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**Richard K** · #1 4 Sep 2007

Defender 110 1996 2.8TGV
Heavy duty model (Land Rover Special Vehicles)
Extensively upgraded

This vehicle has been used as support on remote expeditions and as such has been maintained to high standards. Major components have been replaced as a matter of course over the years and servicing has been carried out well beyond the manufacturer's requirements. Reliability has been excellent and it has never let us down.

An extensive rebuild was carried out 10,000 miles ago (at a cost of £9k plus) with a view to using the truck for a series of long Saharan trips over the next three years. Plans have changed (we now need something with a 2 tonne capacity), so the truck has to go before it even gets started. Personally I am peeved to say the least!

Although it has the cosmetic scrapes, tears and dings you would expect for it's age and use (and 160k on the clock), mechanically this is effectively a low mileage Defender at far better than normal factory specs.

If you're looking for an Africa-proof expedition vehicle, serious dune cruiser or just a super-solid UK worker then here it is - we did the work for you!
This is genuinely ready to go to Timbuctu/Capetown/Vladivostock/Sidney (etc.) tomorrow. Stick a bag in the back, get yourself a carnet and off you go.

Any test, trial or inspection (within reason!)

Engine
The engine is a Powerstroke HS 2.8 TGV - an extensively re-engineered development of Land Rover's 300TDI. It was professionally fitted with a kit from Prins Maasdijk along with a complete, brand new set of ancilliaries (Injection pump, starter motor, alternator, turbo, steering pump etc. etc. ) uprated heavy duty clutch, flywheel etc.

You can read about the TGV engine here Prins Maasdijk - land rover motor engine 2.8 tgv international powerstroke dieselmotor defender discovery importeur dealer 28tgv 5000 3333. It gives 30% extra torque and 20% extra BHP over the stock 300 TDI and is more reliable and long-lasting. No electronics.

A high-performance allisport intercooler has been fitted for longevity - we've left the fuel pump detuned as the truck is not short of power, but 2 minutes with a screw driver will give you even more BHP if you want it.

This engine is just run in and only 10,000 miles into it's 200,000 mile service lifetime. Fitting a new one would cost you over £6,000.

Transmission
The Gearbox is a R380a fitted brand new by Ashcroft transmissions a few years ago - this is the later suffix with larger bearings.
Heavy duty clutch with new slave and master cylinder fitted 10k ago.
Reconditioned transfer box (10k ago)
All shifting and locking perfectly

Tyres and Suspension
Tyres are 265/16r BF Goodrich Mud Terrains - fantastic. These have 10,000 miles and look virtually new.
(HD 110's came fitted with 265/16's from the factory)
Two good spares.
Shocks are Monroe Adventures,
Springs OE Heavy duty with inner helpers at rear.
Orange Polybushes

Chassi
Factory strengthened to HD specs and waxoyled every year. No problems.

Brakes
Brakes are all in superb condition (discs all round, vented at the front) with recent calipers, hoses and discs.

Rear Axle
Original Salisbury diff and axle with brand new half shafts and drive members fitted 10k ago.

Front axle
New front differential, Ashcroft heavy duty CV joints (these are used by rock crawlers and are considered unbreakable)
Ashcroft half shafts, Ashcroft heavy duty drive flanges. All brand new 10,000 miles ago.

Interior
Panel soundproofing,
Twin corbeau rally seats,
Full length powered sunroof in back (fantastic for sleeping in the vehicle or for a breezy convertible feel on the road.
Glass sunroof in front.
Internal Roll-over bar with outriggers and crossmember

Electrical
Twin batteries and Split charge system
Rear work lamp
External 12v plug
8 x auxilliary 12v plugs inside
Husky Superwinch - currently off the vehicle, but was working perfectly. The bumper and wiring is all ready to go.
Wiring and switches fitted for a diesel heater.
Wiring and switches fitted for 4 x spot lights.
Towing electrics in place.

Miscellaneous
Steering guard at front
Rear tank guard (unfitted)
Towing/recovery shackles
Padlock hasps fitted to all 3 doors
Rear wheel carrier (chassi fixed swing away type)
Snorkel
Wading breathers on all axles and boxes
2 x OE roof bars
Aluminium side lockers

Optional extras
Exterior aluminium jerry can holders - 4 x 20l jerries on both sides (160 litres total).
Dash controlled twin compressors with tanks and regulator - Viair system fitted by Matt Savage - enough wumph to run air tools.
2 x solar panels
Comprehensive spares package
2 service packs.
NATO hitch in great nick.

