Graham Jackson's TDI 110 Defender

[gjackson]

So, it's been a long time since any updates to this thread, but mainly because the 110 is pretty much complete. There are mods coming and additions, but they are mostly small and not worthy of a post.

BUT this past September, the B*itchin' Defender passed two major milestones in its history:

First was country number 21 for the truck. That was Mexico when we crossed into Baja.

The second was 100,000 KM which was reached just South of San Felipe.

Way cool!

cheers

 

[kcowyo]

....this past September, the B*itchin' Defender passed two major milestones in its history:

First was country number 21 for the truck. That was Mexico when we crossed into Baja....

So cool that it boggles the mind. And are you still planning for an upcoming trip across it's 4th continent? The BD110 is the measuring stick.... :safari-rig:

BTW, those new BFG KM2's deserve some mention too. I thought they looked great on the 110.
.

 

[kellymoe]

So, it's been a long time since any updates to this thread, but mainly because the 110 is pretty much complete. There are mods coming and additions, but they are mostly small and not worthy of a post.

BUT this past September, the B*itchin' Defender passed two major milestones in its history:

First was country number 21 for the truck. That was Mexico when we crossed into Baja.

The second was 100,000 KM which was reached just South of San Felipe.

Way cool!

cheers

Congratulations!! This thread has given me some good ideas, keep it going.

I think my truck comes close to the number of countries it has been in. Sadly it was done by the previous owner I cant even claim to have taken it through 21 counties I still find coins and other African detritus under the seats from time to time while working on it.

 

[Hltoppr]

One of the best things about this rig is that Graham and Connie have spent so much time on the "day to day" livability issues, and working around/in the truck. Lots to learn about vehicle set up!

-H-

 

[gjackson]

BTW, those new BFG KM2's deserve some mention too.

Good point KC. The KM2s are 285/75R16s which is currently a bit big for the truck in terms of gearing. I'm trying to decide if I want to scale back the tire size or re-gear. The 285 size fits the 110 very well. We'll see how that pans out.

As far as the performance is concerned, I've been very happy with the tire. They are quieter than the old MT and so far wear has been minimal. Traction has been good in all tested conditions which includes sand, slickrock and regular dirt. I don't yet have a good feel for wet pavement, mud or snow.

Thanks for the comment Andrew. IMO a packing system is the most important modification you can make to a vehicle.

I still find coins and other African detritus under the seats from time to time while working on it.

Now that's plain cool!

cheers

 

[bigreen505]

Awesome Graham! So where is the new Technitop going. The 110 or the Rangie?

 

[gjackson]

The new tent will go on the Defender. The current one may go on the Rangie, but it is showing significant wear after 350+ nights. It's had a hard life.

cheers

 

[nwoods]

it is showing significant wear after 350+ nights. It's had a hard life.

That's bordering on TMI!

(Too Much Information)

 

[bryan062087]

Random question, but wondering what your gearing you are running? You have the R380 (diesel version?) and what gears in your diffs? Do you still have the 285 BFG's?

Pretty jealous of your truck and the trips you've taken in it, huge understatement.

 

[revor]

Random Questions require random thoughts and random answers from random individuals...

Gearing is 3.54 in the diffs with a 1.4:1 Transfer case. and an R380 for the 300. Same as mine..

I want 4.88 gears and a 1:1 transfer case! Or even better a Getrag from a Puma motor behind my 300 with 4.88 gears and a 1:1 Transfer case.

In the end it will probably be 4.11 gears behind a 1.2 transfer case and an R380 mainly because it's free.

 

[discotdi]

Sorry if someone has addressed this already. I did not read all 12 pages of this.
But how do you manage 30 MPG?! My 300 tdi Disco only gets about 21?

 

[nickt]

But how do you manage 30 MPG?!

My milage always improves when I use Imperial Gallons.

Nick.

 

[discotdi]

yes that helps.

 

[Connie]

But how do you manage 30 MPG?! My 300 tdi Disco only gets about 21?

It only got that kind of milage before all of the stuff was put on it and we were driving it back from the West Coast on the highway. The milage isn't quite that good any more, I think its around 24 now.

Graham can correct me if that's wrong when he gets back to internet access. :safari-rig:

 

[discotdi]

still, 24 rocks with all that stuff. No tweaks to the Engine to achieve that? My eng. must just be really shagged out.