My old Truck "Lara"

[laurie-the-lorry]

Hi Guys,

Gosh the 2007 Trophy looked so much fun! I may now be driving an FJ40. But my last build was a 90. I invested heaps of time, and a fair few Quid in this truck.

The modification list is longer than my arm. I was trying to achive the impossible, A good daily driver, a dependable expedition truck, and a competitive Challenge truck.

Like all builds there were things I was very happy with, the seating and dashboard were awesome. But there were things I wouldn't do again.

I am now building a Tom Cat and an expedition rig .

But if anyone want's a few pictures posting of "Lara" I can dig them out. And tell you what I think worked and what didn't.

 

[adventureduo]

Those are some beefy limb risers!

What's the diamond plate for on the top portion of the door?

 

[Desertoutpost]

Those are some beefy limb risers!

What's the diamond plate for on the top portion of the door?

Good questions, also I like the protection offered to the snorkle, but why bring it back around to the middle top?

Thanks

 

[laurie-the-lorry]

The Limb risers are not connected on that pic, I had just changed the front bumper, and hadn't re-fabricated the front connects at that point.

A lot of the challenge events in the UK are in the wet and Mud. And the Ultimate Challenge spends a lot of time in the woods and trees. The Limb risers allowed me to effectively Drive the tree, As in I would slide up along the top cage bar and off the other end. They worked well. and when competing had a strengthener bar across the bonnet.

This was then adapted to make a patio area for when i had the roof top tent on. Was a bit cool.

The door protection 5-Bar chequer plate came about prior to the limb risers. I cut a hole in the door. And it was easier to mask it than replace the skin.

Most of the truck ended up with 5 bar on it

Pretty much the same theory for the snorkle. We rolled a couple of times on one event and lost the snorkel. On the next event a tree took it off. So it was about as safe as i could get it in the middle.

 

[Funrover]

That is a beautiful 90 I would love to see any pics you have of her.... I am curious though... What are some of the things you didn't like?

 

[laurie-the-lorry]

Things I didn't like.

I guess sometimes it comes down to "If it ain't broke don't fix it".. Those lads at lode-lane have an awful lot of money and resources to make things reliable.

The td5 is a good strong engine, I broke mine countless times. Thankfully i had a really good working relationship with my dealer. And got most things covered on warranty.

Although I liked the Gigantic Garrard turbo, the computer power chip, the huge inter cooler with stainless piping. The changed out exhaust for power and fantastic sound. The truck rocked for speed and performance. But lost its reliability. So i no longer had confidence in it for true expo travel. It was an awesome street truck, and good for challenge but a little too heavy.

I tried to get too much into a vehicle to fulfill to many roles.

The good old 300 tdi, without any computers, and a few minor tried and tested improvements is the way i will go with my expo truck. Although bringing that to the US legally is causing more than a headache.

The challenge truck is the dogs bollocks thou. If it breaks down I can trailer it home.

Here is a pic or two more i will try and find some of the inside

 

[Funrover]

What issues has the diesel had?

 

[laurie-the-lorry]

I had far too many issues, But they were pretty much all of my own making. If you leave it the way it is meant to be it should be fine.

Personally i don't like the TD5 for long out of country expo's. I am an old school mechanic, trained in the forces during the period the British Army took the new fangled diesel rovers on. So i know how to fix um When they break.

The TD5 is a whole different can of worms. The ECU. Computer controls just about everything. (And they don't like getting wet) believe me I made a river crossing of the Danube in mine and even thou we had moved and internally roof mounted it next to the Eberspacker night heater it still got wet on exit and caused me a nightmare or two. Although normal wading is fine. 5foot is a bit OTT for any vehicle i guess .

So for me i prefer the 200 and 300 engines. The td5 onwards are a bit too computer Dependant. And in the back of beyond you cant pull up the diagnostic computer.

Although this is not knocking the TD5. Its a good engine. If left alone with standard turbo and computer chip it will run and run. I boosted my performance in Sooo many ways. And so it was my fault I had problems. But Crickey it was quick and fun to drive

 

[Schattenjager]

Just saw this thread! Welcome to ExPo and thanks for posting info about Laura. She is a beauty! I am a long time Land Rover fan and always will be I guess. You can put the man in a toyota but you can't take the Land Rover outta the man, kinda thing. You have a very interesting write up - looking forward to more info!