Thread: Series 3 Overdrive

Have made several phone calls re this issue, the flow of thought is:
Put the Fairey in the bin for starters, as they require regular greasing as they have no oil slinger hence why mine is a burnt color and very cooked bearings ( had plenty of oil in it )also puts strain on gearbox main shaft, mine is flogged out and requires replacement.
Option 1 change diffs to higher ratio approx cost $2000 to 2500 the down side is this effects both low and high range so getting out of holes is made harder.
Option 2 fit a Rover Drive Cost $2095 allows splitting of all gears mainly recommended for 3rd and 4th gear, is a bolt on item in same position as a Fairey.

Hi Land Dog, welcome to the forum.

Yes, the Fairey over drives are known to be weak, but can survive ok with regular maintenance and a bit of TLC when using it.

The Rover Drive (or Roamerdrive as it is now known) is a far superior bit of kit and if you can afford it, would be the go. These units do heat up the box a bit, so the oil cooler sump they sell would be a good idea as well.

All the best - Gav.

Most people will tell you that the o/drive is a useless attachment anyway, as fuel economy is no different with or without it. Having said that I preferred to have it anyway, as the engine revs are lower and this makes for a more comfortable drive although noise levels may or may not be any better depending on how much noise your o/drive makes. Mine is not attached at the moment as the driving dog spline is stripped, and I don't really miss it that much.
One other option that you didn't mention is changing the ratio in the tranfer case, Ashcrofts do a kit for this I believe. This changes up the high ratio to around what the o/drive would, but leave low ratio very close to standard. FWD motors in Yeronga used to do it on a changeover basis, I don't know if they still do or not.
If you do get rid of the O/drive you will need an original gearbox output gear to replace the o/drive gear. (Drives from gearbox output to t/case idler gear.)

Cheers, Mick.

Roamerdrives are simply no good in the heat. I've got the whole thing with finned plate and it's no good up here. If you drive in temperatures under the high 30s then you'd be okay. Mine was great until it started burning oil, which I'd never had any gearbox do before.

Thanks for the info guys ie Bacicat, Killer and Davo. I have bitten the bullet and purchased a Roverdrive, they tossed in the finned sump for the T/fer case and no freight.
Bacicat, Parts for the o/d I have dont exist, is Aussie, can import, but could have issues as I did, Imported from John Craddock Staffordshire UK.
Davo, I wont be operation in temps over 30 most of the time so should be ok.
Killer, spoke to FWD they gave me no option,s short of a diff change.
Including vehicle purchase cost, the new o/d, gearbox rebuild. new treads 31/15s, and me doing all the work, this old girl will be registered on the road for around $4500 to $5000 I think thats a fair deal, for a vehicle to run the bush and beach 4/5 times a year on holiday, yes 4/5 times and loving retirement. The old Land Dog will run forever. Thanks again guys.

Good to hear you came up with a solution to meet your needs, I look forward to seeing the old girl out and about.
I recall reading somewhere that the correct oil in the Roamadrives is essential.

Cheers, Mick.