Just bought a Frontera where to start

[Pubbloke]

Hi All,
I have just bought a 1998 2.5tds LWB and would like some advice on where to start with maintenance.

I am looking at sorting aout a 2" suspension lift and some other modifications but before I start this what routine maintenance and common problems should I check for first?
Obviously I will be servicing the vehicle and doing things like filters and oil changes but is there anything else I should look for?
Thanks for any advice.
Matthew

[MG Autos (Mark)]

Diff oils, transfer box & gearbox fluids are always worth renewing.

General things like checking condition of pads, disks, anti freeze, etc

As for the lift, you've got a few options open to you depending on budget?
1.If you want the "money's no issue" approach then the Calmini kit's a good one but you won't see much change out of a £1000 at the current exchange rate.
2.f you've a smaller budget but still willing to spend the £300 ish it would cost for the OME Springs & shocks are always good quality.
3. Cheaper option is to buy extended shocks from some where like BloodRed 4x4, think there about £130 + shocks which could be bought from dave at Llama 4x4
4. Or cheapest option is the spring spacers at about £60 for a pair + shocks if want ?

Loads of advice on here and quite literally hundreds of people with lifts that range from mild to wild Just do a quick search on suspension lifts and there will be enough results to keep you reading for the rest of the day

[Rifleman]

Also remember to grease the propshaft UJs.
If you go into the 2.5 section of the forum, you will find lots of things to look for on this model.
Listen to the engine from under the bonnet, for a "ringing, jingling" sound. If it is there, remove the drive belt and check the 2 idlers and tensioner pulleys for bearing wear. (Very common but cheap to fix)
Check the 3 main multiplugs on the passenger side of the engine block for dampness. These tend to cause various faults.
You can easily split them and clean with switch cleaner before refitting. Blow out with an airline and tape up the tops with insulating tape to stop them getting damp again.
Sometimes the EML light will flash when you switch the ignition on. The most common fault is the door switches.
Take some time to browse through the section though, and you will find it interesting.
Welcome to the forum, and to the 2.5 register.

[Pubbloke]

[Rifleman]

Yeah thats ok mate.

[MG Autos (Mark)]

Milner springs won't lift an A series i'm afraid mate, if your after springs probably better off looking at the OME or Blood Red Stuff.

Temperature guage on Frontera's normally only sit at about the halfway mark regardless of speed / load, etc. Can't remember on the 2.5 but do you have an electric cooling fan or is it the viscous fan ? If Viscous might be worth checking to make sure it's functioning correctly....

[Rifleman]

[Pubbloke]

[MG Autos (Mark)]