🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Land Rover

Model:

Series III

Model Variant:

Series III (S3)

Generations Covered:

Series III

Engine Codes:

2.25L Petrol (10H), 2.5L Diesel (25K), 3.5L V8 Petrol (35D)

Transmission Codes:

LT77 (late models), Fairey Overdrive (optional)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics of the iconic Land Rover Series III, catering to enthusiasts undertaking restoration or regular maintenance.

Competitive Analysis:

Offers a superior level of detail compared to generic Haynes or Chilton manuals, providing factory-level accuracy for complex repairs and originality.

Key Features:

Comprehensive coverage, factory-level diagrams and schematics, step-by-step instructions, detailed specifications, applicable to all Series III variants.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishment, restoration

Page Count:

Not Specified (Comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, classic car restorers, experienced mechanics, fleet maintenance personnel.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (including TDI), Fuel System (TDI), Cooling System (TDI), Manifold and Exhaust, Clutch, Manual Gearbox, Transfer Gearbox, Propeller Shafts, Rear Axle and Final Drive, Front Axle and Final Drive, Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tyres, Chassis and Body, Heating and Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Wipers and Washers, Electrical Systems, Instruments

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, rebuilding procedures, refurbishment techniques, restoration guidance, exploded diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics

Technical Depth:

Advanced diagnostics, complete mechanical and electrical repair, overhaul procedures, component replacement, tuning, fluid level checks and changes, suspension alignment, brake bleeding, electrical system troubleshooting

Engine Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder head and block machining specifications, timing belt/chain alignment, engine reassembly.

Transmission Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed steps for gearbox and transfer case disassembly, gear inspection, bearing replacement, synchromesh repair, shaft alignment, clutch assembly, and reassembly.

Brake System Procedures:

Front disc brake and rear drum brake inspection, pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement, brake bleeding procedures, master cylinder overhaul.

Electrical System Procedures:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits (lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instruments), troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, component testing (starter motor, alternator, ignition coil, light bulbs).

Chassis And Body Procedures:

Frame inspection and repair, body panel removal and installation, door and hinge adjustments, seat mounting, tailgate operation, weather stripping replacement.

Suspension And Steering Procedures:

Front and rear leaf spring inspection and replacement, shock absorber replacement, kingpin overhaul, steering box adjustment and replacement, tie rod end replacement, wheel bearing adjustment and replacement.

Technical Specifications Details:

Torque specifications for all major fasteners, engine tuning data (ignition timing, valve clearances, carb settings), suspension alignment angles, brake system clearances, wheel bolt pattern (e.g., 5x165.1 mm).

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic tables for common engine, fuel, ignition, electrical, and drivetrain problems with suggested solutions.

Restoration Tips:

Guidance on originality, sourcing parts, and techniques specific to preserving or restoring a Series III to factory condition.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Binding Type:

Digital (No physical binding)

Paper Type:

Digital (No physical paper)

Compatibility:

Windows, MAC

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

Searchability:

Likely to be text-searchable within the PDF document for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.25 Litre (2286 cc) Naturally Aspirated Four-cylinder petrol engine

Alternative Engines:

2.25 Litre (2286 cc) Naturally Aspirated Four-cylinder diesel engine, 3.5 Litre (3528 cc) V8 petrol engine (optional on later Series III Stage 1 V8 models).

Performance 2 25 Petrol:

Approx. 68 hp @ 3500 rpm, 175 Nm torque @ 2000 rpm (figures may vary slightly by year).

Performance 2 25 Diesel:

Approx. 62 hp @ 4000 rpm, 130 Nm torque @ 2000 rpm (figures may vary slightly by year).

Performance 3 5 V8:

Approx. 110 hp @ 3500 rpm, 250 Nm torque @ 2500 rpm (figures may vary slightly by year).

Fuel System Petrol:

Single Zenith, Solex, or Stromberg carburetor (model dependent); Lucas or CAV fuel pump.

Fuel System Diesel:

Lucas CAV fuel injection pump, Simms fuel injection pump (early).

Ignition System:

Distributor-based, coil ignition system.

Cooling System:

Pressurized coolant system with fan-assisted radiator.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual synchromesh gearbox (later models may feature a 5-speed LT77).

Transfer Case:

2-speed transfer gearbox with permanent four-wheel drive, center differential lock (often manually engaged).

Optional Transmission:

Fairey or similar aftermarket overdrive for 4-speed gearbox.

Gearbox Features:

Robust constant mesh gears, durable construction for off-road use.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short:

Approx. 88 inches (2235 mm)

Wheelbase Long:

Approx. 109 inches (2769 mm)

Body Styles:

Station Wagon, Hardtop, Soft Top (Safari Top), Pickup Truck, Chassis Cab.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, typically 3600-4600 lbs (1630-2090 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not subject to modern crash test ratings due to age and design era. Focus on passive safety features of the time.

Active Features:

Four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, robust chassis and suspension for off-road stability.

Passive Features:

Basic seat belts, sturdy body construction, simple and reliable mechanical systems.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic analogue instrumentation; often features a simple radio or no radio at all as standard.

Driver Assistance Features:

None; designed with simplicity and mechanical reliability as primary goals.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months for engine oil and filter.

Gearbox Oil Change Interval:

Every 12,000 miles (19,200 km) or 12 months for transmission and transfer case oil.

Axle Oil Change Interval:

Every 12,000 miles (19,200 km) or 12 months for front and rear axle differentials.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SF/CD, SAE 20W-50 (or 10W-40 for colder climates).

Gearbox Oil Specification:

GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil (or specialist 'EP90' oil).

Axle Oil Specification:

GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil (or specialist 'EP90' oil).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with water (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Known Issues:

Rust on body panels and chassis, gearbox synchromesh wear (especially on early Series III), leaky seals and gaskets, dashboard electrical reliability, exhaust manifold cracking (especially on 2.25 petrol).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Land Rover is synonymous with robust, go-anywhere vehicles, originating from post-war utility vehicle needs. The Series lineage is the foundation of the brand's reputation.

Model Evolution:

The Series III (1971-1985) was an evolution of the Series I and II/IIA, featuring improved dashboard layout, introduction of synchromesh on all gears (late Series IIA onward), and generally more refinement, while retaining its utilitarian core.

Production Years:

1971-1985

Manufacturing Locations:

Solihull, United Kingdom; also assembled in various countries under license.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Renowned for durability, off-road capability, and simplicity of design, widely used by militaries, utility companies, and explorers worldwide.

Ratings:

Consistently rated highly for off-road performance and ease of field repair.

Certifications:

Not applicable in the modern sense; built to robust utilitarian standards.