Freelander Project IV (Bertie)

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For some reason I have not been having notifications of this thread.
You have been working hard.

I personally think the FL needs to be lifted because I like motors which are high. Not for off-road reasons though. Sometimes a body lift (where possible) would do for me. I don't know I can invest the time and cash in doing mine though. What you have had to do is more than I would want to do. Yours is sooooo much better lifted. However, I have to admit if I were to do anything I would work on my Paj Junior.

Love what you have done with the back door. I went on your link but it doesn't open to a new window so back to it later I think.

I used the spacers you mentioned from eBay on my Rav4 a few years back and they were fine. The Rav was irritating because I found it was very limited on the wheel sizes.
Thanks for the kind words mate, not sure why the link doesn't work as it works for me. I love the look too, it makes me chuckle that I can crawl under the car without jacking it up. Also when I jack it up, now I need a block of wood or the jack won't go high enough. :D
 
It is one of the reasons I like motors that are higher as they usually come with superb clearance. Having said that being high up is not dependent on ground clearance. I like clearance and height. I just fitted an exhaust rear muffler to my Paj today and got to it by just getting under it. Also it makes jacking up a lot more pleasant as locating the jacking points (floor jack) is much easier. Do you not have a hi lift floorjack - it is a surprise??!! Also independent suspenders means the jack has to go a lot higher to get the "axle" off the ground. Most of my motors in the past have had good clearance but then I was a Suzuki fan for years and years. I was looking at a Range Rover sport outside the chip shop today and thought how low to the ground it was. I expect John will jump in here and tell me it can be raised by air or NoX or whatever but so many 4x4s are low these days.
 
Did a few more wee jobs yesterday, first when I had the back of the car lifted to fit the trailing arms, I pushed on the propshaft and didn't like the amount of movement. I had a spare front mount for the diff from a job I had done before, so I fitted it. Then I noticed a lot of oil stains on the diff so I topped it up with oil. I know I should have drained and refilled and checked to see why there were stains but I couldn't be arsed and just topped it up. Turns out it didn't need much anyway so I'm pretty sure it'll be fine.
Then as I may have mentioned before the boot was stinking of dog so I ripped out the boot carpet as well as the material on the rear seats which was covered in dog hair. :eek:
As expected the fish bowl was kinda wet but not as bad as I might have expected since the boot door window was jammed up when I bought the car and the window just closed against the outside edge of the seal. I found another potential cause for water getting in behind the plastic side panels. At the very back corner on both sides there is a rubber grommet which was missing on one side and fell out of the other when I touched it. These holes are fairly well out of the way of road spray but some damp is bound to get in if they are missing. I just sealed them with loads of silicone sealant. Thankfully the dog smell seems to have gone, so I refitted the rear plastic panels after sealing the holes.

Got a photo of the extended trailing arms.
20161028_123516_zpsiznwasyz.jpg


And this was after mucking about in a field today with them fitted
20161029_122740_zpslz9umboa.jpg


At one point I tried to drive through a particularly soggy part where a tractor got stuck a few months ago while topping the field.
Funny old thing but I got stuck too. :eek:
Well almost, I was able to rock it out in reverse. :p
So the VCU I reconned seems to be working fine, I opened the door so I could watch the back wheel and my mate did the same. All four wheels were spinning at the same time with only low revs :). I just need to do the OWU test on it to confirm it isn't too tight. If it is I'll need to release some fluid.
 
Did a few more wee jobs yesterday, first when I had the back of the car lifted to fit the trailing arms, I pushed on the propshaft and didn't like the amount of movement. I had a spare front mount for the diff from a job I had done before, so I fitted it. Then I noticed a lot of oil stains on the diff so I topped it up with oil. I know I should have drained and refilled and checked to see why there were stains but I couldn't be arsed and just topped it up. Turns out it didn't need much anyway so I'm pretty sure it'll be fine.
Then as I may have mentioned before the boot was stinking of dog so I ripped out the boot carpet as well as the material on the rear seats which was covered in dog hair. :eek:
As expected the fish bowl was kinda wet but not as bad as I might have expected since the boot door window was jammed up when I bought the car and the window just closed against the outside edge of the seal. I found another potential cause for water getting in behind the plastic side panels. At the very back corner on both sides there is a rubber grommet which was missing on one side and fell out of the other when I touched it. These holes are fairly well out of the way of road spray but some damp is bound to get in if they are missing. I just sealed them with loads of silicone sealant. Thankfully the dog smell seems to have gone, so I refitted the rear plastic panels after sealing the holes.

