Well, the truck has been sold. We had a good run, but I just didn't need 3 vehicles in my life, especially when the Rover got the least amount of attention.
Reflecting back on this whole process, I think the Rover was my favorite truck to work on. Overall, it's very accessible and easy to learn on. While OEM parts aren't cheap, there are a lot of aftermarket versions available with varying levels of quality. And what's cool about the D1 is that there are a lot of cool, niche parts you can get for the truck that aren't ever seen on most others of its kind. Here are a few of my all time favorite accessories:
1.
British Classics Starter: I love this little starter because it just rips. Has a nice sound to it when it cranks and never lets you down in the cold. Well machined and I believe the core is a Denso.
2.
Foundry 4x4 X-Deflex Anti-Roll Bar: This is THE dis-connectable sway bar to get for the D1. Beautifully designed, super heavy duty, easily replaceable parts, and a simple mechanism to disconnect (using a hub). Too bad its so dang expensive, especially now with the import duties.
3.
Golden Rovers Folding Tailgate Table: Another wonderfully designed accessory I couldn't do with out. My truck has the prototype, which lacks the cutting board attachment on the bottom, but that doesn't matter. Really nice item and one I put to use regularly on my camping trips.
4.
Hot Climate Grille (Saudi Grille DHB102590LML): Unfortunately, no one will ever find these new again. Sold only in the Middle East (as far as I can tell), these grilles give you a look that you just can't beat. I somehow managed to find not 1, but 2 brand new OEM units in the UK. One got destroyed in transit, but the remainder is sitting happily on my truck. Love it.
5.
Kernow Camel Trophy Light Guards: One of my first accessories. These give you that cool Camel Trophy look. You do need to add some rivnuts to the rear, but well worth it. I don't think you can get these anymore sadly.
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Some final thoughts on my build choices:
1. Don't bother with the 4.0L and just put a 4.6L or something else in it. I spent a lot of money rebuilding the top and bottom end and while the motor has been super reliable and runs great, it lacks the power I was hoping for. Personally, I would have rather just spent the money to supe up a 4.6L and call it a day. BTW, I love the auto. Manuals are cool, but the auto is really nice in these trucks.
2. Ashcroft is overrated. Both my brand new T-Case and Transmission leaked when I received them. It cost me even more money for my local shop to pull them and figure out why. While they were responsive, they offered no remedies other than "send it back at your own expense" which makes no sense given we're an ocean away. Nevertheless, the units themselves operate beautifully, I just expected more out of the brand.
3. Gwyn Lewis makes really nice stuff, but it wasn't worth the cost shipping to the States. I should have just stuck with RTE and other brands. RTE, by the way, is essentially a zombie company now so I would not risk sending money to them. I have some history there...
4. I absolutely love my TrueTracs front and rear. They give you this planted, race car feeling that is really unique for a truck like this. They, however, are not a locker and so in those very few times I needed one, it was a bummer that I couldn't get myself out of a bind.
5. The speaker locations in this truck suck and unless you're going to make new holes, you aren't going to get great sound. I wasted a ton of money on a high end sound system only to find out there was little I could do (affordably) that would change the acoustics.
6. Building on #5, I wish I had purchased higher quality sound dampening material. Despite all the work I put in, the truck is nowhere near as quiet as I expected. There are ways to fix this, but I put too much work into that project to get the results I got.
7. If you're just getting into a D1 build, don't waste your time on anything other than an SD model. All the leaks really wear on you. I siliconed everything up and while it works well, it doesn't look great. Wish I just got an SD to avoid all the headaches in the first year of ownership.
8. The Safety Devices racks are so very cool, but frankly impractical. If you're going for looks then yes, go with SD. But if you want something you can use easily, get a flat rack.
9. The Mantec is legendary, but the design is a bit suspect for me. I've known two other vehicles that ran into airflow issues, especially at higher altitudes. Again, good for looks, but maybe not great for daily use.
10. Personal opinion but I think the RTE slimline front bumper looks better than the Safari Gard. Hard to believe, I know.
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Would I do it again?
Absolutely! In fact, at some point down the line, i'd love to build another D1 or maybe a D2. Of course, in 5 years time I can't imagine parts being readily available, especially for the D1. The whole market for the D1 has cratered and I don't think its ever coming back. It's a shame because they're really capable, super unique vehicles that look and drive great. They have an unfair reputation, but I understand that if you're unwilling to do your own work things can get very expensive.
I have a ton of material for anybody out there that is looking for information on the D1. Just reach out!
