Here is a question to all the experts and those that regularly modify their rigs. I have a 2020 Defender-X which I am currently modifying. Just finished a winch install, will be adding a light bar in the front grill and finally will add 18 inch wheels with 285/70/18 MT's. I have the Luck8 Calipers already but I am not yet convinced that is the right way to go. I have seen posts where the calipers where replaced and a great post where the rear caliper was trimmed. Looking at the caliper is seems both easier and likely safer trimming as the two parts that stick out seem to be similar in function as the front puck, to clear mud - can't envision why you would have a channel with brake fluid in the fins.

What is everyone's thoughts on this one. Should I trim or replace. The post for trimming is included for reference

Caliper Trimming by aao4473 https://landroverforums.com/forum/20...r-zero-109068/

 

If you have the L8 calipers already why not just install them and not mess up that nice orange powder coat? Me, since I'm a cheap skate I would never have bought the L8's and just broke out the 80 grit flap disc. :-)

 

I purchased the Lucky8 calipers but still had to grind them down to fit aftermarket wheels (Redbourne).
So if I were to do it again, I would just grind down the factory calipers and save some money.

 

I would trim and if it was completely jacked up, then replace them with the Lucky8's. After driving a while, I would likely find myself in the position of e-baying the Lucky8's and spending the money somewhere else.

But I suspect all the trim suggestions are going to come from what has already been termed the "Off-Road Houligans" of which I'm a proud member. If you are planning on reselling within a few years, anxious about body damage when off-roading, think this is a risk of a warranty rejection over the next 2 years, etc. - then I would say you should self select into the replacement route.

 

@gurka01 I would definitive trim them. If you managed your winch install, this is piece of cake.

 

That has it - getting the 80 grit and the angle grinder going in the next few days. I was leaning this way and wanted to see what others thought. When I ordered the lucky8 calipers I was not fully aware of what the issue was with the fit just they needed to be replaced, oh well I have a back up if needed now

Thanks all

 

Did you do Johnson rods to accommodate that tire size?

 

@EIVerde

Yes I have the rods and will be using them as part of the tire upgrade. The rims are from Lucky8 and have enough offset to accommodate the width and given there have been 35s used (these ae 34) they should be OK. Hoping to not have to trim the lower bumper but will if needed as well as relocate the coolers, however I don't believe all that will be needed.

Plans are if the rods work - will drive it for a while and if I am happy with the setup will move to a subframe lift instead

 

On tire clearance, I run 33" (275/60/20) on Redbourne 15mm offset 8.5". I originally bought 1" rods from L8, I had slight rub on the front inner fender liner (front cooler vent area down to the bottom edge), didn't matter what ride position it would rub. I ended up modifying the inner wheel arch liner for clearance, now I can run lower than stock without rub. Point is, with a tire with any width wider than stock, taller than 32" and with more offset then stock, it doesn't seem to matter what lift rod you buy, you will rub.

 

@mikelr - What modifying did you do? Did you remove the liner or did you "pin" it closer to the body of the Defender? Or something else?