Got a photo of the extended trailing arms.
20161028_123516_zpsiznwasyz.jpg


And this was after mucking about in a field today with them fitted
20161029_122740_zpslz9umboa.jpg


At one point I tried to drive through a particularly soggy part where a tractor got stuck a few months ago while topping the field.
Funny old thing but I got stuck too. :eek:
Well almost, I was able to rock it out in reverse. :p
So the VCU I reconned seems to be working fine, I opened the door so I could watch the back wheel and my mate did the same. All four wheels were spinning at the same time with only low revs :). I just need to do the OWU test on it to confirm it isn't too tight. If it is I'll need to release some fluid.
You have been busy and accomplish heaps! Well done, its looking great :)
 
You inspired (or is that shamed!) me into action today Ali! I saw how much you've achieved - so I thought I really must accomplish some things today. Not just the mundane every day things like mowing the lawn and walking the dog - which I have done as well - but make sure I do something constructive.

Using your inspiration (OK shaming) my first thought was to also check my diff oil - never done it, had the car 5 years and in that time destroyed an IRD - could probably do with checking :)

Nope I thought that's just copying..... and it may not need doing anyway (it is remotely possible).

Then I had a brain storm, when we moved into this house 11 years ago, the kitchen taps were dripping - needed to be fixed - not been done - and they're still dripping - only a lot worse. So today I HAVE CHANGED MY KITCHEN TAPS - hope you don't mind that I triumphantly shouted that :)

In my defense, I have changed the washers a few times, but the seats are cracked and they won't seal..... but I knew that 11 years ago!

So new taps fitted and that's also got to be some brownie points from Mrs Grumpy as well. She has gone to Melbourne for the weekend with our daughter and they get back in the morning - I wonder if she'll notice they've stopped dripping !!! .....after 11 years of moaning at me.

Note in diary 30/10/2022 : Check diff oil :)
 
You inspired (or is that shamed!) me into action today Ali! I saw how much you've achieved - so I thought I really must accomplish some things today. Not just the mundane every day things like mowing the lawn and walking the dog - which I have done as well - but make sure I do something constructive.

Using your inspiration (OK shaming) my first thought was to also check my diff oil - never done it, had the car 5 years and in that time destroyed an IRD - could probably do with checking :)

Nope I thought that's just copying..... and it may not need doing anyway (it is remotely possible).

Then I had a brain storm, when we moved into this house 11 years ago, the kitchen taps were dripping - needed to be fixed - not been done - and they're still dripping - only a lot worse. So today I HAVE CHANGED MY KITCHEN TAPS - hope you don't mind that I triumphantly shouted that :)

In my defense, I have changed the washers a few times, but the seats are cracked and they won't seal..... but I knew that 11 years ago!

So new taps fitted and that's also got to be some brownie points from Mrs Grumpy as well. She has gone to Melbourne for the weekend with our daughter and they get back in the morning - I wonder if she'll notice they've stopped dripping !!! .....after 11 years of moaning at me.

Note in diary 30/10/2022 : Check diff oil :)
Nah! Drippy taps don't count in Landyzone. :p
To be fair, this is only a toy for me, it sits in my garage the whole time so I don't have to start from scratch every time I go out to work on it and don't need to leave it running at the end of the night, that makes a big difference. The other thing is I really want to get using it on some off road events as soon as possible so have been pushing more than usual.
 
I sussed today why we are both right about lengthening the trailing arm. I was sure my calcs showed that it wouldn't be possible - but obviously seeing the pics of your car it is.

Anyway - we went up to the airport today to get some tickets to come over to the UK next year... as it happens, today also saw the first scheduled A380 flight arrive into Christchurch, so photo op in the carpark :)

Looking at the picture I noticed how thick the mudflaps are and they are moulded into the rear of the wheel arch - so although I recon I could just about squeeze a tyre with a 1" bigger radius in, is there absolutely no more room. Taking the mudflap away frees up loads of space.

A380_1_b.jpg
 
Looking good Ali! :D

I know precisely what you mean about a Project Car - the lack of a need to ensure that it is still road worthy at the end of the day is truly liberating, and enables you to get on with the big jobs you'd otherwise put off!

