Land Rover Issues - Please advise

[Seriestwo]

Hi Guys and Gals,
I recently purchased a Series 2A SWB with a Holden 179 engine. I got it regested last week and took it on its first trip last weekend. We found that it used around 100L of fuel for about 550kms travelled (not real good). Last week we changed all the wheel bearings and brakes, diff oils, gearbox and transfer box oils. We have checked that the brakes arn't rubbing and are adjusted properly.

Also the gearbox has developed a very loud wine in 2nd and what I was also wondering gearboxes would fit in the old beast that would be a direct replacement.

Any information or ideas would be greatful.

Cheers
Chris

[Blknight.aus]

any other sereis 2/3 box of about the same vintage or with the same bellhousing.

100l for 550km with a 6pot petrol conversion.. sounds about right if you were sitting on anything much over 80kph.

as for the whine the series 2 boxes were square cut on first/second and they whine like a pom at the local thrashing of their team at the xmas charity match.

If you like depending on location I have a couple of workable series III boxes I'll swap for the IIA box (if its a IIA box you have)

[dandlandyman]

I'm nitpicking, so please forgive me...
Series 1, 2 and 2a boxes had straight-cut first and reverse gears, but second, third and fourth were helically cut. Only third and fourth were synchromeshed, first and second were of the "crash" variety. Whines in first and second mean damaged teeth on these gears, reverse will also be noisy in this case.
An early box is cheaper to repair than a Series 3 unit, and arguably more robust. I much prefer a full synchro S3 unit in traffic, though.

[Blknight.aus]

your right... I brain farted the syncro for square cut gears....

[JDNSW]

I'd be looking at engine tune, but don't expect much better unless you keep the speed well down. Also look at tyre pressure.

The 2a box will whine for a long time before it fails, although repairing it sooner rather than later may be cheaper in the long run. The Series 1/2/2a boxes are a direct replacement (assuming it has the original box) although there was progressive improvement, so the later the better. Series 3 box is a pretty easy replacement, although the clutch release is different and there is some messing about changing it. Note that the six and four cylinder engines had different bell housings and if getting a replacement box you need to make sure it is the same, although subject to some restrictions the bell housing can be swapped with a bit of work.

However, it is probably going to be cheaper to repair your own box - fairly easy even if you have never done one if you have the manual - than to get an exchange reconditioned one, and if you get a second hand one, it is almost certain to have done a lot of work. It is likely that all you will have to do is to replace bearings and seals, unless it has been abused. (did you get any metal or water out when you changed the oil?)

John