Land Rover Range Rover 1988

T

tpj77

Member
Land Rover Range Rover, 1988


Good Points
It's a Land Rover...lol. No seriously I like the ride, off-road ability and the V8 is great plus the dirt cheap purchase price of less than $1K considering it's conditon overall. Also the fact that my Rangie is a 'poverty' or as I call it 'dunga' spec so no fancy electric windows, mirrors or other crap to go wrong.

Bad Points
Fuel economy, not that I whinge about it but is sometimes a pain looking for a servo on trips with diesels!!! The crap Lucas electrics and that awful EFI system that has a mind of it's own (runs rich, then lean, then okay and back through the process again on any given day although start first time every time funnily) but I hate to say it's reliable so far.

What mods have you done?
First off was to replace the crap front seats with a good set from a 91 Rangie Vogue with the armrests (seat base had cracked badly and didn't slide or tilt as it should plus they're was more foam than fabric!!).

Got a Dobinson 2 inch lift with Pro-Comp shocks at the rear and Tough Dogs up front, rear ARB air locker and HD hi-tough axles to replace the pathetic std Rover crap, 25mm body lift, LRA flares, ARB bull bar with Tigerz11 12000lb winch (best $599 I ever spent!!), 2 1/4 exhaust with extractors, rear HD cranked trailing arms to suit the 2 inch lift (imported from the UK), home made rock sliders, Maxi-Drive HD track rod.

What mods are on the list to do?
Front ARB air locker and hi-tough axles. Also match the rear track rod and fit a HD drag link to the steering. The front shock will be replaced as the Tough Dogs are a bit too short (had std height springs in the Rangie when I bought it.

Also replace the MT/R's with a set of Silverstone Mt117 Sports (33 inch as well), had a set on my last Rangie and vale for money they're tough to beat and superb off-road as well. I am constantly tinkering with the Rangie to improve all areas and on a budget.

Why did you buy this vehicle?
I have been a die-hard Land Rover enthusiast for over 10 years so I am biased and I couldn't think of myself in another 4WD ever I have to say.

Personally I think that they offer for a small outlay a great all-round package. On-road they drive well, off-road they drive as well if not better and for matenance if you keep on top of it they don't send you broke, parts are dirt cheap if you know where to source them.

If you're new to Range Rovers, talk to people who own them not 'mainstream' 4WD accessory shops as I find although very helpful in many aspects they don't have a clue about Range Rovers from my experience and will more likely give you a very negative opinion on what is a great 4WD vehicle.

The Range Rover isn't for everyone. They're like the Collingwood Footy Club, you either love them or loath them that's how it is.

How often do you go offroad?
1-2 times a month although I would like to be out there more often

What will your next vehicle be?
Another Range Rover, although the LR Discovery have become very cheap these days!!
 

Attachments

  • Rangie 4x4 earth.jpg
    Rangie 4x4 earth.jpg
    305.1 KB · Views: 140
Last edited:
phs

phs

Well-Known Member
your rig sounds good mate,...... would be good to see some pics

as for your fuel problems i would nt worrie even the newer landrover v8's chew the juice like no tomorrow.......
 
T

tpj77

Member
I'm not too worried about the crap fuel economy, had too many Rangies over the years that 'just fill it when it's empty' seems to be the adage. Glad it's only a weekend warrior not a daily driver :eek:

Pics soon, going out wheeling on Sunday will get a couple then :cool:

Trav

EDIT- Pic now up, in it's 'natural' enviroment :D:D
 
Last edited:
T

tpj77

Member
Jeeptheone said:
Do you still have the blue one as well or is this a new project???

JTO
Click to expand...


I sold the blue one and bought a 90 Model to replace it but that was written off (fire damage, oil cooler line split uner pressure, hit the exhaust and caught alight). I had to sell the maxi-drives to get a few $$$ out of it.

gdog, Rangies are a bit like that if you have owned one in the past they're addictive despite there shortfalls in the fit, finish and reliability department at times (i don't consider things like worn items as unreliable, just old age).

