Over the years I have found many websites, but the ones below have personally been the most inspirational to me because of a blend of adventure, hard core off roading, reliance on the expedition vehicle and unexpected occurences. To me they sum up everything great about using a Land Rover for an expedition....
Adjusting valve clearances is a Land Rover servicing task for every 12000 miles. Its purpose is to measure the gap between the top of the valve cap cap and the face of the rocker arm to allow for expansion of the valve stem when the engine is hot....
Part of the problem with buying a Land Rover with no service history is that you feel you have to start doing everything; thus creating a history to ensure to yourself that it is being kept in the best condition possible. Of course doing a full service upon purchase of a knackered Defender won't make up for years of inadequate servicing...
The Salisbury axle on a Defender 110 was used through the Series era until 2002. It has a reputation of being very strong, but also not very DIY friendly, as the pinion is part of the axle casing and the diff carrier removed by needing to spread the axle casing apart. So to replace the differential you would effectively need an entire new axle....
