Defender LHD Conversion - Converting from RHD to LHD

Converting a Land Rover Defender to Left Hand Drive

Converting a Defender from RHD to LHD has always been an opportunity, but also a major challenge for the Land Rover enthusiast. Looking around, there are plenty of good value RHD vehicles available in the UK, especially the later Td5 models, with prices that seem to make them excellent value for exporting. However, the issue that continues to depress the value of an imported RHD Defender in many people's eyes is the fact that converting them to LHD is more cost than it's worth. The traditional advice given is usually to spend extra money on buying a genuine LHD truck.

So just how costly (and complicated) is it to convert a Defender to LHD, and is there a way to make it simpler and more feasible? We think we have the answers...

Firstly, you do not need to change the bulkhead. There's a misconception that the Defender bulkhead needs to be swapped in order to complete a LHD conversion, but this is not the case. All you need to do is carefully match and cut out the steering column, peddle box and heater box holes on the opposite side of the bulkhead, then patch up the redundant holes. This stage obviously requires a little bit of time and care, but as you can see from the picture is not too daunting.

The peddle box itself is the same on all vehicles, so just swaps over. As do other major parts such as the steering column, the brake master cylinder and servo, and the clutch master cylinder. You will have to buy new pipes (eg. NTC5708, NRC8329, NRC7902, NRC7904) or make up new brake and clutch lines to plumb the relocated parts back together.

So far the LHD conversion has simply been a case of relocating and using existing parts that are common to both RHD and LHD. But now you're going to need to buy some specific LHD parts to complete the transformation. Some are easy to buy, such as wiper assemblies and headlights, some less so:

1: Dashboard

Obviously, you'll need a complete LHD dashboard. Most new OEM parts are obsolete, and it's becoming increasingly rare to find good used LHD dashboard parts. For the OEM dashboard, there are around 18-20 individual parts to source. All are required. However, the good news here is that at Ministry of Defender, we specialise is providing complete Puma dashboard upgrade kits for either LHD or RHD, so whilst doing a steering conversion, you get the full Puma dash conversion done at the same time. All parts are included and you do not require a new wiring loom; just extend the steering column wires across from right to left.

2: Heater Box / AC System

The LHD conversion will require a new LHD heater box (JEC001030) and ancillary parts, but again Ministry of Defender manufacture our own heater boxes and AC systems to fit either LHD or RHD Defenders so we already have all the parts available here, right off the shelf.

3: Steering Components

So with all other elements taken care of in full, that just leaves the biggest headache (traditionally) of having to source, buy and then swap over all of the steering components and axle linkages from RHD to LHD. This is usually where the LHD conversion project grinds to a halt due to the difficulty in locating parts and the complexity of changing so many components. The main problem is finding a LHD steering knuckle (FTC5298LR), and the LHD Panhard rod bracket (NTC9461).

However, there is a way to convert over to LHD without needing to change much on the front end, thus saving a massive amount of time and money. You will still require the LHD steering box, but the LHD steering box can be used to operate the RHD drag link via the existing cross rod eye bracket. The left drop arm basically moves the right side steering arm meaning that all other components (including the steering knuckle and Panhard bracket) stay in RHD configuration. You only need to connect the rods and then swap the damper from left to right and it's done.

We currently offer the complete RHD to LHD conversion service, including the Puma dashboard upgrade from £7950 + VAT with AC as an optional extra.

We aim to offer a LHD conversion pack, to include all parts in due course.