Land Rover LR3 build - better than a 4runner?

[@BenVallack]

Nearly a 20 year old design - still looks absolutely stunning. This will go down in history as one of Land Rover’s most iconic designs I think.

[@fj_matt]

It’s hard to top the looks of these ones. It’s boxy, but in a very aesthetically pleasing way.

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

​@@fj_mattthey look great broken down on the side of the motorway, and on the back of recovery trucks.

[@manuelpiston]

😑😑😑🧢

[@colins5142]

@@anthonybaiocchi3028 lol. the 4.4L v8 in these things are absolutely bulletproof. Try again

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

@@colins5142 you mean the BMW 4.4L? Funny cos I drove home in one the other night, flat on its airbags. 😉

[@JoserLastname-nz3gl]

I like how much you have updated this. I have a 07 lr3 se that I’ve owned since 2008. It has the SYA lift and I’m in the process of improving it with new shoes. I think I can go to about 32-33 with just the lift and without the hijinx you have illustrated. Solid car, always loved this thing!

[@miguelramirez9111]

Very cool! The info on the hitch is absolutely correct. Initially I bought a similar one but could not safely tow a three thousand pound camper. I mainly had wiggle and loosening issues. I ended up getting the proper fit one. They are expensive but worth the safety.

[@Tony-ow3if]

That's a beautifully modded Beast!!! Great Job

[@fj_matt]

Thanks!!

[@Intangiblewealth]

Love this. I really want an LR3 and seeing these videos hyped me up. But def getting 35s it’s out of my expertise.

[@fj_matt]

35s is honestly a lot more than what most people would want, even though it looks amazing. Haha

[@chadbrandonstreet]

Above the rear hitch, that cover in the bumper pops off to reveal an incredibly strong recovery loop. Nice build. I like what you did with the rear lights.

[@fj_matt]

Yeah, I just don’t like how the bumper looks with the cap off. Haha. It’s sweet that they included a factory recover point though! Thanks!

[@juicestaine7980]

liking the legendary RD1 CRV in the background

[@fj_matt]

Hahaha yes! It’s back on the road now with 31” tires.😂

[@joshchatwin1517]

Can't wait to get mine end of the month

[@jamieg528]

What year?

[@any0n378]

Cudos to a Toyota guy doing LR content! Nicely done Sir!

[@fj_matt]

Thanks! Branching out a bit. Haha

[@aaronlangston4393]

Gosh I really like those Alpha rims. Assume would need an adapter for the Alpha wheel 5x127 to fit the truck 5x120 ? Also would a 20-30mm space resolve the LR4 brake issues ? Thanks for any help.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Looks awesome! It's funny, I'm actually thinking of selling my 5G 4Runner and getting one of these instead. These just have more character than the 4Runner.

[@fj_matt]

I love 5th Gen 4runners, so that’s a tough call. The good news is LR3s are much cheaper. Haha

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@fj_matt so mine's a 2013, and I live in the Northeast US. I'm thinking I should probably move on from it before the corrosion gets too bad and cuts way into the value. I feel like I could sell the 4Runner, buy an LR3 and mildly build it, and still have enough left over to buy some sort of a more fuel efficient daily beater.

[@svnbit8408]

​@@fj_matt retractable back window is underrated, lets air flow out im always riding my fj wirh back window up sorta same concept, no wind rapping with windows down.

[@eigeroverland]

Have always liked the LR3.

[@black_decal]

Looking good, I do love the LR3. Checkout our rear lens decal for the LR3, changes the look to a modern alternative while keeping the LR3 OEM look.

[@jessecrichton2943]

This is amazing! Hope to see more vidoes on this

[@obrabenikovuIRONMAN2023]

very impressive land rover LR3 and video👍👍

[@RossiVop]

stunning, love this build

[@fj_matt]

Thanks! I’m really happy with how it turned out.

[@jpht.adventures]

Niceee, If I ever went Land Rover, I would probably do the 2012 LR4 Gen era

[@fj_matt]

The 5.0 isn’t as reliable, but they are much more powerful and with the resonator removed they sound great.

