Defender Off Road Preperation
Discussion
Apologies in advance for the lengthy post, and the numerous questions that I am about to ask.
I have had a classic Range Rover since 2008. I was very spoilt as the previous owner had prepared the car to a very high spec including underbody guards protecting everything, twin batteries and up rated alternator and loads of other things.... I have given that car a lot of abuse over the years and the level to which the previous owner prepared it has always given me piece of mind. (still managed to break it occasionally though)
I have recently bought an old 110 to compliment it. This car is relatively standard other than sitting on large tyres, winch bumper and rock sliders. I have sitting in the garage, but not yet fitted, a steering guard, a winch and snorkel. It is 20 years / 200,000 miles young, and has a 300 TDi engine. The proposed use of the car is for green laning and pay & play.
SNORKEL
On the standard air filter, there is what looks like a non return drain valve to release any water that gets as far as the air filter housing. As the car is not in its first flush of youth, is that likely to be effective as a non return valve? i.e. should I remove it and blank it off, or seal it permanently, or am I best to leave it there? One compromise may be to leave it in place, but secure (and seal) a small clear plastic bag (such as used for coins) around it. Should any water want to drain into the bag, I will see it and empty it, but should the filter housing become submerged, the bag will also prevent water entering the non return valve.
ELECTRICAL
I am not planning on winch challenges or anything, but obviously the winch will be used occasionally. I was thinking of fitting a second battery and split charge system. I happen to have a nearly new leisure battery sitting in my garage (ex caravan that has just been sold), so the only real cost would be for a battery tray / holder / brackets and a split charge relay kit.
Is it worth me fitting a second battery and/or an uprated alternator, or are these not really required? Does anyone have any links to a decent split charge kit, battery tray / holder / clamps or uprated alternator? Other than the general principal that I should go for as big as possible, what amp rating should the split charge relay be? What is the output of the standard alternator?
WHEEL ARCH EXTENSIONS
The tyres currently extend beyond the wheel arches. Not sure how it got an MOT, but I am not arguing with that. As the tyres have plenty of life left I dont want to change them. Can you buy wheel arch extensions off the shelf? Ideally I would like something that is easy to fit and also flexible so if (when) I scrape it against a tree, it wont damage it. Any links please?
UNDERBODY PROTECTION
What are peoples opinions on diff guards, fuel tank guards, sump guards and transmission guards for defenders? On one hand, I dont want to spend money if these are not required; on the other hand I would rather spend a bit now than have an expensive bill in a years time if I break it. (I do have a track record of being a bit over enthusiastic and as such the car may not always be treated gently). Any links please? Oh, it sits on a wolf chassis. Does that mean that standard guards may not fit, or are all the holes & brackets etc on the chassis the same? The axles are also wolf spec, which I think is the same as a P38 Range Rover and defenders from 2002 onward, but am happy to be corrected on that.
LIGHTS
Finally, my better half (who is the actual owner), is very keen on some extra lights, preferably mounted on a roof bar, but possibly on the winch bumper. Any links for something decent?
I have had a little look on fleabay and google for the items I have asked about links for.
However, I would much rather buy from a recommendation rather than a random internet site only to find I am buying a poor quality product.
Thanks for reading this far, and for any positive advice.
I have had a classic Range Rover since 2008. I was very spoilt as the previous owner had prepared the car to a very high spec including underbody guards protecting everything, twin batteries and up rated alternator and loads of other things.... I have given that car a lot of abuse over the years and the level to which the previous owner prepared it has always given me piece of mind. (still managed to break it occasionally though)
I have recently bought an old 110 to compliment it. This car is relatively standard other than sitting on large tyres, winch bumper and rock sliders. I have sitting in the garage, but not yet fitted, a steering guard, a winch and snorkel. It is 20 years / 200,000 miles young, and has a 300 TDi engine. The proposed use of the car is for green laning and pay & play.
SNORKEL
On the standard air filter, there is what looks like a non return drain valve to release any water that gets as far as the air filter housing. As the car is not in its first flush of youth, is that likely to be effective as a non return valve? i.e. should I remove it and blank it off, or seal it permanently, or am I best to leave it there? One compromise may be to leave it in place, but secure (and seal) a small clear plastic bag (such as used for coins) around it. Should any water want to drain into the bag, I will see it and empty it, but should the filter housing become submerged, the bag will also prevent water entering the non return valve.
ELECTRICAL
I am not planning on winch challenges or anything, but obviously the winch will be used occasionally. I was thinking of fitting a second battery and split charge system. I happen to have a nearly new leisure battery sitting in my garage (ex caravan that has just been sold), so the only real cost would be for a battery tray / holder / brackets and a split charge relay kit.
Is it worth me fitting a second battery and/or an uprated alternator, or are these not really required? Does anyone have any links to a decent split charge kit, battery tray / holder / clamps or uprated alternator? Other than the general principal that I should go for as big as possible, what amp rating should the split charge relay be? What is the output of the standard alternator?
WHEEL ARCH EXTENSIONS
The tyres currently extend beyond the wheel arches. Not sure how it got an MOT, but I am not arguing with that. As the tyres have plenty of life left I dont want to change them. Can you buy wheel arch extensions off the shelf? Ideally I would like something that is easy to fit and also flexible so if (when) I scrape it against a tree, it wont damage it. Any links please?
UNDERBODY PROTECTION
What are peoples opinions on diff guards, fuel tank guards, sump guards and transmission guards for defenders? On one hand, I dont want to spend money if these are not required; on the other hand I would rather spend a bit now than have an expensive bill in a years time if I break it. (I do have a track record of being a bit over enthusiastic and as such the car may not always be treated gently). Any links please? Oh, it sits on a wolf chassis. Does that mean that standard guards may not fit, or are all the holes & brackets etc on the chassis the same? The axles are also wolf spec, which I think is the same as a P38 Range Rover and defenders from 2002 onward, but am happy to be corrected on that.
LIGHTS
Finally, my better half (who is the actual owner), is very keen on some extra lights, preferably mounted on a roof bar, but possibly on the winch bumper. Any links for something decent?
I have had a little look on fleabay and google for the items I have asked about links for.
However, I would much rather buy from a recommendation rather than a random internet site only to find I am buying a poor quality product.
Thanks for reading this far, and for any positive advice.
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