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How much does it cost and is it worth fitting a new chassis to your Land Rover Defender/Discovery 2 ?

08/02/24

Cost of replacing and fitting a new chassis

The cost of fitting a new chassis to your Land Rover Defender or Discovery 2 will vary depending on where you go and the type of chassis you choose. However, it can be quite expensive as it involves removing the body assembly from the old chassis, stripping all parts off and fitting them onto the new chassis. But is it worth it? Well, that depends on the condition of your current vehicle and your personal preference. Here are a few factors to consider before making a decision:

  1. Condition of your current vehicle: If your Land Rover Defender or Discovery 2 is in good overall condition aside from the chassis, then it might be worth fitting a new one. This will ensure that you can continue using your vehicle for years to come without having to worry about any major structural issues. If you're not sure about the overall condition it's worth having a professional inspection done first, here at Newbury 4x4 Centre we would insist this is done first before we spend your money.
  2. Resale value: A new chassis could potentially increase the resale value of your Land Rover Defender or Discovery 2. This is especially true if you plan on selling it in the future. A well-maintained vehicle with a new chassis will be more attractive to potential buyers then a vehicle with lots of structural repairs to the old chassis.
  3. Safety: The chassis is an important component of your vehicle's structure and affects its overall safety. If your current chassis is rusted or damaged, it could compromise the safety of your Land Rover Defender or Discovery 2. So, investing in a new one could provide you with peace of mind on the road.
The real cost to replace a chassis

So what is the real cost to replace the chassis?

  1. A good quality Galvanized chassis costs around £2,265 + vat for Defender and £2,625 + vat for a Discovery 2. Don't forget to see if there's a delivery charge on top, plus most chassis company's offer extras, like fitting kits, internal waxing etc.
  2. With no issues and no extras we would say it's 5 days work @ 8 hours a day, so depending on Labour rates this should give you a rough guide to the labour cost.
  3. Extras:- This is where you can easily lose control of your budget. We would generally suggest new road springs and shock absorbers, suspension bushes (possibly with a Polly bush upgrade), new brake pipes and hoses. On top of this a good inspection of fuel pipes, engine and gearbox mountings, power steering pipes and coolant hoses. All of this can easily add up to at least another £1,000 + vat depending on make and quality of parts.
  4. Last thing to consider is Underbody protection, such as a Wax oil or Dinitrol treatment to stop any further corrosion to the body of your vehicle. Costs of this range from £550 + vat.

So lets add up what we have just spent

  1. New Chassis with delivery = £3,000
  2. Workshop Labour, 40 hours @ £90 per hour + Vat = £4,320
  3. Extras = £1,200
  4. Underbody Protection = £660

(ALL PRICES ABOVE ARE A ROUGH GUIDE WHICH INCLUDE VAT)

So for about £9,180 we have our new chassis fitted, obviously you could fit it yourself and save the labour cost. If that's the case you need to ask yourself these simple questions before you jump in.

  1. What's my time worth?
  2. How long will it take me?
  3. Will I have all the tools and skills to take on this task?
  4. Will I actually finish the task or will I end up with my loved ones not loving me anymore and a L/R sat on my drive in bits.
Fitting a new chassis to your land rover

Conclusion

In conclusion, while fitting a new chassis to your Land Rover Defender or Discovery 2 can be expensive, it could also be a wise investment for the longevity and safety of your vehicle. It is ultimately up to you to weigh the costs and benefits and make the decision that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you choose to fit a new chassis or not, regular maintenance and care will go a long way in keeping your Land Rover in excellent condition. Happy off-roading! Keep exploring and enjoying the great outdoors with your trusty Land Rover by your side.

Please feel free to give us a call on 01635 32028 to discuss any concerns you may have or send an email to service@newbury4x4.co.uk

Keeping you on and off road