[@terryclarence1209]

My 2012 LR4 that I have owned from new is the most reliable vehicle I’ve owned. The Ford derived 5.0L pulls like a champ, is smooth as silk, and has never let me down. Normal stuff to replace like brakes, tires, and batteries as you would expect plus I recently had the timing chains, guides, and tensioners replaced as a preventative maintenance task at 100k miles. The parts are very expensive but I love the rig so much I can’t imagine ever getting rid of it!

[@LRinVa]

Can you put the links for the front headlights, Hi beam projectors and the bulbs for the HID standard lights please?

[@fj_matt]

Sorry for the delay. Here you go! www.morimotohid.com/morimoto-mini-hb-high-beam-projector?quantity=1 I believe they were the D4 bulbs. www.diodedynamics.com/products/led-bulbs/oem-hid.html

[@Freedom_fighters898]

Hi Matt, I need more details about these wheels. Can you list names and other parts that I will need to get that exactly look please. Also you have mentioned about the distance between the tyres and the body how that can be created and what parts will I need please l. Will much appreciated

[@fj_matt]

Hey there, I have another video that shows fitting the tires, so that will probably be most helpful. Here’s the full build list for you to take a look at. Cheers! LR3 Build Suspension: -Go Rhino 2.5” lift rods -Lucky 8 SYA kit (with custom lines and fittings) -New drivers front Air shock -New Sway bar links -New Lower control arms Wheels/Tires: -Alpha Equipt 18x9 Echo wheels x5 -305/70r18 Goodyear Territory MTs -Terrafirma Wheel Spacers Lighting: -Customized headlights with high beam projectors. -Projector LED fog lights mounted to shrouds -Diode dynamics HID bulbs -Full interior LED swap -LED Reverse bulbs -LED license plate bulbs Exterior: -All windows tinted -Taillight tint -Reflectors smoked out -Marker lights tinted -Headlight guards -Asfir Aluminum skid plates -Black/silver OEM Land Rover badges -Blacked out marker lights -Towing hitch -Canadian flag window decal -Freshly painted grille Misc aftermarket/OEM parts -New OEM rear diff -New trunk switch -Canvasback white camo cargo liners -Lucky 8 Washer fluid tank relocation -New front brakes -New spare tire winch -New OEM Alternator Replaced by previous owner: -OEM Y-pipe -Water Pump -Air compressor

[@rfh1987]

At 13:10, why not use the recovery point built into the bumper?

[@fj_matt]

I just don’t really like how it looks with it open. Haha. But it is cool that Land Rover included factory recovery points.

[@rfh1987]

@@fj_matt I like that it provides a recovery point without hampering the departure angle.

[@therealshadowx42069]

​@@fj_mattIt pops off with no tools. You can just leave it on until you need to use the recovery point. Then pop it right back on.

[@tinkertable1977]

Looks great!

[@CrazySpikkie]

Awesome build. Have you ever had reservoir valve permanent fault, but the solenoid on valve tests ok?

[@fj_matt]

I have never personally dealt with that. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

[@richardwalther6229]

I think it’s worth doing this to an LR4, which offered some creature comfort upgrades as well as 2 nice engine choices (earlier ones had the 5.0 V8). They are affordable now.

[@rondavidson7275]

Wildly more unreliable than the LR3 tho so no not really

[@BP-xe7dw]

I have 2008, so agree with you on the ease for lights maintenance. My girlfriend's Mazda is sooo difficult to change any lightbulb. I refuse to touch it for the fear of braking anything. I was wondering what did you do with your spare tire. That size won't fit under and the original spare is useless due to diameter change. Great looking LR.

[@fj_matt]

I have the biggest size that will fit underneath for emergency use, and then I just carry a tire repair kit and compressor.🤙🏼

[@v12mercedes-benz72]

35 inch is incredible, i have RRS almost same chassis, i cutted some body parts, Still barely fit 33 inch.

