88 to 109 chassis swap

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Palagius

Palagius

Well-Known Member
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Location
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Is it possible to rebuild my rotten 88 2a diesel pickup onto a new galv 109 chassis and bulkhead, Richards have said that the shock/axle dimensions are different, is this a major prob?,
if so could i just source and fit a 109 back axle?, i am replacing the wiring and brake lines anyway and the more space in the butt the better, it is only used for local runs with no weight in the back,
Atb
 
rynner said:
Is it possible to rebuild my rotten 88 2a diesel pickup onto a new galv 109 chassis and bulkhead, Richards have said that the shock/axle dimensions are different, is this a major prob?,
if so could i just source and fit a 109 back axle?, i am replacing the wiring and brake lines anyway and the more space in the butt the better, it is only used for local runs with no weight in the back,
Atb
Click to expand...

Think axles are the same.
Issue will be the chassis not being to std 88 spec ie 20 odd inches longer.
Insurance etc.
Of course if you were to buy an old 109 chassis with v5 and use you car as the body parts donor.
 
Thanks for the good advice and siggestions,
I want the space in the back of a 109, i have an 88 with a rotten chassis and bulkhead, on my last 88 i did everything from axles, diffs, doors,gearbox to new main bearings, i know i would enjoy doing a chassis swap and the few 109s i have looked at are getting a bit pricy for me to disregard my 88 idea when i rekon it may be possible to use my parts,
Re the chassis, in the series manual it has the chassis dimensions and blueprint for manufacturing one so i look on it as just another 'consumable' part, unlike most other vehicles and, to be frank if i did do this it will never be going near an m.o.t tester and i am i unlikely to meet anybody official these days that would twig the change,
 
@rynner, are you wanting to simply buy a good 109 or start a rebuild project from chassis up? I ask as a friend has a very good 109 that's for sale right now + it has a 200TDi installed so an unbustable engine. PM me if you'd like to know more + here to recent link showing some good pics https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/1973-s3-109-with-tdi-engine-valuation-for-a-friend.384778/

The 109 is looking for a good new home...:)

eta don't faff about trying to make an 88 body fit a 109 chassis - either buy a 109, or do a proper build. The build option is always more expensive
 
steve2286w said:
Yes I assumed that too but the springs sit below the chassis on an 88 and outside the chassis on an outrigger on the 109 so the axles will be different where the springs bolt on
Click to expand...

I never thought of that, I was just thinking of the diffs!
 
rynner said:
Is it possible to rebuild my rotten 88 2a diesel pickup onto a new galv 109 chassis and bulkhead, Richards have said that the shock/axle dimensions are different, is this a major prob?,
if so could i just source and fit a 109 back axle?, i am replacing the wiring and brake lines anyway and the more space in the butt the better, it is only used for local runs with no weight in the back,
Atb
Click to expand...
You’ll need quite a few bits to build a 109 from and 88. But if you are prepared to source them, it would be possible.

However in the U.K. you’d then need to IVA it and it will end up on a Q plate and no longer be eligible for tax or MoT exemption.

I suspect it’s resale value would be much lower too.

Probably just easier to sell the 88 and start with a 109.

If you aren’t in the U.K. then local laws may allow you to do this with less issues.
 
rynner said:
Thanks for the good advice and siggestions,
I want the space in the back of a 109, i have an 88 with a rotten chassis and bulkhead, on my last 88 i did everything from axles, diffs, doors,gearbox to new main bearings, i know i would enjoy doing a chassis swap and the few 109s i have looked at are getting a bit pricy for me to disregard my 88 idea when i rekon it may be possible to use my parts,
Re the chassis, in the series manual it has the chassis dimensions and blueprint for manufacturing one so i look on it as just another 'consumable' part, unlike most other vehicles and, to be frank if i did do this it will never be going near an m.o.t tester and i am i unlikely to meet anybody official these days that would twig the change,
Click to expand...
Sorry but that’s a pretty poor attitude. It would be illegal and non roadworthy.
 
300bhp/ton said:
You’ll need quite a few bits to build a 109 from and 88. But if you are prepared to source them, it would be possible.

However in the U.K. you’d then need to IVA it and it will end up on a Q plate and no longer be eligible for tax or MoT exemption.

I suspect it’s resale value would be much lower too.

Probably just easier to sell the 88 and start with a 109.

If you aren’t in the U.K. then local laws may allow you to do this with less issues.
Click to expand...
He is in the UK, probably in Cornwall.

And I agree with you, and some of the other posters, expensive job, will require re-registration, and my observation generally is that 109s never sell as well as 88s.
 
I spose my initial questions have been answered,
It seems most prudent to find a 109,
I may have still been tempted to build up onto an older chassis but i would not want to cut and weld new suspension mountings onto a brand new galvanised one, Richards said that the springs are mounted further out for stability,
 
Same length front and back , you can see the rear springs mounted on outriggers on pic , surprised me too





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