I appreciate all of the feedback! I turned to the UK forum because I believed this group would have the greatest expertise, and I am grateful for all the insights you've shared. Unfortunately, I'm not close enough to see the truck in person, but here's a link with photos if anyone's interested in having a look:
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1971 Land Rover 88 Series IIA Project at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #153,572.
bringatrailer.com
It looks like a good project vehicle from the photos and description. The body is aluminium alloy, so doesn’t rust. Looks like it is a CA vehicle so rust less of an issue. For us in the U.K. we suffer with rusty rotted chassis, foot wells and bulkheads. Which can often mean major work to resolve. However all the parts are available. Ie you can get new footwells to weld in place.
Chassis most likely to rust at the front dump irons and near the front cross member. And also at the back. But you can repair in place with replacement parts or just get a metal worker to fab up and weld in some bits. But guessing this may not be an issue on that truck if it has been CA based.
Body work just wants a rub down and paint.
Interior looks complete. Seats could be reupholstered locally I’m sure. Or new ones available from the U.K.
You’ll need to sort the wheels out. Don’t run an odd size on the back. But an easy fix.
Drum brakes might need an overhaul. All bits available.
Engine wise. The 2.25 doesn’t make much power. But they are normally pretty durable. Can smoke a little sometimes. Running issues are normally carb or ignition related. Again over haul bits all easy to get. Or replacements and upgrades. You can also easily swap in other engines. Land Rover Tdi engines bolt right in pretty much. And lots of people fit Rover V8’s. You can also get adapter kits to mate to other engines or use other gearboxes too.
Gearboxes can whine and make noise. But usually no trouble. All bits can be bought to overhaul and a local shop could then rebuild it for you.
Electrics are very very simple.
Overall if you are happy with the money go for it!
Like all projects. If you plan to do the work yourself you’ll save big time on labour costs. Which is where vast sums of money can go. And if you source parts rather than reply on others to get them you can also usually save too.
I’d guess the biggest difference is. You won’t be able to pop to the local parts store to get some items. Which means it might take a couple of weeks if you need a part shipping from outside the USA. Because of this I’d say it will cost more to maintain than a similar aged CJ Jeep. But is more a time management thing. It shouldn’t really cost that much more. They are simple, robust and reliable vehicles. So once you get it sorted it should be easy to live with.
Btw leaf springs are not the most comfy or flexy in stock form. However you can easily rebuild or mod the leaf packs. Plus options like Rocky Mountains Spares for improved springs.
Steering could be heavy and vague. It shouldn’t have lots of play, but a worn steering box, steering relay and slip in the linkages can give poor results. All pretty easy to fix. But maybe the biggest spend area. Power steering conversions are available using p38 Range Rover parts. Again something you’d be able to solve locally most likely.
