The Rover Shop
Explorer
I have been approached by a small company with the plans to build an expedition company like no other. With the company owner being a Land Rover enthusiast also it was an easy sell, we discussed the idea of using Land Rover defenders, but due to the time it would take to acquire 10 defenders and prep them (we have something in the works but it could take a while) I suggested we build 10-12 disco2 vehicles, I showed them my longitude expedition truck and suggested that we basically build them just like that but with improvements to remedy some known problems with them. So we agreed to build 10-12 discovery 2 vehicles and mostly (due to availability) stick with the later 03-04 vehicles. Sadly this will require a bit more monetary investment in that it will require all the engines being torn down and having the slipped/leaking liner problems inerrant with this model resolved. Go ahead was given and I acquired the first vehicle locally, after many discussions of colour schemes for the vehicles we decided all the vehicles will be painted similar to the G4 trucks and the defenders will be painted similar to the iconic camel,trophy trucks.
Here are the rough plans...engine out and turner engineering top hat sleeves installed, oil pump assemblies rebuilt with improved oil pressure relief valves, cylinder heads overhauled with some mild porting and polishing to improve flow. Turner engineering performance cam installed to improve torque, heavy duty timing chain and some other internal mods to increase reliability. Suspension will be getting a 2-3 inch heavy duty lift and shocks and brakes will be overhauled with addition of steel braided brake lines. Transmissions will be converted to manual diff lock versions if not already installed. At this point in time there are no plans to do the ARB or Ashcroft diff lock upgrades as I will be trying to keep the vehicles as close to “stock” as possible, so I will be doing the ABS modulator shuttle valve replacement and wiring mods to all vehicles. Externally the vehicles will be fitted with the ARB front winch bumper, probably the warn 9000lb winch, voyager racks safari roof rack and access ladder and fitted with a roof top tent. Vehicles will have dual batteries installed to maintain power to the fridge installed inside. Heavy duty 16” steel wheels with mud terrain Tyres should be handling the grip side of it.These vehicles have already proven their ability to go to the extremes many times and these upgrades should provide the ultimate compromise between off road capabilities and road going safety. Vehicles will be kitted out internally with necessary recovery gear also. Please feel free to come along for the ride and ask questions or make suggestions..
Here are the rough plans...engine out and turner engineering top hat sleeves installed, oil pump assemblies rebuilt with improved oil pressure relief valves, cylinder heads overhauled with some mild porting and polishing to improve flow. Turner engineering performance cam installed to improve torque, heavy duty timing chain and some other internal mods to increase reliability. Suspension will be getting a 2-3 inch heavy duty lift and shocks and brakes will be overhauled with addition of steel braided brake lines. Transmissions will be converted to manual diff lock versions if not already installed. At this point in time there are no plans to do the ARB or Ashcroft diff lock upgrades as I will be trying to keep the vehicles as close to “stock” as possible, so I will be doing the ABS modulator shuttle valve replacement and wiring mods to all vehicles. Externally the vehicles will be fitted with the ARB front winch bumper, probably the warn 9000lb winch, voyager racks safari roof rack and access ladder and fitted with a roof top tent. Vehicles will have dual batteries installed to maintain power to the fridge installed inside. Heavy duty 16” steel wheels with mud terrain Tyres should be handling the grip side of it.These vehicles have already proven their ability to go to the extremes many times and these upgrades should provide the ultimate compromise between off road capabilities and road going safety. Vehicles will be kitted out internally with necessary recovery gear also. Please feel free to come along for the ride and ask questions or make suggestions..