Originally Posted by
Esmac
......
1. Tyre Size.
- The current tyres on the vehicle are 205R16C.
If I remember rightly, this is a swb. Standard tyres were 6.00x16, optional 6.50x16, which is almost the same as the 205. But you do not have a standard engine, but one that is less than happy at the rpm the gearing implies. 7.50x16 was optional, and standard on lwb. These are probably the best tyre size for your use. Other, wider, tyres will require wider wheels.
3. Freewheel Hubs
These offer little real advantage, but on the other hand are generally pretty trouble free. The real catch is that if used for long periods disengaged, they will result in lack of lubrication to the top swivel bush. If you leave them on, they should be engaged for a few kilometres once a week or thereabouts.
If removed, you need standard drive flanges (check whether the drive axles are ten or twenty-four splines - original will have been ten, but late S3 and all S3 lwb were 24, and it could have been changed when the brakes were.
4. Firewall Brackets
The LH one should have a stay from it to the LH bracket that connects the footwell and inner mudguard to the chassis. This stiffens the top of the firewall, a function performed by the steering column on the RH side. The RH bracket is for LHD.
5. Steering
Wandering is almost always due to free play in steering box, tie rod ends, steering relay (or the arms top and bottom may be loose), swivels, wheel bearings, U-bolts, spring and shackle bushes. You need to examine all of these, following the steps outlined in the factory manual. A good start is to get someone to wobble the steering wheel while you look for where the movement is lost, although this will not usually find swivel, wheel bearing, or spring problems.
6. Speed
Holden engined Series Landrovers usually have problems with this, as the engine is not happy at the required rpm, but it should be able to maintain 90 at least. This suggests that the engine is well down on power, which may be something as simple as the throttle not fully opening or incorrect timing, but may be excessive wear (a compression check would show this).
