Thread: new Fairey?

I assume the people you are referring to are Rovers Down South in New Orleans.

I have not got one of these new ones from them, but I have bought parts to overhaul mine from them. I found them excellent to deal with and very helpful.

John

Thanks, John. Yes, I think that is them. I read they claim to have sorted out the bugs in the original box, but I have had no experience with or without the claimed deficiencies! Perhaps originals are OK, but I have found none available to date.
Regards, Bill

The principal problem with the original Fairey overdrive is that they have a tendency to chuck their oil out the breather, and as they have a very small reservoir anyway, this can lead to accelerated wear very easily. They also have a lubrication problem with the drive dog onto the gearbox main shaft.

Because of these problems you need to be very wary of second hand ones in any case. There are probably good ones about, but just be very cautious. All parts are available, but some are quite expensive.

The Toro overdrive, if you come across one, is a much sturdier design. Parts are more problematical, but then you should not need any. I believe they are lubricated from the transfer case, a big improvement.

I have gone to the trouble of overhauling and fitting one, although I rarely use it - it is still very noisy, as I should have replaced two of the gears, but could not afford to do so.

John

forgive my ignorance but have never seen any OD units before being new to Series landys. What do they look like and how do they operate ie do they have a extra leaver or switch or something?

The Landrover overdrive units fit on the back of the transfer case opposite the main gearbox output shaft. (see picture) The gear on this shaft is replaced by a drive dog which engages with the input shaft of the overdrive. The overdrive contains a two speed, direct and step up, synchromesh gearbox, with the output being to a quill shaft running on a bearing on the outside of the input shaft, with a gear in the same place as the original output gear on the gearbox.

Operation is by an additional gear lever. The overdrive can be used in high or low range, but should not be used other than in third or fourth in the main gearbox.

John

IMHO, this is a much better option than a tweaked Fairey:
Rocky Mountain Parabolic Suspension

Originally Posted by isuzurover

IMHO, this is a much better option than a tweaked Fairey:
Rocky Mountain Parabolic Suspension

I would have to agree entirely with you. They seem to have addressed the real problems with the Fairey, although there have probably not been enough used to show up any new problems. Any idea how the prices compare? They seem to be rather coy about mentioning their prices, unlike Rovers Down South. I suspect to a large extent you get what you pay for - and everyone does not have unlimited finances!

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I would have to agree entirely with you. They seem to have addressed the real problems with the Fairey, although there have probably not been enough used to show up any new problems. Any idea how the prices compare? They seem to be rather coy about mentioning their prices, unlike Rovers Down South. I suspect to a large extent you get what you pay for - and everyone does not have unlimited finances!

John

I have a figure of $1800CDN in my head, but could be completely wrong.

I met Ray (the guy who makes these/owns the company) when I was in canada, and he is a decent bloke. Owns an oz-built 4BD1 county (among many other landies).