Long Distance Driving

[wardog3187]

I would like to know if anybody within this forum has taken their Series II, IIa, or III on a long distance drive/trip? I do have a 1973 Series III RHD w/Fairey OD and I'll be traveling from Radcliff/Ft. Knox, Kentucky to Frederick, Oklahoma and back (about 900 miles one way/1800 total). Any advice is greatly appreciated in how you prepared your LR for the trip. BTW, this trip will be done in January and every quarter thereafter.

Thanks in advance!

[LaneRover]

Buy some ear plugs

I have driven across country twice in Land Rovers. Once with a completely stock 65' 109 Land Rover and once in a 69' 109 with a Fairey Overdrive. I probably should have prepared a bit more than I did but each time the Rover ran just fine. Basically I changed the oil and checked levels on all the gearboxes.

In the 65' I kept the speed to about 60 (when I could) and with the overdrive in the 69 I drove around 65-70. There were days that were miserable as it was hot enough that the wind felt like a blast furnace.

One thing I found that would be useful is some sort of visor as when the sun is rising or setting it just sits there between the top of the windshield and the horizon. I know a guy who eventually just put a strip of duct tape across the top of his windshield as on the highway there aren't any traffic lights to see or deal with.

Brent

[TeriAnn]

I would like to know if anybody within this forum has taken their Series II, IIa, or III on a long distance drive/trip?


I've driven my Series II between California and New York and about half way up British Columbia to the Mexican border. Not as well traveled as some but if you just narrow it down to the US and Canada I've been around.

Looks like you are planning a medium distance trip. Any of it off road or is it a pavement drive?

My best piece of advice is that the best breakdown is the one you prevented before leaving home. The best place to begin is using the factory owner manual perform a full factory 24 thousand mile maintenance procedure.

The manual covers most all the bases with step by step how-to instructions. Next take Your Land Rover to a shop that has free front in inspections. Bring your manual with the alignment specs bookmarked. They will let you know if any of your tie rod ends need attention and the condition of your alignment. Interestingly enough a Series Land Rover has tighter alignment specs than most modern cars. Having the alignment in spec really transforms the vehicle stability at highway speeds.

Also get your tyres balanced by someone who will clamp it b the lug holes and not the centre hole. The centre hole is not always in the exact centre.

After a full 24 thousand mile maintenance which includes replacing all fluids & hydraulic system rubber you should have no worries about hopping in the LR and driving coast to coast. :thumb-up:

[Mercedesrover]

I just got back from my third multi-thousand mile trip in my Series III 88”.

This time it was northern Quebec. We traveled the full length of the James Bay, Route Du Nord and Trans-Taiga roads. We didn’t stop at Brisay either but drove all the way out to Caniapiscau. 4300 miles by the time we got home, 1100 miles of it on gravel. If you’re not familiar with the area, at Caniapiscau we were 460 miles from the nearest town. Here’s a link to some pictures. http://seriestrek.com/jamesbay.html

Change all your oils with a good, quality brand.
Carry spare oil.
Care a good assortment of tools with you.
Make sure your tires are good.
I’d run free-wheeling hubs.
Join the Birmabright Brotherhood. http://www.birmabrightbrotherhood.org/

Don’t be afraid to go. If you do have a break down it’s usually something easy to fix. I cracked a weld on the muffler this trip that was quickly fixed with a muffler clamp I had brought along. I also had a water pump start leaking (My truck is powered by a Mercedes diesel) on my way home but had one of those in stock too. You’re traveling in a populated part of the country so even if you do have trouble, help isn’t far away.

Jim

[jp-]

One thing I found that would be useful is some sort of visor as when the sun is rising or setting it just sits there between the top of the windshield and the horizon. I know a guy who eventually just put a strip of duct tape across the top of his windshield as on the highway there aren't any traffic lights to see or deal with.

Brent

I keep a baseball cap in each Rover for that very reason, works as well as any sunvisor.

[scott]

from waynsville, mo to albuquerque, nm in a '64 iia. bring a jack not a jeff cause if you got a jeff and no jack, jeff will not let you forget you forgot jack

[Terrys]

bring a jack not a jeff cause if you got a jeff and no jack, jeff will not let you forget you forgot jack

Yeah, what he said,..................I think.

[wardog3187]

Thanks to all that replied with their advise.

