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mrjsray



Member Since: 02 Jun 2017
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 10

United Kingdom 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
New Owner looking for advice
I have just bought my first Defender after years of pining for one (got to the point where my wife was begging friends to get me to buy one).

I have just bought a 2009 110 XS Station Wagon in Black (2.4 engine with 60k miles)

My question is - are there any modifications that people would recommend? Am more interested in the day to day improvements rather than styling mods (although they may come later).
Post #628419 2nd Jun 2017 11:14am
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proloForêt



Member Since: 16 Mar 2017
Location: Montereau
Posts: 248

France 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
1.http://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-stuff/mud-armrest.html
2. Clutch switch bypass
3. Smaller steering wheel
4. 30mm Spacers on wheels.

These are my ones I now have and improve the driving experiences.
Armrest is simple but excellet, just have for one day and it is favorite piece!


Last edited by proloForêt on 2nd Jun 2017 12:29pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #628421 2nd Jun 2017 11:16am
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mrjsray



Member Since: 02 Jun 2017
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 10

United Kingdom 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
Thank you
Post #628423 2nd Jun 2017 11:19am
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ian series 1



Member Since: 17 Nov 2014
Location: south
Posts: 3127

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Bonatti Grey
Re map! 80" 80" 86" 88" 90"

Wanted, Forward Control Anything considered.
Post #628432 2nd Jun 2017 11:34am
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DAZ110



Member Since: 06 Dec 2007
Location: East Sussex
Posts: 2035

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Barolo Black
Upgrades to: Wheels/Tyres/Seats/Radio/Speakers/Remap/Security always seem to be favourites.

But there are plenty of other mods that we want to do!
Post #628437 2nd Jun 2017 11:45am
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mini Anaconda



Member Since: 23 Aug 2016
Location: Thames Valley
Posts: 782

United Kingdom 
Before you do anything else please fit it with some extra security if you haven't already! Thumbs Up
Post #628441 2nd Jun 2017 11:54am
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Thon



Member Since: 22 Nov 2015
Location: Salisbury Plain
Posts: 696

United Kingdom 
Gas strut for rear door. Very worthwhile.

I have a Nakatanenga one but I think they're good from all suppliers. Do a search on her for experiences of other makes.
Post #628446 2nd Jun 2017 12:06pm
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Rallymental



Member Since: 17 Aug 2015
Location: The Garden of England
Posts: 468

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Mods are a bit personal I think, better to own and drive it for a while and see what you cant live with.
Other peoples mods might not suit your driving/life style. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.
Solihull, 1948 - "If we paint the chassis, it will last for years"
Solihull, 2015 - "If we paint the chassis.............................
Post #628453 2nd Jun 2017 12:29pm
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Rosco



Member Since: 03 Dec 2010
Location: Burntwood
Posts: 1833

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Another vote for the gas strut to the rear door Thumbs Up http://www.4x4overlander.com/product/defender-rear-door-stay-v2/

I'd also add in no particular order
SECURITY

check your steering lock stops, see if you can improve that (free mod)

extended rear door straps - pretty cheap but makes a massive difference http://www.4x4overlander.com/product/defen...-adjuster/

Glove box mod - amazing how much junk you'll fit in there

http://www.4x4overlander.com/product/nakat...ove-box-2/

Rear mud flap reinforcement - kits are available, but a little bit of angled aluminium sorts the job a treat.

I've linked to Brendan's website for ease of reference (and recommended good service), but obviously available from others. (Brendan I'll for go the commission in lieu of the excellent advice you dispense to us all)

Most of all though as RM has said, live with it for a bit as there are a 1001 mods out there but they don't always suit everyone. 2007 - Stornoway Grey 90 XS SW - Gone
2002 - Black Discovery II - Gone
2014 - Montalcino Red 110 XS SW
Post #628457 2nd Jun 2017 12:37pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7904

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
Gosh where to start and there is no end!! Security is a must!! After that drive it a while and see what you feel needs improving as its different for everyone. Almost everything can be improved!

