2011 LR4 HSE Build and Service

[mmbirtcher]

Maybe mostly service hehe.

I recently picked up a well maintained (oil changed every 5k), garaged LR4 in Ipanema Sand for an “I can’t pass this up” price. I had been looking for a 2013 Lux almost exclusively (mainly due to timing chain issues) for a few months. So many had serious holes in their service history that I was concerned I’d have to also pick up a warranty to go with. When I found this with a five page CarFax and stack of receipts for service I was in! 95,000 miles.

Ipanema is the beach in Rio de Janeiro by the way. Interesting name and beautiful color.

 

[mmbirtcher]

My car just prior to this was a 2004 LX 470. Great car. Durable. Reliable. Drove like a bank vault on the interstate. BORING. Not a Rover. I had a D2 a few years back, and even though the engine overheated and I didn’t trust it anymore, I always liked rovers. I do get them off road for longer trips to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, etc (all the way from Missouri no less).

Mosquito Pass, CO (2004 D2’s are so cool - well not the engine - they‘re HOT)


Missouri woodlands with the LX

My immediate plans for this started with a call to GOBI for the Land Rover LR4 Stealth Rack. I had read as much as could about all the racks and for me, the GOBI price vs quality vs style checked all the boxes. Not to mention it comes with a ladder and small daypack (that I actually need... really). I also ordered the removable panel over the sunroof because unlike many here I LOVE the sunroof (unless it leaks... then, not so much). And I added the awning brackets at a deep discount for my ARB 2500x2500 (best thing I EVER bought for off road travel).

now. Time for patience...

 

[mmbirtcher]

Next I had to do something about the wheels and tires! It’s a good looking car as it sits, but I really want a bit more sidewall and more aggressive tread. I considered the Terrafirma wheels (which were seemingly available right away), but I prefer the look of the TuffAnts (slightly lower price point as well - at the time). So I finally have 5 TuffAnt steelies enroute from Australia in a container ship. I was a bit concerned they may get caught up in the Suez Canal with the cargo ship that ran aground but a review of elementary school world geography assured me they weren’t going in that direction

https://www.tuffantusa.com/product-page/tuffant-steelies

I also considered Compomotives, Dakar Evo Corse (spelling?) and the very cool white defender rims but all of those options were in the silly expensive bracket for me. And steel works for me- a quick glance at some of my previous cars shows above average experience with steel wheels I think.

I went with the standard offset, and for those who don’t know, these are 18” wheels. I’m planning on LT265/65r18 in an AT tread pattern to avoid rubbing and to be able to drive out on the bump stops if need be at some point.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Ok. I got some things on the way. I had better make sure the maintenance is caught up. As I mentioned the previous owner was all over the oil changes which was great. Time to match up all the other maintenance and repairs to the service schedule (I use the “arduous” schedule from LR).

I also picked up the GAP Diagnostic llD Tool through Lucky8. I’m still learning how to use that to its full benefit- I think there’s a degree program for it at the local community college...

Anyway, I grabbed an oil change “kit” through Atlantic British of the correct spec oil from Castrol and planned on going with a 7500 interval AS SPECIFIED IN THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL (caps lock was on for anyone from LRNA that may be tuned in). I just don’t get it. The good news is that the Mobil 1 Extended Performance full synthetic also meets that really odd Ford oil spec for the 5L NAS LR. So I’ll be able to save a few bucks going forward.

Some other service items completed include a water pump, front crossover coolant pipe, alternator (I suspect a previous cover gasket leak as the culprit there). I then tackled the front diff oil (getting a jump on 105k service), transfer case oil and rear diff oil all with kits from Atlantic British. I then dropped it off for the brake line replacement (also 105k service item) and had them replace the rear heat manifold crossover whatever thing as preventative don’t want my engine to blow up service.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Rear heater tube replacement performed by a shop just a few blocks away along with the brake line service and flush.

Both ends of the heater tube (rear) looked like this at 96k which tells me it’s seen very little heat. I will put the front crossover tube on a 50k preventative service, but maybe let the rear go 100k....? but I’ll have to think about that.

Speaking of service schedule, I stole the one from Atlantic British that’s for the Range Rover same year with the naturally aspirated 5.0L and compared to the service manual to update. I have also added some items as regular service to prevent failure at an in opportune time like on a mountain pass. For example, replacement of the front hubs every 100k and maybe rebuild EAS valve bodies and replace airbags on a regular interval. Still pondering all that.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Diff and transfer fluids. Not a hard job really, just a bit messy. I tried something different by pumping the fluid in with a 60ml syringe. It worked fairly well but not perfect. Used factory spec fluid (as I do for most everything unless there is a clearly better option).

