Good morning. I just bought a defender and is in the process to do all the checks to get the roadworthy done to enable registration. I am asking for advise on what i should be looking in addition to the list below. I am planning the following at the moment:
- Oil changes - Diffs, gearbox, engine and filter changes (filters - Diesel, oil, Air)
- Replacing the following as a good measure
* Power steering pipes and reservoir - currently leaking)
* bearings
* shocks and springs (returning to standard - currently lifted)
* sway bar and ball joint bush replacement
* door handles and catch replacements and rubbers etc. and some other things, paint is coming up as well.
Anything else i should look at if you can recommend. I also need some assistance or recommendations on the instrument cluster. Some of the warning lights need replacement. do you replace with LED's or not etc.

 

Check the swivel ***** for leaks (and/or if they're filled). If it was me, I'd fill with fresh one-shot grease.
Check u-joints for play, replace if there is any, grease regardless.
Cooling system checks, leaks? t-stat working?
Lube all door handles, linkages and hinges.

 

Don't forget the transfer case.

Sounds like you have a good plan of attack. Never hurts to poke around under the carpet/floor mats for rust, and also the frame, out-riggers and crossmembers.

Congratulations, on your new endeavor.

Snap some pictures of your new ride.

 

Thank you very much. ill keep the extra checks in mind

 

Thank you for the advise. i was planning on re-doing carpets with some sound deadening included. So definitely will. I actuality found some surface rust in the footwell on the driver side (usual suspect).
Ill post some photos some time, but being the "mechanic" the hands are normally full of oil and grease so staying away from the phone :-).

 

2 places that are the source of a lot of noise (that are oft ignored) are the doors (you'll have to pull the skins if you want to add deadening) and the seatbox.

 

Carpet seems like a good idea until it isn't. These things all leak and you can get water in no matter how hard you try not to - and carpet serves as a moisture wick and ensure that water is around as long as possible to rust out your bulkhead or firewall or door sills! So I would advise against carpet unless you never plan to drive or store where it may get wet. The heavy rubber mat kits cover all the key areas, provide about the same sound deadening, and avoid all the issues that carpet introduces. Thats what I used and it was good advice I got from another Defender owner.

That said - this is your truck so do whatever you want and never look back. So many people will give you opinions but yours is the only one that really matters. Cheers!

 

Yeah, unless you're parking in a garage...rubber flooring works out better (especially, if you plan on off-roading). They sell some pretty attractive sets...ones that cover the seat box also.