5 speed box or ovrdrive ? what would you fit ??

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
S

sheepzskin

New Member
Posts
24
Location
ayrshire
hi folks , i have a lwb series 3 with a v8 rover vitesse engine its only got a 4 speed standard landrover box in her, it did have an overdrive but that was removed when i bought it.
could someone please tell me whats my best option or whats the better option for the landrover , another overdrive or a 5 speed box?
and also what i would need for doing the job?
i can get access to most tools /welder etc etc ,
i am wanting to use it on the road more than offroad

thanks in advance steven
 
3.54 diffs are a direct swap for rover diffs they come from coil sprung Range Rovers & Land Rovers 1970-1995.

If you have filler bungs in the diff and not in the axle casing then you need to find early ones as yours is a series III then you should be ok.

Although I can only guess but the rear of your landy should have a salisbury rear axle and not a rover axle. This is not a bad thing they are superior in strength over a rover item especially as you have a V8 up front. The internals of salisburys can be swapped over from a late 110 rear salisbury axle. However this is not a job for the home mechanic to be done correctly and last.


Changing to 3.54: 1 instead of 4.7:1

Good points: raise the gearing for motorway cruising,


Bad points, Raise the gearing,

If you tow heavy loads on the road 1st gear will seem too high.

If you do any semi serious offroad driving or whatever then you really lose the low range. Having a v8 will help if its in good nick but its not a nice cure it has down sides and some people (Me included) believe this is not a nice way of solving the problem.

The only real answer is get an overdrive but they are expensive and 3.54:1 good used diffs could be brought from £60 a piece s/h.

May I ask how you got around the front axle taking out the oil filer housing on full compression of the axle if you have an SD1 housing

Also what starter motor is fitted SD1 or RRC and does it miss the propshaft on full compression?

Regards
 
sheepzskin-albums-v8-land-rover-picture9734-v8-014.jpg
[/IMG]
sheepzskin-albums
jai_landrover said:
3.54 diffs are a direct swap for rover diffs they come from coil sprung Range Rovers & Land Rovers 1970-1995.

If you have filler bungs in the diff and not in the axle casing then you need to find early ones as yours is a series III then you should be ok.

Although I can only guess but the rear of your landy should have a salisbury rear axle and not a rover axle. This is not a bad thing they are superior in strength over a rover item especially as you have a V8 up front. The internals of salisburys can be swapped over from a late 110 rear salisbury axle. However this is not a job for the home mechanic to be done correctly and last.


Changing to 3.54: 1 instead of 4.7:1

Good points: raise the gearing for motorway cruising,


Bad points, Raise the gearing,

If you tow heavy loads on the road 1st gear will seem too high.

If you do any semi serious offroad driving or whatever then you really lose the low range. Having a v8 will help if its in good nick but its not a nice cure it has down sides and some people (Me included) believe this is not a nice way of solving the problem.

The only real answer is get an overdrive but they are expensive and 3.54:1 good used diffs could be brought from £60 a piece s/h.

May I ask how you got around the front axle taking out the oil filer housing on full compression of the axle if you have an SD1 housing

Also what starter motor is fitted SD1 or RRC and does it miss the propshaft on full compression?

Regards
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
hi jai_landrover
sorry it took so long to answer your reply,
i have a couple of picture here that might help answer your questions,
as i said i no very little about mechanics,
i did however fit a overdrive like you said , it does make a diffrance but not a great lot ,
she will sit about 55-60 mph flat out, but the engine sounds like she wants to go faster but nothing happening, change diffs?

sheepzskin-albums-v8-land-rover-picture10203-landy-007.jpg


sheepzskin-albums


sheepzskin-albums-v8-land-rover-picture10206-ooooooooo-003.jpg
 
Last edited:
I'd seriously be looking at the mechanicals check the prop shafts diffs brakes hand brakes for any issues also make sure the engine is in good nick many v8s put in series motors are not always that great condition.

On the basis that my old mans 109 would cruise at 70 mph 2.25 petrol slightly modified a v8 with the same gearing assuming you have 750 r16 tyres it should be more than capable of 70 75mph my old mans mechanicals were all 100-% tho moly slipped everything oil every 3000 miles props hafts checked and greased weekly before that weeks Offroad comp.
 
If you don't want the diffs, you could try the Ashcroft high ratio transfer box. This keeps low range, speedo accuracy and hand brake efficiency. And I think it can be used with over drive.

I have one on mine.
 
all breaks were done a couple off weeks ago a new hand brake at same time ,
today i fitted a new dizzy , ht 8mm leads ,rotor arm ,and a lucas coil , all brand new ,
and not any real change, tomorrow i am fitting 8 new spark plugs,
i chek the 2 nearist plugs to me on the drivers side , one was kind o ok condition and the secound was all black if it was getting to much fuel, i never checked anymore plugs as i will do this when fitting new ones,
yes its on 750 tyres and drives lovley and smooth for 32 yr old ,
there gear box dosent sound good very load and krunches 2nd and reverse,
i done fuel oil/filter change on engine and new oil in boxes, found a tooth from transmision box when removing old oil,
so new box needed, does it matter if its a petrol or diesel gearbox thats fitted ?speed wise? thanks for your help, i am keen to learn and get this old bus up and rocking again,
even tho its taxed and 1yrs MOT, its just a bit thirsty to run around in at the moment,
 
petrol/diesel boxes are the same you could fit 5 speed but other work is entailed ,diffs are fairly easy swap unless low box is needed as low as is at moment,how much work money do you want to put into it
 
i will keep my eyes and ears open for any 3:54 diffs
and a recon gear box , and hope that makes it run better
is ebay best place to buy these diff?
cheers boys
 
Fitting the 3.54:1 diffs will make a hell of a difference,my 2a V8 was hopeless on standard diffs you could set off in 2nd gear and it was screaming at 60mph.
Now it will burble along at 70mph at about 2500/3000rpm,it's also easier to swap diffs than fitting a 5 speed box.
 
I've got 3.54's and a Roverdrive on my 2.3 petrol (with hi-torque cam) and just been to France and back loaded up with a good amount of stuff. Averaged 22.5 mpg at between 65 and 75 depending on the hills and prevailing wind. Before at 55mpg it was running out of puff and you couldn't hold a conversation now it is comfortable. Before tweaking the engine it was just a bit too long a gearing but should be fine on a v8.

D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
4 Speed Auto 200tdi 1988 90
Replies
6
Views
922
tottot
tottot
T
Series 3 The Ultimate Series Daily Driver
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
tottot
tottot
R
Need recommendations on a rebuilt GM transmission... But....
Replies
7
Views
878
Rallymantony
R
nevillen
An Honest RR Specialist
2
Replies
20
Views
962
Datatek
Datatek
M
Pump to the steering box pipe
Replies
4
Views
431
mma59
M
Back
Top