L

Logan R

New Member
Hi All,

Ive been dreaming of a Defender since I was a small kid. Im finally able to afford one (i think) so I'm in the market for a 110 or 130 pickup to be exported to the US. Ive already researched lots of details about the 25 year rule, matching numbers, etc, etc. The reason I am posting is to get any of your insider information on things to watch for, major changes in a certain year, etc.

I'd like a:
110 or 130 Pickup
1985-1991

Questions:
1) Any major changes in engine, brakes, electrical, body etc within those years?
2) I prefer a diesel and there seem to have been a few options. Know issues or reasons to stick to one or the other?
3) It seems like unrestored 110s in that age range are selling from between 3k and 6k. Does that seem right?

Thanks for any help or info. Greatly appreciated. GO FROOME & GO CAVENDISH

-Logan
 
Hi Logan, welcome to the forum. The major change in my opinion during those years was the change to the 200tdi engine. This produces significantly more power than either the 2.5 N/A or 2.5 Turbo engines, and has a very good reputation for longevity. In your position I would be looking for a 1991 200tdi 110 pickup. Pretty much every part for this is still available, which will make the inevitable service and repairs a lot easier. Of course at this age, there can be rust issues with the chassis and axles, so you will need to get a good trustworthy inspection of the vehicle by someone who knows Land Rovers. The inspection will tell you more about condition than the price.
 
There was an engine change between those dates, I'm not sure when exactly but someone will come in on this. I think the 200 TDI came in about 1990. The 200tdi to my mind is probably one of the best engines they have made. Lots of post on here about them. I have a 1990, 110 and I wouldn't change it for anything else. The engine is near on indestructible. Basically you get what you pay for when buying a Defender. They are all in various stages of renovation and had work done to them.. The chassis and bulkhead is a problem area, rust develops and to change a chassis is a major job. Parts are cheap and plentiful. Pick ups are popular in the US but less popular in the UK. It might be wise to look for one in Europe as they will most probably be left hand drive
 
Don't look specifically for a pickup. Get the best 110 you can (obviously not a station wagon), and if required take off the hardtop/canvas and bolt on a truck cab in it's place. Far easier than fixing a huge list of issues on a dodgy vehicle that you bought becasue it was a pickup.
 
Logan R said:
Hi All,

Ive been dreaming of a Defender since I was a small kid. Im finally able to afford one (i think) so I'm in the market for a 110 or 130 pickup to be exported to the US. Ive already researched lots of details about the 25 year rule, matching numbers, etc, etc. The reason I am posting is to get any of your insider information on things to watch for, major changes in a certain year, etc.

I'd like a:
110 or 130 Pickup
1985-1991

Questions:
1) Any major changes in engine, brakes, electrical, body etc within those years?
2) I prefer a diesel and there seem to have been a few options. Know issues or reasons to stick to one or the other?
3) It seems like unrestored 110s in that age range are selling from between 3k and 6k. Does that seem right?

Thanks for any help or info. Greatly appreciated. GO FROOME & GO CAVENDISH

-Logan
Click to expand...
Condition is paramount. Although every single part is replaceable. But replacing the chassis or bulkhead is by far and away the bigger job.

Engines, axles and gearboxes are fairly quick, easy and straight forward to change.

Technically not many Defenders will be in reach however. The older models are not Defender's. You have the One Ten and the 127.

These will most likely have a 2.5TD in or a low CR Rover V8 with 3.5 litres.

The Defender came out around 1990, hence why there are few that are 25 years old.

The big change here is almost all are 200Tdi's. And the got a new name, the Defender 110 and the 130 (the 130 is exactly the same length and wheelbase as a 127, the big change here is the 130 has it's own dedicated chassis, while the 127 is a One Ten taken off the production line and extended).

As for the engines. Frankly all of them will be under powered and gutless compared to what you have in the USA.

Tdi's are nice motors and in the UK suit the road network and our fuel costs. But you'd have to be completely mental to want to run one in the USA.

A 2.5TD has even less power.

Rover V8's are quite nice engines. But out dated these days. And the 3.5 low CR is the worst version and won't be any quicker than a Tdi.

All of these will be producing about the same power and performance (or worse) than the lowest powered V6 Chevy or Ford compact pick-up from the 1980's/1990's.