I'm currently replacing several items to include the stock springs with parabolic springs and OME shocks. That should smooth out the ride a bit.

The trip will be on pavement/major highways.

Thanks again! :D

[badvibes]

from waynsville, mo to albuquerque, nm in a '64 iia. bring a jack not a jeff cause if you got a jeff and no jack, jeff will not let you forget you forgot jack

ROTFLMAO!!!

But he's right, I'll never let him forget it. So make sure you have a jack! Seems like a lot of my roadside troubles when on the road are electrical in nature. If you have a points dizzy extra points, condenser, rotor, cap and spark plugs are handy to have. If not all of these at least the points set and condenser. Some people carry a complete spare dizzy, I would too if I could find a good cheap one. Have had to replace a fuel pump on the road also. I no longer have the mechanical pump but a NAPA cheapy electric. Having a spare in the truck when the 1st one died was very convenient. Oil, water, spare belts, hoses are all good. A spare fuel filter is handy. Most of this stuff is not real expensive but when you're 50 miles from town, 15 miles from pavement, and you need a set of points it's nice to have them. When it's Sunday morning in Grants New Mexico and you need a fuel pump it may not be easy to find a parts store that has a fuel pump you can use, that's open, and has a clerk who is willing to try to help you instead of just saying "we don't have that 'cause it's not in the computer." These little forays were anywhere from 300 to 1000 miles in length. The other thing is be prepared to talk to people everywhere you stop. These trucks are people magnets. You're gonna hear a lot of "it's how old?" "you're driving where?" "it's a Land what?" "you're going how far?" It's really a blast. Especially when the women folk in the little backwoods store with the single gas pump out front call you from inside the store on the pay phone outside the store that you're parked near as you check the fluids on the Rover your friend just bought to say come back inside the store we just made a fresh pot of coffee so we can ask you again "it's how old?" "you're driving where?" "it's a Land what?" "you're going how far?"

Jeff

[msggunny]

I'll be traveling from Radcliff/Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Who are you with in Ft Knox?

[wardog3187]

Who are you with in Ft Knox?

I'm currently working with MPRI that has a contract with USAREC (United States Army Recruiting Command).

[wardog3187]

ROTFLMAO!!!

The other thing is be prepared to talk to people everywhere you stop. These trucks are people magnets. You're gonna hear a lot of "it's how old?" "you're driving where?" "it's a Land what?" "you're going how far?"

Jeff

I'm used to all that already as I'm the only one here in Radcliff, KY with a RHD 88. A few days after I brought it home, some guy offered to buy it. A few people thought it was illegal to drive in the US on the right side. My wife and I stopped off at a restraunt and some guy drove up and said, "What year is that "Yoder"? It's a 1973 and a Land Rover, not a "Yoder". Just about all of the Ft. Knox security gate guards know me when I drive up and even a few will come over to the right side to check my ID. Those are only a few that I have trained to do this. Quite a few still need work. A few of those "clowns" think that my LR have power windows and will stand there while I'm looking out my right side over to the next lane and ask the guard there where his co-worker is.

Yes, I'm having the time of my life with my LR!! :D

[archaeologistjen]

We've driven our 101 Forward Control from Pennsylvania to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and it was a blast. Definately a people magnet. One of the funniest inquiries we fielded along the way was "Where's the base?" A woman in New England couldn't get the idea out of her head that we were somehow undercover military personnel, even though we were dressed in civilian clothes. She repeatedly asked us which military installation we were driving to. I'm a soldier in the US Army Reserve, and I can only imagine how fun it will be some time to drive the 101 or our other military LR onto a post for a training event or weekend drill in uniform...

The big negative was that we were almost in several accidents on the highway because folks rubbernecking to see what we were driving would inadvertantly swerve into our lane...:eek:

We're planning to make a repeat journey next spring in the 101, and are planning to bring lots of spares and tools. One thing about a long trip is that you will quickly find out what is just about to die in your vehicle, and will work out all the kinks... :p

[scott]

you movtivate me man, or more accurate my wife has bailed on me. not our marriage just my plan to have her drag me and my '64 iia swb from albuquerque to 29 palms. now i gotta to drive it out there. jeff you up for an adventure? i still have the jack we bought in tulsa.

