2013 Land Rover Defender XS - What upgrades do I need :)
Discussion
Just bought a 2013 Land Rover Defender XS, with winter pack with 60k on the clock. I've not seen it yet as it being delivered next week.
This is a dog, tip, general run-about....
Other than a new stereo and a phone holder, what essential upgrades are needed to make life easy / fun with a Defender?
Cheers
This is a dog, tip, general run-about....
Other than a new stereo and a phone holder, what essential upgrades are needed to make life easy / fun with a Defender?
Cheers
Did you go for a 90 or a 110?
It should be pretty good to go in my opinion, obviously there are endless toys and accessories you can choose add at your leisure, some points specifically to consider might be:
- Security, depending on where you live and storage arrangements. I like a pedal lock as its hard to defeat and will stop it being driven away, you can strong free standing items or a more expensive integrated system. Other points to protect are doors and bonnet fixings, there are products out there to help with that. Some people like steering wheel locks or removable steering wheels too
- Rust protection, keep an eye on the chassis and rear cross member, make sure its all kept clean and jet wash mud out of the many nooks and crannies. There's a few places that specialise in coatings
- Sound deadening, for TDCI's I think this is less of an issue but if you dont like it noise killer so offer some improvements
- Gearbox output shaft, probably the main weak point on TDCI's that stops them dead with no drive, check the service history to see if its been done, Ashcroft do an upgraded part that should solve the issue for good
- You can get seat rail risers and change the steering wheel if the ergonomics start to wear on you too but see how you go with that
Most of all enjoy it and remember to wave at fellow Defender clan!!
It should be pretty good to go in my opinion, obviously there are endless toys and accessories you can choose add at your leisure, some points specifically to consider might be:
- Security, depending on where you live and storage arrangements. I like a pedal lock as its hard to defeat and will stop it being driven away, you can strong free standing items or a more expensive integrated system. Other points to protect are doors and bonnet fixings, there are products out there to help with that. Some people like steering wheel locks or removable steering wheels too
- Rust protection, keep an eye on the chassis and rear cross member, make sure its all kept clean and jet wash mud out of the many nooks and crannies. There's a few places that specialise in coatings
- Sound deadening, for TDCI's I think this is less of an issue but if you dont like it noise killer so offer some improvements
- Gearbox output shaft, probably the main weak point on TDCI's that stops them dead with no drive, check the service history to see if its been done, Ashcroft do an upgraded part that should solve the issue for good
- You can get seat rail risers and change the steering wheel if the ergonomics start to wear on you too but see how you go with that
Most of all enjoy it and remember to wave at fellow Defender clan!!
Elbow protector - just one, for your right arm 
I use a clothes peg for the choke as well
but that won't help with yours.
From the post above security first - I've got a pedal lock and well worth it. Some would say a steering wheel boss as well. I've yet to fit the seat raisers, so can't comment on those.
For the summer I've got one of these to allow ventilation, but keep a semblance of security.
https://www.lrparts.net/lrc9939-sliding-window-gri...
The only other thing would be a spare wheel carrier - a proper one that doesn't hang off the back door.
Everything else I'd suggest wait until you use it and see what other accessories are actually needed rather than loading it with 'stuff'.
I use a clothes peg for the choke as well
but that won't help with yours.From the post above security first - I've got a pedal lock and well worth it. Some would say a steering wheel boss as well. I've yet to fit the seat raisers, so can't comment on those.
For the summer I've got one of these to allow ventilation, but keep a semblance of security.
https://www.lrparts.net/lrc9939-sliding-window-gri...
The only other thing would be a spare wheel carrier - a proper one that doesn't hang off the back door.
Everything else I'd suggest wait until you use it and see what other accessories are actually needed rather than loading it with 'stuff'.
Upgrades for what? Its a rather a vague question.
For me:
Don't spend a single penny on it until you have done at least 1000 miles then fix any issues that appear
Stereo
Speaker upgrade
Sound deadening. No idea how much the 2013 cars came with but my guess it still isn't much. Something like silent coat is very good. Consider applying some sound deadening to the underside of the bonnet too
Security bolts and cover plates for the bonnets and doors.
Tracker
Swing away spare wheel carrier. Don't let the wheel just remain hung on the door as that will eventually cause issues.
A Remap and blanking of the EGR if you can
Heated seats ok
Look up Wright Off Road. See if they do a kit for your Defender. Hes been making kits for years and they are considered to be the best there is.
Treat the chassis to something like Buzzweld.
Don't bother with carpets as they will get wet. Rubber mats are king
I'd bin that awful steering wheel for something to suit your taste. I don't think there is even an airbag in those, so no worries there.
Best of luck!
