Posted by Cees Willig on June 04, 1998 at 10:45:51:

In Reply to: 1973 range rover posted by sean evans on June 04, 1998 at 02:10:27:

Sean, some tips.
1. swivels feature tapered bearings top & bottom, check play is easy,
preload check with steering arms removed. Correct load essential, not
too much! slight play better than too tight.
Note typical failure RRover front axle is too much play edged bush
locating constant velocity joint, some do lockup the joint complete,
stalling any drive. Distance indication above 100k miles check, above 160k miles realistic risk. Vital importance is swivel pin housing
lubrication with Sae 90HD or Sae90EP transmission oil, often forgotten.
2, Steering box manual means less maintenance trouble on long run and
saving of steering ball joints. Re-adjust with wheels in straight
ahaid, otherwise serious damage to steering box. Lift front wheels and
turn steering wheel after each adjustment. A slight heavy point is
acceptable, but don't adjust too tight!.
3. VM: I've seen RR V8 to VM mating LT95 4 speed gearbox, should be
no problem when using proper kit & conversion plate. Check
cooling system fully filled, in RR Turbo VM coolant level is vital,
keep at max to prevent any air in waterpump.
Replace oil sump with RR Turbo VM diesel sump to ensure oil supply
when at steep incline (critical and often forgotten when replacing a
genuine LR engine with a non LR one!!)
LR / RR VM sump is enhanced with plate with small
hole so that oil suction part just passes through. This prevents that
the 'bath tub' of oil empties upon steep hill. Again: critical if
any other than normal motorway is used. Note LR solution aims
to ensure oil supply under full load 45 degrees up/down slope and,
if I'm correct 35 degrees side tilt to left/right during 24 hour run (please check/ confirm figures when essential).
Check whether mud shiels are added on RR Turbo VM diesel (V8 engine has frisby like mudshield on front pully side to keep out mud when
taking a mudbath).
Check VM for any leakage (coolant ex. cyl heads, oil ex. rocker cover, th're sensitive for this).
4. Tyre: depends on tyre make and model. Our former Michelin XZY 7.5R16 got (slightly more than) hand warm in summer when under load
and pulling, tyre press 4.5 barg rear and 2.5 barg front (XZY max.
pressure is 90psi, note). XZY is the best choice for Land Rover with
leaf springs (example of a succesful Anglo - French venture). Currently we apply Goodyear Radial AT as it features better winter
performance, these 7.5R16's stay virtually cool, wear also OK, covered
about 100k miles already (like the XZY: 5 mm or slightly over 1/4inch tread depth after 100k miles.
Perhaps increase rear tyre press. to recommended 35 psi for full load.
5. Power steering pump on VM: don't know.
6. Tailgate standard is normally steel if I'm correct. Al. tailgate
is excellent. Bonnet: don't know (I am not fully conversant with RR).
7. Heated front screen: match alternator performance, the standard
alternator may not be sufficient.

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