got prorock 60's f&r atlas ll 1350 Driveshafts, armor bumpers, winch, 36" iroks etc... I drive this thing sometimes 2000miles round trip to go wheeling. Is there a certain axle configuration to look for. Or a specific year that is better then others. Can the factory axles handle a 35"-37" tire. What should I be looking for in a defender to turn into a expedition vehicle. Thanks guys

another thing how come I can't find a diesel in the states?

You're asking a lot of different and somewhat confusing questions. What is it that you are looking for in a vehicle?

Can the axles handle 35-37" tires? Yes, with lockers and upgraded shafts/CVs. Keith at RoverTracks or Bill at Great Basin Rovers are the people to talk to.

What should you be looking for in a Defender to turn into an expedition vehicle? One that has been properly maintained, repaired, and treated. Aside from that, basically stock Defenders have circumnavigated the globe numerous times with little trouble aside from expected maintenance and repair issues.

Why can't you find a diesel in the states? You can. Except it will not be a factory built diesel. Land Rover never imported diesel Defenders into the States. Many people have converted to diesel using factory parts from overseas, however. Be careful what you purchase; not all of these conversions are on par with one another.

I suggest you read as much as you can, learn as much as you can, talk to as many Land Rover owners as you can, and drive as many Land Rovers as you can over as long of a period as you can stand before you either run away as far and fast as you can, or buy one that suits your needs.

Being a Land Rover owner is a talent. You either have it or you don't. You should try to find out if you "have it" or not before you spend thousands on one.

And considering the current market for defenders, good luck finding a 90 for less that $45k, or a 110 for less than $60. I would love to have a Defender, but it just isn't in the cards for me. They haven't been imported since 1995, so they are few and far between that someone is selling them, and the people that are selling them for the most part know their market value. I'll be glad when LR starts importing new ones again, cuz as long as the new ones are comparable to the old ones, the market values for the old ones should go wayyyyyyyy down. As far as what to look for in a Defender, to my knowledge, all the ones ever imported to the US are pretty much the same. 3.9 petrol engine, solid axle front and rear. Unless you're going to be doing some serious hardcore wheeling, you'll probably find that it will handle just about everything you throw it at on whatever rolling stock it comes with. My Disco on 18" rims with Michelin street tires has the same ground clearance as a lifted Ranger on 35's, and the approach and departure angles on a Defender are way better than my Disco, at least in stock form.

hey guys I'm a jeep guy at heart but there's to meny jeeps on the road. I have a soft spot for 60's land rover 88's My grandpa had one and was the first vehicle I ever drove. Anyhow I was thinking about picking up a defender. My current jeep is my DD I got prorock 60's f&r atlas ll 1350 Driveshafts, armor bumpers, winch, 36" iroks etc... I drive this thing sometimes 2000miles round trip to go wheeling. Is there a certain axle configuration to look for. Or a specific year that is better then others. Can the factory axles handle a 35"-37" tire. What should I be looking for in a defender to turn into a expedition vehicle. Thanks guys

There are lots of things to consider. Firstly, a Defender is a very capable vehicle in stock trim, ok it’s not wild but unless put to extreme action they will go most places and survive. They are also very very easy to maintain as they are all nuts and bolts and simple technology. This means you, or any mechanic can easily work on one no matter what the problem.

They do like some TLC though, some claim they are not reliable – this is not true. They just have higher maintenance than some other brands. Look after it and it should look after you.

There are plenty of mods if you want to make it more capable or extreme, they start out well priced and run to the silly extremes in much the same way as they do for Wranglers. The stock axles are their weakest asset though, even stock sizes tyres can break them, but then again there are plenty of people running 35”+ tyres no problem on stock axles, so it comes down to driving style and terrain. There are plenty of options to beef up the axles, however I probably would stick with stock until you start breaking stuff, then look to upgrade.

For British style muddy off roading in often confined areas 32-35” tyres are more than enough. A 1-2” lift may be useful.

There are no diesels because LR never sold them in the US. Only engine is the Rover V8 in 3.9 or 4.0 guise unless it’s not standard. Ok it’s an old engine, but it has similar abilities and power to a Jeep 4.0 litre Straight 6. Personally I’d probably stick with this engine in the US, a few mods and it will make more than enough power for any form of sensible use.

