Thread: Q+A defender (what can go wrong)

Originally Posted by Didge

JD, can you elaborate on the 4 gear front diff please
Cheers gerald

The diff centre fitted to the front Rover differentials on most rigid axle Landrovers have two "planet" gears. The 6x6 Australian 110s were fitted with differential centres with four "planet" gears, as part of the beefing up for the increased axle weight and power. I had one of these fitted shortly after I got the vehicle, as the shaft with the two gears was flogging out the holes in the carrier. This is a function of the extra weight on the front axle because of the heavy Isuzu compared to other engines, and the pulsating torque resulting from a four cylinder engine that pulls strongly at very low rpm. The two gear centre does not seem to give trouble with other engines, and the rear Salisbury axle seems to hold up without complaint.

John

Originally Posted by pickstock

Im now starting the think a perenty (sp) would be decent apart from the izuzu motor (I dont know enough about them so if anyone could elaborate)

But the fact they are wider is pretty good (im a fairly big guy) and 4 inches is a fair amount when it comes to my arm being inside the door or not.

The only Perenties that are wider are the 6x6. While these have some advantages, they do have the disadvantage that in at least some states they require a truck (light rigid I think) licence, and incur much higher registration costs than the 4x4s. While the turbocharged Isuzu is significantly more powerful, the vehicle is a lot heavier, and also is lower geared, so that highway speeds would normally be lower.

The 4x4 Perenties are little different from the contemporary civilian Isuzu engined 110s, except for trim, body type (mostly ragtop), and the lack of power steering, with the notable exception of the galvanised chassis and the spare storage underneath.

John