R

Rollinhillz

New Member
Hi,
I'm having my 98 300tdi XS head gasket done next week along with getting the engine thoroughly checked over plus ive got a front swivel kit going on, so while its in I'm thinking at what upgrades/improvements everyone recommends ?
It'll have a decat pipe fitted and has alteady had the egr valve removed.
I'm planning on green landing at some point in the future so will have a 2" lift kit fitted and the diff/steering guards but not just yet.

I'm looking for suggestions to help the ride, running and handeling in general?
I use it as a daily driver and also tow my caravan fairly often as well as some field driving when working and training my spaniels.

Are the poly bushes a worthwhile addition ? Up rated steering damper, silicone hoses, up rated discs/pads, anti roll bars ?
You get the idea :0)

I've had it for 9 months now and am totally hooked by it and the scene.
Cheers in advance,
Andy
 
I cant imagine that a 2 inch lift kit will help your ride and handling at all.

But for green laning and 'field driving', I'd start with decent recovery points front and rear, a good tow rope and some Mud Terrains.
 
Ok I'll keep the lift tip in mind, I thought it'd be amust for laneing ? Would standard height but uprated or progressive springs/shocks be enough and still keep my towing and road handling something like ?
 
To be honest unless you are doing serious lanes/off roading then std height will be fine.
A good set of std springs and shocks will be fine.
 
Don't go with mud terrains if only doing light green laning, if it's too wet n muddy then don't drive it as you will risk damaging it. A good set of all terrains will suffice, and they won't hurt fuel consumption too much either.
A lift is not essential for light stuff, common sense will be enough, just look where you are going and go slow enough to be able to avoid any potential problems.
Find someone local who has done some laning, and go out with them a couple of times to get a feel for what your truck can do first, and if you feel that you need a bit more than some at tyres then go for it.
Is it a daily driver? If so, it could be worth looking at having a set of road tyres, and a set of at's or muds on a set of steels to swap when you go out to play.
 
Very few lanes need under-body protection, they exsist but are few and far between....even then most can be driven with care.....care being the operative word....green-laning is not the same as off-roading.

Breather kits are probably the the important upgrade if going near water and there's some nice fords not far from you
 
Cheers guys for the advice, I've been given the number for the chap that runs Staffs4x4 club so i'll speak with him about going out with them on a local laneing trip.

On the improved road/towing handling side of things am I right that some stiffer standard height springs, possibly 'police spec'? Will help along with the mentioned unrated steering damper ?
Tyre wise I'm looking at the Insa Rangers in 235/70/16, is this size ok or would taller/wider be any better for reasonable all round.
I won't be in a position to have a second set of wheels so will need a good 'does anything' setup.

While I'm on does swapping anti roll bars have any big impact either way ?

Sorry to keep on but I'm trying to learn as much as I can but the 4x4 fettling game is quite a complex area!

Cheers again
Andy
 
I'd go for either the genuine lr police spec springs, or some hd ones (mine uses those, got them from bearmach)
Anti roll bars won't interfere too much with normal laning, only when you get to extreme stuff will they be a pain.
The insa turbos are good, similar to a bfg at tyre, although they won't last as long (personal experience).
Save up and get the best you can, I can't recommend bf goodrich enough, although at close to 600 for a set of 4, they are pricey, but you will see over 30k miles from a set.
 
Some standard height bearmach blue hd would be more suitable for you I reckon... maybe get rid of the viscous fan and fit a leccy one...

use it much at night? Maybe a working light for the rear and some spots?

All depends how blingy u wanna be as they are very capable vehicles as they are!
 
Staffs4x4 is a gd site.id stick diff guards on and steering guard.all terrain tyres are enough for some lanes.muds dont change fuel to much.
 
don't forget if you do 2" lift it could cause problems with back of caravan when towing , unless you drop ball hitch ( which defeats object of lift)
 
taller tyres with a good tread will be the best mod you can do!
diff/steering guards are a good idea, snorkle and extended breathers are good if you want to go in the wet stuf.
you could keep normal springs but stick some better shocks or longer ones with some raised mounts to account for the increased compressed length, then a set of relocation cones.. it would give you more articulation.
 
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