Well I've done it now

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Hi All

I am new to the wonderful world of off-roading, having bought a Mercedes ML last year I hoped to get it a little muddy.
Well after 12 months and trying a bit of green lane driving I have come to the conclusion it's not up to the job.

Now don't get me wrong it's got low range, hill decent, switchable auto and a host of other off road gubbings but no ground clearance, after 20 minutes of dragging it's arse across the grass I thought enough is enough.

So today I bought a 2.0i swb sport of a 1996 vintage from ebay, should be picking it up this week.
From what I have read on here and other web sites there seems to be a large amount of up rated springs, shocks, wheels & tyres and other off-road stuff for the Frontera unlike the Merc.

First job get it home and give it a full service, so any advice as what to do then will be greatly received.

[andysd1]

the only thing to say at the mo, is welcome, just look for any leaks, the 2L is a strong engine, if looked after

[gregster]

Second and third what andy said...very strong little engine...
Great fun little car that will surprise to with its offroad ability!

Welcome to FOG...

[Drift]

Its possible to spend less than £200 on suspension modifications and have a capable green lane machine, new rear shocks and coils or rear spacers, but new tyres will cost from £350ish new for four

Oh and welcome to FOG

[bigdazz]

welcome to fog land sir

[horses45]

welcome to the family ,you will have loads of fun in you frontera!!!

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Thanks all for your replies.
I have spoken with the seller today and am picking up the Frontera tomorrow, and I must admit I'm getting a little bit excited.

Thanks to Drift for the heads up and rough prices for tyres and suspension.

I have read on here about body lifts and I thought it was the suspension you lifted.
I would be grateful if someone could explain the difference and the benefit of each, is it best to lift the body or raise the suspension or can you do both.
I am looking to gain a little more ground clearance and I have read that I can fit wheels and tyres up to 31'' diameter with out needing to modify any other components and I believe rightly or wrongly this would achieve about 1.5'' of lift.
But again any help would be much appreciated.

[Drift]

31" tyres will easily fit under the series A sport, as suspension lift will lift the whole car including body and chassis and is the best place to start.
The suspension lift will not lift the diff's higher only bigger tyres will do this.

A body lift just lifts the body higher on the chassis but your axles/diff and chassis will stay the same level from the ground.
The body lift is mainly to get bigger tyres under the car, say 33" or bigger, it has a bit of a benefit in a slightly better approach and departure angle on hills but you are sacrificing centre of gravity depending how high you go with the body lift.

And yes you can do both

As a side note, going to big with tyres on the 20L can cause front diff problems off road.

Think this covers most of the basic stuff

[N1ova]

Hi and welcome to fog.

[4x4 bobby]

Hi mate and welcome to the forum you will enjoy the Shorty their great.

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I managed to have a good look at the truck today, the front has shocks but no springs that I could see so I assume the front suspension is the torsion bar type I have read about on here.
I removed the plastic strip on the door sill and had a rummage about under the carpet, I found a largish rubber grommet which I think must cover the adjustment nob, bolt or thingy.
To adjust the front suspension I take it it's trial and error on how many turns etc.
I think I will change the front shock as a matter of course.

On the rear it's the old faithful cart springs so following advice on here I believe I can get larger brackets to lift the back.
I may even change the rear as well as the cost's don't seem that extortionate.

The other thing that surprised was the cooling fan is the old propeller type on the front of the crank and not electric, I left the engine running while looking underneath and it overheated and left a nice big puddle for me to mop up.
Is there a electric fan kit that anyone could recommend.

Thanks for all the help and comment so far I think I'm going to like it here.
Oh one more thing should I now be posting on the main forum or continue on the new members ?

[BoxCleva]

Hey WF,
This section is only to say hello. I'd post your question in the suspension or modifications section, you'll get a better response there

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