Now I'm a Landy fan through and through. And can certainly see the appeal of owning something different to everyone else. And Defenders are rare in the USA.


But your local offerings are probably much better. Land Rover's have low powered engines, weak axles and weak gearboxes. Plus a Defender is cramped, noisy and unrefined. A Jeep will match or exceed the Land Rover off road, but with far better spares and upgrades in the US market.

And your domestic pickup trucks will all be nicer to drive on US roads with better performance and lower running costs.


I know of a few Land Rover's in the USA. And many people end up swapping the motor. Which often means swapping the gearbox (transmission), which then often means swapping the transfer box too as it's hard to find many US transmissions to mate to the LR transfer box.

They swap the engine for a Chevy or Ford V8 and swap on some beefier axles.....


So the question is, why bother even buying a Land Rover if almost none of it will be left at the end of it.


My hunch is, you'd probably be better off not going to the cost and hassle to get a Defender.



Other options.


Disco 1's were sold in the USA. Under the body they are almost the same as a Defender. Same axles, gearbox, transfer box, suspension and even engines. Although you didn't get the diesels in the USA.

This means, you can get 90% of a Defender in a more comfy Discovery package. If you are up for modding, you could even swap the out riggers/rear cross member and fit a Defender body to it with a bit of work.


On this note. What are the laws in the USA for building a vehicle? I've watched Hot Rod programs were they build a new chassis, body and create a one off car. How do these become legal for road use?

As in, could you assemble a Land Rover from parts and make it road legal? This might help get around the 25 year restriction.
 
I would concur with most of what has been said above other than Defenders having weak axles. If your looking at a 1990, 200tdi, 110 it should have a Salisbury rear axle which to my mind are very strong. On mine I also have a Salisbury on the front. The later 110 switched to a Rover axle which were weak. A Defender 90 has Rover axles and are also on the weak side as a colleague found out on a recent trip to Morocco. He blew a rear Diff and a front drive shaft and I ended up towing him out of the desert to a garage. It really depends what you want a Defender for. In a 25 year old Defender I don't think you will find things like A/C or many other creature comforts. The driving position is cramped but I find you get used to it. Mine will cruise all day at 70 mph which I think is above most US states limits. Good aftermarket soundproofing helps. I think if I lived in the US I would look seriously at a Wrangler type Jeep. I have never driven one but I am told they are as crude as a Defender to drive. I have had mine for seven years and I have no intention to get rid of it, both my wife and I love it, it's part of the family. In the winter in the snow its unstoppable with the right tires on. I live in the French countryside which is Defender territory. If I lived in the city I would think again.
 
Tdi's go ok for what they are. And indeed in the UK will do 70mph on most days. Although Tdi's can be fickle and run much better one day than another. Mostly due to humidity and ambient temp I think.

70mph on stock gearing is somewhat screaming it's nuts off. And in heat, altitude or laden, most will struggle to sustain 70mph realistically. 60-65mph yes more so.

The Salisbury isn't a bad axle, it is in fact essentially a Dana 60. However the bits that differentiate it from a Dana 60 make it weaker. Against normal LR axles they are strong. Compared to what guys can easily run in the US they are generally not great, but acceptable.

And while I have no idea of the ops intensions. It isn't uncommon for people in the US to run 35-38" tyres (tires ;) ;) ). Which will really stress the Rover drivetrain and engine.
 
zeaphod said:
Hi Logan, welcome to the forum. The major change in my opinion during those years was the change to the 200tdi engine. This produces significantly more power than either the 2.5 N/A or 2.5 Turbo engines, and has a very good reputation for longevity. In your position I would be looking for a 1991 200tdi 110 pickup. Pretty much every part for this is still available, which will make the inevitable service and repairs a lot easier. Of course at this age, there can be rust issues with the chassis and axles, so you will need to get a good trustworthy inspection of the vehicle by someone who knows Land Rovers. The inspection will tell you more about condition than the price.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Any advice on finding an good inspector? Other than the one the seller recommends? Or in most cases would that be ok?
 
300bhp/ton said:
Condition is paramount. Although every single part is replaceable. But replacing the chassis or bulkhead is by far and away the bigger job.

Engines, axles and gearboxes are fairly quick, easy and straight forward to change.

