There are two common types of Land Rover, the short wheel base model 88 and
the long wheel base model 109. There were older models but they are few in
number and parts are difficult to get. There are newer models but they were
not imported to the US.
There were three series of both models imported, series I (pre '58 hard to
get parts for (short wheelbase series I seen in "The Gods Must be crazy)),
Series II ('58-60), Series IIA ('61-'69 or '70 (earlier ones have headlights
inside wings, later ones have headlamps on wings)), and Series III.
The model 109 was imported until 1968. The model 88 was imported untill '74
There are 3 engines available for these cars:
1. 4 cylinder petrol. This engine is seriously overbuilt (mine has 300K+ miles
on it. Compression is low so it runs on just about any type of petrol. It has
a single downdraft carb, circular intake ports, roller cam, 20 Amp generator.
The engine gets about 15 to 18 MPG & runs smoothly under load below 1000RPM.
2. A disel version of the 4 banger.
3. An 'L'head 6 that came in a few LRs (mainly 109s). This is a heavy low HP
antique. Parts are relativly hard to get.
There are basically 2 versions of transmissions. The series II & Series III.
- The series II transmission does not have syncro in first (grany) or second
gears.
- The series III transmission is considered not to be quite as stong as the
series II box but has syncro in all forward gears.
Land Rovers have an Al body with a steel firewall and front (holds radiator).
The tops are bolted on. The frame is steel. The front doors have side curtians
that unbolt. full metal tops, pickup metal tops and canvas tops are available.
The 109 came in two door (pickup) and four door (stationwagon) versions.
the 109 2 door has a 6 foot bed.
There is a rare model of four door 109 called the Doormobile. It is the Land
Rover camper. It has a pop up top (like the VW van camper), refrigerator,
sink, propaine stove & other goodies.
88 - 109 comparison
The 88 being lighter & having a shorted wheel base, is a superior offroad
car. It doesnt get stuck as often and can turn in almost half the radius
of the 109. Of course you can sleep inside a 109 two door or doormobile.
Things to look for when shopping for a LR
The engine should start easily and run extreamly smoothly at 800 RPM.
idle oil pressure should be 20lbs or better. Running oil pressure should be
around 50lbs. I do not remember the compression but they should be within
5 lbs or so. Let the car idle. Unlike other Broitish cars that shall remain
nameless, it should show no signs of overheating in a prolonged idle.
Pop the radiator cap & leave it off until the engine is warm. There should
be no air bubbles (sign of leaky head gasket, cracked head). When you test
drive the car use all gears as well as high & low range. Expect series II
transmissions to be louder in first, second and reverse gears since they are
straight cut. Otherwise the transmission & transfer case should not be
overloud.
Time to look under the car. oil on inside of wheels mean the inner oil seals
are history & therefore so are the brakes (oil on the outside is a minor
seal problem 7 dosn't affect the brakes. Next look at the body above where the
drive s
the drive shaft mates to the differentials (front & back). If there is lots of
oil on the body, the pinion seal is history & should be replaced befor
you accidently run it out of oil.
There is a big ball joint on each front axel. These the clean parts of these
joints should be smooth, unpitted and rust free. Otherwise they need to be
replaced. Expect the engine & trans to be leaking oil (The British never
could seem to get the knack of oil seals). Just assume that you should check
fluids frequently.
Testdriving
The straring should be smooth and have little or no freeplay. There should
be no strange vibrations in either 2 or 4 wheel drive.
Be sure to check the frame for damage or rust.
Its the slowest 4by on the road, but it is semi indestructable, and built to
be field striped in a jungle with a screwdriver and crescent wrench.
Pluses
factory manuals
tropical top
overdrive
Plus plus
Doormobile anything
Positraction
Value
Most to least
Doormobile, ex military, 2 door 109, 88, four door 109
Most people prefer the IIA to the series III
Chris, I hope this answers your questions about LRs. If you have any specific
let me know.
TeriAnn
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