Trav
 
Jeeptheone

Jeeptheone

New Member
Trav,

Thats a shame the Blue one was written off, it was a beast. I still want another Rangie as a toy and miss the 350 chev I had in the other one.

The white one is looking good though!

JTO
 
T

tpj77

Member
Jeeptheone said:
Trav,

Thats a shame the Blue one was written off, it was a beast. I still want another Rangie as a toy and miss the 350 chev I had in the other one.

The white one is looking good though!

JTO
Click to expand...

It was the 90 Vogue SE that burnt to the ground and was written off, the blue 87 Hi-Line is still going and it's surrent owner is runnig 37 inch Creepys and hilux diff conversion (4.3 CWP set) and detroit/Air locker combo.

I am currently looking at another Rangie (2 actually for the price of 1), a 93 Vogue and a 94 Vogue SE for a real cheap price. Both need work but I'm used to that, sell one and keep one is the plan if I go ahead with it :D

Trav
 
redandy3575

redandy3575

Well-Known Member
The Range Rover isn't for everyone. They're like the Collingwood Footy Club, you either love them or loath them that's how it is.




Or the Hawthrorn Footy Club for that matter
 
bmurray2250

bmurray2250

4x4 Earth Contributer
Lucus is the "Prince of Darkness" when it comes to electrical/electronics. Still a great vehicle to venture offroad
 
MatRug

MatRug

Member
tpj77

I am currently rebuilding an 88 Rangie & would love to see some more Pics on your rig & any advise on replacing any known issues with this model ?
 
redandy3575

redandy3575

Well-Known Member
MatRug said:
tpj77

I am currently rebuilding an 88 Rangie & would love to see some more Pics on your rig & any advise on replacing any known issues with this model ?
Click to expand...


I just want to see your Rangie when it's finished. Would love to help on advise, but mines a P38 series 2, so can't give you too much advise. However, jump onto Australian Land Rover Owners site, and they maybe able to help out.

Cheers

Andrew
 
T

tpj77

Member
MatRug said:
tpj77

I am currently rebuilding an 88 Rangie & would love to see some more Pics on your rig & any advise on replacing any known issues with this model ?
Click to expand...

I haven't had this Rangie for about 2 1/2 years, I killed it in the Logan Challenge in 2009 (well it still went but it got destroyed after that weeeknd, motor was ratshit) and parted it out. I currently have an 85 Rangie which is getting rebuilt but have aquired a 93 Disco for next to nothing for my off-road duties whilts I rebuild the Rangie

Things to watch out for- Electrical is the big thing, problem is that many people piggy back offthe factory wiring, not a good idea especially on a pommy car :eek::eek: Electrically they are as predictable as Melbourne weather :mad: Repace all busted bits with BOSCH written on them will see you through and wire up accessories seperate from the system to limit unreliable electrics, works for me :)

Hoodlinings, *******s always sag unless it's been redone recently. The backing is for the most part pretty decent (early ones were shit, like paper mache :eek:)

Oil leaks, live with them they leaked from new unless it's like the Exxon valdeiz then don't worry to much. Power steering box is chronic for leaks, try the Lucas Power steering stop leak, for less than $20 you can't go wrong and 99% of the time will get you through a roady no worries as they do pretty much stop a leaking steering box. Always have some on hand, Land Rover owners best mate :D Rear main seal leaks are the worst ones, if they're bad enough the oil hits the exhaust and can be unpleasnt to drive :confused:

Diffs are made of cheese, cheap enough to replace if you break on off-road (usually sell them for $50) but plenty of upgradeable options but prepare to dig into your wallet as it gets a bit exxy. Most times if you run anything biggger than a 31 inch tyre they do die a horrible death if you flog the piss out of it.

Bushes wear out a bit especially if off-roaded a fair bit. Use genuine, the cheaper 'britpart' ones are okay but don't last from my experience. Might be more than double the cost but they will last 10 years not 10 months :mad: Also learned that the hard way.

