I wonder if one of you gents could assist on this please. A few months ago I sold the above vehicle to a chap in Knoydart, NW Scotland - he uses it in his business which I believe is to do with hill walking. He's emailed me asking if he has to remove and then refit the fuel tank in order to fit side steps - I don't know the answer and I'm hoping someone does. I have read on this forum various posts on how difficult removing and fitting the fuel tank can be - if he does need to remove it, he will probably ferry the vehicle across to the mainland for a local garage to see to things.

Thanks

I'm presuming you mean the long side steps as apposed to the standard LR ones. It might depend on the type you buy, but I reckon not. I've just fitted some to my Landy, which is identical to the one you list. Mine fitted to the two outriggers, so no need to touch the tank. Most of the other designs/styles I looked at seemed to fit to the front outrigger and then to the inner sill. So, I can't see the tank getting in the way of those either. Only looked at those ones on interweb, so can't be 100% sure. I specifically chose mine because I thought they would be more sturdy connecting to the outriggers than the sill.

Thanks Al203 - a local mate of mine who would know the answer to this straight away was out hence me posting a question here for a quick reply. I've now spoken to this chap and your reply confirms what he said - plus I've done a general trawl on the net where there are fitting instructions to various Defenders. None mention anything about the tank so I've advised the buyer of this vehicle likewise. I too am assuming they are long side steps. I own a 2014 XS Station Wagon which comes from the factory with side steps but at the time I couldn't assume that what I have (having looked at my arrangement) would be correct for his.

Thanks again - a great help

No problem. The standard single step fitted at that time connected to the inner sill with a bracing bar across to the chassis rail. Nowhere near the tank, which is why I presumed it must be the long side steps, I thought it worth mentioning just in case.
Pleased you got him sorted anyway.