For me:
Don't spend a single penny on it until you have done at least 1000 miles then fix any issues that appear
Stereo
Speaker upgrade
Sound deadening. No idea how much the 2013 cars came with but my guess it still isn't much. Something like silent coat is very good. Consider applying some sound deadening to the underside of the bonnet too
Security bolts and cover plates for the bonnets and doors.
Tracker
Swing away spare wheel carrier. Don't let the wheel just remain hung on the door as that will eventually cause issues.
A Remap and blanking of the EGR if you can
Heated seats ok
Look up Wright Off Road. See if they do a kit for your Defender. Hes been making kits for years and they are considered to be the best there is.
Treat the chassis to something like Buzzweld.
Don't bother with carpets as they will get wet. Rubber mats are king
I'd bin that awful steering wheel for something to suit your taste. I don't think there is even an airbag in those, so no worries there.
Best of luck!
GetCarter said:
Pair of gloves... the heater is a bit rubbish.
Check out the Mudstuff heater deflection kit. Makes a huge difference and looks “factory”. Literally the first thing I fitted when I bought my latest Puma. Only other things I’ve done to mine:
Adrenaline pedal lock
Snow cowl - (again Mudstuff) deals with the air intake positioning issues if you park outside in winter.
Rear side pocket/nets (again Mudstuff iirc) - obviously not relevant if it’s got windows m
Dog guard
Security marking
Underseal
Rear mudguard bracket strengtheners (stops the panel flex/fracture on 110s)
Seat covers (Exmoor trim)
If you’re so minded, an extra set of wheels and tyres. Run mine on mud terrains most of the year (probably going to swap to an AT at some point) and winters when the weather turns cold.
On my second Puma, so all of that stuff was ordered to fit straight away. The aftermarket stuff (steering wheel, lighting kits, etc) isn’t to my taste and I’ve avoided any engine work at all as I just don’t think it needs it. I *might* be tempted to add a bit of soundproofing and/or upgrade the stereo a bit, but I’ve had this one for three years now and haven’t quite got round to it.
Next up is going to be an output shaft upgrade as I’ve been left stranded when one failed due to the spline issue.
Thanks all for the replies, I do know it was a bit of an open ended question, but as zero experience with a Defender, I had to start somewhere 
Hmm security is not something I had considered. Where I am is quite remote but its something I'll look into.
It had a full "CR coating" rust proofing 2 years ago, with a 10 year guarantee so I'm hoping it's good in that respect.
I've had it about a week, so will check out the other things you mention.
Was not going with carpets, just rubber throughout its a dog wagon, so will get full of mud / water etc.
Speaker upgrade is on my list of things to do, the current speaker sound awful, the stereo has already been upgraded.
Do 90's need the mudguard bracket strengthens?
Dog guard is already fitted
Things to do:
Security seems to be a big issue, (surprising, I thought my other car would be the security issue). Will look into upgrading what I have.
Reversing lights need a upgrade, dark night, single country lanes, reversing is a bit of an issue when you can't see anything!
Speakers
And to fix this which I spotted this weekend:
Benson11 said:
Did you go for a 90 or a 110?
It should be pretty good to go in my opinion, obviously there are endless toys and accessories you can choose add at your leisure, some points specifically to consider might be:
- Security, depending on where you live and storage arrangements. I like a pedal lock as its hard to defeat and will stop it being driven away, you can strong free standing items or a more expensive integrated system. Other points to protect are doors and bonnet fixings, there are products out there to help with that. Some people like steering wheel locks or removable steering wheels too
- Rust protection, keep an eye on the chassis and rear cross member, make sure its all kept clean and jet wash mud out of the many nooks and crannies. There's a few places that specialise in coatings
- Sound deadening, for TDCI's I think this is less of an issue but if you dont like it noise killer so offer some improvements
- Gearbox output shaft, probably the main weak point on TDCI's that stops them dead with no drive, check the service history to see if its been done, Ashcroft do an upgraded part that should solve the issue for good
- You can get seat rail risers and change the steering wheel if the ergonomics start to wear on you too but see how you go with that
Most of all enjoy it and remember to wave at fellow Defender clan!!
Its a 90, with rear folding seats which I'm going to remove soon as prefer the space over extra passengers. It should be pretty good to go in my opinion, obviously there are endless toys and accessories you can choose add at your leisure, some points specifically to consider might be:
- Security, depending on where you live and storage arrangements. I like a pedal lock as its hard to defeat and will stop it being driven away, you can strong free standing items or a more expensive integrated system. Other points to protect are doors and bonnet fixings, there are products out there to help with that. Some people like steering wheel locks or removable steering wheels too
- Rust protection, keep an eye on the chassis and rear cross member, make sure its all kept clean and jet wash mud out of the many nooks and crannies. There's a few places that specialise in coatings
- Sound deadening, for TDCI's I think this is less of an issue but if you dont like it noise killer so offer some improvements
- Gearbox output shaft, probably the main weak point on TDCI's that stops them dead with no drive, check the service history to see if its been done, Ashcroft do an upgraded part that should solve the issue for good
- You can get seat rail risers and change the steering wheel if the ergonomics start to wear on you too but see how you go with that
Most of all enjoy it and remember to wave at fellow Defender clan!!
