Posted by Buzz on June 04, 1998 at 17:21:54:

Hi I have recently fitted my 1984 series3 2.25D with a 1989 2.5N/A D from a 110. This has greatly improved the power available to the right foot and also more economical. The problem is that the drivetrain seems very undergeared, to the extent that it is in top gear at 30mph If the engine is revved quite hard -butnot anywhere its limit - the gearbox gives off avery high pitched mettalic grinding noise from the starter motor area off the transmission housing.
So I was wondering if there was any way round this by maybe fitting the later five speed gearbox but this runs in constant four wheel drive. Would this put too much strain on the axles with the 4.7 ratio and U/J's. Could later diffs and drive shafts be fitted into my existing axles or do they require a total transplant and somehow modified to accomadate the leaf springs. I have heard of a kit which can raise the ratio in the transfer box, would this be the best option?

Any input is good input, soif you have any ideas they would be greatly received. Thanks Buzz

P.S. You might say why doesn't he buy a 90 but I prefer the series landrovers (which I have 4 off) .

Follow Up Messages

• Re: Can SIII be fitted with later five speed gearbox from 90/110. Will front axle need to be changed?? M. Green/WCB 23:12:39 6/09/98 (0)
• Re: Can SIII be fitted with later five speed gearbox from 90/110. Will front axle need to be changed?? Nigel Annis 01:50:11 6/05/98 (1)
  • Re: Re: Can SIII be fitted with later five speed gearbox from 90/110. Will front axle need to be changed?? Etienne 06:50:11 6/05/98 (0)