Thread: The ultimate RR Classic?

Going to look at an 85 and an 89 today. Hopefully i come home with one!

Originally Posted by jskerm

Going to look at an 85 and an 89 today. Hopefully i come home with one!

Go the 85 - pre electronics, but, having said that, the carbies on the 85 are a PITA to keep in tune.

Just my 2 cents, but either way you will love it.

hey jskerm what state are you in as i mite have something in the front yard you mite be interested in ,send me a pm if interested.tony

For me personally, 1990-1992 pre ABS/EAS classics, Vogue spec, no ABS, EAS, sunroof, 3.9 EFI and auto. I had a 93 Vogue about 7-8 years ago but wrote it off-road unfortunatley. I had it for 5 years and it was the best RRC I've ever had to date and I've owned over a dozen RRC's.

87-88 Hi-Line auto a good choice too, have the LT230 but persisting with the awful flapper EFI can send you mental .

Something to note is the Borg Warner VC transfer box. Good for 'road' and light off-road work but doing the LT230 swap from a Disco or earlier RRC is the go but I will say mine wasn't too bad but seized and fitted the LT230 (cheaper and more reliable off-road, positive drive front and rear much better ).

Trav

imho, 91 rrc body dropped onto a 200tdi disco chassis, r380 and an lt230 and throw some 24 spline diffs under there.. then of course all the mods, a good set of offset rims, 33's, 50mm body lift, 50mm spring lift, 75mm shocks, extend the bumpstops + brake lines, tie in the springs(or dislocation cones if you dont mind the loud CLANK! apon relocation, throw on a bull bar and a winch.
we have just built one of these, rrc cost $1100 on ebay(bought cheap because the borg warner VC problem), rolled disco another $1600 and maybe $2000 for the rest.

at first we fitted another borg warner but that stipped out most the way along the otl in cape york.

its just not the same without the v8 rumble but it makes up for it in economy and through the "bigger" puddles.

- I still cant work out why the rrc never came out here with the 2-300tdi (?)

94 soft dash for comfort and cruising(332000klms), water crossings haven't stopped it yet fully optioned with abs eas traction and sunroof, after saying all this im searching for a discovery to suplement as running every day for 180klm to work is hurting the bank so a diesel disco will be added

Gooday mate, I have owned 5 classics and each with its own personalities and idio- syncracies. My favourite but far from perfect is my current one which I have owned for 4 years. it is an 85rr with a rare chrysler torqueflite 3 speed transmission, auto.LR only made these for 2 years as a factory fit and some had a borg-warner or c4 ford transmission. It is fitted with a holden 308 v8 240hp motor which is a Ritters dealership in malvern/melbourne professional conversion from about 12 months after its purchase back in 85. it is also road registered with vic roads and engineered with that engine runs a full maxi drive rear diff locker has a 2" spring lift with OME 763 rears 400lb springs as it has a gas conversion,full alloy radiator,twin thermos to help the cooling fan in off road situations as they do not like the heat.ARB front and rear step bars with add on engineered spare wheel carrier runs 32" maxxis big horns and
has 92 model roof with glass sun roof.
It is my toy. Has SAAS racing seats which are a pain to get in and out of but great for 4wding. front locker, winch and 49 ratio reduction gears and maybe go to 33" tyres. It pulls my red rock camper and my wife and I we are in our 50's love tootling around the countryside.
the 88 is a good model but it is not as solid feeling as my 85. it has the modern interior with the radio in the centre console and has the beautiful zf 4 speed. there were significant improvements in this model and my son who has mine loves his. The last of the 2 doors in 82 was a top vehicle as well strong but agricultural gearbox/transfer case.
if you want something for the bush and only the bush the 85 is a great vehicle. they are getting older by the day. if you are prepared to tinker with them and get them set up properly they are a superb vehicle and cheap to repair because of the on line internet based buying available. the lt230 transfer case fantastic unit and strong. If you can get a locker all the better. the newer they got the more complicated they became and despite still great off road more refined feel. the agricultural strength became a secondary consideration compared to earlier models. its horses for courses.
cheers
Les

Oh yes a popular topic.And one that has beengoing on for many years.

I'm a bit of a tourer these days so. for me it's a softdash LSE.With the following moddies. TDI 300 engine. ZF auto box ,and Disco transfer box. Loose the airbag suspension,ABS, and anything else that involves a computer.(I still have the dash airbags and its computer left.)

ARB Bull bar (airbag compatable) with 9000lbs winch fitted. ARB rear step with spare wheel carrier.Feul saddle tanks. ARB locker in the rear. Plus a swagg of camping bits.Rooftop tent ,awnings etc
.
Add a few oil leaks and rattles to make you feel at home,and your made.

Richard.