Thread: Stage 1 V8s

Originally Posted by wagoo

While the centre diff can be converted to selective 4wd engagement,the main problem with the Stage Ones LT95 transmission is that although it is much stronger than the series units, If something catastrophic happens such as the centre diff assembly poking a big hole in the back or side of the transfer case, then it's virtually unrepairable or even replaceable with another unit in a bush situation away from workshop facilities, due to the sheer bulk and weight of the transmission in which the transfercase cannot be unbolted from the main gearbox to break down the assembly into two manageable size chunks. That happened to a club member on a Vic high country trip some years ago, which made retreiving the vehicle a week long ordeal that occasionally gives me nightmares when I dream it is happening to me.
bill.

While I appreciate this scenario can occur, I would like to know if any of the Stage One owners on the forum have been stranded due to the gearbox having a catastrophic failure. I imagine that the motor could put a piston through the head too and create a terminal failure to an expedition causing a vehicle to be recovered via towing. There really is a myriad of scenarios that could be described that would result in a vehicle being recovered via towing.

The fact that this drive system, that was developed on the Range Rover Classic Series, was employed by all Land Rover's since it's implementation in the Stage One is surely evidence enough that the full time four wheel drive and centre diff lock drive train is a fantastic combination. Just ask any County, Defender, Discovery and Range Rover driver why they choose to purchase their vehicle and the drive train would be an answer that would be a common denominator across the poll.

Lets be realistic. The Stage One is a fantastic vehicle and along with the Range Rover Classic is a game changer in the history of Land Rover vehicles worldwide.

Regards Warrick.

Stirling did.

At the bottom of this page Stage 1 V8 • View topic - Howdy, Names Stirling

Originally Posted by wpalmo

While I appreciate this scenario can occur, I would like to know if any of the Stage One owners on the forum have been stranded due to the gearbox having a catastrophic failure. I imagine that the motor could put a piston through the head too and create a terminal failure to an expedition causing a vehicle to be recovered via towing. There really is a myriad of scenarios that could be described that would result in a vehicle being recovered via towing.

The fact that this drive system, that was developed on the Range Rover Classic Series, was employed by all Land Rover's since it's implementation in the Stage One is surely evidence enough that the full time four wheel drive and centre diff lock drive train is a fantastic combination. Just ask any County, Defender, Discovery and Range Rover driver why they choose to purchase their vehicle and the drive train would be an answer that would be a common denominator across the poll.



Lets be realistic. The Stage One is a fantastic vehicle and along with the Range Rover Classic is a game changer in the history of Land Rover vehicles worldwide.

Regards Warrick.

If the practicality, allround on road performance, and offroad ability of a stage one ticks all your boxes then that is fine. I hope you continue to enjoy your vehicle. However, I suspect that your standards, re the afore mentioned qualities are not particularly high. and were probably developed using earlier series LandRovers as a base reference.
Let's be realistic. While Stage Ones, after spending a few grand on fr/r difflocks,stronger front halfshafts, reworking the springs, front anti tramp rod, power steering etc, can be transformed into an offroad weapon, in standard form they are very ordinary performers both on and offroad. The CDL is not a switch that magically transforms them into vastly superior traction monsters compared to earlier LandRovers and other brands of 4wds with selective four wheel drive. All it does is positively lock the front and rear propshafts together, just like earlier series when 4wd is selected. As with the earlier Series vehicles, the standard 'open' front and rear diffs still allows all the drive to be uselessly wasted through one front and one rear wheel when the very restricted suspension articulation limits, which are no greater than my old independant front suspension Jackaroo are exceeded. At least the Jack had a good LSD as standard.
I think I've just talked myself into updating to a cheap FJ45 LandCruiser, or maybe a 1951 Dodge Power Wagon.
Bill.

I like the the old fj45s but I can tell you that a stage one is as good or better in the bush than a 45. How do I know? My mate has an fj45 lx ( the flash one) and has run it on my property behind the stage one on numerous occasions, provided you have some weight in the landy, it will out perform the 45, but I'm talking very steep, very challenging terrain, he's 45 has busted transfer,and front and rear diffs, in the last 3 yrs, stage one gets driven very hard and has never broken, maybe only a matter of time, but my expeirience with them has been that they are bloody tough units...but a dodge power would be the goods, I agree!

this thread is getting entertaining

Originally Posted by wagoo

I think I've just talked myself into updating to a cheap FJ45 LandCruiser.
Bill.

Sounds like your standards are really high Bill. From what I have read on a couple of your previous posts you already own a Land Cruiser with a Stage One body bolted on to it. Must be tough driving a Land Cruiser with an inferiority complex. Maybe you can find yourself an FJ45 body to improve the vehicles pedigree, as long as you can find one that hasn't rusted out.

Regards Warrick.

Thought I would post a few images taken this week of the Stage One with the new 3.9 fitted. Hopefully get the gearbox fitted in the next couple of weeks. Looking forward to starting her.

Regards Warrick.


IMG_6085-web by wpalmo, on Flickr


IMG_6095-web by wpalmo, on Flickr


IMG_6115-web by wpalmo, on Flickr


IMG_6073-web by wpalmo, on Flickr


IMG_6128-web by wpalmo, on Flickr

That's dead sexy...got me thinking of re-powering up the old stage one firewood truck...!!!