The Land Rover own diesels all produce a lot less HP. A stock diesel Tdi motor is only 2.5 litres with 111bhp compared to the V8 with over 180bhp. The diesels can be tweaked to make more HP and will see better mpg (24-30mpg compared to 12-18mpg for the V8) but in the US I’m not sure it really makes sense.

The Defender is available in two wheelbases, SWB is the D90 with a 92.9” wheel base, it’s almost the same size as a TJ Wrangler. Being smaller it is the better off road, more fun to drive, more nimble, faster and more economical. Some claim the ride is choppier than a 110 though. And if you want to carry more than 2 people long distance it’s not really the answer. Most seat 2 in the front with bench seats in the back.

The D110 is the LWB with 110” wheelbase, it has an extra row of seats and doors, and so has more room and seats more people. The obvious downside is the longer wheelbase makes it slightly less capable off road, although it does depend on the terrain being driven on to how much or little this affect is. Overall it does probably make a better expedition vehicle due to its size.

With either there’s not really too much to worry about, just check they are straight, the chassis is solid and that they drive ok.

Pricing in the US does make a Defender expensive though.

So, you could opt for something different. A Range Rover Classic or Discovery 1 are almost identical to a Defender with just a different bodyshell. Main differences are 100” wheelbase with different front/rear cross members on the chassis to mount the bumpers on. The running gear and main chassis rails are the same.

This means two things:

1. A Range Rover or Discovery is just as capable off road. Ok they have bigger over hangs front/rear, but that aside there’s not a lot in it. They are slightly bulkier although they are actually no wider when measured. They do have a plusher interior making them nicer daily drivers. This all means for a lot less money you could get 90%+ of a Defenders ability.
2. The other thing it means is you could buy a Discovery 1, take the body off and cut the chassis down to make a Defender, and then all you’d need to do is source the correct body panels to fit on it.

This doesn’t stop here. You could actually do many things to a Discovery/RR. You could bobtail them so as to reduce the rear overhang. Turn them into a pickup or a bobtailed pickup. You could lengthen the chassis to 110 or 109” and mount either a D110 or Series 109 body on it. You could make it a D90 or cut it down to an 88” wheelbase for a Series II or III body. For an extreme machine you could even take the wheelbase down to 80” and make a Land Rover Series I alternative. Or keep it at 100” and make a so called ‘D100’. Make it look like a Defender 90 but retain the 100” wheelbase.

look around d-90.com they seem to always have a lead on a defender, one up right now for under $20k... you could always import one... has to be 20 or 25 years old though...from what i have gathered, not a bad experience so long as you do your research and pair up with someone respected in the community...

And considering the current market for defenders, good luck finding a 90 for less that $45k, or a 110 for less than $60.

Er, where to begin.

Want one? I can deliver a '95 D90 anywhere in the lower 48 for $25K and fuel to get it to you.

Agreed... The market on Defenders (particularly 90s) has plummeted in the last few years. I personally passed on the opportunity to buy a 95 hardtop for $10k that was fine except for some frame rust (repairable). You can find a few trucks for sale below $20k at any given time.

Land Rover doesn't have to start importing NEW Defenders in order for the price to drop on NAS trucks. Now that '83 and '84 trucks are 100% legal for import, you will see an influx of OLD Defenders into the market that will most likely slow the market on NAS Defenders. And, each year from now on, there will be thousands more trucks legal for import.

The reverse might also happen, though; flooding the market with early Defenders may increase the value of NAS trucks because they will be seen as even more of a rarity and collectors item. I don't think this will be the case, though, because too many of them have been modified, wheeled, and beat on beyond the point of being a "collectors item".



Er, where to begin.

Want one? I can deliver a '95 D90 anywhere in the lower 48 for $25K and fuel to get it to you.

Agreed... The market on Defenders (particularly 90s) has plummeted in the last few years. I personally passed on the opportunity to buy a 95 hardtop for $10k that was fine except for some frame rust (repairable). You can find a few trucks for sale below $20k at any given time.

Land Rover doesn't have to start importing NEW Defenders in order for the price to drop on NAS trucks. Now that '83 and '84 trucks are 100% legal for import, you will see an influx of OLD Defenders into the market that will most likely slow the market on NAS Defenders. And, each year from now on, there will be thousands more trucks legal for import.

The reverse might also happen, though; flooding the market with early Defenders may increase the value of NAS trucks because they will be seen as even more of a rarity and collectors item. I don't think this will be the case, though, because too many of them have been modified, wheeled, and beat on beyond the point of being a "collectors item".

