Member Since: 05 Sep 2015
Location: Limburg
Posts: 16
Joes - D3 TDV6 HSE MY09
Hey everyone,
Bought my first Land Rover, a 2008 D3 TDV6 build but already MY09.
I used to have a Land cruiser (Prado) 90 but it was totaled in a accident so I had to look for something newer.
I used it also for off road holidays (mainly in France) and quicky found out that the next vehicle needed to have more interior space (as I also sleep in the vehicle during these holidays)
After reading lots of reviews (and some horror stories), looking at several other vehicles I decided the go for the D3.
Could not find another modern, comfy cruiser that could still do the rough stuff.
And I always loved the design.
Fresh from the previous owner:
The first thing was ordering the IIDTool.
Then some RRS 19" and Wrangler Duratrac's. (Very good offroad and still quiet enough on road).
Some variable connection rods for the air suspension (and programming the D3 back down with the IIDtool on road) was all it took to improve the off road capabilities.
First little off road:
Broke the air compressor bracket later that day
First mud:
I still had the winch from my Toyota so bought a hidden winch mount and a rasta front bumper protection plate:
With changing the timing belt I was presently surprised that I already had the newer type oil pump as that was a job I was not looking forward to.
Like everyone I still have a lot of other modifications planned
Driving the D3 off road does take some time getting used to with all the electronic aids.
I'm used to use heavy throttle but with the disco it is light throttle and let it crawl through the obstacles. No free spinning wheel, only control.
The approach and especially the departure angle is a lot less than my swb prado but rear bumper will get some protection later, and it should only be an issue on man made off road playgrounds.
1st Dec 2015 7:55 pm
Joes
Member Since: 05 Sep 2015
Location: Limburg
Posts: 16
Little update
Roof rails and simple homemade CB antenna mount:
7th Dec 2015 4:44 pm
CFB
Member Since: 02 Dec 2005
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Posts: 6100
Looking good, considering switching to Duratracs for the winter (currently on Scorpion Zero's) but not sure about noise and wet/snowy road grip, sure they will be good in the mud though.
7th Dec 2015 4:53 pm
geoffsnook
Member Since: 13 Jun 2014
Location: south wales
Posts: 3169
Nice but where did the front sump gaurd come from if you dont mind never heard of that one Discovery 3 se gone
Range rover sport supercharged here:)
7th Dec 2015 6:15 pm
Iguana
Member Since: 14 Oct 2013
Location: 'Sunny' Zomerset
Posts: 9402
looking 8) Joes Iggy/Ieuan
Current LR =
2015 RR Sport Autobiography
&
1992 Land Rover Defender Camper
- Gone but not forgotten:
MY10 D4 GS
MY05 Disco 3 'S'
MY14 FL2 HSE manual in Blue
MY15 Disco 4 HSE Lux in Santorini Black
MY08 Disco 3 SE manual in Buck Blue
1960 Series 2 88" (No idea why I sold it!)
7th Dec 2015 7:19 pm
Joes
Member Since: 05 Sep 2015
Location: Limburg
Posts: 16
@ CFB: the Duratrac is noisier than normal winter tires and in 19inch does not have the official snowflake icon ( for countries where winter tires are mandory in winter conditions).
If it is mainly for the roads I would stick with normal winter tires. If you like to take it offroad I was realy impressed with the Duratrac.
@ geoffsnook: the bumper guard is a rasta4x4 one.
7th Dec 2015 8:54 pm
Joes
Member Since: 05 Sep 2015
Location: Limburg
Posts: 16
Had my first breakdown yesterday.
Starter motor was not turning anymore.
I ordered a new one this morning but not in stock so will be for tomorrow.
Wanted to test the starter tonight by bridging the solenoid but there is not enough space around the B+ stud.
Then decided to removed the starter motor (in the rain on my driveway).
With the old one now in my hand and as a starter is not the most complicated component I decided to have a look what could be wrong.
First wanted to have a look at the solenoid but it is a closed design and too difficult to open and close without damaging.
So had a look at the brushed and found a lot of wet dirt and the brushes itself weren't moving free anymore.
Also the drain pipe was blocked so water/dirt wasn't able to get out easily.
So removed the brushes and rotor, cleaned everything, installed everything back together ( with free moving brushes), shorted the B+ stud for easier install and reinstalled in without struggle.
Starter motor is working again.
The new starter will be getting a dedicated spot in the boot and I will see if this fix is a cure of if the failure will come back.
11th Jan 2016 10:48 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
Great work
11th Jan 2016 10:54 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
Clock/ SNOTM /3Flash / 4x4Info /BT Update /Service Reset/Error Codes / Gearbox Reset See It Here
11th Jan 2016 11:40 pm
Twintorque
Member Since: 29 Mar 2012
Location: West coast
Posts: 112
Looks great and good fix for the starter, I hate replacing stuff that simply needs maintained though it seems to be a lost art these days with the inability to get components for so many things.
Wish many happy miles
12th Jan 2016 8:57 pm
Joes
Member Since: 05 Sep 2015
Location: Limburg
Posts: 16
Can't find much information about Durler online but I'm interested in going.
little play time (last week)
Long wheel base issue
13th Jan 2016 7:35 pm
Joes
Member Since: 05 Sep 2015
Location: Limburg
Posts: 16
Little update:
I went to the UK last month for some greenlaning:
Click image to enlarge
Some camping in the disco:
bed (drawers still to be made):
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