Land Rover Series 3 Gearbox Swap - Part 1

Replacing the gearbox and transfer box in my 1982 Series 3. The vehicle recently developed a severe vibration, the cause of which appeared to be the gearbox- a perfect opportunity to reinstall the original transmission, now freshly overhauled. Part one looks at removing the gearbox and transfer box, then investigating the fault.

[@maximusironthumper]

Very interesting. Bummer about that spacer not being mentioned in the Haynes manual. Hoping to drop my engine and gearbox in this week.

[@steamwally]

Thanks Max, best of luck with that- I look forward to watching the install some time. If the weather holds, my new gearbox might go in next weekend..

[@microm4n]

So much information - thanks for sharing! It's interesting to see where the gearbox failed knowing what you did in its last rebuild. Now I just have to try and sleep without being certain that my front layshaft gearbox bearing spacer is set correct 😅

[@steamwally]

Thanks - perhaps I shouldn't have drawn attention to the spacer- there will be a few folks pondering what "that" rattle might be.... :)

[@willtricks9432]

Always good to see inside a magic box. Thanks for the video.

[@arbit3r]

I fitted an LT77/LT230 in mine after having constant trouble with the series box. Best decision I made. Makes it very drivable.

[@steamwally]

Definitely a good conversion, a few friends have done so with their daily's. Personally, I've never found the original box a chore, these vehicles were basically made up from pre war Rover left overs so it's all part of the "vintage" driving experience. Mine was a daily driver for a long time, giving very few problems.

[@arbit3r]

@@steamwally Depends what engine you have fitted. Series box is fine on the stock engine but they don't like anything more then 100hp. It does destroy the look of the interior as you need a defender tunnel and you loose the iconic red/yellow levers but mine was a daily and I needed the 5th gear.

[@mully89]

That's lasted well for the mileage, considering your 1st box a very good job.If you had spare time, you should consider a little sideline selling them. I wouldnt even know where to go for a decent job on a series box...Also surprised how little oil was on the outside of the box, the later selector shaft seals obviously help. Good work and as always thanks for sharing 👍

[@steamwally]

Thank you! I have no complaints, it's lasted far longer than ever expected. I have been tempted to build a few 'boxes to sell, but parts availability is not so good as it was and most old Series gearboxes are completely mashed, or the ones I have seen anyway! Being in engineering, it's tempting to see about having the obsolete parts (like thrust washers) made, but even simple parts like that can get very expensive unless produced on a large scale. It has certainly crossed my mind anyway.

[@nicowilson]

Super detailed, thank you.

[@ElizabethW-nh7tp]

Thanks for all the really useful information in your videos, If you ever have a series 3 gearbox that you have rebuilt and wish to sell it give me a call

[@gshort4707]

Lots of interesting information in that video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@steamwally]

Thank you, glad it was of interest.

[@danesharp6282]

Bloody Hell I have just bought one of these . I don't mind bolting and unbolting. but the lifting . I will take to the garage.......

[@garypoulton7311]

Thanks for posting, very interesting to see.

[@allandrennan4916]

Thanks for that, interesting.

[@jamesyeo2947]

excellent video as always, which chassis do you decide on? ive got a 109 in need of a new one and theres a few to choose from.

[@kevinnarine5110]

Can a series 3 bell housing fit the series 2 gearbox?.....i want to change the clutch set up

[@quintincairncross1088]

Very interesting and thorough as always. I am busy re-doing a Santana box at the moment. They did away with the "double top hat brass bush and replaced it with roller bearings. These were apparently the strongest Series boxes ever made. The problem however is spare parts. You wouldn't know of any suppliers of Santana gearbox parts?

[@steamwally]

Thanks, that's interesting- from what I've heard, the Santana sounds like the ultimate development in many ways. Sorry, no idea where to go for Santana spares- other than perhaps Land Rover Treasure Shop in Cyprus? (Who are extremely helpful with shipping)

[@agenciaextremo9266]

new or old spare parts for gearbox my friend. which is better?

[@steamwally]

New old stock definitely- you'll find a well used but good condition set of gears run quieter too.

[@jenpeterson3712]

to mully i do a quality build