IT’S A GAZ
We explain dampers in our “Understanding your suspension” feature in this issue, page 78. Well, this month GAZ has announced bespoke GT adjustable telescopic dampers for Land Rover Ninety, One Ten and early Discovery and Range Rover models. The bespoke nature means they can be made to suit a customer’s requirements, with lengths and damper rates to suit requirements. They are easily adjustable by a simple knob on the side of the damper, making them ideal for someone who has different demands depending on whether the vehicle is on or off-road.
The dampers retail at £64.21 (plus VAT) each. For more details go to www.gazshocks.com
Forge has released further enhancements for the TD V6 2.7-litre Land Rover Discovery 3. These new EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) blanking plates will improve the performance of all 5A or 6A chassis models (up to 2006). Machined from stainless steel billet, these precision-engineered components have been made in Forge’s Gloucestershire factory and are claimed to be a perfect fit without distortion or leakage.
Keeping on the subject of noises in vehicles, we have heard about a new insulation material that would be ideal for many older 4x4s, where the original insulation has probably rotted away. Under Carpet Lite (www.boommat.com) is a new lightweight sound deadening and thermal insulation that will prevent the transfer of noise, and keep you a lot warmer in the winter.
Front control arm bushes on Series 3 Discoverys (from 2004 onwards) are vulnerable for failure, especially if the vehicle has been worked hard during its life. The original bushes are prone to ‘leak’ (they are oil filled) and therefore dry out. Add to this the fact that time does have an affect on rubber bushes and this can lead to movement of the lower arm. Buy the car secondhand, and you may not even be aware that the imprecise nature of the vehicle is not natural. Changing the bushes can make a huge improvement on the way the vehicle handles and these new products from SuperPro will do exactly that on offending Land Rovers. These guys know what they are doing with their bushes, and confident enough to supply them with a three year/36,000 mile warranty.
When it comes to helping your 4×4 stand out from the crowd, a personalised number plate can be just the ticket. It makes a statement about you and your interests, or reflects some feature of the car. It’s straightforward to buy a plate, and there are plenty of options available. We look at how to go about it
New tool kits are always pleasing, aren’t they? No matter how many tools you have in that tool kit, you can always find room for some new quality items, can’t you? Kamasa has recently introduced three professional quality socket sets, all manufactured from chrome vanadium and feature smooth 72-teeth ratchet handles with cushioned grips. The 1/4”drive set features nine deep sockets, 13 standard metric sockets, six star sockets, eight star bits, three hex bits, 12 assorted screwdriver bits, a universal joint, 50mm extension bar, 150mm extension bar, sliding T-bar and screwdriver. Available at a retail price of around £55.95
The guys as Bits4Landys in Scarborough North Yorkshire are well-known for their high quality steel and aluminium sheet metal reproduction parts and accessories for Series Land Rovers. They also supply grit blasted and galvanized bulkheads, front panels, axle cases and wheels. The latest are a pair of bulkhead brackets suitable for Series 3 Land Rovers. New laser cut and CNC bent copies are made from 3mm steel and hot dip galvanized and there are claimed to be 100% accurate – which means they are going to fit!
There cannot be a single reader who hasn’t experienced a vehicle with an annoying squeak or rattle, that no matter what you do, you just cannot get rid of. Help is at hand it seems from Newgate Simms with the new aftermarket Squeaks and Rattles Kit. These guys have been supplying all these products to the trade for years, but now you can get your hands on them. This kit includes various anti-friction coatings, dry film lubricants and also specialist automotive felts and foams that you can use to try and stop those highly irritating noises.
Checking out where the heat is created in a competition engine can be difficult, but vital if you want to avoid engine, brake, tyre problems. How do you check the temperature for specific areas or points on a vehicle? Micro-Temp now have a range of digital intrared thermometers – you just point and shoot and can read the temperature. The range it will register is from -76degF to a whooping 1800degF. Prices range from £28.91 to £289.28 and the kits are distributed in Europe through Nimbus Motorsport.
Powerflex has produced new inserts made specifically for the Subaru Forester SH, model range – mid 2008 onwards. These are the same design as the 2011 Impreza, but the Forester uses a spacer on top of the sub frame to raise the body, the spacer has a ring that protrudes which the new inserts accommodate. The inserts limit the movement of the sub frame giving an improved positive feel to the rear end under cornering. Ideal for a more tired, hard-worked vehicle.
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