Now how did that happen?Image Credit: Oops! Jeep upside down in the mud | Jeep, 1997 jeep wrangler, Willys jeepHa ha … nothing against the lovely people from Australia. I was…
Offroad driving is a lot of fun but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep the experience safe and enjoyable. Below are some offroad driving tips…
There are a number of reasons why Land Rover had built up a reputation for poor build quality. Some of the reasons are justified whereas others may lift an eyebrow…
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The upgraded duel-pipe free-flow exhaust opens up the engine for performance purposes while four silencer boxes keep the growl to acceptable levels.
BF Goodridge undisputedly makes the best SUV tires in the world. We have selected All-Terrain’s to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable ride even on wet tar, while performing superbly offroad.
We also included alloy rims in the package as we felt that it presented the ideal combination of aesthetics and durability, even under challenging driving conditions.
Custom sidesteps/rocksliders not only makes it easier to climb into the truck, it also provides essential protection against rocks when you take your Landy out on a challenging trail.
Some added protection comes in the form of alu-checker plates, you wouldn’t want rash from stones and branches spoiling the superb paintwork after all.
Kelly: Administrative Matters
True love: One day we will build her dream 130 overlander … we promise.
Simon: Sagelike Strategy Guru
True love: We caught him with pics on his computer of the Lara Croft Defender …
Dylan: New Vehicle Acquisitions
True love: A Landy that doesn’t catch fire when he drives it back home from the seller.
Albert: Resident Resurrector of Zombie Defenders
True love: 1997 Limited Edition Defender 90 with a 328i BMW powerplant.
Deon: Lawyer and Keen Pursuer of Adventure
True love: Anything but a Jeep, but preferably a 1990 110 in matte black
Andrew: Lawyer and Certified Petrol Head
True love: 1992 110 with tan interior that makes the ladies swoon
This is the workhorse Rover V8 engine that revolutionized the market at the time due to its relatively lightweight in proportion to its output. It was an engine that even found its place on the racetrack.
The block and heads are manufactured from aluminium and the one weak spot – the pressed iron cylinder linings – have been replaced with “top-hat” linings during the full engine rebuild.
The standard LT77 gearbox of the earlier model Defenders is mated with a standard LT230 transfer case. Nothing funny was done to the drivetrain – everything is stock standard as it should be. The gearing produces a comfortable drive on tar and this truck can be used for an everyday commuting vehicle, even in heavy traffic.
Offroad is where the Defender really shines, though. The transfer case in low range produces two gears lower than the high-range first gear. It is also fitted with a standard centre diff-lock and with the diff-lock engaged and in low-range first, you will literally be able to idle through obstacles.
Like all proper offroad vehicles the Defender is fitted with solid axles.
The standard Defender lights are one of the known weaknesses of a production Defender.
We, therefore, fit striking Wipac LED lights on all our Defenders, we feel this is an absolute necessity for driving safety.
The dual, free-flow stainless steel pipes produce a growl that has to be heard. And it squeezes a couple more horses out of the powerplant that will put a grin all over your face when you floor the loud pedal.
BF Goodridge undisputedly makes the best SUV tires in the world. We have selected All-Terrain’s to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable ride even on wet tar, while performing superbly offroad.
We also included alloy rims in the package as we felt that it presented the ideal combination of aesthetics and durability, even under challenging driving conditions.
The standard R380 gearbox of the later model Defenders is mated with a standard LT230 transfer case.
Nothing funny was done to the drivetrain – everything is stock standard as it should be.
The gearing produces a comfortable drive on tar and this truck can be used for an everyday commuting vehicle, even in heavy traffic.
Offroad is where the Defender really shines, though. The transfer case in low range produces two gears lower than the high-range first gear. It is also fitted with a standard centre diff-lock and with the diff-lock engaged and in low-range first, you will literally be able to idle through obstacles.
Sand is the place where you will literally kick sand into the eyes of the other contenders. The high-revving M52 engine will not run out of steam even on steep dunes and the gearing in low range produces enough torque to take you safely out on the beach.
Like all proper offroad vehicles the Defender is fitted with solid axles.
Custom sidesteps/rock sliders not only makes it easier to climb into the truck, it also provides essential protection against rocks when you take your Landy out on a challenging trail.
Some added protection comes in the form of alu-checker plates, you wouldn’t want rash from stones and branches spoiling the superb paintwork after all.
The BMW M52 is a straight-6 DOHC petrol engine that was produced from 1994 to 2000.
It was on the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list from 1997 to 2000.
This is the most powerful engine ever built into a production Defender. It was a project unique to South Africa and just over 600 Defender 90’s were built.
Radio: Kenwood KMM-BT304
The standard sound setup in a Defender leaves much to be desired.
We take care of this with an upgraded Kenwood media receiver and matching replacement speakers. The receiver has Bluetooth capabilities to connect to streaming media devices and allows you to take phone calls hands-free.
Aircon
The aircon was professionally serviced to ensure that you remain cool inside the truck, even in a hot climate.
Alarm and Central Locking
The Landy is fitted with the standard Lucas alarm system and it has central locking on the front doors.
