Just got a 1971 Lightweight

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Lloyd J

Lloyd J

New Member
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9
Location
London
Hello all.
I have just got a 1971 Lightweight project prior to my ownership it's been fitted with a 300tdi which is I guess an upgrade but un noticed at purchase the front prop shaft was not fitted. On trying to install I have found it doesn't quite line up due to the bell housing, I assume this is to do with the new motor. Has anyone any ideas or come across the same issue?
Any advice would be very welcome!
 
i wouldnt say it was an upgrade, perhaps more powerful and economic,but they are definitely better as a 2.25 or even a 2.5 petrol, if its got the 300 flywheel housing you could cut the support bracket lugs off or convert a non 300 4 cylinder flywheel housing
 
Lloyd J said:
Hello all.
I have just got a 1971 Lightweight project prior to my ownership it's been fitted with a 300tdi which is I guess an upgrade but un noticed at purchase the front prop shaft was not fitted. On trying to install I have found it doesn't quite line up due to the bell housing, I assume this is to do with the new motor. Has anyone any ideas or come across the same issue?
Any advice would be very welcome!
Click to expand...

In the long run, you would probably be better off with a standard engine. Especially as those are quite rare now, and are getting collector's value.
 
Yes I have read the 200 is better than the 300 but Ideally want to use what I have I am not sure my ability or resources will stretch to an engine swap. Just want to get her rolling, repainted, and have some fun in / with her and then do her up whilst I play with her.
I had a ex mod 2.25 series 3 lwb before and there was nothing wrong with that motor so not avoiding it for preference
 
Lloyd J said:
Yes I have read the 200 is better than the 300 but Ideally want to use what I have I am not sure my ability or resources will stretch to an engine swap. Just want to get her rolling, repainted, and have some fun in / with her and then do her up whilst I play with her.
I had a ex mod 2.25 series 3 lwb before and there was nothing wrong with that motor so not avoiding it for preference
Click to expand...

300Tdi is a good engine. Just not the right engine in that vehicle.
 
I didn't get to go shopping for this one. My father is in the motor trade and had a bobtail rang rover come in part ex that we swapped for the lightweight and knowing I always wanted one of these he kindly gave it to me. Though it's a gift that requires a bit of work. Brake master, obviously prop shaft and then a tidy up. But chassis is in good solid condition
 
Hi col,
What I mean is that when bolted to the gearbox it's around 1 inch to the passenger side of where it needs to bolt to the axle and there is gearbox or bell housing in the way of moving it into alignment the length is good! Thanks
 
Lloyd J said:
I didn't get to go shopping for this one. My father is in the motor trade and had a bobtail rang rover come in part ex that we swapped for the lightweight and knowing I always wanted one of these he kindly gave it to me. Though it's a gift that requires a bit of work. Brake master, obviously prop shaft and then a tidy up. But chassis is in good solid condition
Click to expand...

You can't get a propshaft that will fit. You will have to do as James said in post 2.
But it might be as easy to go back to standard engine, or 2.5NA, and standard trans, while you are at it.
 
That's the trouble with conversions. I bought a 2A safari many years ago that had been retrofitted with a 3.8L BMC diesel & although the front prop was fitted the sump hit it every time the suspension flexed, thereby transmitting all the engine's vibration through the vehicle. Needless to say I didn't keep the ghastly thing for long & have never gone near any conversion since :(
 
I thought the 300 diesel would be a good thing but since all this feedback have been looking at 2.25 patrols on eBay. Found an ex military unit for £900 ish may have to consider it
 
Lloyd J said:
I thought the 300 diesel would be a good thing but since all this feedback have been looking at 2.25 patrols on eBay. Found an ex military unit for £900 ish may have to consider it
Click to expand...
they are a good engine like 200s both similar and favourites of mine but i find too torquey and noisy for a light weight
is the prop fouling the bell housing were it bulges out to taker support bracket bolts
 
Last edited:
I assume so I will need to get back under it and take some pictures. I am trying to get my hands on some ramps so I can get it up in the air to see more clearly hard manoeuvring under it on the ground
 
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