Adjusted valves, three were off, one really, really off. Installed glowplugs. Repaired dash cluster.

She's out of the garage for a test drive. Airing tires.



New diff cover (looks kind of out of place...lol) and used swaybar installed (game changer)



New stainless steel lugnuts. Was nice airing up tires and not staring at those old rusty ones.



Took her for a short spin, need to adjust shifter tower springs...little bit off.



Felt good to be rolling down the road in her!

 

Braggart lol

 

😅

But hey...someone has to post on this deadsville defender forum.

 

And you better watch it, or l'll start an old defender vs new defender topic while you're gone...lol.

Which, truthfully...shouldn't be much of a battle...with our measly 3000 views (which 90% are you and me) against nearly 69K.

Maybe, l'll start a defender vs series models...lol.

 

Replaced steering upper knuckle, was clunky and dry.

Old one (disregard clutch adjustment cover being off, someone wanted pictures for referrence).



New shiny, un-clunky one.



Beautiful day to get this little project done.



Lubed lower joint with jell-lube (spot on ground). Nearly, ready for another major road trip.



Still a few more things to do...

 

Had to go to salvage yard for some lumber, building additional cabinets in rear.

Even stopped for a bite to eat. Nice being retired, beat the 12 o'clock rush!



Boy, with all of the repairs and minor adjustments l've been making...she drives like a whole different animal.

Shift tower adjustment was clearly needed, after watching the shifter shake around uncontrolably and rattling the entire trip last fall. It's actually taken me a bit, to get use to the tighter pattern.

Has more of a Lambo feel to it now...okay...that may be a slight exaggeration...lol.

 

A gated 5 speed manual now is it?

 

Yes, very similar. And, it's really what this machine needed all along, when it comes to managing the massive 108 hp engine bolted underneath its bonnet..lol.

 

Building another cabinet on right side rear.

But, first...removed wheels on fridge and inner door handle, so l can push fridge tight to door and get center compartment open without moving it back out of the way.



During my last trip, had inflatable mattress and sleeping bag bungy corded here, by passengers door. So, that meant l had to crawl in and grab them, crawl out and inflate mattress...while standing at rear door. Too inconvenient.





So, decided to build more storage to house those items closer to rear.

Working on end panels.



Front panel, don't know what happen here with picture...lol.





l've got to add back panel and sand doors yet. Have hinges and hardware...so, it shouldn't take long to wrap this up.





It will be nice to have everything within easy reach. I'll build two shelves for other supplies and clothes.

 

Rear storage finished.





Finished up a little trim work by light switches.




Found a rear tire bag. Wasn't as easy as one might suspect. The tire is mounted to door, so you have limited room, actually none, to connect straps. This one slips over tire and connects underneath. Plus, after reading the reviews of all the China made crap...wanted either American or Australia made. Found a couple in USA that nearly ticked all of the boxes...but was designed more for swing out tire carrier. Anyhow, no more stinky laundry inside!



Tight fit. This thing is really made well, water just beads on canvas and it is lined with a think vinyl.



About time to point the bonnet in a new direction.