Sadly I don't have a garage large enough (or not already full of stuff) to fit a car, so I do have to tidy up at the end of the day. On the positive side, this means that I account for all my tools - especially things like ratchet spanners and sockets which otherwise have a habit of disappearing!!! LOL
 
I sussed today why we are both right about lengthening the trailing arm. I was sure my calcs showed that it wouldn't be possible - but obviously seeing the pics of your car it is.

Anyway - we went up to the airport today to get some tickets to come over to the UK next year... as it happens, today also saw the first scheduled A380 flight arrive into Christchurch, so photo op in the carpark :)

Looking at the picture I noticed how thick the mudflaps are and they are moulded into the rear of the wheel arch - so although I recon I could just about squeeze a tyre with a 1" bigger radius in, is there absolutely no more room. Taking the mudflap away frees up loads of space.

View attachment 109891
Not much point in having mudflaps on my car, Don't suspect they'd last long. :p
 
Looking good Ali! :D

I know precisely what you mean about a Project Car - the lack of a need to ensure that it is still road worthy at the end of the day is truly liberating, and enables you to get on with the big jobs you'd otherwise put off!
Sadly I don't have a garage large enough (or not already full of stuff) to fit a car, so I do have to tidy up at the end of the day. On the positive side, this means that I account for all my tools - especially things like ratchet spanners and sockets which otherwise have a habit of disappearing!!! LOL
Thanks mate, I sincerely hope by stuff you mean other cars, bits of cars or tools. If you mean household c**p then you really need to sort your prioritys out. :eek:
My Mother in law started talking about me putting washing lines and tumble dryers etc in my new garage after I built it. She was soon put right and told the garage was for cars and working on cars! :p
 
Hi mate, could you do me a favour and measure your ride height from floor to wheel arch on the front and rear so I can compare to mine. I have an 04 sport model with a 40mm lift and 235/70s. I'm thinking of replacing my sport suspension with standard suspension so that I gain another inch or so in height. Just wanted to see how much higher yours is than mine at the moment. Took it off road on Saturday and it was fantastic, kept with the big boys in the defenders most of the way! Love it...
 
So the VCU I reconned seems to be working fine, I opened the door so I could watch the back wheel and my mate did the same. All four wheels were spinning at the same time with only low revs :). I just need to do the OWU test on it to confirm it isn't too tight. If it is I'll need to release some fluid.
uh ?:confused:
Simply won't make any difference at all. Fluid fill level is nothing at all to do with static tightness. Adding or removing fluid will only effect the commencement of hump mode, and the so called owut can test nothing of the sort. You CANNOT adjust the static 'tightness' by adding or removing fluid - shear fallacy. - as said, you can only adjust hump mode
There is also no point in turning a single rear wheel with a lever, total waste of time. Just drive the thing and test it on full lock forward and reverse. If you feel any discernible bonding your vcu needs replacing. If not, and you get the appropriate rear wheel movement in low grip conditions then it is fine as it seems to be from your test.
Also drive it on a normal road for a couple of miles and check for any heat build up due to the unknown effects of the recon. Be careful though as your suspension geometry and dynamic effects are now almost certainly compromising the safety of the vehicle and others when used on the public roads.
:)
 
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uh ?:confused:
Simply won't make any difference at all. Fluid fill level is nothing at all to do with static tightness. Adding or removing fluid will only effect the commencement of hump mode, and the so called owut can test nothing of the sort. You CANNOT adjust the static 'tightness' by adding or removing fluid - shear fallacy. - as said, you can only adjust hump mode
There is also no point in turning a single rear wheel with a lever, total waste of time. Just drive the thing and test it on full lock forward and reverse. If you feel any discernible bonding your vcu needs replacing. If not, and you get the appropriate rear wheel movement in low grip conditions then it is fine as it seems to be from your test.
Also drive it on a normal road for a couple of miles and check for any heat build up due to the unknown effects of the recon. Be careful though as your suspension geometry and dynamic effects are now almost certainly compromising the safety of the vehicle and others when used on the public roads.
:)