Anyway, that's about it. They'res probably a couple of other things that I've forgotten but if I remeber I'll post 'em up. rangies are good vehicles if cared for well and not worked on by donuts who think they know better (been burned by so-called mechanics who don't get it right, charge too much and the Rangies comes back worse than it did when I had driven it there for repairs. LR mechanics as well I'm refering to, hence why I do my own mechanical work, lot cheaper too). They're not a Nissan or Toyota and have quirks that are unique and a lot of time misunderstood.

Trav
 
MatRug

MatRug

Member
tpj77 said:
I haven't had this Rangie for about 2 1/2 years, I killed it in the Logan Challenge in 2009 (well it still went but it got destroyed after that weeeknd, motor was ratshit) and parted it out. I currently have an 85 Rangie which is getting rebuilt but have aquired a 93 Disco for next to nothing for my off-road duties whilts I rebuild the Rangie

Things to watch out for- Electrical is the big thing, problem is that many people piggy back offthe factory wiring, not a good idea especially on a pommy car :eek::eek: Electrically they are as predictable as Melbourne weather :mad: Repace all busted bits with BOSCH written on them will see you through and wire up accessories seperate from the system to limit unreliable electrics, works for me :)

Hoodlinings, *******s always sag unless it's been redone recently. The backing is for the most part pretty decent (early ones were shit, like paper mache :eek:)

Oil leaks, live with them they leaked from new unless it's like the Exxon valdeiz then don't worry to much. Power steering box is chronic for leaks, try the Lucas Power steering stop leak, for less than $20 you can't go wrong and 99% of the time will get you through a roady no worries as they do pretty much stop a leaking steering box. Always have some on hand, Land Rover owners best mate :D Rear main seal leaks are the worst ones, if they're bad enough the oil hits the exhaust and can be unpleasnt to drive :confused:

Diffs are made of cheese, cheap enough to replace if you break on off-road (usually sell them for $50) but plenty of upgradeable options but prepare to dig into your wallet as it gets a bit exxy. Most times if you run anything biggger than a 31 inch tyre they do die a horrible death if you flog the piss out of it.

Bushes wear out a bit especially if off-roaded a fair bit. Use genuine, the cheaper 'britpart' ones are okay but don't last from my experience. Might be more than double the cost but they will last 10 years not 10 months :mad: Also learned that the hard way.

Anyway, that's about it. They'res probably a couple of other things that I've forgotten but if I remeber I'll post 'em up. rangies are good vehicles if cared for well and not worked on by donuts who think they know better (been burned by so-called mechanics who don't get it right, charge too much and the Rangies comes back worse than it did when I had driven it there for repairs. LR mechanics as well I'm refering to, hence why I do my own mechanical work, lot cheaper too). They're not a Nissan or Toyota and have quirks that are unique and a lot of time misunderstood.

Trav
Click to expand...

Trav

thanks for the heads up... Funny thing about what you said: Power steering box is chronic for leaks, try the Lucas Power steering stop leak, for less than $20 you can't go wrong

Well actually I have just blown mine up.. Well I think so. will have a better look tomorrow. the steering box is COVERED in oil.. hopefully only a hose. New one is over $2000 :eek:& a reco (if I can get one) is around $500.00 :( [off out mates on eBay].

you are right about the bushes. I have already replaced them all prior to the Roadworthy a month ago.. Roof lining in mime is great, no sags as yet :)

Electrical has been half replaced. I run nothing of the old wiring. Run all fresh stuff back to the engine bay & do it right from the start..

Only a week ago I replaced the distributer as I somehow screwed the old one up. It wouldn’t fire on 1 & 3 leads. All good now & 200.00 bucks out of pocket..

I hope this may be the last of my issues but you are probably right, being a British car only god knows what will go wrong next :rolleyes:

May see you around someday on the tracks or selling parts on eBay :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top