[@simonecavicchioli3188]

Bel tuning, aggressivo al punto giusto. 👍

[@tookytooky007]

What’s the offset on the wheels? Do you ever get suspension faults when off-roading? How did you stop the suspension faults? Is your suspension super stiff and bouncy? Did you have to grind anything for turning clearance? Did you lose the ability to raise the EAS into rock crawling mode? If no, is it super stiff in that mode? I battled all of these things with only 33”X12.50”X18’s. Do you ever wish you had more articulation off-road? If you could do a coil over swap for free, would you do it? How did you maintain the original feel of the suspension…if you did? Sorry just looking for some help, I would like to go to 35 or 37’s. Oh and I’m driving a 2012 LR4 HSE.

[@fj_matt]

They are +35 offset wheels, but I added some wheel spacers. I had a suspension issue once, but it was a burst line from what I was told. Luckily due to the SYA kit I was able to still drive it to the shop. The suspension was a little stiffer than stock, but not bad at all, and I have a previous videos showing fitting the tires. I was able to raise the height, but could no longer go into the access mode. If I were to build one again, I would most likely coil swap it for reliability. I’m not sure how much harder that would make fitting bigger tires though. Sorry for the slow response! Cheers

[@edwardfern4359]

Super nice rig! I have a 05 LR3 and installed the SYA kit. I used the line extensions that came with the kit and they blew a hole in a couple days. I made my own extensions from some original air line and haven't had any issues. I noticed in the rear the ride has become much harder since the sya install. Almost like it hits bump stops with bumps it used to glide over??? Have you had this same issue?

[@fj_matt]

I found that the whole vehicle ride a bit stiffer, but not specifically just the back. It’s too bad they don’t include higher quality lines!

[@landroverSV]

I have a 2008 LR3. Can you explain what kind of bulbs you used? I have the HID headlights but without AFS. Thank you

[@fj_matt]

For the main projectors I just used some replacement Morimoto HID bulbs. I found them to be much brighter than the faded stock ones.

[@richardjones8684]

Stop hating the discovery / LR3… yes it does have some problems but most vehicles do! Don’t forget it’s an older vehicle now. Regardless- it’s an amazing vehicle and owners love it.. just respect that we each have our own likes in vehicles.

[@itzdopesoda3847]

I know I am a bit late to this video but I love it I have LR3 HSE myself and love it but I want to mod it a bit more and I love what you have going here. All I have done Is the rock sliders sadly but looking into a lot and this just makes me want to go play with it some more

[@michaelhalstead64]

Sick build.

[@dannypinyan3949]

Does the spice keep it out of the shop?

[@daryljohnson9010]

I miss my Big British Box!

[@adrianjimenez3614]

Any plans for a tailgate ladder?

[@JoshuaRex]

can you do an off road video with it? even if its just light offroad :)

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

Is that the Assfer Daze skid plate?

[@fj_matt]

This is what I got.🤙🏼 www.asfir.com/front-skid-plate-539055.html

[@Chillfam]

I've always wanted one until I joined the FB group for Land Rovers 😅. They were humbly honest to tell everyone to steer away from it 😂. They hired the cheapest engineers to put together an off road vehicle.

[@fj_matt]

I will say that these couple years of LR3s are the ones they advise you to get over any other ones. 🤙🏼

[@brianmoore4778]

Have owned 3 land cruisers 91,94 and 2000 Toyota pickup,85 Toyota pickup 91 pickup j,and 96 mitssubishi Montero SR driven each 200-300k , currently driving LR 3 HSE HD.232k at this point. Why would you need 35 in I run 275 65 18 Goodyear Wrangler dura trac. Never a issue. We used to call this pep boys with a magnet attached.

[@greenisleoverland6469]

Those 18" wont fit over the Brembo Braked versions of LR3 or RRS L320. That will be where the confusion is.

[@m54.juniorr]

adding lift rods is actually bad for your airbags and suspension cause it’s lifting ur by adding a aftermarket piece, much better to reprogram your normal suspensions setting and access height to sit either much higher or lower

[@fj_matt]

The SYA kit is made to work with the lift rods properly, and are actually sold together for that reason. Other than that, I do agree with you.🤙🏼

[@ryandickinson3331]

And I was worried about fitting 33s on my LR4 😅

[@fj_matt]

Hahaha I mean, it does take work.😅

[@tookytooky007]

I have 33x12.50 in my LR4. It’s not too difficult. I mounted them on Rhino Mozambique wheels with Johnson Rods. Moved some lines and ground out the places that touch when turning. I’d like to go up to 37” but think I’d need to get rid of and swap out the shitty EAS. 35” and larger seems like a huge project. I’d be willing to bet that this guys suspension is stiff as hell if he’s still using EAS. Probably gets Suspension Faults when off-roading too.

