Getting there! upgrades to a 1986 90

Hi all,

This summer I came over to the UK to buy a 90 from 1986.

The car was used by a Land Rover and Marcos workshop as their customer loan car, than sold to one of their customers who kept it for a few years.

I managed to buy the car and took it home to The Netherlands.

Here is the car when we just got off the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam;




First I removed the rear benches and bought a set of fold up seats



Changed the grill and headlight surrounds to brunel grey ones and removed the A-bar. I also bought a set of new wheels



I tidied up the dashboard. New original LR radio, new speedo etc

The rear door looked quite bad (in my opinion) so bought a new one and had it painted the correct colour. Also had the hinges painted and a set of standard sills painted.

I removed the old wheel carrier and bought one that moves with the door.






As you can see I used the rear door panel from a 2007- on model. With some brackets to the door it fits a treat!!

Other work done so far;
- change reverse light and fog light to round type
- Land Rover badge on the bonnet
- new style PAS reservoir
- a LOT of bolts replaced for stainless steel
- replaced all the oils and fluids
- new filters
- mounted a steering guard
- new rubbers arround the doors
- new rubbers where the glass moves in
- new locks
- replaced all missing and broken trim parts
- correct speedo gear for tyre size


Thats all i can think of right now, but a lot of new parts went in the car. Also a lot of maintenance has been done.

Now i want to change the axles for fresh ones. Also renew all shocks, springs and rubbers.

It's a nice little project

Will you all stop buying defenders. I want one.


That is all.

Very good mate!
Looks in good nick for a D plate too

Looks good..

looks well mate

Thanks! I Will try to update this once in a while.

New shocks came in the mail today and i might have found a set of suitable axels!

looks great , thanks for the pics.

Just one quick question, why are you changing the axles?

The axles on the car are, i think, the original ones. They both have quite some play in the diffs and the front axle leaks a bit from one of the outer seals. This than drips on the disc brake... When changing the rear axle i will have disc brakes on the rear aswell.

I know it might be overkill to change axels, but i want to renew the springs, rubbers, turrets, shock absorbers and bolts anyway.

Looks very nice

Thanks!

Some fresh axles will arrive this weekend. A set of new take off shocks and a steering damper have arrived. Now to order new springs, ball joints, bolts, bushes and bolts and get the axles ready for fittment to the car.

One question for the forum,

The axles i have now have drum brakes on the back and the new ones have discs, does that fitt like for like or do i need to modify parts?

Why is it that when I buy something for the Defender I always end up with a lot of extra work and the need for even more parts....

I bought the two axles for the 90 and according to the seller whey would only need a lick of paint and would be good enough to fit straight under the 90.

I've started to clean, check the front axle and noticed the following;

1) There is no preload on the swivels
2) Both brake calipers are stuck and need renewing / overhaul
3) On one side the wheel bearing was replaced, the other one has slight play in it. Think I will need to replace that one aswell.
4) Brake pads look rusted but thick. Will replace these aswell

And I am yet to start with cleaning and checking the rear axle.....

Some questions for the experienced;

I removed the top swivel pins and took out some shims. Now the swivels have some positive preload. I can get a springload but what "weight" should I adjust them to? I have found more than one figure.... Its the type with the pin straigh into the bearing. No pressure washer.

Should I replace the calipers or rebuild them? I've never done this but looks straight forward. The calipers are the AP with solid disc type.

Are the Timken bearings the ones to have?

What brakepads do you recommend?

What other things should I do now I have the axle on stands and can work on it.

The number on the axle is 20L137958 What does this tell me? 300Tdi axle? What year?

timken bearings yes

fit new calipers ..

replace all swivel seals and hemispheres if worn.

i set the swivels by hand,no play and a positive feel altho they will bedin after refit and sometimes need re-setting after a few miles,

fit new discs if worn as yer in there anyway,check stub axle for wear and seal condition..again refit if required,

i would rebuild the whole lot an service the drive shafts tbh,then you know where your at for the next few miles..