1985 90

Hi Chaps,

Don't normally post on this forum as i currently own a series 3 but am looking for something a little less 'agricultural' as i've just started a new job which requires a half hour commute so i need something a bit more comfortable for the journey.

I'm looking at an '85 90 2.5 diesel up the road from me. It's in very very good condition. Chassis is perfect and waxoiled, body is straight, interior is mint, engine is fine (157 thou on the clock, just had full service including belts etc). Took it for a test drive and the only problem was that when you put it in low range (which was difficult) it pops out again as soon as you change gear.

The current owner is currently having a look at it although he doesn't seem to have a clue about these things as he's never off-roaded and until i explained to him he didn't even know what the low range gear lever did!! He's only had it 3 months and is now looking for an astra estate so i'll let you draw your own conclusions!

Anyway, i'm assuming from the condition of the vehicle that it's never been offroaded in it's life so i'm guessing that the low range box has seized or could it be something more serious? Could this be a major problem or is it normally simple to sort out?

Any suggestions appreciated, was hoping to get at the weekend but this is looking unrealistic now.

Cheers - Bob.

Hi fella. Well I have also just got me self a 2.5D 90 and it had the same problem but only when you used diff lock. It has been used on the road for most of its life. Well I bought it with road tyres on aswell. Anyway it was the rubber gater which goes round the high low leaver which was stopping mine from going in correctly. But yes there is also that which you mentioned if high low ha not been used it does get rusty. Its all under the rubber gaters. Also one thing to look out for in the 90 box (which is a LT77) is if it clunks when you set off. Is it bad or just a little. £395 gets you a upgraded gearbox from http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/part_1.html then you set up for life...

Having had mine apart a few times I would suggest it would be the linkages needing lubrication and/or adjustment. The easiest way to get at it is through the transmission tunnel.

Hi,

Cheers for the reply. Looks like we're back on for the weekend now, he came round last night having fixed the low box so i didn't give him enough credit with regard to his knowledge around landys. Something to do with a pin that was misadjusted and wouldn't locate properly into a hole. Anyway, it's been sorted now and all works fine so i'll be picking up at the weekend.

Thanks for the advice re the gearbox, i'll have a look at that.

Cheers - Rob.

Nay problem fella. Good to hear its fixed,

So, you've got two to mend at weekends now then. Where do you find the time?

Ha ha, shouldn't be a problem as the series 3 isn't going anywhere now. Can only afford to insure the 90. Will be sticking a for sale note in the window and try and sell it that way but otherwise i'll be sticking it on ebay in the next 2-3 weeks. I'll stick a for sale notice in here as well. Need to sell soon though as i've got a fairly hefty credit card bill to pay off now!!

I'm having fun already! Set off this morning in wet weather to discover that the wipers don't work - which was nice! Kicking myself for not checking them before i bought it but too late now. Gonna check fuses tonight then stalk then motor. Hope it's not the latter. Anyone else had this problem?

Also the temp seems to sit between nothing and half way i.e 1 quarter when fully warmed up. Should it be higher than this? Will probably stick a new thermostat in it as a matter of course anyway...

Hehe, don't you just F*ckin love em.

Bob.

They definatly have something no other landrover has......he he.

You never get 2 the same....