new defender 110 1991

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swar110

New Member
Posts
71
Location
leicestershire
Hi all, Just bought a 1991 110 200tdi hardtop with 180k on the clock. the engine seems good and doesn't smoke, starts well and pulls well.
The chassis is very good and clean - just some surface rust but minimal the outriggers have some surface rust but appear to be ok.
its had a new X member about 3 years ago.
Just bought some Zinc rich cold galvanising paint - 96% - 500ml as the 1st job Im going to do is wire brush the chassis and paint it, then waxoil inside the cavities where I can and outside when the paint is dry.
the body work is very good apart from the bonnet which looks a bit rough but will do that in a few years and the drivers door has dropped so will get new hinges or just get new pins.
Its had a 2" lift with heavy duty springs - its not been done correctly and the front and back raduis arms are at the wrong angle - I would think that it puts strain on a lot of other things too so Im going to change this all for standard and replace the worn bushes with poly bushes.
The wipers stopped working properly half way through the 200 mile journey home luckily the rain had stopped so i will go through busters posts :)
The power steering has problems - noisy and at one stage through the journey home I had stopped and turned around tightly and reversed and it became very noisy and heavy - there was some smoke too! which worried me but after turning the engine off, having a look under the bonnet (had no clue) and started and drove fine. There is about 2" of free play at the steering wheel - so I guess it will need replacement seals/servicing or renewal and adjustment but I want to do the suspension before I do this as the angles will change (have I got that right?)
The gears all select easily - but the high-lo is stiff but does work - linkage I would guess needs greasing - Ive seen a thread on here which covers that too so will follow that as time permits.
Something that didnt show up when I test drove it was the noise when im in 5th gear - at first I thought it was boom from the road and something rattling underneath but I realised its either the gearbox or the output being at the wrong angle due to the 2" suspension lift. It doesnt make much noise under acceleration in 5th but when I release the accelerator it makes the noise but its only noticable in 5th gear? would that be bearings in the gearbox or could it be something else?
The square plug in in the rear diff is leaking slightly too.
Im going to give it a service - get the kit for a timing belt change - I have a haynes ordered and on the way because i dont know whats what yet.
Im pretty much a novice when it comes to mechanics (ive done brakes, track rod ends, servicing, cable changes, gear linkage bush changes etc) but I need to learn as I want to keep this vehicle as its got a good chassis and the bodywork is pretty sound. - I'll take some pics and put them up when i get a chance.

Apologies for it being a long post and jumping right in to what I think might be problems - it feels like Ive bought myself a lot of work and a potential moneypit :) - if anyone had any advice It would be gratefully received. I have been reading/searching through this forum for a while and trying to learn as much as I can but I still have a lot to find out!
Thanks





 
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Hi Langers - Ive got a friend who knows a bit more about landrovers than me and he said its about right and not to worry too much as everything is adjustable and replacable at not too much cost either - considering it was a 220 mile drive i was very comfortable - I like the driving position resting my arm on the door :D
Im busy at the moment with a wire brush and wire wheel cleaning the chassis for a protective coating then Ill service it, change the suspension to standard and start from there. im discovering bits that I want to sort as i go along.
took me 2 good looks to find the oil dipstick :doh:
Anyway - Ill keep at it - busters guides are brilliant - that must have taken him considerable time to photograph and upload not to mention the work - much appreciated if he's reading!
And thanks for the paddocks link:D
 
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LRDirect also very good

I started off using Paddocks and Rimmers - and nothing against either of them. I've just found Paul at LRD to often have a wider range of suppliers parts to choose from, whereas with Paddocks there's a good chance of getting the 'blue label'

That said, Paddocks are very good at next day delivey when you need it!

Best tip is to look up the part number (guide in sticky at top) and whack it into google - so much easier than trying to search by part name!

Have fun!!!
 
Swar110, Sounds like you bought a normal second hand Landrover to me, "lots of work and a money pit" yep' thats sound about right.
You will either love it and be a confirmed Landrover man for the rest of your days or you will quickly get fed up and go off and buy a VW golf
 
Swar110, Sounds like you bought a normal second hand Landrover to me, "lots of work and a money pit" yep' thats sound about right.
You will either love it and be a confirmed Landrover man for the rest of your days or you will quickly get fed up and go off and buy a VW golf


I cant think of a more robust, practical & versatile vehicle!
the more i use it the more i'll like it :D
- wife can have the golf :)
 
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