89 Range Rover Restoration Project

[tique_2001]

...well I thought I got a good deal on an 89 County. Maybe, maybe not?
picked it up for $1650. Engine appears strong but transmission and ECU/EFI issues have me concerned...having trouble finding parts. If you have an suggestions please let me know.

headliner: fiber board was totally destroyed and must replaced/fabricated

ECU/EFI: light was on, now it's off (disconnected battery) but the truck doesn't shift smoothly and runs ruff.

transfer case: was told it needs to be replaced...too much play in the low end...don't do much offroading other than hunting trips..but will need to pull a ski boat. how much should I expect to shell out? any suggestions on remanufactured/used/new? are there any other models/brands that are interchangeable and less expensive?

control arm: steering shakes periodicaly, often under acceleration.

console: the cubby box, stereo console, and center console all need replacing or refabricating.

rear windows: aren't working but seem to be wired correctly.

sunroof: slow and works inconsistantly.

YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND OPINIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Best regards,

JD

[alex_rudd]

Have a look at e-bay, and guessing you are in the US, have a look at e-bay.co.uk as there are always spare parts and Range Rovers up for breaking. Shipping from UK will cost you more, but perhaps availability will be better - I've seen second hand ECU's on there, and just about every other part you can think of - you just have to wade through the hundreds of adverts selling stick-on walnut facias!

Good luck with the restoration, although lots of the symptons you describe sound like normal Range Rover quirks to me!!

[Cbass94]

For restoration projects here in the US, some good places to look are
Great Basin Rovers http://www.greatbasinrovers.com/

DAP inc. www.dap-inc.com

Rovercity > www.rovercity.com (I really like these guys, call and ask for Mohammed)

And then of course there are the more expensive OEM places like Rovers North, Atlantic British, etc.

[glenncof]

Best site

http://www.rangerovers.net/rrpartsv.htm

Used parts like interior; Try Car Canibal listed in above url.

Steering: see my post today on steering vibration. My 1991 has panhard rod, no idler arm. I assume 1989 same. http://landroversonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1284

Must get manual. I have Haynes (cheap) Bently Publications is much better.

Window relays under cubby box.

See http://landroversonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=514 for oil/tranny service suggestions.

See http://www.roversnorth.com/RR_EFIfault.pdf for EFI codes and
http://landroversonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=908 for OBD reader.

See http://landroversonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=780 for relube on differential & transfer case, swivel housing.

Get to know Idle bypass stepper motor. Sets idle. Clean when ever idle issue.

This should keep you busy but you'll be on track.

Oh yea, I just finished paint detailing after sitting outside 8 years. Shining like new. Later....

[glenncof]

One last suggestion: I have a booklet from www.AtlanticBritish.com specifically for RR Classic. Its Volume 9.

It shows detailed parts explosion and model year info with parts pricing.

With the Hayes manual this is invaluable.

==========

On steering vibration, the "at acceleration" part has me thinking that it is not traditional steering component. Check the bushings on Radius Arms which couple front axel to frame. I don't know how to check these, perhaps use a pry bar.

See http://www.landyonline.co.za/techtalk/diyrepairs.htm for procedure and pictures (front/back) like this http://www.landyonline.co.za/techtal...nt_picture.jpg

Also see http://www.comcen.com.au/~blumx/Hints.htm for bushing issues.

ALSO, RR has no front ball joints, rather swivel housing. You can adjust preload.

If steering shaft to pitman arm is showing excessive movement, there is a backlash adjustment on top of steering box (symptom for me was hard/inconsistent steering effort).

[tique_2001]

thanks Guys!... looks like my weekend just got busy ;-)

[old blue]

I am parting out an 88 RR classic. If there are some parts you think will help you along please e mail me @ [email protected]