Hi;


about to buy a defender 200tdi, it is a box standard defender with no modifications. i am looking to start so light off roading so belive i should get a lift kit and bigger tyres. My questions are

1) What work dose the defender actualy need to get a 2" lift (ive heard of list kits, dislocation cones, radius arms etc)

2) what wheels would i need to get

3) can any garage fit the lidt kit.


hope i have given enough info

cheers

You would be amazed at what a standard Defender can do without a lifting - with the right driver! Just think what the Camel Trophy convoys did - totally overloaded, heavy duty suspension but without tricks.

IMO The first thing you want to consider is tyres. If it's just a plaything, then you might want MT tyres. If you use it for towing/road as well, then ATs are a good comprimise.

Then, as you get more adventerous, add some underbody protection such as steering/sump guards (alloy ones are not much more expensive thanm galv and are lighter), then a rear tank guard. Diff guards are popular but even Camel Trophy defenders didn't bother with them.

There is so much fun to be had with a standard Land Rover .... and so much money to be wasted on gimmicks ...

Cheers

Blippie

A steering guard is essential.
I plan on getting a lift kit for mine, but TBH its fine for most stuff without. Ive also took the rear mudguards off - not for performance but because i was constantly bending the mounts!
Radius arms arent essential unless you go over 2" on suspension.

Oh and lastly, youll be lucky to fit it in your garage as it is now. Mine doesnt.

I'm with Blippie on this. A bit back I would've argued against diff guards but after nearly holeing my front one by accident think I'll be getting a couple. For my money I reckon rock sliders and tree sliders are next on the list and a fuel tank guard. Lift kits are way down at the bottom.

Wheels fer off roading, yer want cheap ones! That way when you break 'em it's no major issue. Discovery 1 steelies can be had off e-bay for a few quid, they're reasonably tough and can take up to 265 section tyres.

Tyres, 235/85/16 All terrain or mud terrain remoulds come in at around £60 a go fitted.

Steering guards, diff guards, tank guards etc are all optional - you'll go just as far without them, what they afford you is the ability to get away with being careless once or twice. If you can afford 'em - buy 'em. If not, drive very very carefully over rocky surfaces.

I'd give it a damn good service before using it off road - change all the fluids, gearbox, transfer box, axles and swivels - there's a lot more strain on them off road than pootling down to the shops

Cheers,

Hi Slihp,

Without lifting a defender you can get away with running up to 33" tyres with no detrimental effects. We were running 33x12.50x15" tyres on our truck for a couple of years with no problems and it still went in our garage with a couple of inches to spare (7ft opening).