Technically not many Defenders will be in reach however. The older models are not Defender's. You have the One Ten and the 127.

These will most likely have a 2.5TD in or a low CR Rover V8 with 3.5 litres.

The Defender came out around 1990, hence why there are few that are 25 years old.

The big change here is almost all are 200Tdi's. And the got a new name, the Defender 110 and the 130 (the 130 is exactly the same length and wheelbase as a 127, the big change here is the 130 has it's own dedicated chassis, while the 127 is a One Ten taken off the production line and extended).

As for the engines. Frankly all of them will be under powered and gutless compared to what you have in the USA.

Tdi's are nice motors and in the UK suit the road network and our fuel costs. But you'd have to be completely mental to want to run one in the USA.

A 2.5TD has even less power.

Rover V8's are quite nice engines. But out dated these days. And the 3.5 low CR is the worst version and won't be any quicker than a Tdi.

All of these will be producing about the same power and performance (or worse) than the lowest powered V6 Chevy or Ford compact pick-up from the 1980's/1990's.



Now I'm a Landy fan through and through. And can certainly see the appeal of owning something different to everyone else. And Defenders are rare in the USA.


But your local offerings are probably much better. Land Rover's have low powered engines, weak axles and weak gearboxes. Plus a Defender is cramped, noisy and unrefined. A Jeep will match or exceed the Land Rover off road, but with far better spares and upgrades in the US market.

And your domestic pickup trucks will all be nicer to drive on US roads with better performance and lower running costs.


I know of a few Land Rover's in the USA. And many people end up swapping the motor. Which often means swapping the gearbox (transmission), which then often means swapping the transfer box too as it's hard to find many US transmissions to mate to the LR transfer box.

They swap the engine for a Chevy or Ford V8 and swap on some beefier axles.....


So the question is, why bother even buying a Land Rover if almost none of it will be left at the end of it.


My hunch is, you'd probably be better off not going to the cost and hassle to get a Defender.



Other options.


Disco 1's were sold in the USA. Under the body they are almost the same as a Defender. Same axles, gearbox, transfer box, suspension and even engines. Although you didn't get the diesels in the USA.

This means, you can get 90% of a Defender in a more comfy Discovery package. If you are up for modding, you could even swap the out riggers/rear cross member and fit a Defender body to it with a bit of work.


On this note. What are the laws in the USA for building a vehicle? I've watched Hot Rod programs were they build a new chassis, body and create a one off car. How do these become legal for road use?

As in, could you assemble a Land Rover from parts and make it road legal? This might help get around the 25 year restriction.
Click to expand...


Thanks for all the advice/ info. I think I am stuck on a 110 because I need a truck, and grew up in a family that restored British cars. Truck will be for a farm and local small roads have 50mph max speed limit. So I think it will fit the bill. I like the suggestion of finding one locally and will do some more research because I am still a bit unclear of the absolute final landed costs. Thanks
 
mikescuba said:
I would concur with most of what has been said above other than Defenders having weak axles. If your looking at a 1990, 200tdi, 110 it should have a Salisbury rear axle which to my mind are very strong. On mine I also have a Salisbury on the front. The later 110 switched to a Rover axle which were weak. A Defender 90 has Rover axles and are also on the weak side as a colleague found out on a recent trip to Morocco. He blew a rear Diff and a front drive shaft and I ended up towing him out of the desert to a garage. It really depends what you want a Defender for. In a 25 year old Defender I don't think you will find things like A/C or many other creature comforts. The driving position is cramped but I find you get used to it. Mine will cruise all day at 70 mph which I think is above most US states limits. Good aftermarket soundproofing helps. I think if I lived in the US I would look seriously at a Wrangler type Jeep. I have never driven one but I am told they are as crude as a Defender to drive. I have had mine for seven years and I have no intention to get rid of it, both my wife and I love it, it's part of the family. In the winter in the snow its unstoppable with the right tires on. I live in the French countryside which is Defender territory. If I lived in the city I would think again.
Click to expand...

Thanks for post. Are LHDrive 110s around in quantity in France that should be considered for import. We are hoping to use the car on a farm in a very small town. It would never be expected to do over about 50mph and I think will be much like yours, part of the family that stays around forever. Not a daily driver.
 
