SAM’S MAIN MODIFICATIONS
35 INCH BFG KM3 TYRES (35/12.50/ R15) ON MODULAR STEEL WHEELS: The wheels were important to raise the lowest point of the car (the differentials). Having good clearance on these is important and fitting big wheels is the only way to achieve this. They also play a big factor in the way my truck looks, of course!
2" LIFTED ARB OLD MAN EMU SHOCKS AND SPRINGS; GWYN LEWIS 4X4 SUSPENSION MOUNTING HARDWARE, FRONT DOUBLE CARDAN PROP, EXTENDED BRAKE LINES AND HEADER TANK KIT: Gwyn Lewis 4x4 was recommended to me by a friend. He makes and supplies top quality components that he uses on his competition trucks as well as selling suspension components from my favourite 4x4 accessories brand, ARB.
FULL WADING DIFF BREATHER KIT AND SNORKEL: VERY important kit for adventures! Wading or deep river crossings are great fun but without the snorkel or wading kit you can encounter serious problems and even engine failure if your engine takes on water.
MASAI TUBULAR FRONT BUMPER: It was already fitted to my truck when I bought it. Although I love the bumper I have, it’s getting upgraded to a ARB one in the next week or so, which is one of the final things to do on my truck.
TERRAFIRMA A12000 WINCH: One of the most important features of my truck. It’s a safety blanket and a very useful tool for self-recovery and/or to help other off-roaders in a time of need. Without one fitted I would feel a bit lost and lack confidence if off-roading
STEDI UK 7 INCH ROUND CARBON HEADLIGHTS: I like night-time driving and having incredible lights makes your journeys safer by illuminating the way. They perform well and look good, too.
GENUINE LAND ROVER ROOFRACK: Important tool for any off-roader. Being able to utilise the rack for accessories and storage is a godsend for the 90 model. It creates usable space and gives me the look of a big truck!
BRITPART 30 MM EXTENDED WHEEL ARCHES (MODIFIED): The original arches kept ripping out the plastic rivets and one day I lost one in deep mud, so the decision was made for me, hence wider Britpart ones.
FULL LED WIPAC KIT: I am a sucker for led lights. I love the modern look and bright light. They are also waterproof (good for the wet water crossings).
SUMO STEERING BARS / STEERING GUARD: The 35 inch wheels require heavy-duty steering components which is why I have chosen the Sumobars from GL4X4. The steering guard is also a good way to prevent damage to the steering system.
STRAIGHT-THROUGH 3 IN GRIFFIN PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEM: The 300Tdi is such an underdog when it comes to Land Rover noises, but a straight-through performance exhaust changed that for me. It sounds like my truck looks and with the side exit I get to watch the black puffs of smoke when the truck is under load!
EBC GREENSTUFF BRAKE PADS: My truck is big and heavy so having a good set of trusted brake pads is essential.
TERRAFIRMA PERFORMANCE AIR FILTER: I am trying to achieve smoother power with my truck and these are also washable, which is nice.
RATEL X INDUSTRIES DIFF GUARDS, REAR RECOVERY POINT AND DROP-DOWN TABLE: Ratex X diff guards are super tough. Rear recovery point on my rear crossmember is also simple and tough. The drop-down table houses my important ARB Tred Pros and gives me somewhere to make a hot brew or store the beer and snacks at camp!
ORE 4X4 WHEEL CARRIER: I needed a new wheel carrier as my big spare wheel was putting a lot of strain on the rear door and hinges. This Ore-some wheel carrier solves that and more!
MIDLAND M30 CB RADIO WITH 4 FT THUNDERPOLE THUNDERSTIK ANTENNA: Being able to communicate with other road users and friends in convoy is great. There’s nothing quite like listening to banter over a CB when you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Also helps when navigating obstacles – and others can spot you using their CBS.
KEVFABERCONCEPT CUSTOM HEAVY-DUTY DRAWER SYSTEM: This awesome feature ties up the back of my truck and gives me some serious usable storage space for essential tools, spare parts and camping gear.
ARB 4X INTENSITY AR32 SPOTLIGHTS, TRED PRO RECOVERY KIT, TRASH BAG, AWNING WITH LIGHT, CHAIRS, 44 L FRIDGE AND FRIDGE SLIDER: I love all ARB products but my favourite would have to be the lights. They are like miniature suns on top of my truck and you can see for miles.
CUSTOM CARPETED INTERIOR, PAINTED DOOR CARDS, MUD UK DASH AND GRAB HANDLES, RAPTOR SWITCH PANEL: I did these bits for extra sound deadening and to freshen up a somewhat tired-looking Defender interior.
POWER INVERTER: Enables me to charge things using household plugs such as charge my laptop or run an extension cord to use a power tool.
MOMO PROTOTIPO STEERING WHEEL: I am 6 ft 4 in so using a smaller wheel has given me more room and comfort on long journeys.
REAR WORK LIGHTS: Functional light at the rear of the truck for camp activities and reversing in dark areas.
REAR BULKHEAD DELETE: This has given me more legroom in the truck.
PUMA XS SEATS: Standard Defender look – but upgraded.
BRITPART CHUBBY BOX: Comfort for the elbow and useful storage.
FATTY 60 MM ROCK SLIDERS: Protect the sides of the car and give it the over-sized beefy look.
NOT TO FORGET: Front light bar (cheap) is fit for purpose but will be upgraded with new bumper; dynamic indicators (with guards); Frozen ropes soft shackles (red to match the truck); deadmat sound proofing (already installed but wouldn’t be without it).