jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
hubs are stuck in freewheel it seems then
Sorry b20, I apologise, for those who have never driven/owned a series 1, 2 and 3. this covers most of them apart from some very very early 80 inch Series Models and V8 109's
A standard out of the factory series Land Rover does not have Free Wheeling Hubs (FWH) fitted to engage Four Wheel Drive (FWD), you just either move the HI/LO lever backwards into low ratio FWD (4x4) is automatically engaged, or for High Ratio FWD (4x4) you push the yellow knob down which engages High Ratio FWD to return to 2 wheel drive you simply move the HI/LO lever into Low Ratio then back into High Ratio, the yellow knob pops up into the 2x4 position.
I repeat Free Wheeling Hubs are not fitted, on a totally standard Series 1,2 or 3.
In a standard Series Land Rover as you drive along the front axle is either being driven by the transfer box when FWD is engaged or by the front wheels in contact with the road in 2 wheel drive.
Now in High Ratio 2 Wheel Drive (2x4) the front axle (half shafts, diff and front Propshaft) are being driven by the front wheels, when aftermarket optional FWH are fitted it allows the driver to disconnect the drive train in the front axle. It was always stated it helped to increase Mile Per Gallon figures, ie save money on fuel.
Which I never found to be true when I owned my series Land Rovers, thirsty buggers and it didn't matter which engine was fitted, possibly a bit different with a disco engine fitted these days.
So the Free Wheeling Hubs have to be engaged to reconnect the front axle drive train, move the hubs (FWH) from 2x4 to 4x4, now you use the transfer gearbox controls to control FWD.
hth
I have them and confirm that I get 1-2mpg improvement on rural/urban type driving - not much but worthwhile. I've never tried it on the motorway.
This isn't just some hand wavy bollox (like most mpg claims) I've monitored every it over about 15,000 miles both with and without FWH.
However, the more interesting thing about FWHs is that a while ago I did some speed tests (as part of setting up carbs and timing) and tried 0-40mph with and without FWH's, and there was a real difference (of about 1 second IIRC), I'll find the figures if anyone's interested.
Also, I find that things are quieter with less vibration in the cab with them disengaged...
my most economical Series was my 2a/3 109 Station Wagon. I re-built it from the chassis up, rover V8, 3.9 to 1 diffs and an overdrive unit
i've always figured that would be the most economical gearing/power plant if staying with spark ignition engines, tempted to go that way someday with a 109 and strap a couple of lpg tanks underneath
What type of free wheel hubs are they most can be stripped quite easily to see if they are engaging / service. Lots of info around.
Does that mean you are leaving them as is, not working, 2 wheel drive only?