What are the odds... at my local Moree mechanics

[akula]

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I was getting a rego check today and just being new in Moree I had no idea where to go that would be sympathetic to Land Rover quirks. Anyways, I chose a random one close to my house, and I was anticipating the usual 'buy a Toyota' advice re my choice of car..



I was cheered up to see a LC languishing without a gearbox and motor, and was deciding if I should reply to inevitable Land Rover slurs with "I thought Toyota's never break down!?", although I remained undecided as the mechanic, being a presumed Toyota proselytizer like 99.99% of country people, would say something like "yeah well it has ten trillion kilometers on it".

Mechanic was friendly and didn't even wince when he saw it was a Land Rover - I am suspicious by now - anticipating an ambush of 'well meaning advice'. None forthcoming, car needs a tie rod end, just call the local bearing guy, I can fix it this afternoon if you can get it back to me early enough (lucky, It's Friday and rego expires at midnight). I go to get the part - amazingly it is in stock, and cheap!

When I return the mechanic is finishing up on another car, so I go for a walk and around the corner is this..



I had seen this car on the road several times, I had even waved (apparently the Disco didn't warrant a wave back). Excited (my first car was 49 S1), I ask the mechanic who owns it, casually as you like he says "oh, that's mine... It's my daily driver... it's a 53"





I love the LED bar!







Interesting panel work.. my 49 wasn't that fancy

Back to the Disco - the mechanic (Rob) realises after undoing the old one that the ball joint we got from the parts guy was RH threaded (we needed a LH threaded). He calls the bearing guy and ascertains that they do have the LH one, and offers me his wife's car (who is the secretary) to pick up the part - "the keys are in it".

So I get back with the right part and while he puts it on we chat about Land Rovers. He recommends that I replace this thing (I can't remember what he called it). It apparently is a one-piece item - the second pic shows the full length.





Does anybody know what this is or it's part number?? I need one!! Any help appreciated!!
(And yes I do have RAVE but I can't find part no's, or make it work really)

Anyways, we have a good chat about Land Rovers. I mention that I had spotted S2 or S2A ex-army 'workshop' locally. He then casually mentions that he recently bought a 50 S1 from Coonabarabran for $500 (his wife spotted it on Facebook!). It is in original condition very straight, it even has the ring-pull selector - sorry no pics yet - although I will definitely be going back, so I will get some then.

Anyways, it made my day!!

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[Ausfree]

Can't help you with a part number, but I'm glad you accidently bumped into another LandRover nut. Sounds like you had a good day!!!

[Outback 1]

that would be known as track rod

[SBD4]

great story!

[460cixy]

Bloody good show

[Mick_Marsh]

He was pointing to the whole car. You need to replace it with a Series, preferably a Series 1.

[Sue]

Tie rod/track rod (I think it's called both) ..

[bob10]

I believe RAVE calls it a panhard rod. may be wrong. There is a tutorial on RAVE, go to the " carpark" Bob

[malleefowl]

How about a plug for the landrover friendly business list.
Some of us may need an oil change on our travels and its good to know landy friendly businesses

[Ancient Mariner]

Tie rod behind the diff panhard in front of

AM