Joe_h
Are you just out to cause trouble? You got deleted from here for posting the same stuff and causing offence. You've been told to drop your owut campaign as it's been done to death. I seriously think that you've discredited yourself so much now no one listens. You're rude and offensive to other members. You're threatening in the way you come across sometimes. You appear to hold grudges and have several personal vendettas. New members have left because of you. I don't think you have anything to offer other than other peoples ideas that you latch on to and change. Even time honoured tried and tested things you rubbish in a god like manner. You haven't been on here a year and you think you run the place and know everything there is to know about freelanders. I've looked, but I can not find any evidence of you practicing what you preach, so I believe that everything you say is not backed up with any real world experience. Your maf amp, brake conversion, tuned L Series. Where are they? You've lectured on them, yet I've seen nothing. Every body knows I've done it, the world knows I've done it. You don't find me belittling everything that people do or slagging it off. I've done more for freelanders than you will ever do. But you'll come back slating me and my business and probably my freelander. But that will confirm everyone's thoughts on you.
Any offensive language, threatening behaviour, personal vendettas, doing or attempting to do me harm like your last campaign. Will simply result in you being reported.

Ali, I'm sorry I put this on your thread but I think Joes behaviour is totally unacceptable, he clearly learnt nothing the last time the moderators had to get involved and delete his offensive posts.
Sorry. Warren. Diesel Do. Muddy Mods. Plus any other names I'm now likely to get called :D
 
uh ?:confused:
Simply won't make any difference at all. Fluid fill level is nothing at all to do with static tightness. Adding or removing fluid will only effect the commencement of hump mode, and the so called owut can test nothing of the sort. You CANNOT adjust the static 'tightness' by adding or removing fluid - shear fallacy. - as said, you can only adjust hump mode
There is also no point in turning a single rear wheel with a lever, total waste of time. Just drive the thing and test it on full lock forward and reverse. If you feel any discernible bonding your vcu needs replacing. If not, and you get the appropriate rear wheel movement in low grip conditions then it is fine as it seems to be from your test.
Also drive it on a normal road for a couple of miles and check for any heat build up due to the unknown effects of the recon. Be careful though as your suspension geometry and dynamic effects are now almost certainly compromising the safety of the vehicle and others when used on the public roads.
:)

Who is this muppet?!
 
uh ?:confused:
Simply won't make any difference at all. Fluid fill level is nothing at all to do with static tightness. Adding or removing fluid will only effect the commencement of hump mode, and the so called owut can test nothing of the sort. You CANNOT adjust the static 'tightness' by adding or removing fluid - shear fallacy. - as said, you can only adjust hump mode
There is also no point in turning a single rear wheel with a lever, total waste of time. Just drive the thing and test it on full lock forward and reverse. If you feel any discernible bonding your vcu needs replacing. If not, and you get the appropriate rear wheel movement in low grip conditions then it is fine as it seems to be from your test.
Also drive it on a normal road for a couple of miles and check for any heat build up due to the unknown effects of the recon. Be careful though as your suspension geometry and dynamic effects are now almost certainly compromising the safety of the vehicle and others when used on the public roads.
:)
Err, sorry Joe but I'm speaking from experience here gained by testing, not just theory. The last VCU I worked on I over filled it and the OWU test gave a time of around 45 secs to 1 minute. Can't remember the exact numbers but it was too tight and releasing a little fluid fixed the issue and brought it back down to around 20 secs. Others here have had the same results by adding and subtracting fluid. If I recall correctly that is the same test Bells do to test their newly reconned VCU's (albeit on the bench) for the same reason.
Perhaps if you had ever worked on a VCU you would understand how they work in practice, rather than your own half baked theorys.
As for the safety of my car I'll use the skill and experience gained over the last thirty years or so of driving to decide how safe it is. Not another half baked theory based on guesses, assumptions and flawed understanding of the suspension setup. One thing I can promise you is, if it is unsafe I'll remove the lift kit immediately and return it to the seller for a full refund.
I can't believe you are still spouting on about this after what happened before!

BTW guys this is my build thread. If you want to argue these points or reply on this issue, start a new thread please, I have no interest in reading your arguments about it here.
 
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Thanks mate, I sincerely hope by stuff you mean other cars, bits of cars or tools. If you mean household c**p then you really need to sort your prioritys out. :eek:
My Mother in law started talking about me putting washing lines and tumble dryers etc in my new garage after I built it. She was soon put right and told the garage was for cars and working on cars! :p
Trust me, there ain't no room for any household debris in my garage! It's full of bits of car! Predominantly MGF, but also TF, ZT and now Freelander! ;)
 
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