Just got a 2a, (yes another 2a purchase thread!)

[paulthepilot_5]

Nice looking rig.
I know what you mean about the windscreen mod, I have a 2A that has had the same modification. I am not a fan of it either.
Is the front bumper welded on?
Some sturdy bracing fitted to the front dumb irons, obviously supports for that front tow plate!
The series one roof looks smart on it.


Cheers, Mick.

Yep welded on, the roof is actually a series 3 wagon roof that's been cut up, will be getting rid of it.

[paulthepilot_5]

Is this a normal steering damper setup for a series 2?



I can't see anything in the parts book for it so I'm guessing not. Bloody thing fouls the passage for the crank handle.

[schuy1]

Thats a standard steering damper setup for an early 2a from what Ive seen. On later 2a's '67 on, the chassis mount was welded to the chassis and below so the damper was more aligned with the steering rod and did not block crank access .
Cheers Scott

[harry]

Is this a normal steering damper setup for a series 2?



I can't see anything in the parts book for it so I'm guessing not. Bloody thing fouls the passage for the crank handle.

compared to mine, that is nothing like the real thing.
mine is attached to the chassis to a welded part of the chassis that keeps the damper basically horizontal and does not block the access to the crank handle - why would land rover do that shown in your picture?
I suspect yours is a totally after market jobbie and perhaps your car did not have factory fitted.
it does puzzle me as the other end of the real installation is bolted to a bracket welded to the steering rod, not like your bolted brackets.

[JDNSW]

Steering dampers did not even become an option on Landrovers until Series 2a, and were never standard on any of them (but were fitted as a "standard option" some of the time - e.g. Australian late Series 3).

The setup shown is the listed optional setup for early models that did not have the brackets on the chassis and drag link fitted from the factory. But I don't think the anchorage on the chassis is in the right position, as I don't think it should interfere with the crank handle. I might have a look in the morning if I remember, I think one of the sets of spares I have has this setup.

John

[paulthepilot_5]

Steering dampers did not even become an option on Landrovers until Series 2a, and were never standard on any of them (but were fitted as a "standard option" some of the time - e.g. Australian late Series 3).

The setup shown is the listed optional setup for early models that did not have the brackets on the chassis and drag link fitted from the factory. But I don't think the anchorage on the chassis is in the right position, as I don't think it should interfere with the crank handle. I might have a look in the morning if I remember, I think one of the sets of spares I have has this setup.

John

May end up making the welded bracket the same as the series 3, then use the series 3 rod with the built in bracket.

[paulthepilot_5]

Got a bit more done on the Landy today. Dropped all the old fluids out of the gearbox and T-case, didn't find any part numbers so off to a good start
Also got the engine out



Found the culprit for the hole in the bell housing too.



The starter pinion has tried to liberate itself from the bell housing at some stage in the past, found this in the bottom of the flywheel housing!





Took the clutch and flywheel housing off, ready to attack the rear seal





Next will probably be replacing the busted bell housing

[schuy1]

Steering dampers did not even become an option on Landrovers until Series 2a, and were never standard on any of them (but were fitted as a "standard option" some of the time - e.g. Australian late Series 3).

The setup shown is the listed optional setup for early models that did not have the brackets on the chassis and drag link fitted from the factory. But I don't think the anchorage on the chassis is in the right position, as I don't think it should interfere with the crank handle. I might have a look in the morning if I remember, I think one of the sets of spares I have has this setup.

John

John, that setup is the same as fitted to my 2a swb,that my grandfather purchased new in 1966. It has never been moded and still runs the damper in the same place. I have a feeling that the original damper was very thin, so did not restrict the crank handle. I find with the damper fitted now if I turn onto hard left lock the crank handle will just slide past.
Cheers and a great new year

[paulthepilot_5]

John, that setup is the same as fitted to my 2a swb,that my grandfather purchased new in 1966. It has never been moded and still runs the damper in the same place. I have a feeling that the original damper was very thin, so did not restrict the crank handle. I find with the damper fitted now if I turn onto hard left lock the crank handle will just slide past.
Cheers and a great new year

The damper on mine only just fouls, didn't think of steering to the left to clear it

[JDNSW]

The other thing that will cause the crankhandle to foul the damper is tired engine mounts.

For most people, the steering damper is not necessary. It is only intended to protect the driver from severe kickback when hitting bad bumps with one wheel. Damping to inhibit wheel wobble or steering shake is provided by frictional damping on the top swivel bush and the steering relay. Fitting of oversize tyres may require additional damping, but it is probably questionable whether this is best supplied by an additional damper or by increasing the frictional damping , for example by increasing swivel preload or a stronger spring in the steering relay.

Dampers began to be fitted to Series Landrovers mainly in response to their fitting by competitors and the high profit margin on dealer installed extras once Rover made them available! My first three Series Landrovers did not have them, and I cannot remember the slightest suggestion that their absence was ever noticed.

John