300bhp/ton said:
Tdi's go ok for what they are. And indeed in the UK will do 70mph on most days. Although Tdi's can be fickle and run much better one day than another. Mostly due to humidity and ambient temp I think.

70mph on stock gearing is somewhat screaming it's nuts off. And in heat, altitude or laden, most will struggle to sustain 70mph realistically. 60-65mph yes more so.

The Salisbury isn't a bad axle, it is in fact essentially a Dana 60. However the bits that differentiate it from a Dana 60 make it weaker. Against normal LR axles they are strong. Compared to what guys can easily run in the US they are generally not great, but acceptable.

And while I have no idea of the ops intensions. It isn't uncommon for people in the US to run 35-38" tyres (tires ;) ;) ). Which will really stress the Rover drivetrain and engine.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. Yeah some guys with some compensating to do here in the US run monsters tyres. I had 33s on my first 1979 FJ40 and thought they were too big however I simply did it for resale.
 
Logan R said:
Thanks for post. Are LHDrive 110s around in quantity in France that should be considered for import. We are hoping to use the car on a farm in a very small town. It would never be expected to do over about 50mph and I think will be much like yours, part of the family that stays around forever. Not a daily driver.
Click to expand...
Land Rover's are sold all across Europe.

UK models will be right hand drive, but MPH. And as it's the home market, lots and lots of choice and suppliers.

Continental Europe is left hand drive, but will be in km/h not miles.

Arguably swapping out a speedo to mph is less hassle than a left hand drive conversion. Or would you be looking to keep it right hand drive (is that even allowed in the USA??)

Of course buying from Europe may well introduce additional language barriers.

There are firms in the UK that will export to the USA. But I suspect that will add a fairly significant amount to the deal.

Good luck i your endeavour.
 
There are quiet a few LHD Defenders for sale in France but they seem to be more expensive than ones in the UK. I don't know if this link will work: https://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/offres/rhone_alpes/occasions/?th=1&q=Defender 110
If it doesn't try doing a search on leboncoin.fr Then type in Defender and search under Voitures. Ones in good condition seem to be going for a lot of money. The French do like the Defenders. You will probably have to copy and paste the text onto google translate to find out what they are saying about the item for sale. Holland, and Germany also have a big Defender following.
Good luck.
 
Wot he said. I bought a 90 off ebay (UK) paid for a mate to inspect it, change belts and lights, ferry to France with another mate, paid for their flights home and still came out much cheaper than buying one here in France. Ok rhd but used a lot off road so don't really make that much difference to me, I have lhd disco's for shopping trips/visits etc with the doris.
 
Hi again - re the inspection. I would try to get someone independent of the seller. Just google independent vehicle inspection uk
 
This is just my opinion, but:
A) the 200Tdi will cruise at 70mph all day with no trouble and still deliver very decent mpg. Sure, it may feel underpowered to guys used to massive displacement engines, but it'll do the job.

B) Defender axles are not THAT bad. Just stick a set of Ashcroft halfshafts and CVs and it'll run 35" reliably. They may seem expensive, but seeing the amounts of cash some people throw into minor stuff they're a good investment. Add some cheap axle casing braces if you bash into rocks a lot. I know tons of people who run 35s with lockers and Ashcroft bits on hardcore trails every weekend and they never got a problem. In fact, I think I've seen more stock Patrol Y60/61 stuff than Ashcroft bits to break on 35s and 37s.
 
Ashcroft stuff is pricey. But yes it can be worth it. However the crown wheel & pinion are also weak. You can peg the diff and it'll help a lot. But you can't avoid the weakness of it.

For proper off roaring standard power and standard tyres can and will break standard axles. If they didn't there simply wouldn't bend panties like Ashcroft, Kamdiff and others making uprated parts.

As for cruising at 70mph. It is possible, but as said earlier, tdi's can be fickle and some days they will not. And 70mph with standard series gearing is fairly high rpm. And will affect mpg. Anyone claiming different is probably using the rose tinted specs a bit too much. Or 70mph on the speedo is more like 65mph real speed.
 
Thanks for all the great info guys. I am continuing the search and will definitely post pics and/ or questions if i can find a truck in the coming weeks. Thanks again!
 
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