Question about older d90!

[Rekogniz1]

I am in the market for a D90 and have come accross the following:

Right hand drive Defender 90 imported from the UK as a basic farm vehicle with a 1977 chassis number, this beauty has been re-built using a 1986 body,2.5L 4 cylinder Diesel engine (28mpg), 5speed transmission new paint and a brand new Land Rover canvas Bikini top.Ideal vehicle for off-roading or hunting and yet it will do 70mph on the Interstate.Smokes on starting up (as all diesels!) but when warm will run as smooth as a gas guzzler .Runs and drives great.Vin number 90137975A

Would there be a significant difference between buying this vs a 94 or 95 d90? I am not to framiliar with what the differences would be if any since these seem pretty simple to begin with. I like the idea of the diesel....any suggestions?

[rmuller]

Significant differences: The 94/95 D90 would be legal, this would not be.

[Rekogniz1]

From reading the thread in for sale regarding legal specs. This should be legal as the frame is still the 77 just with a 86 body and still titled as a 77. Anyways, I gues that what I am looking for is the differences of what this would be vs a 94 or 95 (i.e chassis, body, interior etc.)? thank you all for your help.

[diesel_jim]

That thing wouldn't even be legal over here (UK) without an SVA test, (the ministry are really tightening up on stuff like this) so not sure if there would be any problems getting it regstered over your side.

you say "it's just a '77 with '80's bodywork on it", surely no-one would go to the bother of just sticking later bodywork onto an old leaf sprung drum brakes chassis? then trying to shohorn in a turboD and LT77 5 speed box? (then the hassle of not having CV UJ's in the front axle, so then swapping in an ex series 3 109" V8 stage one full time 4wd axle....)

More like a dodgy seller sticking on a '77 VIN plate and flogging it off to some poor unsuspecting buyer.

"engine smokes when it starts like they all do"???? mine doesn't! I reckon there's something wrong with his then.

[dave_lucas]

Buy a NAS 94, 95 or 97 or buy a properly imported 1983, 1984

[marcingham]

"buy a properly imported 1983, 1984"

Lots of these hitting the US these days

[Buyrovers]

"buy a properly imported 1983, 1984"

Lots of these hitting the US these days
x2...

[Rekogniz1]

I appreciate all the feedback, but I am looking more for what the differences are between the 80's models and the 90's models (chassis, motor and interior etc)?

[JJB622]

It sounds questionable from the description. You can find 94 D90's in pretty nice condition (high miles) with the NAS pedigree for under 20k. If I were to buy a non NAS truck like that, I would want it to have been built by a reputable outfit.

Check out that Black D90 for sale by Roadside Rob in New Mexico if it's still available.

[MERLEANDSARAH]

Check out this listing on Craigslist in Seattle. http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/1368015054.html Have not seen it yet. Hopefully tomorrow.

[dave_lucas]

I appreciate all the feedback, but I am looking more for what the differences are between the 80's models and the 90's models (chassis, motor and interior etc)?

I do not think anyone can answer that question RE the 90 you are looking at at it sounds like a mutt or something other than what it is advertised as so there is not real way to say what the diffrences might be.

Post up the ad, pictures or more info and we can give you a better idea of what you are looking at.

Some of the diffrences off the top of my head between an 80's 90" and NAS D90 (not that it matters as we have no idea what this thing is that you are looking at)

motors
NAS had EFI V8

80's ROW could have 4 cyl petrol, 4 cyl NA diesel, 4cyl Turbo Diesel, V8 and I am sure there are others from other parts of the world.

Axles
NAS 90's had disk's all around

80's ROW had disc in front and drum in back for the most part

transmission
NAS had the R380 and a later LT77 trans and a transfer case with 1.2 ratio

80's ROW mostly had the early LT77

Other stuff that is diffrent
Nas had a roll cage 80's ROW did not
Gas tanks
AC
lights
wire harness
roof
seat mounting
radius arms
and on and on and on

Is it here in Colorado? If so I might be able to go look at it with you and help figure out what it is.

[Rekogniz1]

Dave-


It is not in colorado and the the paragraph in my original post is the description from the ad. I can tell you from looking at it is that it looks just like any other d90. Here is a link to the Autotrader.com AD:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=248978014&dealer_id=63075389&car_year=1986&rdm=1252684577118&model=DEFEND&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=67067&showZipError=y&make=ROV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=80003&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=15000&cardist=1219&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

[ECR]

From reading the thread in for sale regarding legal specs. This should be legal as the frame is still the 77 just with a 86 body and still titled as a 77. Anyways, I gues that what I am looking for is the differences of what this would be vs a 94 or 95 (i.e chassis, body, interior etc.)? thank you all for your help.

A 1977 Land Rover chassis would be 88" wheelbase, leaf sprung, etc etc etc. as the Series III 88 was made in 1997 and the Defender 90 (92.9" wheelbase, coil sprung, etc) was not.

This truck has had a 1977 Series III VIN applied to it in order to get it into the US. It does not have a 1977 chassis under it.

