🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Land Rover

Model:

Series III

Generation Designation:

Series III

Chassis Codes:

109, 88, 109 Forward Control

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Rugged, utilitarian off-road vehicle.

Brand Identity:

Known for durability, go-anywhere capability, and simplicity of design.

Key Competitors:

Willys Jeep CJ series, Toyota Land Cruiser (early models), International Harvester Scout.

Manual Benefits:

Provides comprehensive, step-by-step repair instructions, detailed diagrams, and essential specifications for DIY mechanics and professional technicians.

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, excellent off-road articulation, reliable powertrains (with proper maintenance), and a vast aftermarket support network.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Models:

All Series III models (88-inch, 109-inch wheelbase, Forward Control)

Engine Variants Covered:

2.25L Petrol, 2.25L Diesel, 2.6L Petrol (6-cylinder)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 500 pages (estimated for comprehensive coverage)

Manual Classification:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor and diesel injection), ignition system (petrol), exhaust system, emission controls (where applicable).

Transmission Systems:

Manual gearbox (4-speed and 5-speed overdrive), transfer case, clutch, driveshafts, U-joints, power take-off (PTO) systems.

Chassis And Suspension:

Frame construction, leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers, steering system (including steering box and linkages), front and rear axles, hub assemblies.

Braking Systems:

Drum brakes (front and rear), hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake lines, wheel cylinders, parking brake.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, lighting (headlights, taillights, indicators), ignition system, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, battery, dashboard instruments, horn, wiper system.

Bodywork And Trim:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, bumpers, grille, hardtop and soft-top components.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, lubrication points, brake adjustments, spark plug replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, steering box rebuilding, axle overhauls, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic fault finding procedures for common engine, transmission, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Adjustment Procedures:

Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, valve clearances, brake shoe adjustment, clutch free play.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, and troubleshooting charts.

Rebuild Information:

Comprehensive engine, transmission, and axle rebuild procedures with specifications.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

PC & Mac Compatible (Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and later versions; macOS compatible).

Text Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Image Clarity:

High-resolution illustrations, diagrams, and photos for clarity.

Binding Method:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type Petrol:

Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine Displacement Petrol:

2286 cc (2.25 Liters)

Bore X Stroke Petrol:

90.49 mm x 88.9 mm

Compression Ratio Petrol:

6.7:1 (for lower octane fuel) or 7.5:1 (for higher octane fuel)

Horsepower Petrol:

Approx. 72-77 bhp @ 3500-4000 RPM (depending on exact variant)

Torque Petrol:

Approx. 120-125 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM (depending on exact variant)

Engine Type Diesel:

Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV), Indirect Injection

Engine Displacement Diesel:

2286 cc (2.25 Liters)

Compression Ratio Diesel:

21.5:1

Horsepower Diesel:

Approx. 62 bhp @ 3500 RPM

Torque Diesel:

Approx. 103 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM

Optional Engine Petrol:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Optional Engine Displacement Petrol:

2625 cc (2.6 Liters)

Optional Horsepower Petrol:

Approx. 95 bhp @ 3500 RPM

Optional Torque Petrol:

Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM

Carburetor Petrol:

Zenith Stromberg (single barrel) or SU (single barrel) depending on market and year.

Fuel Injection Diesel:

Lucas CAV or Simms inline injection pump.

Fuel Type:

Petrol (87 octane or higher), Diesel (standard automotive grade).

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

4-speed manual synchromesh (all forward gears) with selectable 2WD/4WD transfer case.

Overdrive Gearbox:

Optional 4-speed manual gearbox with a 2-speed transfer case, or a 4-speed gearbox with a 4-speed transfer case, or a 5-speed overdrive gearbox (later models).

Transfer Case:

2-speed transfer case with high and low range, and optional Power Take-Off (PTO) engagement.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 88:

88 inches (2235 mm)

Wheelbase 109:

109 inches (2768 mm)

Wheelbase Forward Control:

109 inches (2768 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

1500-1800 kg (depending on body style and configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

2400-2700 kg (depending on model)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No formal crash test ratings from modern agencies due to era of production. Designed for utility and durability.

Braking System:

Hydraulically operated drum brakes on all wheels. Power assist generally not fitted as standard, especially on earlier models.

Seatbelts:

Lap belts standard in front, lap or three-point belts optional on later models or as aftermarket fitment.

Rollover Protection:

Roll-over protection provided by the robust chassis and body structure; full roll cage typically an aftermarket or military option.

💡 Technology Features

Entertainment Systems:

Basic AM/FM radio (optional), typically no complex infotainment systems. Focus on utilitarian functionality.

Assistance Features:

Very limited. Primarily relies on driver skill and vehicle capability. Features like power steering were rare or aftermarket.

Connectivity Options:

None. Basic electrical systems for lighting, ignition, and charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Engine:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months.

Oil Change Interval Gearbox:

Every 12,000 miles (19,200 km) or 12 months.

Grease Points:

Lubrication required at approximately 3,000-mile intervals for various chassis and suspension points (U-joints, kingpins, etc.).

Engine Oil Petrol:

API SG/SH or equivalent, SAE 20W/50 or 10W/30 depending on climate. (Note: Historically, oils with higher zinc content like those for classic cars are recommended).

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CD/CE or equivalent, SAE 15W/40 or 20W/50. (Note: Oils with higher zinc content are beneficial).

Gearbox Oil:

GL-4 rated manual transmission fluid, SAE 80W/90 or 85W/90.

Transfer Case Oil:

GL-4 rated manual transmission fluid, SAE 80W/90 or 85W/90.

Axle Differential Oil:

API GL-5 rated hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W/90 or 85W/140.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Common Wear Items:

Leaf springs (sagging/breakage), kingpins, U-joints, clutch components, brake cylinders, fuel pumps, radiator cores, gearbox synchromesh rings.

Potential Problems:

Rust ingress (especially chassis and bodywork), oil leaks (gearbox main seals, engine oil seals), ignition system (coil, distributor), carburetor tuning (especially Zenith Stromberg).

📚 Vehicle History

Founding Era:

Land Rover brand established in 1948.

Core Philosophy:

Building robust, go-anywhere vehicles for agricultural, military, and exploration purposes.

Series Predecessors:

Direct evolution from Land Rover Series I and Series II/IIA.

Series Successors:

Replaced by the Land Rover Defender (Project 90/110).

Production Years:

1971 - 1985

Manufacturing Locations:

Solihull, England; also produced under license in various countries.

Production Volume:

Over 400,000 units produced globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Notable Achievements:

Extensively used by military forces worldwide, renowned for durability in expeditions and challenging terrains. Has achieved iconic status in automotive history.