Not that I disagree but the Defender wasn't available until 1990, any before that are Ninety/One Ten/127 :D:p

If you stay abreast of the club boards and LR specific boards, you can find 90's all day for between 20-25K. Good luck; they're great vehicles.

Toose out the bait......

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=24

Set the hook!!!!

http://www.africaoverland.org/vehicle_whydefender.htm

You won't need 35's on an expedition/overlanding type truck and the Rover drivetrain will do okay until lockers or too much silly pedal starts to happen.

I've got a couple D1's in various "fun" trim both are great both off and on the road and suitable for that short camping trip for two. When we become four we load up in the 110. You really get that Marlin Perkins feel in the big Defender. With about a 2" lift it does well on everything I've cared to do with it (and some I didn't care for) we've always made it home.

In all cases everything below the body has gotten the most attention, upgraded steering bars, axles, suspension links, shocks, springs and protection. Once you take care of that they're all (RRC,D1, Defender) truely amazing off road for having all that comfort and such a big body.

I can help you import one, or I can sell you one, which ever you prefer. I have had a hand in exporting over 10 D110's to the USA since the beginning of last year.

well I found two for about 15K both soft top only, which I'm cool with. The thing is I want something I can drive anywhere, wheel hard and drive it home. I do alot of road trips, I live in chicago, I've driven to Alaska, colorado, all over the pacific northwest, and southeast. I need it to be able to carry camping gear, fishing equipment, etc... I really don't care about poor ride quality, I just want something more unique and have always been a fan of defenders. as far as setting it up, I was thinking O.M.E. lift some 35's with beadlocks. ARB's front and rear, up gradeing shafts and gears or else spider 9's f&r depending on price difference. Along with bumpers and probally a warn 8274 winch.

It should fulfill you fantasies as described in your last post. The mods are about 2X what it cost to do a Jeep, and Parts are 2X on up, depending what you replace and if you go with Rover parts, copies, or something alltogether different. Ask my *free* Jeep Grandy fuel pump :D :D :D It popped in like a weenie in a taco. Mines an RRC, so YMMV.

It should fulfill you fantasies as described in your last post.

:laughing:

Er, where to begin.

Want one? I can deliver a '95 D90 anywhere in the lower 48 for $25K and fuel to get it to you.

Well I honestly can't afford one even at that. I was basing my numbers off of what I was seeing when I was shopping for my Disco, which were outrageous in my opinion. I just looked, and there are a couple of RHD units not too far from me. There's a 110 in J'ville Florida for $25k, and a 90 in Norcross, GA for less than $10k. I really would love to have a 110, but seeing as I already have a Disco, the next $15k+ spent on a vehicle will be something else for my wife.

where did you see the one in georgia

Here is the truck for you:

http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18483

A great deal at 19k.

Ron

Er, where to begin.

Want one? I can deliver a '95 D90 anywhere in the lower 48 for $25K and fuel to get it to you.

:eek::eek::eek:

Check this out...

http://www.redbook.com.au/used-cars/details.aspx?R=78137&__Qpb=true&Cr=1&__Ns=p_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cp_ClassificationType_S tring%7c0%7c%7cp_Family_String%7c0%7c%7cp_Year_Str ing%7c1%7c%7cp_SequenceNum_Int32%7c0&silo=1300&__N=2994%202952%204294953958%204294843314%20429496 5327&seot=0&acv=MI8zlLWwbN8.&__Nne=15&trecs=6&__sid=11FB97F2B944

Price in Australia for a 95 D90 is between Aus$4,600 - $6,300.

That works out to US$4,033

How much is shipping and a conversion to LHD worth?

I'd look at importing an Ex-army one from the UK, they have a lot of LHD stuff for service in Europe. Bit more money, especially from dealers such as Vass and Witham, but could be a better bet overall especially if they can run it through an MOT test before selling.

1980's stuff may be becoming legal now but most of it will be rusty as fuck in the chassis, bulkhead, doors...

A defender for expeditions I'd vote for a 110 or even a 127, there are some sweet ex-army 127 V8 Rapiers about

I'd look at importing an Ex-army one from the UK, they have a lot of LHD stuff for service in Europe. Bit more money, especially from dealers such as Vass and Witham, but could be a better bet overall especially if they can run it through an MOT test before selling.

1980's stuff may be becoming legal now but most of it will be rusty as fuck in the chassis, bulkhead, doors...

