Lots of Holes

**jimr1** · 30th April 2015, 03:31 PM

G'day , I been around Land Rover for a very long time , I've owned Series 2 , 2a ,3 , stage 1 , County , and Defender . These have been short wheel base , long wheel base , petrol and diesel . Truck cab ,hard tops and wagons . I have a question that maybe some of you can answer . Why do Land Rovers have so many holes in the rear cross member , and along the chassis ? I been meaning to ask this for years . All replies welcome , even humerus ones !!.. Jim ..

**JDNSW** · 30th April 2015, 03:57 PM

There are basically two reasons for holes in the rear crossmember:-

1. A few drain holes to allow proper painting (and allow water to drain rather than accumulate)

2. Predrilled to mount various bits and pieces. It is very rare for all, or even most of these to be used, but they are there if needed.

These include, obviously, four holes for mounting the towing plate or tow bar, holes for the handles or bumperettes (four each side), on most Series Landrovers, a large hole for the rear PTO shaft and four mounting holes for the PTO unit itself, on most Series Landrovers, mounting holes for the toolbar towing fitting, probably mounting holes for a rear step, even though this is only fitted on station wagons.

Probably a few others I have not thought of, plus various holes previous owners have drilled for things like extra lights, trailer sockets etc.

John