It's weirdly like a brain in itself? :) Latest update... my torque converter is not compatible with the flexplate/flywheel supplied by Novak in the kit. My flexplate is 3 bolt 10.75 inch spacing (standard chevrolet), however my torque converter is 6 bolt 11.5 inch spacing (heavy duty). It also...

Latest update... gearbox back from Jon @ American Automatics... first rate job I would recommend his service to anyone. Lightly rebuilt and inspected with correct rear output shaft installed. http://www.americanautomatics.co.uk/services Some pics Next step is to get it bolted up...

Here is the kit you need. Sumo drag bar 830mm Lemforder LH track rod end Lemforder RH track rod end GL79 RHD damper mount Discovery drop arm http://www.devon4x4.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=76400&category_id=132&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=14...

They are both crap jobs I recommend you take the box off, take it to a local tractor shop and get them to pull the arm off. Thank you can upgrade to discovery style steering with a normal screw in ball joint. You will need a discovery steering drop arm, a discovery steering rod and a bracket...

The Defender can be modernized/updated while staying true to it's roots. It needs to remain modular, it needs a ladder chassis and it needs two solid axles.

Pah... it is in the South. Try driving down from Northumberland, or worse, Scotland.

Petrol V8 is where it's at Chevy V8 that is... non of your nancy boy rover (buick) rubbish :) Actually i'm going for the 4.0 litre petrol inline 6 from a jeep. Smooth and quiet with enough poke until I can upgrade to the Chevy.

An interesting point about engine type. inline 4 diesel's (specifically 200tdi's and to a lesser extent 300tdi's), are incredibly rough and noisy so are probably not the engine of choice. Inline 5's are a far smoother and less harsh layout as the engine is better balanced, so more suited to...

Maintain it correctly and it will be fine. Motorway miles are the easiest a car will do in it's lifetime. I would be looking to change the oils regularly (every 4000 miles) and keep the prop shaft joints greased. Check the wheel bearings once every 6 months and re-grease

How frequently your change the oil is more important than how expensive. Keep it changed every 4000 miles or 6 months and you will be fine.

A quick tip... you can get good results with a hot air gun... brings the plastic up like new again and no messy paint to worry about.

Yes... everything is replaceable and it would be a good investment IMO

The issue is Nox and particulates, in both cases diesel's are far more polluting than petrols. The misguided VED taxation was based around Co2, which diesel's produce less of, ironically forcing people into vehicles far worse for human health. Only now are they realizing their mistake. Save...

convert it to petrol?

why not go for a 4.6 rover V8? Should drop right in.

Get the head tested, sounds like it might be warped

Gearbox arrived... unfortunately it's got the wrong output shaft, but for the price I couldn't say no. It's off to American Automatics, for a full teardown, output shaft swap and inspection and then we should be good to go.

I have now located a 4l80e automatic gearbox and will be collecting on Friday. Some pictures to show progress so far. Engine to gearbox adaptor kit from Novak Conversions in the USA Gearbox to Transfer Case adaptor kit from Marks Adaptors in Australia Compushift gearbox computer from...

Petrol 5 litre jerry can of the stuff will shift anything