A defender for expeditions I'd vote for a 110 or even a 127, there are some sweet ex-army 127 V8 Rapiers about

Check out Winston at High-Peak in Chapel-en-Le Frith, he often has LHD trucks. That's where I got my 109.

well I found two for about 15K both soft top only, which I'm cool with. The thing is I want something I can drive anywhere, wheel hard and drive it home. I do alot of road trips, I live in chicago, I've driven to Alaska, colorado, all over the pacific northwest, and southeast. I need it to be able to carry camping gear, fishing equipment, etc... I really don't care about poor ride quality, I just want something more unique and have always been a fan of defenders. as far as setting it up, I was thinking O.M.E. lift some 35's with beadlocks. ARB's front and rear, up gradeing shafts and gears or else spider 9's f&r depending on price difference. Along with bumpers and probally a warn 8274 winch.

More homework required.

I have 5 LHD 109's in stock all petrol.

I have 5 LHD 109's in stock all petrol.

I hope you have better luck peddling yours than I did mine.

In spite of it having been a daily driver (yes, I really did drive a SIII as my DD for almost two years) and being in fantastic mechanical condition, it took a while to sell. I'm very pleased that the new owner has replaced the MOD-beaten body panels and painted it very nicely.

Hey there - I'm in Des Moines and there are a D1 and a 90SW in my garage.

Now assuming that the the CINC would allow "her" Defender to get dirty, and I was going to head for Colorado, Alaska, et al, I'd be taking the Disco.

It will haul all my stuff / crap inside, get me there more comfortably and I won't cry when it gets bent.

...opinion worth exactly what you've paid for it...

I hope you have better luck peddling yours than I did mine.

In spite of it having been a daily driver (yes, I really did drive a SIII as my DD for almost two years) and being in fantastic mechanical condition, it took a while to sell. I'm very pleased that the new owner has replaced the MOD-beaten body panels and painted it very nicely.

Just sold one to a gentleman in NY it leaves in two wks, and i have enquirys for 2 more. There is very good condition, no dents, clean chassis etc.

Still selling that 110 on ebay, I may keep one in the USA to use as a courtesy car for my clients. Currently I am refurbishing a 110 200tdi in my workshop, I have enquirys from USA and Canada.

Hate to be the yellow-star-nazi, but you should contact the board admin about purchasing one before you continue to drum up business on this forum.

I have purchased a yellow star, i am waiting for them to put it up.

I have purchased a yellow star, i am waiting for them to put it up.

Sounds like the old 'Tax in the post' scam to me!

Hate to be the yellow-star-nazi, but you should contact the board admin about purchasing one before you continue to drum up business on this forum.

Hey Transient:

Shoot me an e-mail...

Cheers,
PT (Sedentary Mechanic)

Sounds like the old 'Tax in the post' scam to me!

LOL, he's a better man than me, I'm too cheap to renew mine-just like Global's business partner.

LOL, he's a better man than me, I'm too cheap to renew mine-just like Global's business partner.

Not sure what is ment by that statement as i have no partners in the US or the UK, I do have associates in the USA though.

Not sure what is ment by that statement as i have no partners in the US or the UK, I do have associates in the USA though.

Please accept my apology for mis-characterizing your relationships.

Best of luck with your ventures.


I'm sure your yellow star will be active soon, it does take a while the first time around.

PT

I just bought An Ex-MoD 90 (87, 2.5 diesel) for 10 grand canadian. it has no rust and runs great. Check out www.militarytires.com. Its in montreal.

I just bought An Ex-MoD 90 (87, 2.5 diesel) for 10 grand canadian. it has no rust and runs great. Check out www.militarytires.com. Its in montreal.

Dude, you got hosed, eh.

Dude, you got hosed, eh.

As those were Canadian dollars, he didn't do nearly as bad as we might think Dave:laughing::flipoff2:

Given what some folks are still paying, that isn't bad if someone REALLY, REALLY wanted a Defender.

As for me, I'd be happy to have a truck with an intact (non-rusted away to dust) floor/body pan! I've got a brandy new 4.2 with all manner of hot rod parts finally almost finished (the short block is done, just need to put the heads on) but nothing to put it in. Of course, I put a Lucas camshaft in it so I'm somewhat limited there, but Mega-Squirt is always an option if I wanted to go that direction.

Dude, you got hosed, eh.