[msggunny]

I'm currently working with MPRI that has a contract with USAREC (United States Army Recruiting Command).

Im trying to greas the skids to get back there with the Marine Det, even though we are moving it to Benning soon. Not 100% sure, depends on if i get promoted to Master Sergeant this year or not.

I get the same thing here at Lejeune, the MP's at the gate (not the rent-a-cops you have at Ft Knox) look at the passenger seat expecting some one to be in it and then realise that i am on the other side. After they realise that they are stupid they smile and wave me in.

I constantly get the "Heep wave" from dudes and chicks who dont know better. I have only had 2 people correctly id it and both of them had experience with old series trucks. Everyone else thinks its a Heep or Yoda.

[greenmeanie]

I find the 101 gets more attention than my SIIA.
The SIIA:
Q - 'What year is your yoda?'
A - 'No sir its a Land Rover.'
Q - 'Oh OK. That's one cool Land Cruiser.'
A - 'Scuse me I'm off to get my starting handle! I'll use it to explain the differnence.'

The 101:
- 'Is that a Hummer?'
- 'No sir. This is a fine piece of military engineering for Her majesty's armed forces. A Hummer on the other hand is a pleasurable act involving a piece of tin foil and two consenting adults, one of whom should have a good singing voice.'
- Blank look.

In about 2002 I had one elderly lady chase me down in a car park in Orro Valley in Tucson. She had seen an army truck driving around and wanted to know if we were the military here to protect the neighbourhood from terrorists. I cannot repeat my reply here but when she got home she probably phoned the FBI.

Getting back on topic I used to commute 1000 miles a week in my SIIA. Things I found were it pays to have at least one container of every fluid in the truck on board. A roll of gaffer's tape and a Leatherman will get you further than you would think. A comfortable seat and a set of ear plugs will do wonders if you plan on going faster than 60mph. A lug wrench for the wheel nuts plus an 11, 13 & 14mm spanner will cover most roadside repairs. A set of vice grips is good to have on hand too. Tyre pressures are an essential part of your morning inspection if you are running on the freeway. Be nice to the truckers and they will be nice to you.

I survived 1 1/2 years of this plus to Arizona summers. Strangely I had more confidence in my old bus than in a modern car. She was slow, loud and occasionally bits fell off but we always got there. I'm only partially deaf.

Cheers
Gregor

[Tim Smith]

... I'm only partially deaf...

Huh? What? :p Lovin' these stories everyone has.

My longest trip was a one way ticket down to Jacksonville, FL to pick up my air-portable (sight unseen, mind you) and take it back up to CT. About 900 or 1000 miles with nothing more than my craftsman leatherette tool bag and a flash light. Figured I'd buy what ever fluids I needed on the way and if I had a break down, well, then my good looks (ha!) would have to go into overtime.

The only mishap was in trusting the fuel gauge and forgetting to top off tank #2. Ran out of gas in-between exits somewhere in Georgia where the exits are pretty far apart. Figured that I needed the exercise anyway. About 30 hours later I pulled into the driveway with my new pride and joy and haven't looked back since.

Everyone else's advice about what to bring with you and prep is pretty much what I'd say too. Good advice here.

Cheers,
Tim

[greenmeanie]

Are those your good looks your showing off in your avatar? I suppose that's one way to get help if the right lonely trucker came along :P

[Tim Smith]

Are those your good looks your showing off in your avatar? I suppose that's one way to get help if the right lonely trucker came along :P
No, that's my stunt double.
ROTFLMAO!
:D

[badvibes]

you movtivate me man, or more accurate my wife has bailed on me. not our marriage just my plan to have her drag me and my '64 iia swb from albuquerque to 29 palms. now i gotta to drive it out there. jeff you up for an adventure? i still have the jack we bought in tulsa.

Scott-

What are the dates exactly? Doubt if I can pull the time off but I'd check.

Jeff

[wardog3187]

The 101:
- 'Is that a Hummer?'
- 'No sir. This is a fine piece of military engineering for Her majesty's armed forces. A Hummer on the other hand is a pleasurable act involving a piece of tin foil and two consenting adults, one of whom should have a good singing voice.'
- Blank look.

Cheers
Gregor

That's a classic!! I have to remember that one. :thumb-up:

[jp-]

...plus an 11, 13 & 14mm spanner will cover most roadside repairs.

