1980 6 cyl petrol - jumps out of 3rd

[aussearcher]

Hello everyone,
I have just taken possession of a 10/1980 ex Army soft top 6 cyl petrol LWB on long term loan from a friend who is working in the Middle East. It has sat for 18 months and needed the front brake cylinders replaced but otherwise is in very servicable condition - except that it jumps out of third. Is this a known problem with this model? (My own LR is a Disco 1, so I'm new to Series stewardship.) Is it likely to be an adjustment issue with the shifter mechanism, or a box out job? Also, she wanders all over the road. There doesn't seem to be play in tie rod ends etc so I'll have a look at the steering box - or is a flexible approach to direction an endearing foible I should get used to?
Thanks for your advice, I'm enjoying being part of the khaki brigade!
A

[Steve Overmyer]

Hi there,

My Ex Army '78 FFR 6 cyl occasionally jumps out of 3rd....I am told the syncros in the gearbox are worn and there's every reason to believe that as the gearbox is original and never been removed. Until the gearbox really needs removing I must admit I live with it and just hold onto the stick when I know it's likely to jump....usually just before I would be about to change to 4th.

As for wandering over the road, also check condition of the the shackle rubbers. They can certainly cause such behaviour as well.

Cheers,
Steve O
'78 Series 3 ex-Army FFR
'00 Discovery TD5
'08 Range Rover Sport TDV8

[LandroverScott]

HI,

yeah common problem, as you say box out change synchro etc etc

one of mine years ago kept going until the synchro broke in half then I refurb the box.

I wouldn't get too stress, driving with your hand on the gear stick is perfected in a series Land Rover.

Predictive steering is normal for Series especially Series 3 LWB with lots of weight behind you, but check steering box, it can be adjusted, also bushes as suggested.

Also don't over rev the 6 cyl motor tends to burn exhaust valves if over revved, if you have a taco keep under 2600 rpm or 75 - 80kms

hope this helps

Also jump over to the REMLR forum and get some history on your vehicle

cheers
Scott