I was in your position two years ago, this forum has cost me a fortune so be warned. Search for specifics and read peoples 'build threads' in the 'My Defender' section.

Finally photos are a must please Very Happy

Good luck! Thumbs Up James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers
Post #628470 2nd Jun 2017 1:18pm
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LandRoverAnorak



Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

United Kingdom 
Doubling up the windscreen washer jets is a worthwhile addition. Slightly more involved on Puma models but perfectly doable.


Click image to enlarge
 Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia


Last edited by LandRoverAnorak on 8th Aug 2017 11:44am. Edited 1 time in total
Post #628529 2nd Jun 2017 5:35pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3745

United Kingdom 
Hello and welcome


I'm almost 2 years into Land rover ownership and as mentioned almost anything can be changed depends what YOU like...

I lived with mine as it was for 6 months or more then the modifications began.

When I found out they were very desirable I got a steering lock, use it all the time, only recently I have bought a tracker.

For me I don;t like seeing all the underneath suspension bits so fitted a sump guard, looks good and hides all the bits.

I would say all the bits I have done to mine I fine useful:-

Better headlights and bulbs
Led Lights all round, much safer I think at the back (brake lights way brighter)
Sound proofing (doors best for getting rid of tin can sound) seat box and boot did more for actual sound deadening.
Ultra guage, find handy for reseting codes and looking at speedo / revs easier
Leather door handles so they don't rub on your leg
Reversing camera - just very handy
Drop plate so I can switch between hooks when towing

Bits I just like...

Smaller wheel (feels ace and more car like)
Padded arm rest (means armrest is at a better height)
Leather trim dash board pod, cubby and grab handle.
Stainless sills
Started stainless bolts (cross member and rear door)
Rear door stay that keeps boot open
Metal side vent and alloy fuel cap

Bits I have done but not really used...

Glove box = just holds a USB charger and battery back up for phones etc..
Mud stuff led interior lights )as I fitted after winter so not really seen them in the dark)
Rear USB socket, just fitted not used but guess kids will or a fridge for summer...



Many many other bits, I have also a double din radio dashboard to fit but still deciding on head unit and some spacers, purely for looks and apparently turning circle Smile


Once you start looking generally you fine nothing on its own is That expensive....but it can add up. I have a Land rover pot and buy things every so often and fit them when O have time over weekends and evening.

My advice would be live with it for a bit and look round for ideas, decide on your 'look' the great thing with these trucks are that you can make them yours by the bits you add on Thumbs Up


MOST important if you spot another Land Rover (Series...TD5, 90, 110, 130 etc etc) YOU wave Smile Thumbs Up Thumbs Up
Post #628538 2nd Jun 2017 6:11pm
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mini Anaconda



Member Since: 23 Aug 2016
Location: Thames Valley
Posts: 782

United Kingdom 
And as above, waving is a MUST!
I felt very inadequate yesterday when I saw 3 Defenders and none of them waved back at me. Big Cry I always flash spotlights/wave and smile to any Series/RR Classic/Defender driver. Thumbs Up
Post #628541 2nd Jun 2017 6:40pm
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Riverboy



Member Since: 16 May 2016
Location: French sector, Earth
Posts: 1288

2014 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Corris Grey
Bling Thumbs Up We like shiny things here Very Happy
Post #628546 2nd Jun 2017 6:52pm
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Caterham



Member Since: 06 Nov 2008
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 6298

England 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
M worthwhile improvement in my opinion for day to day use is to improve the stereo with a head unit with sub woofer controls and a small sub mounted under rear seat out of the way. For a relatively small cost you sound will be greatly improved.

Second if you're keeping long term a remap can pay for itself by a circa 10% improvement in mpg. Also by blanking the egr you will reduce risk of other failures most notably the egr valve and turbo.

Thumbs Up

Welcome an enjoy.
Post #628547 2nd Jun 2017 6:58pm
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