What mods could you make to your Defender?

The Defender is a great off-roader, renowned for its rugged charm and go-anywhere capability. However, there’s no doubt that sometimes, some older Defenders can benefit significantly from a few tweaks and modern upgrades, whether you’re looking to enhance your vehicle’s performance, improve your personal comfort, or simply make the vehicle more practical for everyday use. 

Here’s some of the top modifications you could think about adding, to make your marvellous Defender even better.

Upgrade the suspension system

Older Defenders were built with rugged durability in mind, but their factory suspension can feel a bit harsh sometimes, so upgrading the suspension will improve your comfort (your behind will no doubt thank you), the handling, and probably your vehicle’s off-road performance.

How to best upgrade the suspension on your Defender depends on how you plan to use it - be it off-roading, towing, or just general driving on the road. Some of the key components to consider include using high-performance shock absorbers for better control and ride quality, and also heavy-duty or progressive coil springs tailored to your Defender’s load requirements. If you’re off-roading, a lift kit can improve ground clearance, but you may also need extended brake lines and upgraded/adjustable control arms to maintain the proper driveline angles. 

Decent polyurethane suspension bushes, heavy-duty steering dampers and upgraded anti-roll bars can also enhance durability, handling and stability.

Having a professional alignment of your wheels is pretty crucial after any suspension modifications to ensure proper handling and tyre wear. While changing shocks and springs may be manageable as a DIY project, the more complex upgrades like lift kits or adjustable arms are likely best handled by a professional.

Improve the lighting

The Defender’s original headlights and indicators can be a tad dim, going by today’s standards. If you choose to upgrade your lights this should ultimately help improve visibility, and therefore your safety when driving. LED lights are the popular option here, for both headlights, fog lights, side lights, reverse lights and the indicators. They are brighter, more energy-efficient and longer-lasting, and give your vehicle a sleeker, updated look.

You could also think about having a light bar within the grill, running as a DRL (daytime running light), as another extra - some of these have a sweeping animation kick in when the car starts up. Funky stuff…

Take the comfort levels up a notch

Defender interiors are famously utilitarian, but they can be transformed with a few upgrades to make them more comfortable and functional for daily use. You might think about fitting more modern, supportive seats with heating options for added comfort. Soundproofing is also an option, as it reduces road noise, as does adding some insulation (which also makes it a little warmer too). You could also think about adding storage boxes, both inside and outside, or even door pockets to put your personal items in if decent storage space is at a minimum. 

Fit bigger and better tyres

Having decent tyres is crucial for both on-road and off-road driving, and upgrading to modern all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres can transform your Defender’s performance. Slightly larger tyres improve ground clearance, but be careful not to exceed the limits of your suspension and drivetrain. Popular sizes of tyre often include 235/85 R16 or 265/75 R16, it would seem. All-terrain tyres provide a balance for road and off-road use, while mud-terrain tyres offer maximum grip in challenging conditions. Upgrading to modern alloy wheels can reduce the weight of the car, and improve the aesthetics.

Add on some side steps

Side steps are a practical and stylish addition to any Defender, especially if you’ve upgraded to larger tyres or a lifted suspension. These steps make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, particularly for children, and they make accessing the roof easier. Side steps can also help shield the lower bodywork from stones, mud and debris. 

Have a look at the options available that would best suit what you do with your Defender. Some rock sliders, which offer additional protection during off-road excursions, also have integrated steps. If you primarily use your Defender on the road, then flatter, wider side steps with an anti-slip surface might provide a more user-friendly solution.

So there we have it for now… Whether you make small or large changes, ultimately upgrading some of the individual items on your Defender is as much about enhancing its personality as it is about improving performance... 

There are plenty more things that you can do to help transform your vehicle - let us know below of any changes and upgrades that you have made, and we’ll try to do a part two with the extra suggestions!