[@akakilodia]

i would like to buy this LR3, how much?

[@fj_matt]

If you are in Canada and are serious, let me know and we can get in touch. 🤙🏼

[@garethwalker847]

Lr3 or lr4 are tanks, but you need the v8, the diesels are junk

[@PaulGappyNorris]

On the contrary they are very reliable.

[@garethwalker847]

@@PaulGappyNorris the 2.7s were good if you got a good one, i have friends who did everything exactly by lr directions and still hanged the motorz 2 orn3 times because the crank went more then once. Now thats better the my other friends issues with touaregs, chewing trans, turbos, and god knows what else

[@kichaa13]

They're great except for the constant breaking

[@fj_matt]

This is one of the best years and models, so luckily it’s been pretty good to me.

[@mattr672]

@@fj_matt I have an 06 LR3 V8. 288k and still running like a top.

[@nadirgafarov81]

better show markests link for easy find

[@hmbdata]

It'll break in hideous ways. Looks very cool though.

[@markansas1337]

lets see it with the lights on!

[@fj_matt]

That would have been a good idea. Haha there’s a couple of pictures on my Instagram page if that helps.🤙🏼

[@Hoktew]

Mines burgundy and when i wash it people say what a new lamd rover. Im like its an 08. They then tell me to. Gfmself😂

[@fj_matt]

Hahaha people really don’t know!

[@TravelandAudio]

I’m a Land Rover guy, but Toyota is a way more reliable car. Toyota=Reliability Land Rover=Panache

[@raymondclark1785]

I had a customer with an old beat up LR who said if you drove any other junker to the country club you'd be laughed at.

[@TravelandAudio]

@@raymondclark1785 that's one of the few cars that can get away with it! :))

[@bronzeRY]

This is sick. I too have an FJ and an LR3. Follow from me!

[@fj_matt]

That’s awesome!

[@BEAM0781]

I am a lighting engineer working for the automotive industry at JLR and I just want to say what you did in there with your modified headlamps and taillights is completely illegal and unless you put your headlamps through a certification process you just do not know you meet the legal requirements either ECE R48 or FMVSS118. Unfortunately the mods you have been doing are not distinguishable by the authorities straight away but it would fail a thorough inspection. In an event you end up in court and there is a technical expertise of your vehicle it will be quickly declared not legal to be driven on public roads and your insurance would be void plus you would bare all responsibility in case of an accident..

[@fj_matt]

You must be fun at parties.😂 I’ll give you this, by the book you aren’t wrong. However, insurance companies here don’t give a beep about what people do to modify their headlights. By the same token, everyone adding p&p LED bulbs are making their headlights are technically making them illegal, and absolutely no one cares. I’ve been in the headlight modification world for years, and in North America as long as there’s a DOT stamp on the lens, that’s all they want during an inspection. I would say this is a case of the letter of the Vs the spirit of the law, and I’m going to keep living according to the latter. Cheers

[@BEAM0781]

@@fj_matt Not really, the bulbs themselves are certified emitting light sources and as long the new LED bulbs are certified you are operating within the boundaries of the law. However cracking open a sealed lamp and altering the light engines within that is a different story altogether. By doing these mods you bear all the risk but it is fair to know and let the viewers on your channel know that what you have done is ilegal and is not OK to do that. If in doubt it is always best to contact the certification authority in your country for further clarification. I would rather recommend fitting an existing aftermarket product that has already been through the certification process..