Can you find one cheaper in better shape? If you can congratulations, we have this thing in Soviet Canuckistan called winter and with winter comes road salt and rust. Yes Winter is harsh but it keeps all the pussies from Sunny So-Cal away. So I guess winter isnt such a bad thing after all! I didnt say My rover was A good deal, it was Just the only one I could find.

Can you find one cheaper in better shape? If you can congratulations, we have this thing in Soviet Canuckistan called winter and with winter comes road salt and rust. Yes Winter is harsh but it keeps all the pussies from Sunny So-Cal away. So I guess winter isnt such a bad thing after all! I didnt say My rover was A good deal, it was Just the only one I could find.

Montreal is one of my favorite cities.

You still got hosed.

You still got hosed.
Hardly, if its a choice of one - then thats all there is :mr-t:

Montreal is one of my favorite cities.

You still got hosed.

Gee Dave, how much did you pay for you Defender?:laughing::p

Gee Dave, how much did you pay for you Defender?:laughing::p

16K with a valid registration and new AL hardtop. At the time it was the cheapest defender in America by 9k. At the height of the price bubble in 2002. Anything else?

Dude, you got hosed, eh.

What the hell is that about? There are tons of XMOD defenders up here and the ones on Michel's lot in Montreal are by far the nicest I've seen anywhere. I don't know where they come from but they are all very straight, nice, and totally rust free. He's a great guy, stand-up dude to deal with and he's very fair in his pricing on used parts. 8500$ US for a clean, straight, low mile XMOD D90 is worth every penny, hell of a better deal than the "1984 Defenders" I have seen for sale on the US market not to mention all the NAS junk.

BigBlueToy, you did fine.

We have had early 90s and 110s in Canada for almost ten years now and a lot of them are rusty patched up junk. If I was buying a 90/110 my money would be on an XMOD truck because they get maintained and are generally pretty rust free. Civvy ones are mostly piles of junk used by UK telephone companies and for hauling sheep around.

16K with a valid registration and new AL hardtop. At the time it was the cheapest defender in America by 9k. At the height of the price bubble in 2002. Anything else?

You got hosed. You could get a grip of sammys that would wheel circles around that yuppie crap for 10K :flipoff2:

16K with a valid registration and new AL hardtop. At the time it was the cheapest defender in America by 9k. At the height of the price bubble in 2002. Anything else?

No, you got one Hell of a deal, "I" could almost afford one at that price.

Look at what KC was asking for his with all the rock rash, that sure puts things in perspective.

Look at what KC was asking for his with all the rock rash, that sure puts things in perspective.

Where DID that boy ever get to, anyway ??

FWIW, at todays X-rate, $10K CDN = $7.2K USD

Where DID that boy ever get to, anyway ??

FWIW, at todays X-rate, $10K CDN = $7.2K USD

It always tanks just before I buy something in the US :flipoff2:

Where DID that boy ever get to, anyway ??

FWIW, at todays X-rate, $10K CDN = $7.2K USD

I was behind on the exchange rate. That's not a terrible deal.

That why I bought the damn thing. the guys at rovers north say they have paid more for worse. I need to weld a new diff cover on the front axle and scrape that flaky latex paint the army puts on every thing and paint it, And I am wheeling! the mechanicals on Michels trucks are impeccable! And it was inspected and registered in Quebec at that price. we went to the license Bureau and I was street legal. In three years it will be 25 years old and easily imported into the US I will make my money back then.

Sounds like the old 'Tax in the post' scam to me!


Oh ye of little faith.

BTW I have a lovely RHD 90 CSW 200tdi available for Canada, One owner from new FSH!! its RHD looking for offers in the region of $18,000CDN including shipping to halifax, NS.

Here's a nice one.
http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19250

Keith, I had a look at your site, nice. I'd love to come out to CO some time to go out on the trail.

Come on out! Pendy knows where I live.. Not sure that's good thing....

if you see him, ask him about our nite at the crab shack!

Crabs?

w/ alcohol, Keith woudl be on board with that.

I'm all about crabs! Usually got them while drinking beer!

Best way to cure crabs is with a razor, a flyswatter, a match, and a bottle of whiskey. First, shave one half of your pubes(left or right side, It doesnt matter), then soak the other side in whiskey. Light the whiskey soaked pubes on fire, as the crabs run to the side thats not burning, whack them with the flyswatter. You will definetly never want to get Crabs again after this!

Best to drink half the whiskey before you begin. It's a natural anesthetic. Don't ask how I know, but the procedure, although effective, is very painful. :mad3: