buying advice on a 98 landrover

[poss682]

hey guys looking at a 98 landrover, its a 300tdi how gutless are these 2.5 turbo diesel , dose not sound much for something so heavy. what ratio are the diffs, can you swap them in from other landrovers and are they good overall trucks also what other pros and cons are there, will aim for 33s on it.

[Ralfie]

hey guys looking at a 98 landrover, its a 300tdi how gutless are these 2.5 turbo diesel , dose not sound much for something so heavy. what ratio are the diffs, can you swap them in from other landrovers and are they good overall trucks also what other pros and cons are there, will aim for 33s on it.

Is it a Defender or Discovery you are looking at?

Both basically the same running gear except transfer case. Disco is 1.2:1 while Defender is 1.4:1 to allow for the larger tyres as standard (32's). Ratios in low box are the same in either T/C as its only the high range that is different. Defender will take 33's easily but best with a 2" lift. If a Discovery you will need to trim guards and would want to look ar some sort of change to the gearing (either crown wheel and pinion or transfer case). all diff ratios are 3.54 and only way to change those is with aftermarket C&P swaps. (early Land Rover diffs are 4.7 and will fit but will lower ratios too much). A land rover on 33's will have as much if not more clearance under the diffs than a toyota or Nissan on 35's.

The 300tdi performs very well even in a 'larger' vehicle and is a popular engine being the last before the electronics starting creeping in. Generally the 300tdi is very much a sort after engine. They respond well to regular servicing and can easily do 400k plus if maintained. Keep cooling system clean with plenty of proper coolant (antifreeze) and ensure radiator is clean inside as well. pays to get the 'flow rate' checked on the radiator if unsure of history and maintainence.

Overall they are a very good vehicle.

[poss682]

cheers mate much appreciated its a discovery, good fuel economy? and where are the common rust points

[Overkill]

cheers mate much appreciated its a discovery, good fuel economy? and where are the common rust points

Discos are awesome, but I'm a little biased Diesel's are pretty good on fuel Rust, well anywhere where there is no alloy really mostly around the rear alpine windows, front roof above the front window, rear load space floor, front footwells, bottom of the B pillars......those are pretty much the areas that I have seen to be prone.

Where abouts in this great country are you from, without going through all your posts to find out

[Ralfie]

cheers mate much appreciated its a discovery, good fuel economy? and where are the common rust points

Generally very good fuel economy but when pushed it will drop. Generally 300tdi's should get around 600-800kms to the tank depending on driving conditions and style. If Jap import will have electronic controlled fuel pump so should be pretty good.

Rust; Mostly around alpine windows, sills, rear door/wheel arches and rear body cross members although a 98 should still be reasonably OK unless a used Jap import. A small number of those, depending on where they came from suffered rust in rear wheel arches and rear floor area, especially in the early days of importing.

[poss682]

im in chch and cheers fellas really helpful =P

[poss682]

this may be a slilly question but are they full time 4wd there is no 2wd selector thing so it must be right ? if so do the tires where out much faster because of this

[L-andy]

They have a centre diff like a Subaru or Audi Quattro. If you jack one wheel off the ground just that one wheel will spin so no tyre scrub on tar seal. Difference is that centre diff can be locked for off road.

Andy

[Overkill]

this may be a slilly question but are they full time 4wd there is no 2wd selector thing so it must be right ? if so do the tires where out much faster because of this

Full time 4wd and tires will wear the same as any other vehicle except you will have better control than that of a 2wd vehicle on everyday road conditions.....ie: come around a corner in the wet a little too fast, you will have more control than a 2wd vehicle of the same kind