When it comes to the classic 4x4s to buy now, the Land Rover Defender certainly ranks highly. As a 4×4 model, the Defender is something of an icon.
The Land Rover may have been born out of necessity due to its origins as a utility vehicle. But, when the Defender hit the market, the stage was set for a 4×4 that was not only practical, capable and agile but playful and a real joy to drive, wherever your adventure takes you, as Automotive Style details:
“…the Defender was an evolution of its predecessors, featuring a more modern design and improved technologies while retaining its core toughness. This was a vehicle that was as comfortable fording rivers and climbing mountains as it was doing the school run. Coil springs, disc brakes, and a more refined interior set the Defender apart from its ancestors. And yet, it was still unmistakably a Land Rover, with its boxy silhouette and go-anywhere attitude.”
This is one of the reasons why, of all 4x4s, the Defender retains its resale value like no other. While the 90 and 110 Defenders came first, it is the 130 model that really gets off-roaders excited. Manufactured from 1990 to 2016, the Land Rover Defender 130 offers a legendary ride, especially if you add the following off-road upgrades to the mix.
Protect your Defender
Even a vehicle as rugged as the Defender needs a helping hand in the body protection department. N4 Skid Plate Underbody Protection is a must-add, putting 8mm of high-grade aluminium alloy between you and that off-road trail.
Damage from rocks and debris is the number one cause of stranded vehicles, which makes time consuming recovery and costly repairs also part of the package. Don’t let rough terrain put a stop to your off-road fun by fitting these durable, lightweight and high quality bash guards to your 130.
Get your 130 off-road ready
While many shock absorbers are designed for road use only, Koni Heavy Track Raid Dampers provide the adjustable absorption that delivers both on the road and off. In fact, Heavy Track shock absorbers are more durable than most off-road shocks on the market. The result? A higher level of safety, increased stability and better road-holding.
Lift with a premium suspension kit
Getting your vehicle ready for off-road adventure is simple with our Old Man Emu OME Ultimate BP-51 Suspension Lift Kit. It has been designed and developed specifically for the Land Rover Defender, and offers a tough, durable and integrated custom kit that’s ideal for extended heavy use and load carrying.
This Old Man Emu suspension upgrade makes superior performance possible, whatever the terrain, and you’ll notice improvements in performance, load carrying capacity and control right away.
Air down to suit your setting
On-board air compressors are great investments for regular off-roaders. Deflating or ‘airing down’ your tyres gives you better traction and an improved ride across a variety of terrains, and could even minimise the stress and strain driving off-road puts on your Defender’s suspension.
The ARB Twin High Output Air Compressor 12v Inflation Kit Bundle 2 offers the ease and convenience of adjusting your tyre inflation levels to the conditions, and can be called upon across a range of off-road settings.
Adjust your traction to the terrain
Those looking to forgo the use of an air compressor may find the Harrop Eaton Elocker is a better solution to their traction needs.
An Elocker is a full mechanical locking differential which is controlled by a switch in the cab. Unlike an air locker, which needs a source of air (usually via an on-board compressor), an Elocker calls on an electromagnetic system and push button activation to adjust traction for better off-road performance.
Find more upgrades for off-road travel by browsing our Land Rover Defender 1990-2016 collection.
