this is a bit of a long shot... but is it possible somebodies gone and fitted a the wrong ratio diff to one of the axles? or even different size tyres?

on the last picture... the one on the right is the intake. i'm not really sure it matters much to the operation of the filter, but if you tried to connect that one to the engine, then the other one would be pointing in the oposite direction to where you wanted it.

the land rover optional parts catalogue shows you how to connect up the original series oil bath air filter that came with the raised air intake kit... the relevant bit is available for download here... http://www.landrover.ee/est/files/manuals/parts/SERIES_opt_parts_cat_part1.pdf

i'm not sure how much play there should be, but if it's a viscous fan then it's sposed to lock up as the engine heats up. get the engine hot then stop it and see if the fan still spins freely... if it does, it's broked.

you could register it on Your Land Rover community - LandroversReunited.com and one day one of its previous owners might find you.

i'll be going... if i don't break anything between now and sunday. gearbox is making some very worrying noises, so i'm just hoping it holds out.

i just used the existing cable and linkage off the 2.25 and connected it to what i think is the hand throttle lever on the 2.5 injection pump.

the sherpa engine should have what's basically just a tin plate covering the front of the timing case. but as you say, you can't really see in the pics cos the battery is in the way. and the timing case itself is a different shape, meaning the injection pump is mounted higher up, which in turn...

it's a 2.5 n/a out of a sherpa van