Yes you're right about that but you're talking about a totally different vehicle. There was the 50th anniversary defender in Atlantis blue. i'm lucky enough to thave the axles of one of them slung under my 90. But then there also was the Heritage edition launched in 1999 and that came in two...

I believe they were early td5 models. Absolutely gorgeous too. There wasn't much hype about them though. Never quite understood why.

I am a Sliema boy but currently live in Fgura, just a stone's throw away from Ghaxaq. How long where you here for?

I'm Maltese so I can give you some insight. First of all, any utitility Land Rovers you see are ex-UK imports. As some of you have rightly pointed out, our climate is pretty kind however we take rustproofing seriously. There are a few companies that specialise in the rebuilding of Land Rovers...

The only difference as far as I know is the air filter.

Nothing to it. Just put a comfortable cushion under your bum as it is a rather long job. Crouching will cripple you for a week.

I was tempted to find some time to remove the head, freshen it up and plonk it on again but mechanics told me to leave it well alone.

Mine did that some 4 years ago. It was time for pump-off-and-send-to-specialist.

Just bolt on whatever you can while it's out. Access is so much easier, timing belt included. Woops! My bad! Seems like the job's done! Bravo :) What a cracking build!

6mm is correct. I just replaced mine with some fuel hose.

I would say 7-8 hours if you were to work alone and take your time. I usually change a clutch in that time working single handedly. I don't stop for any breaks but I don't rush. It's the little things that take most time, like attaching coolant hoses, filling the cooling system, etc. That's...

Avoid theswearing and bandaging bleeding knuckles removing the whole pedal box and fitting it on the bench. It's much much easier, believe me.

I wouldn't bother with the 1.2 if I were you. My 300 tdi is fitted with one of them and thanks to it, i cannot fit tyres larger than 31". I know that swapping is an easy and relatively inexpensive task but I plan on changing the vehicle within the next 2 years so I won't bother.

You may also want to try www.turborebuild.co.uk

I replaced mine two weeks ago. Very easy job. the hardest part is undoing the 4 bolts that bolt the CHRA to the exhaust, nothing that some serious heat cannot shift. Buy a cartridge from a reputable source. i got mine from turbo rebuilds and cannot praise them enough. The unit was...

The only difference between pre-1998 and post-1998 rear axles is the cups that are spot welded onto the axle (where the bottom pin of the shock absorber locates). Knock the cups out with a hammer and chisel and you may fit earlier-type shock absorbers.

The new cartridge arrived yesterday and it really is a thing of beauty. Installation is relatively simple. I didn't take many pics but refitting really is the opposite of removal. Carefully fit the o-ring to the compressor side of the cartridge and fit the cartridge into the housing...

It's most certainly hydraulic-related. Most probably tired seals on master / slave. I would just change both for peace of mind.

Ok, time for a little update. The turbo was dismantled without too much trouble. Removing the actuator rod requires Herculean strengh. I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to re-attach it when the time comes. The 4 bolts securing the cartridge to the exhaust housing are real pigs...

Thanks a real lot for your tips. I'll take a few pictures as I go along. I've got a few days to kill until the cartridge arrives and I'll upload them (if I find a way) :)