Just to mention, 2 of the last 4 series boxes I've played with didn't actually select 4wd at all, the yellow knob goes down but the selector rod doesn't move as it's corroded in the front of the transfer case. It can be eased by removing the tin cover at the front and easing it free. If you run a series and don't use the yellow knob all year, I'd say it's very very likely that when you push it down on the next snowy morning it actually be doing feck all!
 
Had to read that a few times, so trying it's gonna be fun;)
Can you use all the gears in 4wd? And once in 4wd use the main gear stick as I would do normally? No double clutching etc, that's just for changing to 4wd while on the move (though I'll prob just be stopping:)

Thanks
 
Double declutching depends on if your gearbox is full synchro.
Series 1/2 boxes aren't but I believe series 3 boxes had synchro mesh?
I only had a 2a so can't vouch for anything later.
 
So, to recap:-

Sounds like I'll never need low ratio gears, so just to be certain the
-red nob should be pushed forwards for normal driving.
-Push down yellow nob for 4wd
-back to normal driving, pull red nob back to neutral (middle) yellow pops back up then push red back into forwards position?

Yep, that's about it

Thanks blue beasty.
"Low ratio is always 4wd" does this mean I need to select low ratio (pull red nob back) before pushing yellow nob down for 4wd?
Or if I just go straight into low ratio does 4wd automatically kick in?
Would this be the better option for me driving up and down hills in ice/snow?

For low ratio driving, all you need to do is pull the red knob back through neutral into low, four wheel drive is automatically selected. The yellow knob selects four wheel drive while you're in high ratio.

Braking relies on the contact between the tyres and the road, four wheel drive will only apply greater traction, it won't stop the vehicle any quicker than at any other time.

Low ratio is a high torque setting and trying to use it on snow and ice will probably result in too much torque going down on the road causing the wheels to spin. For snow and ice you want to use as high a gear as is practical (low torque) for pulling away.

Do you have to stop first?

Until you master the black arts of old fashioned driving and the double-declutch it would probably be best to stop, and anyway you'll probably have to look down at what you're doing.

I suggest you find somewhere flat and slippery ( with a couple of inches of mud NOT the local bog/ marsh with foot deep) with maybe a small incline and go and practice before you need to know how it works

Can't argue with that!

Had to read that a few times, so trying it's gonna be fun

Practice makes perfect!
 
That was a confusing read! I haven't seen any post say the yellow lever down is specifically 4wd hi whereas red lever all the way back is 4wd low. I think that May have been an unanswered question by the op in post 9 (I think. My head hurts)
 
I had a series III for 20 years and remember that you can engage 4 wheel drive on the move (though I have never done it at a speed over about 10 MPH) and I don't think you would ever need to. Just jab the yellow knob down, and ease off the throttle as you do it. As soon as you get back to a firm surface, stop and pull the red lever back and the yellow knob will pop back up. Then push the red one forward and away you go. After a little practice you will be able to do this quite smoothly and quickly.
 
Very interesting read for a noob! Not even got my landy yet.
However, (hopefully won't get flamed for this) what do you lot think of winter tyres?
It seems the OP is feeling that come some ice the four wheel drive will magically speed up the hill. My experience is it will not if its shod with poor quality summer tyres.
My old car with winter tyres managed alot better than some 4wd on the hills round here.
Just a thought for the OP.
 
OP, (out of interest) when you bought the vehicle did you take somebody with you that knows Land Rovers? or did you buy it untested? Hopefully everything is in order ;)
 

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