Thread: S3 question

The Series 2a Box has no synchro on first and second, the Series 3 box does.
I think there could be some ratio differences dependent upon what the boxes came out of.
The Series 2a box is generally considered to be stronger if its in good condition it would be the way to go.
The 2a chassis is hand made and is stronger than the Series 3.

All of these statements are true if everything is in the same condition they are all getting old.

Originally Posted by djam1

The 2a chassis is hand made and is stronger than the Series 3.

The SII Chassis is made of 4 flat panels of steel, the SIII is made of 2 U sections, and has a seam along the middle (top & bottom faces).

Don't forget the bellhousings are different

The internals of 4 and 6 cyl boxes are the same in relation to other boxes of the same suffix.

The Series 3 box has a one piece layshaft cluster which makes it stronger than a Series 2/2a box.

In both Series 2a and Series 3 the suffix D and later boxes are the strongest of that particular series, but for different reasons. A suffix D S2a box is better that a Suffix A series 3 box. S3 boxes can be more expensive to overhaul because of the cost of the layshaft. There is valid argument both ways whether a Suffix D S3 is stronger or weaker than a suffix D Series 2a box. The S3 box is easier to drive than a S2a box for the novice.

S3 88 chassis are fabricated in exactly the same manner as S2a 88 chassis.

Both S2 and S3 chassis bend and distort in a crash or impact, so it is a pretty empty argument which is stronger.

Years ago I had a friend that ran a Series 3 Ute across the Simpson with 3 44 Gallon drums across the back of the cabin it actually broke the Chassis in half obviously not the smartest move.
I have also seen many Series 3 break the chassis off on both sides behind the front spring hangers with hard use. For Overland use it was generally suggested that the Series 3 chassis be plated in this area and a T piece on every cross member junction.
All that aside I haven't seen many broken 2a chassis just a few with rust and cracks.
Not that any of this matters still much stronger than the competition

Originally Posted by land_do

Gday all, i was wondering is there any difference between a S2a 4cyl box and a S3 6cyl box? and is there any differance between a S2a chassis and S3 chassis? cheers

To try and put together the bits from other answers in a way that answers your questions - although I am not sure exactly what your questions are!

1. The Series 2a and 3 boxes differ mainly in that the S3 box is all synchromesh, and the clutch release mechanism is different, making swapping somewhat problematic, but possible. Ratios are slightly different, and there are numerous detail differences not only between 2a and 3 boxes but between difference suffix boxes in 2a or 3. However, it is possible to swap any of them, but you have to swap the cluch mechanism as well, and reroute the hydraulic line (2a has slave cylinder on the RH, S3 on the LH side). For that matter, you can put any of them into or out of the Series 1, but from S1 to S3 or vice versa gets more complicated.

2. The six cylinder and four cylinder boxes at any time had identical works, but the bell housing and gear lever are different and will not fit the other engine.

3. Series 2a and 3 chassis are functionally identical except for a few brackets and holes etc. S3 109 chassis look different because they are made with the main rails from pressings welded together, whereas S2a 109 and both 88s have the rails made from four plates welded along the edges. Four and six cylinder chassis are not interchangeable, as the engine mounts are in different locations.

Note that the One Ton and military chassis are significantly different, and the Stage One very different.

John