downfalls of a 80 model range rover

[MQ SWB]

Just looking at up grading and I'm interested in the 80's model of range rovers, are there any major things that i should look for, if i buy one i'm looking at dual fuel or should i just go straight petrol any information will be muchley appreciated, currently looking at a auto 84 model pros and cons.
TIA
Dixie

[Daisy]

go a 4.4 stroker if you can in the near future

There was something about auto rangies - dunno what it is....

Bout all i know

TOM

[Loanrangie]

Dixie i hav an 85 auto which is basically the same car, and have had no real drama's with it. They are thirsty so if you find a dual fuel car it will be a bonus, the 3spd auto's are a bit sluggish off the mark but a good once you get going- a few small mods will make it better like a good exhaust and new cam. A motor a good cond will help too. Avoid the 4.4 conversion unless you are handy with a spanner.

Regards,
Nick.

[Aquarangie]

The 3spd auto's are a bit sluggish off the mark but a good once you get going

That would be an understatement I remember my old 84 was awful off the mark, but not too bad up and going. Still wouldn't have one again though.

The ZF is still the BEST auto ever fitted to the Rangie. Most will argue that the Chrysler is stronger, but ZF's will keep up with most and work well with the 3.5 at least.

About the Rangie, all 2 doors are great vehicles, just have to get a decent one not a rusted out pile of crap. The 4 doors are in plentiful supply and you have much better chance of getting a decent one. They are also a bit more civilised than the rattly old 2 door Rangies.

Just my point of view. Good luck.

Trav

[Loanrangie]

the ZF is a great box, but with it comes lots of lovely lucas evils, a late pre efi car without lots of electrics are the best of the carb Rangies.
I'm putting efi on mine but not lucas crap, so if you budget is low and you want an auto, the 3spd t/flite is the way to go.

[Aquarangie]

You make valid and worthwile points, but with the cost of even half-ecdnt ZF boxes coming down in price, this makes for a good conversion.

I used to hate EFI, but after owning this 'ere Rangie for 4 years, it's been great. The EFI side has been trouble-free and given top service. IOt's, like you sid, the other crap that has been a headache (the Lucas POD electrics have been the single most unreliable problem on my Rangie).

I will say that the early EFI was a bit of a shitbox with the L-Ject system being a troblesonme and a bit of a dinasour as far as EFI systems go, even back in the 80's!! The later 3.9 Lucas hot-wire is a much better system, butr still like all Lucas items can cvause headaches.

But at the end of the day, it's your budget that will determin your decision. If you want to steer clear of EFI, you can always buy a carby mid 80's Rangie and convert to ZF as I explained earlier

Regards,

Trav

[Loanrangie]

The zf is about the only thing i would ad to my rr apart from the efi that i am going to fit, then i will have all the goodies of a later rangie without the princes pitfalls. I have a complete 86 efi setup but i have decided to use a megsquirt ecu as i dont want to intall the lucas gear only to have it stuff up.

[Loanrangie]

If you buy an auto with t/flite at least then you get the lt230 transfer so you can fit a zf at a later date.

[GURU]

my mate is selling his ZF auto if you decided you want one

[Aquarangie]

The only problem with the Torqueflite (T/L) Lt230 is that the gearing is a bit too tall in high range, making the Rangie a tad on the sluggish side, especially if you add 33 inch tyres or above into the equasion.

The stock t/f auto LT230's have a 1.003:1 high Range whereas the ZF lt230 are around 1.192:1, so you can see the problem along the lines of the t/f LT230 (If you are wondering why I have the presise figures is that I have my Haynes worshop manual in front of me!!).

Anyway, just something to consider.

Trav

[MQ SWB]

The 84 auto fell through has had a rough life, thanks for all the info so far but still confused as to are there any down falls other than engine/gearbox
where to look for rust problems 2door and 4door what to look for also auto or manual
thanks again
Dixie

[Thonger]

for rust the rear windscreen surround, in fact anywhere around rear windscreen. also I found some on mine in tailgate at the bottom, under the seal and in the rear corners of the cargo area.

[Pete85RR]

The '85 rangies are known for weak B pillars, and can crack around the middle height of the car. can be fixed enough , but if unattended to, can cause quite a few issues.
The '86 efi is a bit ordinary, and i've know of people who have had quite a few problems with them. I also heard that they moved the radio to the centre (might have been a later model, not 100% sure?), and did not insulate it from the heater enough, hence tendid to cook.

cheers

pete