Bad Points
If you're looking for a cosmetically perfect and shiny Defender then this one is not for you. The paint and bodywork has all the scratches and dings you would expect on a vehicle that has been used for what it was designed to do. There are also several marks in the body work and interior where accessories have been added or removed and the normal alu oxidisation in the normal spots.
The vehicle has aluminium side lockers which can carry up to 120 litres of fuel or water low down and centrally. To be honest these were fab'ed and fitted in a rush. They work perfectly so I've left them 'as is' but they could do with a tidy & a paint.
The passenger door lock needs adjustment - it works fine but won't unlock from the outside.
Headlining is detached around the sunroof - needs tacking down.
Some of the vehicle history was lost in a building fire - there are still stacks and stacks of receipts, but it is no longer the 100% perfect file that it once was.
The wheel carrier has had a bush repair and could do with some adjustment.

None of these issues are structural or serious, and you could sort everything out in a weekend or two without special skills or equipment. Cosmetic details were never a priority!

-----OFFERS TAKEN------

**Richard K** · #2 4 Sep 2007

Matt S, Roman, Grif and the other 4x4 regulars - any guesses what the current market value should be on this?

(best to PM any figures)

All I know is I won't get my money back

!

**Geoff van de Merwe** · #3 4 Sep 2007

Hi Richard,

Can you send pics to geoff at catchthepig co uk please.

**Gipper** · #4 4 Sep 2007

Richard

yep - a picture would be a help to putting a price on it...pm one or post here if poss....

its always difficult putting a price on someones pride and joy - all those hours spent skinning your knuckles, countless £££ s on parts, odds n ends and late night tinkering....

though as you say - if someone is looking for a well modified not too shiny Rover then you should get a reasonable amount for it - not sure about the rear sunroof though !!!

later
Grif

**Richard K** · #5 4 Sep 2007

Geoff, Grif, here's the obligatory macho axle-twist shot. ;-)

I'll take some up-to-date (and more illustrative) pics in the next day or two and send out to anyone interested.

The sunroof is a great mod!

**roamingyak** · #6 12 Sep 2007

Yeah, I was thinking the sunroof bit sounds interesting - any pic's and details of how or where you did it would be great....

**Richard K** · #7 12 Sep 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by roamingyak.org

Yeah, I was thinking the sunroof bit sounds interesting - any pic's and details of how or where you did it would be great....

Photos might take a while as I'm rushed off my feet with trip organisation at the mo' and the truck will get proper clean before it faces the market!

But yes, the rear sunroof is great. It's a Webasto (I think?) electric roof designed for a classic mini. Vinyl over steel bars, with a rigid steel surround, so very secure and I'd say stronger than the original tin-top. A real quality item, but not cheap.

Push the button and purrrrr.... fresh air and natural light. Can't overstate the morale benefits in hot climates or even the ropey British Summer. Anyone who's stewed in a van-backed Defender will understand.

On piste it lets in much less dust than the side windows which can now stay firmly closed. Sleeping in the back you get headroom, air and a view of the constellations.

I had some reservations before fitting, but it passed all field trials with aplomb.

**roamingyak** · #8 12 Sep 2007

Ha!

Tell us we can't have any photos for ages and then waffle on for even longer about how brillent it is - you tease! ;-)

**Richard K** · #9 12 Sep 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by roamingyak.org

Ha!

Tell us we can't have any photos for ages and then waffle on for even longer about how brillent it is - you tease! ;-)

Aha! the anticipation... ;-)

**dunebusters** · #10 10 Oct 2007

hi richard have you any pics you can send me?? we are desperately looking to find a support truck to do the paris/dakar heroeslegend rally in march!! cheers please send to dunebustersmartin@ hotmail.co.uk cheers martin.

**Richard K** · #11 12 Oct 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunebusters

hi richard have you any pics you can send me?? we are desperately looking to find a support truck to do the paris/dakar heroeslegend rally in march!! cheers please send to dunebustersmartin@ hotmail.co.uk cheers martin.

Still haven't had a chance to clean out the truck and get it in front of a camera, will get on it this weekend.

Meantime, a couple of old pics from last winter.