Hi Folk
The Defenders look like they have a wider track than the early series cars i.e. LONGER axles? Is this correct as they had to add that plastic mudguard to cover the wheels. Did they change the ratios or leave them the same as S2? I have tried to find a definitive answer online about this but can't.

I know the series 2/3 were prone to tip over, like the early Discos, so is this why the track was widened? Or were the coilers made with wider axles just to accomodate the springs? Thinking about a change from leaf to coils or are the leaf springs OK to keep? I remember from our forces wagons they were horendously bouncy off road!

Next question is that I was given a spare axle with the Landy (that needs a refurb) and want to know if it is a Salisbury or not? ( I will post a pic when I can).

thanks

I think the Salisbury axles had a removable plate to inspect the crown wheel whereas the series 2 and early 3 axles didn't.

Col

Cheer Col I think I have been given a Salisbury then!

If its got a removable cover then as Colthebrummie says its a Salisbury. But to refurb you'll need a spreader to get the diff out, unlike the rover axles. I've not used them myself but heard parabolic springs can improve the ride significantly.

The original springs are OK if they have been looked after and greased. It's when the plates rust and seize together that the ride become rough. Even just using the landy regularly helps the old springs regain there flexibility. Personally, I'd only bother changing to parabolics if all the spring mounting bushes were shot.

Col

Thanks for that guys. I have been doing a basic inspection of the old lady getting underneath taking hundreds of pics as its easier to look at repairs needed in the comfort of my arm chair on a ipad so I can zoom in, rather than on my back in the yard!

I HAVE A SALISBURY!! Nice


I have made a check of my springs and luckily the old couple who have owned it for years, he was a mechanic so she has been maintained ( the car not the wife) and the springs look like they have been greased regularly! EVERYTHING on this vehicle will be stripped to nuts and bolts and refurbished where needed, its going to take YEARS but hopefully I'll have a 'NEW' series 2 when finished!