Hmm security is not something I had considered. Where I am is quite remote but its something I'll look into.
It had a full "CR coating" rust proofing 2 years ago, with a 10 year guarantee so I'm hoping it's good in that respect.
I've had it about a week, so will check out the other things you mention.
GetCarter said:
Pair of gloves... the heater is a bit rubbish.
Actually I find its too hot and keep having to open the windows! bakerstreet said:
Upgrades for what? Its a rather a vague question.
For me:
Don't spend a single penny on it until you have done at least 1000 miles then fix any issues that appear
Stereo
Speaker upgrade
Sound deadening. No idea how much the 2013 cars came with but my guess it still isn't much. Something like silent coat is very good. Consider applying some sound deadening to the underside of the bonnet too
Security bolts and cover plates for the bonnets and doors.
Tracker
Swing away spare wheel carrier. Don't let the wheel just remain hung on the door as that will eventually cause issues.
A Remap and blanking of the EGR if you can
Heated seats ok
Look up Wright Off Road. See if they do a kit for your Defender. Hes been making kits for years and they are considered to be the best there is.
Treat the chassis to something like Buzzweld.
Don't bother with carpets as they will get wet. Rubber mats are king
I'd bin that awful steering wheel for something to suit your taste. I don't think there is even an airbag in those, so no worries there.
Best of luck!
Yep I know it's a bit vague, but some of the stuff listed already are things I'd not considered, so thank you. For me:
Don't spend a single penny on it until you have done at least 1000 miles then fix any issues that appear
Stereo
Speaker upgrade
Sound deadening. No idea how much the 2013 cars came with but my guess it still isn't much. Something like silent coat is very good. Consider applying some sound deadening to the underside of the bonnet too
Security bolts and cover plates for the bonnets and doors.
Tracker
Swing away spare wheel carrier. Don't let the wheel just remain hung on the door as that will eventually cause issues.
A Remap and blanking of the EGR if you can
Heated seats ok
Look up Wright Off Road. See if they do a kit for your Defender. Hes been making kits for years and they are considered to be the best there is.
Treat the chassis to something like Buzzweld.
Don't bother with carpets as they will get wet. Rubber mats are king
I'd bin that awful steering wheel for something to suit your taste. I don't think there is even an airbag in those, so no worries there.
Best of luck!
Was not going with carpets, just rubber throughout its a dog wagon, so will get full of mud / water etc.
Speaker upgrade is on my list of things to do, the current speaker sound awful, the stereo has already been upgraded.
LooneyTunes said:
Check out the Mudstuff heater deflection kit. Makes a huge difference and looks “factory”. Literally the first thing I fitted when I bought my latest Puma.
Only other things I’ve done to mine:
Adrenaline pedal lock
Snow cowl - (again Mudstuff) deals with the air intake positioning issues if you park outside in winter.
Rear side pocket/nets (again Mudstuff iirc) - obviously not relevant if it’s got windows m
Dog guard
Security marking
Underseal
Rear mudguard bracket strengtheners (stops the panel flex/fracture on 110s)
Seat covers (Exmoor trim)
If you’re so minded, an extra set of wheels and tyres. Run mine on mud terrains most of the year (probably going to swap to an AT at some point) and winters when the weather turns cold.
On my second Puma, so all of that stuff was ordered to fit straight away. The aftermarket stuff (steering wheel, lighting kits, etc) isn’t to my taste and I’ve avoided any engine work at all as I just don’t think it needs it. I *might* be tempted to add a bit of soundproofing and/or upgrade the stereo a bit, but I’ve had this one for three years now and haven’t quite got round to it.
Next up is going to be an output shaft upgrade as I’ve been left stranded when one failed due to the spline issue.
Its does have have windows, so will skip the pockets/nets. Only other things I’ve done to mine:
Adrenaline pedal lock
Snow cowl - (again Mudstuff) deals with the air intake positioning issues if you park outside in winter.
Rear side pocket/nets (again Mudstuff iirc) - obviously not relevant if it’s got windows m
Dog guard
Security marking
Underseal
Rear mudguard bracket strengtheners (stops the panel flex/fracture on 110s)
Seat covers (Exmoor trim)
If you’re so minded, an extra set of wheels and tyres. Run mine on mud terrains most of the year (probably going to swap to an AT at some point) and winters when the weather turns cold.
