Positioning:
The Land Rover Series III is a rugged, utilitarian off-road vehicle renowned for its durability and go-anywhere capability, often used for utility, military, and adventure purposes.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Jeep CJ series, International Harvester Scout, and early Toyota Land Cruiser models, though often favored for its unique blend of comfort (relative to contemporaries) and load-carrying capacity.
Features:
Robust ladder frame chassis, leaf-sprung suspension, part-time 4WD with selectable high/low range, coil-sprung rear on some later models, durable Rover petrol and diesel engines, excellent off-road articulation and ground clearance.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of petrol and diesel engines, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, and adjustment of all components.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Zenith/Stromberg) and diesel injection system service, fuel pumps, lines, and tanks.
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs, wiring, and timing adjustments.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, and fan replacement and service.
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converter (if applicable) repair and replacement.
Transmission:
Manual transmissions (e.g., LT77, R380 variants for later models, earlier Moss gearboxes), including clutch, gearbox overhaul, and shifter mechanisms.
Transfer Case:
Service and repair of the dual-range transfer box, including lubrication and seal replacement.
Drivetrain:
Propeller shafts, universal joints, differentials (front and rear), axle housings, and half-shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers, bushings, and chassis lubrication.
Steering:
Steering box (worm and roller type), track rods, steering arms, and linkage service.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, drums, pads, and discs. Bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator/generator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, and accessory circuits.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, frame inspection and repair, and weather stripping.
Heating And Ventilation:
Heater matrix, blower motor, and vent control operation and service.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and their solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Adjustment:
Carburetor, ignition timing, clutch free play, brake shoe adjustment, steering geometry.
Installation:
Component installation, including torquing specifications and proper alignment.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specific Land Rover service tools required for various procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, including chassis and bodywork.
Engine Type:
2.25 Litre (2286cc) Inline-4 Petrol (8:1 compression ratio typical), 2.25 Litre (2286cc) Inline-4 Diesel.
Bore X Stroke Petrol:
90.47 mm x 88.9 mm
Bore X Stroke Diesel:
90.47 mm x 88.9 mm
Horsepower Petrol:
Approx. 72 bhp @ 4000 rpm (for 2.25L Petrol)
Torque Petrol:
Approx. 120 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (for 2.25L Petrol)
Horsepower Diesel:
Approx. 62 bhp @ 4000 rpm (for 2.25L Diesel)
Torque Diesel:
Approx. 94 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (for 2.25L Diesel)
Acceleration:
0-60 mph typically 15-20 seconds, highly dependent on engine and gearing.
Top Speed:
Approx. 65-75 mph, depending on engine and body style.
Carburetor Petrol:
Zenith Stromberg CD 175 (typically)
Injection System Diesel:
Rotary or In-line fuel injection pump (e.g., CAV, Lucas)
Petrol:
Unleaded gasoline (later models may have had modifications for unleaded, earlier require leaded or additive)
Wheelbase Short:
88 inches (approx. 2235 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
109 inches (approx. 2769 mm)
Body Styles:
Station Wagon, Hardtop, Soft Top (Truck Cab), Utility (Pickup), Safari Station Wagon
Curb Weight 88:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,700 lbs (1450 - 1680 kg), varies by body style.
Curb Weight 109:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,500 lbs (1680 - 2040 kg), varies by body style.
Crash Safety:
Not subject to modern crash testing standards. Designed for robustness rather than passive safety features common today.
Braking:
Four-wheel drum brakes on early models, front disc brakes became standard on many Series III models.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system, generally low-geared for off-road control.
Seatbelts:
Seatbelt mounting points present, though actual belts may have been optional or aftermarket depending on region and specific vehicle configuration.
Chassis Design:
Robust ladder chassis provides a strong foundation but lacks energy-absorbing crumple zones typical of monocoque construction.
Oil Change Engine:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months for petrol, 5,000 miles or 12 months for diesel, but refer to manual for precise intervals and viscosity.
Gearbox Oil Change:
Recommended at 20,000-30,000 miles or 24 months. Use specific GL-4 rated gear oil.
Transfer Case Oil Change:
Same as gearbox oil change recommendations. Use specific GL-4 rated gear oil.
Differential Oil Change:
Typically every 20,000-30,000 miles. Use EP 90 gear oil.
Engine Oil Petrol 2.25L:
API SE/SF or equivalent. SAE 20W/50 recommended for warmer climates, SAE 10W/30 for colder climates. Capacity: approx. 5.5 litres (including filter).
Engine Oil Diesel 2.25L:
API CD/CE or equivalent. SAE 20W/50 recommended for warmer climates, SAE 10W/30 for colder climates. Capacity: approx. 5.5 litres (including filter).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50 ratio recommended). Capacity: approx. 10-15 litres depending on model.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Rust on body panels and chassis, wear in leaf spring bushings, potential gearbox synchro wear, electrical gremlins due to age, exhaust manifold cracking (especially petrol), water pump leaks, clutch slave cylinder leaks.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular chassis lubrication, inspection of suspension and steering components, checking for fluid leaks, and diligent maintenance of the engine and drivetrain are crucial for longevity.
Heritage:
Land Rover has a deep-rooted history in rugged, capable off-road vehicles, stemming from post-war necessity and military applications.
Evolution:
The Series III is an evolution of the Series I and II/IIA, retaining the fundamental chassis and drivetrain layout but introducing improvements like more comfortable seating, an all-synchromesh gearbox (on later Series IIA and standard on Series III), and improved dashboard ergonomics.
Production Years Series Iii:
1971-1985
Key Changes Series Iii:
Introduction of a 2.6L 6-cylinder petrol engine option, improved interior comfort, dashboard layout, and the introduction of power steering on some models. The Series III also saw the transition to coil springs on the rear for some heavy-duty and specialist variants, foreshadowing the Defender.
