Hi All,
I have a '76 Series 3 diesel. Wholly original and in good order. It's been a lot of fun and gets proper use regularly for light towing and gentle off-roading. MOT and tax exempt.

I've now been offered a 1985 LR90 for pretty much what the S3's worth. Also very original and in good order.

I couldn't own both...
Do I switch?

What's the condition of the chassis and bulkhead of both vehicles... that's the decision not the value...

Shippers said:

What's the condition of the chassis and bulkhead of both vehicles... that's the decision not the value...

Click to expand...

The Series is on the original chassis: much patched but sound and now sealed. The 90 is similar.
Do 90s have any electrical gremlins (one of the best things about the Series are their simplicity)?
How much more power/comfort could I expect from the 90? The Series manages 30mph towing up small hills...

Is the 90 original? The engines in the early 90's weren't exactly powerful and you probably wouldn't notice a huge difference in power, the lt77 gearbox is a massive improvement over the series for usability but loses that nice mechanical feel. Coil spring suspension is more comfortable and gives more articulation but it's still a very bouncy ride. Depending on the spec chosen it may or may not have power steering this obviously makes it easier to drive. Otherwise most is the same still noisy, rattly, uncomfortable, I find series land rovers have more charm. The only way you can decide what to go for us drive them both one after the other.

GNJoutside said:

The Series is on the original chassis: much patched but sound and now sealed. The 90 is similar.
Do 90s have any electrical gremlins (one of the best things about the Series are their simplicity)?
How much more power/comfort could I expect from the 90? The Series manages 30mph towing up small hills...

Click to expand...

Not much in it by the sounds of it.

Really depends on how straight the 90 is? Series won't be as sought after for theft as the 90 if it has straight panels.

I'd probably stick with the series and get the engine looked at to optimise the performance, you might get 35mph LOL

In all seriousness, I'd stick with what I know unless it's on the verge of falling apart, new second hand is also unknown secondhand, LT77 boxes are ok but baulk rings and synchro rings wear and gear changes from first to second become a pain and crunchy, coils are not that much more comfortable than a well looked after set of leafs that are set up for your vehicle, only real benefit is discs on the front but I'm guessing you're not doing much miles and that it's more of a hobby truck? If so then the only massive gain of the swap would be PAS on the 90, but even then it's only something else to worry about when the PAS pump or steering box goes pop.

pro's and cons are multiple for both but ultimately you have to choose.

Really useful thoughts, thanks. It's a far closer call than I realised and your notes about the gearbox and PAS wear potential are interesting. I agree about charm and the 'devil you know' factor. Both important and I've made some long term replacements on the Series (it's still all original spec). It's a hobby truck which works harder than most, not a daily driver!
On balance I think the Series stays.
Thread closed. Thanks for your help.

Dont do it.................

Common as muck