Thread: Series III ute question

Originally Posted by gone bush

Hi all.
I have absolutely no idea when it comes to early model land rovers as our first one was a disco 1 followed by my TD5 disco 2 and my old man has a 2004 rangie. I find myself bitten by the LR bug and in the situation of looking for a LR ute to punt around in. I have seen an 82 model v8 which I asume is a series III; are there any fundamental issues with series III's I should look out for?
thanks in advance JP

Not all S111 are like that. It is a stage 1. V8 3.5 They have Early Rangie gear box and transfer (LT95) Strongest of the breed. If its for sale and cheap grab it. The stage 1 are the best leaf sprung LR made in some opinions. There are many things to look fore but at this age most problems may have developed anyway. They are drum brakes and 3.5 was derated of HP so suit. Rad suport on early Stage 1 prone to crack. Also bulkhead can crack if had a hard life. There were many isues with 3.5 and LT95 but a lot have lasted over 500000kms. I'd be more worried about rust as plenty of spares out there. Hi-Tough Engineering make stronger axles for them. Just need a 24 spline front Diff or put in a locker (ARB etc) The rear is Salsbury (Similar to a dana diff) Very big and strong. If its an early S111 they are a different breed Be prepared They do have there good points how ever

Originally Posted by gone bush

Hi all.
I have absolutely no idea when it comes to early model land rovers ...

... are there any fundamental issues with series III's I should look out for?
thanks in advance JP

JP

As Rangier suggests the big thing to watch out for is RUST. Particularly in the rear chassis cross member and the rear spring hangers. If there is evidence of repairs or more than just surface rust then caveat emptor.

Diana