On my second Puma, so all of that stuff was ordered to fit straight away. The aftermarket stuff (steering wheel, lighting kits, etc) isn’t to my taste and I’ve avoided any engine work at all as I just don’t think it needs it. I *might* be tempted to add a bit of soundproofing and/or upgrade the stereo a bit, but I’ve had this one for three years now and haven’t quite got round to it.
Next up is going to be an output shaft upgrade as I’ve been left stranded when one failed due to the spline issue.
Do 90's need the mudguard bracket strengthens?
Dog guard is already fitted
Things to do:
Security seems to be a big issue, (surprising, I thought my other car would be the security issue). Will look into upgrading what I have.
Reversing lights need a upgrade, dark night, single country lanes, reversing is a bit of an issue when you can't see anything!
Speakers
And to fix this which I spotted this weekend:
Muppet007 said:
Do 90's need the mudguard bracket strengthens?
From memory, they don’t. There’s a bracket or shorter era overhang (can’t remember which) that makes things less prone to flexing and breaking. For security marking, look at RetainaGroup and Datatag. The former is great for component and glass marking, the latter includes microdots and some sneaky transponders. Done right the RetainaGroup kits provide a good visible deterrent, with Datatag it’s impossible to know if you’ve got them all… one would expect that either would dissuade ringers and people breaking for parts.
Pay particular attention to doors and bonnet. The former can be unbolted easily, and latter used to be a popular thing to nick to update an older Defender. Check out Defender2.net where there are lots of knowledgeable folk.
Edited by LooneyTunes on Monday 4th November 21:13
I thought the heater comment was odd, as you’ve found the late ones are like an inferno.
Personally I don’t think the XS needs more sound deadening, but each to their own.
Security is the main thing, I’ve got the removable and locking optimal steering boss.
Lots also put optimil hinges on to stop people just taking it apart.
There are a whole array of things you can do.
I’ve also got a stage 2 remap which makes it far more usable. (Personal preference)
Upgraded speakers (focal) and the base unit. ( and loads of more stuff)
One of the cheapest, easiest best upgrades was replacing the lid on the cubby box with a padded one
I know we aren’t meant to be comfortable in a defender, but …
Defender.net is good as well as the defender U.K. Facebook group.
This week I’ll mostly be Lanoguarding mine
Personally I don’t think the XS needs more sound deadening, but each to their own.
Security is the main thing, I’ve got the removable and locking optimal steering boss.
Lots also put optimil hinges on to stop people just taking it apart.
There are a whole array of things you can do.
I’ve also got a stage 2 remap which makes it far more usable. (Personal preference)
Upgraded speakers (focal) and the base unit. ( and loads of more stuff)
One of the cheapest, easiest best upgrades was replacing the lid on the cubby box with a padded one
I know we aren’t meant to be comfortable in a defender, but …
Defender.net is good as well as the defender U.K. Facebook group.
This week I’ll mostly be Lanoguarding mine
Edited by Cwomble on Wednesday 6th November 07:37
Cwomble said:
I thought the heater comment was odd, as you’ve found the late ones are like an inferno.
Personally I don’t think the XS needs more sound deadening, but each to their own.
I agree, they are inferno-esque, but the Mudstuff deflector is worthwhile as it better distributes the heat instead of roasting your left ankle/calf. Personally I don’t think the XS needs more sound deadening, but each to their own.
Agree too on the sound deadening for a regular station wagon, which are fine. Mine’s the utility station wagon and it’s devoid of carpets etc as a result.
Most of the security stuff is just a case of making others look more attractive. No need to go mad, but worth being aware of which components are at particular risk.
LooneyTunes said:
Cwomble said:
I thought the heater comment was odd, as you’ve found the late ones are like an inferno.
Personally I don’t think the XS needs more sound deadening, but each to their own.
I agree, they are inferno-esque, but the Mudstuff deflector is worthwhile as it better distributes the heat instead of roasting your left ankle/calf. Personally I don’t think the XS needs more sound deadening, but each to their own.
Agree too on the sound deadening for a regular station wagon, which are fine. Mine’s the utility station wagon and it’s devoid of carpets etc as a result.
Most of the security stuff is just a case of making others look more attractive. No need to go mad, but worth being aware of which components are at particular risk.
I was only intending to look at them the but the boys at UK defenders threw me the keys to a 2014 station wagon and I just got carried away
I’ll take a look at the deflector.
Just about to buy an ORE rear wheel carrier.
Silly question, do you get one or two in the pack?
Edited by Cwomble on Wednesday 6th November 18:52
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