The fluid that drained out of the front differential and transfer “box” was perfect. It looked like new, which was nice to see. The rear, however, was another story which looked more like a milkshake. Not sure what’s up with that. I’ve meant to check the breather (I assume it’s extended from the factory?) but haven’t gotten around to it yet. Regardless, I haven’t noticed any issues that I would attribute to a rear diff. So fingers crossed. I thought I had a picture of the fluid. I’ll look around and add it if I find it.




And time for a more important fluid replacement!

 

[Errant]

Nice color! I picked up an ‘11 recently, too. You’ll like the TuffAnts, I just put them on mine.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Nice color! I picked up an ‘11 recently, too. You’ll like the TuffAnts, I just put them on mine.

What’s a “Metropolis”?

 

[mmbirtcher]

Always wanted the light guards on my “old” D2 but never got around to it. I realize they probably add negligible protection for the headlamps, but I dig the look and they were easy to do while I wait for other stuff to come in. Also recently started on my DIY drawers.
Before the light guards.

Drilling holes in the back for the brackets.

Black rust proofing for the holes I drilled. Not sure why this one is triangular, but it worked fine. All the other holes were circular. I’m guessing the bit might be dull.

First back one installed. The fronts required no drilling and had a bit of adjustment to them. Otherwise well engineered perfect fit.

The fronts after install. While I really like them, I believe they’ll “fit in” with the design of the car better once the wheels, tires and rack are on.

 

[Errant]

What’s a “Metropolis”?

Just a limited edition trim pack. It’s Fuji White, ebony and ivory interior, black mirrors, grills, door handles, full length roof rails, and 20” diamond cut wheels. There were 300 of them.

 

[mmbirtcher]

This is the third vehicle I’ve installed the ProClip mobile phone holder on. my stepson‘s 4Runner, my LX and now the LR. Always a great (a bit pricey) fit and quality product. No disassembly of the console or dash required for this model. Just snaps on and is very solid. I wish they made a good option for tablets as I use an iPad for navigation with Gaia GPS Pro. I’ll be doing a DIY tablet holder with aluminum channel combined with RAM Mount ball and tablet holder.





Perfect fit with zero adjustment. The phone just slides in and and doesn’t move. Haven’t tried inverting yet.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Installed the LR all weather mats for the front and second row after finding pretty cheap online. The previous owner had the Weather Tech laser fit that are thinner and have high sides. They tend to curl over and I don’t think they fit as well as the LR rubber. I had Weather Tech All Weather in my LX but they don’t make that type for the LR4 and I’d rather the OEM anyway.

These mats include additional attachment points to secure the mats really well in the rear.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Started the drawer build for the back a couple days ago on a good weather day when I was off. I built drawers some years ago on my 4Runner using cheaper plywood and sliding on carpeting. They weren’t fancy, but they worked. The second set for my LX was the kit from Land Shark Outfitters that was nice birch on an aluminum from. This time I decided to try full locking slides, birch plywood, fridge slide with tilt, pop up trays, and a drop in sink. These will remain in the LR 356 days. I’ll also have an extension into the second row when folded down to have a sleeping platform as an option to the RTT. Anyway, I went slow, measured three times and cut once. First (half) day went well. The top will be 3/4” while the rest so far is half inch.

I had the bottom piece cut already. The side piece was a test at the height f the taller part of the tailgate. I decided 42mm would be too tall to access any storage on the sides of the drawers, so I went down to 33mm.


Mostly done. Not being much of a carpenter, this took some time. But I’m happy to say the cuts were right on.


I have a table saw, but it’s cheap and not super-accurate. i recently discovered this circular saw guide which is AMAZING. Cheap and accurate to work with. When yo make drawers, do get new saw blades for better cuts (I did chip a little of the veneer).


Done for the day.


OK. Really done for the day. I’m out to VT for a week or so, won’t be back on this until the 20th or so. Platform completion is the priority as I can always slide stuff under if needed. Hopefully heading to Montana late May into mid June.

 

[mmbirtcher]

It's been a minute since I got back to this. Had a job change (a positive one), sold a house after adding a bathroom, bought a house (well, we close in 3 weeks) and planning a move. But prior to a trip (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho) LAST summer, I did get a couple things done. Added a simple iPad mount for running Gaia and other navigation software through. I had these parts from my previous car, an LX470. I'll use this again (I love the base attached as shown - literally just screwed in) but get a longer arm for it (6"). So simple.

 

[mmbirtcher]

Got the TuffAnts installed a while back (last summer...). Wrapped in Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek 265/65/18 XL's. They were great for our trip out west - put a lot of miles on and off pavement on them. Not too loud and love the look of the black steelies. I'll probably find some Land Rover stickers for the hubs just because I'm funny that way.