Thats fine if you know what you are buying and want to play the game, but do not consider that this is "leagl" by any means.

Buyer beware and have fun.

[evilfij]

x2 to what Mike said. I would be wary of a straight up VIN swap, but the "rebuilt to XYZ spec" where it actually was rebuilt, would not bother me.

[ron]

ad says farm vehicle with a 1977 chassis number

it does say the chasiss number is 1977 it doesnt say the chasis is a 1977

looks like a nice 10 footer

[Rekogniz1]

Ok, Here is the scoop. I spoke with the Guy selling it. Looks like he imports about 5 a year and has a group of guys go through them and do everything that needs to be done. This one is actualy an 86' (chassis included) with a 1977 Vin plate. The guy sells rovers for a living www.landrovervintage.com (http://www.landrovervintage.com) . From what he said and from what advice I am receiving here sounds like he has just simply worked the system to import the thing. It does have independent coil suspension but only had disc on the front and drum on the rear.

[Ren Ching]

the trucks look ok-ish and the prices aren't crazy high. but it sure makes you wonder WTF anyone would offer a 1983 truck on a 1980 chassis # when 1983's are legal. And why bother with 2.5 td units when you are importing vehicles with fake VIN's. If you are going to do that, just bring in 200 or 300tdi trucks...

I would steer well clear of this individual unless you know exactly what you are looking at and exactly what you are getting into, which, no offense, but I don't think you do.



Ok, Here is the scoop. I spoke with the Guy selling it. Looks like he imports about 5 a year and has a group of guys go through them and do everything that needs to be done. This one is actualy an 86' (chassis included) with a 1977 Vin plate. The guy sells rovers for a living www.landrovervintage.com (http://www.landrovervintage.com) . From what he said and from what advice I am receiving here sounds like he has just simply worked the system to import the thing. It does have independent coil suspension but only had disc on the front and drum on the rear.

[Buyrovers]

Did I mention you should just buy a properly imported 83/84? You could get a lot nicer truck with a better drivetrain for a little more money. And you COULD buy one from me...I am just saying.

[JohnsD90]

Did I mention you should just buy a properly imported 83/84? You could get a lot nicer truck with a better drivetrain for a little more money. And you COULD buy one from me...I am just saying.
Plus theres no worrying involved.

[Rekogniz1]

Ok, Let me clairify! All I am wondering is what are the differences between an 86 and a 94/95 D90 (chassis, interior, suspension etc)? I am not looking for all the little details but just the big differences.

[imeek]

This should have what you need...

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Land+Rover+Defender+Specifications+1986

[Rekogniz1]

IMEEK! What the F@*%? Sorry for asking! I figured there was more knowledge and expertise here then looking through google. Clearly this is not the case. Sorry for asking! I will go search google for what edmonds has to say?

No offense to the rest of you who have been very helpful, sorry that you have to be associated with such arrogance.

[imeek]

I was just ribbing you a little. Actually, click the first link. The wikipedia page has much of the info I think you are looking for.

Good luck, and take a deep breath. :)

[evilfij]

Isaac, it is only funny when I do it. :)

[imeek]

Isaac, it is only funny when I do it. :)Clearly. LOL....

[dave_lucas]

Dan,

If you want to see what a 1984 90" is like in person you are welcome to come by my place and look at mine then you can go look at a NAS and you will have a better feel for the diffrences.

FYI, it looks like he has photo chopped atleast 1 of the photos and might be hiding stuff in other photos.

[Rekogniz1]

Thank you all for your help. I sold my Pinzgauer and am looking for somthing new to mess around with. I went to my local Rover specialist who also worked on my Pinz and got his 2 cents as well. From what he said, if I was to purchase one with the 2.5 non-turbo diesel I would be disipointed as they are dogs here in Colorado.

[dave_lucas]

Linden engineering?

My 90 has the 2.5 NA and I will agree that it is slow :(

But I have a 200tdi in the garage :cool:

[evilfij]

Buying a 2.5 n/a is ok because it is a fairly easy bolt in of a 200tdi defender motor. See Gkase's thread in the projects section. Others have done this type of thing too.

[Rekogniz1]

Yes it is Linden. I have known Dennis for years and he is helping me in my pursuit for a good starter D90. I like to tinker, so one that needs paint and other work is ok. I am looking for a d90 that I can fix up the way I want to do it over time but need it to get me through this winter here in CO.

[dave_lucas]

I live a few miles from his place and drive by it most days.

Seems like a nice guy, need to go talk to him and see if he can help me adjust my injection pump for the altitude.

[Rekogniz1]

Dennis is a very nice guy! I would highly recomend him. He has worked on my Pinzgauer for years and is now working on my Late model Jaguar as well. He seems to really know his imports. He has a few d90 and 110's around there right now (customers vehicles - not for sale). It is a family owned business thus the Linden name(his wifes name is Linda) and it is nice to give the business to somone who really cares and takes pride in what they do. He really is passionate about Rovers and Pingauers and knows what he is doing without the price of the stealerships.