Finally bought into P38 ownership...

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josh00mac

Active Member
Posts
105
Location
London
Hi all

After weighing up lots of thought, opinion and man maths I have bought myself a P38.

Its a 99 4.0. Bought it after a lot of thought and research including reading the musings of the LZ forum. I have wanted one of these for ages but have allowed negative reputation to put me off. In the end I couldn't ignore the hilarious value for money so I looked for one that I think will provide me with the least dramas and that has had as much preventative maintenance as possible!

Bought it from a guy who worked at a LR specialist - it has had a Turner engineering short block fitted and coil spring conversion. Before some of you are sick - this was actually a selling point to me. Though I don't mind wielding spanners I don't have much space or time and every seller I rang couldn't tell me their EAS was fault free so I decided to find one with coils. It is far better than the forum opinion would have you believe but i'll leave it at that because coils have their fans and haters. I don't use it to get to work and have wanted a V8 for the obvious reasons - diesel was never an option. 15-20mpg for those wondering. Or ten round town if you're enjoying the noise.

Only questions I have are;

Should I buy a Haynes for it or is there a maintenance guide on LZ?

Steering is not as precise as I would expect around the dead ahead, its possible to wiggle the wheel slightly whilst driving and not get much of a reaction. More than I would expect of a car like this. What area should I inspect/look to replace to remedy this? bushes? steering damper?

Possibly connected - hard braking from high speed gives the wheel very slight judder - no wheel wobble when driving at any speed just under heavy braking. Its not bad enough for me to worry but it is there. ideas?

I will attempt to add photos! Obviously you should clean before posting but I have driven the length of the UK, to Belgium and back and to Plymouth and back from London in the last month in it without missing a beat. Haven't had a chance to get it near a sponge (and now can't afford to anyway)

Josh

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Workshop manual and full RAVE manual is what you need, scroll down to P38 Range Rover Workshop Manual and Range Rover Full set of files
linky: pdf Land Rover Manuals | Landroverweb.com

Try fit a new steering damper for a start, island is good for many parts: Steering Damper P38 (Allmakes) ANR2640A Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.

Your discs could be warped, in need of a brake service
Consider changing out fluids

Best of luck - shame about the air-suspension
 
Well, if you bought it from a guy that worked for LR and he put it on coils, doesn't say much for his abilities. Try a ride in an air suspended P38, there is no comparison. Coil's WTF. :eek:
 
Well, if you bought it from a guy that worked for LR and he put it on coils, doesn't say much for his abilities. Try a ride in an air suspended P38, there is no comparison. Coil's WTF. :eek:


If done well they actually ride nice on coils, problem is they don't lower at speed, wasn't a problem when I had one + you never need worry about EAS
Personally prefer EAS though:rolleyes:
 
Welcome I got mine in April this year to be honest nothing has failed let me down but iv been going over it slowly replacing things just to be sure. Was fully working but I suspect a leaky rear air bag as its sits down at the back over night even on a flat surface.
Enjoy it
 
You have not done much research if you are looking for a Haynes manual.
Steering is never that precise, it's an off roader after all, however make of tyre and tyre pressures are critical. Worn drag link or track rod ends will cause wander. Well maintained, the EAS is reliable, infinately superior to coils. Fitting coils is often a sign of poor maintenance.
 
Thanks Druim and datatek for your advice. I might get sacked trying to print the workshop manual.

I'll keep you all updated on how it goes

Cheers!
 
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