[@fj_matt]

Here’s the thing. There are no aftermarket LR3 headlights. The ones you find for sale coming out of Britain are just a company opening them up and modifying them and selling them as “aftermarket headlights”. A lot of what I did was just paint, and as long as you aren’t blacking out reflectors or side markers, no inspection will care. Living by the rule book has everyone throwing cheap LED bulbs into reflector housings and blinding the crap out of everyone else on the road. 99% of LED bulbs aren’t created to work properly with reflector optics, so it’s not realistic to mention the few that do. However, on the flip side, you have people retrofitting projectors that have a proper cutoff that don’t blind other people, and that’s the “rule breakers”. Luckily, I live in a part of the world where no one cares if your headlights are retrofitted and I see some pretty much every single day out in the wild. It’s quite common living in a place where people need to see wildlife etc, but unfortunately, the p&p LED bulbs are even more common. The funny thing is that the low beams and half the high beams are actually still the factory lights on the LR3 and I didn’t even do a proper retrofit, so I’m not even sure why someone would get so worked up about it. It’s fair that you said you wanted to mention headlight modification, but unless someone is in California or something, they’ll just be among the hundreds of thousands of people running modified headlights with zero issue. (Once again, this is just my opinion from having been in the industry, but it’s also real world experience.)

[@raymondclark1785]

Back before halogens were legal in the US we were selling them to the Police so yes I needed to take them out for state inspection but I knew the lpd wasn't going to give me a ticket :)

[@Freddy-td8fl]

Really better than a 4Runner? You are crazy! Lr3 is one more turd on a long line of turds land Rover have gave us thru the year. Look it at this way when I think of the word trash land to rover comes to mind and Jaguar,BMW,mini,MB,VW,etc

[@fj_matt]

Haha the title was clickbait. The LR3 had many great aspects to it, but I won’t say better than a 4runner because I love 4runners. One will be coming to the channel soon.🤙🏼

[@klausenburger8574]

A LRD3 will never be better than a stock 4Runner, owned both. Sorry guys but LDR3 is one of the most not trustable SUV-s, I can never name LRD3 as an offroader. Yeah, it's good looking, very comfortable, easy to drive but an 2.8 tones beast on air suspensions it's certainly a car i don't advice you to buy even if you got it very cheap. Overlanding with LRD3 is ok, but no offroad ! Traction control setups on LRD3 are ok for going up or on flat lands, never trust them when you must go down on a really slope on muddy terrain or snow or ice. The car will go anywhere but not in the direction you want. Only chance for a safe descend with an LRD3 on wet grass, mudd, slippery ground is to lower the tyre pressures to 1.4 -1.8 and go slow avoiding cutting edges.

[@camposvazquez]

It might be better than a 4runner but is it better than a 550hp honda civic with a b18 block and h22 head on naaawzzz? Just wait till i put on my $500 worth of ebay bolt ons .. it will destroy your LR3..

[@UncleFjester]

You're wearing girls cargo pants! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@fj_matt]

Took you over four months to come up with that. Well done

[@dierkrieger]

I think Land Rovers look awesome, but not better than a 4Runner. You need two Land Rovers to keep one running.

[@fj_matt]

Haha my family has had a couple of 4runners, and they are one of my favourite vehicles. The title was to grab some attention.😂

[@dierkrieger]

@@fj_matt I have seen some Defenders up close and they look 100% Bad Ass, and I know they are, but painfully on the short term.

[@MrOscar5690]

Not better if we comparing reliability lol

[@fj_matt]

Haha totally fair

[@MGMutt]

Who calls it a LR3, its a disco3

[@fj_matt]

In North America they called it the LR3 due to the Disco 2 getting such a bad reliability reputation.

[@lweleven3423]

Maybe nice but I’ve owned 4 landrovers all money pits never again 😂

[@fj_matt]

Haha fair

[@Japplesnap]

Better than a 4Runner? 😂 Even stock, an LR3 or LR4 is better than a 4Runner.

[@Chillfam]

When men go for pretty instead of the brain. Meet the land rover.

[@fj_matt]

I think people should just drive they enjoy. And in this case, enjoy maintaining too. Haha

[@cpscps2679]

No. Not built better than a 4runner

[@fj_matt]

Hahaha it was just for the title.😂

[@luboso239]

noone cares.

[@fj_matt]

Kinda like you comment

[@mattr672]

@@fj_matt It appears that 1.1k thumbs disagree with luboso. Keep up the great content @fj_matt

[@rovereddy2431]

Heck ya I got the exact same rig 😂😂