Gregor,

I am curious, what do you need the metric wrenches for? I usually carry a 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", & a crescent. The tranny does have some weird bolts (15/32", 17/32", & 19/32") for which some metric wrenches will work...but then that's what the crescent is for.


Great stories, by the way!

[Tim Smith]

I am curious, what do you need the metric wrenches for?...
I've found metric on the III but then found standard on the IIA. Didn't the series I's have whitworth?

Best just pack crescent wrenches and a big hammer. :p

[greenmeanie]

Ah I'm just lazy. I grew up in the UK so all my tools are metric. The metric fit is good enough in these cases so that they work well without me having to buy an additional imperial tool kit. I have a desert truck so I have not had to deal with rusted fasteners. For some of the bigger more specialised stuff like hub nuts and some of the gearbox stuff I have bought the correct socket but on the whole I get buy using solely metric.

There are additional sizes on the truck but I have found that these three will cover 'most' roadside repairs. I went through a phase of carrying my full tool kit plus a box of spares plus a full change of fluids plus a full set of recovery gear so that I was prepared for anything. Ultimately I realised that keeping up on the scheduled maintenance and inspections made most of that stuff redundant.

I also realised that I was driving to work so wasn't really bothered if I broke down and had to spend the rest of the day McGuivering a fix. In a year and a half I blew a few oil seals, had one alternator pack in and a ball joint on the throttle link fail. Non of these stopped me getting home.

I still think in metric except for my job as an engineer where I have to switch to imperial.

Cheers
Gregor

[scott]

i've found the best tool purchase made is the one you see sticking up in front of my spare
268

[jp-]

Gregor,

I am an Engineer as well, but think in Imperial. But if you grew up in the UK you should too. The UK is still only "soft" metric isn't it?

[greenmeanie]

It all depends who you work for in the UK. Strangely, I worked for Caterpillar who, despite being a US company, were all metric. British universities tend to teach the use of SI units only these days. Then again a lot of hydraulic fittings are still imperial.

It ain't difficult converting between the two. I just prefer to think in metric and convert. For work I will use whatever units the person writing my cheque prefers.

I will make a dirty confession that my original tools were bought to work on a French car so metric was a bit of a given. I just found that they were an adequate fit for most imperial fasteners on a Landy and have never splurged on an imperial set.

Sometimes I forget the imperial culture of my audience. I have thankfully so far avoided a 'NASA' moment!

Cheers
Gregor

[Tim Smith]

...I have thankfully so far avoided a 'NASA' moment...
Forgive me but what is a NASA moment?:confused:

[jp-]

Forgive me but what is a NASA moment?:confused:

There have been plenty. On the Hubbell, they had two teams of engineers (used loosely in this context) one was working in metric, the other imperial. Hubbell was sent into space "nearsighted" because of the incorrectly ground mirror. A special lense was made to correct it.

Another time was when they incorrectly calculated the landing speed of a Mars landing mission, and the craft came in at 400 miles an hour instead of 40. Of course the hundred million dollar craft wasn't designed for a 400 mph landing.

There are many more.

[scott]

well the wife did drag me and my iia out to california. 1st time the old truck has every hit 90 mph and it did it pushing a lr3 past an 18 wheeler!

but it was time to bring the old gal home. original plan was to have a shipmate drag me and my truck from 29 palms to gallup, nm then drive it the rest of the way to albuquerque. 10 miles into the 700 mile trip we realize the ranger's four cylinders were working hard enough just moving itself. so we unhooked and i started the long drive home.

we left just after sunset, drove about 60 miles where i caught up to my friend. he was waiting to see how i was doing. i got out, left her idling, we chated, told him the rove was running great. he jumps in his ford, promise to call and check on me from time to time (i think it was so that he would know when to turn back on a rescue mission as soon as possible). i jump in and throttle up and she justs idles. his tail lights are disappearing. i brake out a flash light lift the bonnet and find the throttle linkage fell apart. nuts vibrated loose. the bolt was still there so i grab my gerber and a piece of coat hanger i kept in my tool box, put the bolt back in and wrapped the coat hanger around the threads as tight as i could.

scream'n again at about 55 mph through the frozen desert night. heater blasting, burning the hair off my shins while the cool drafts chill my up half. xm radio sounds good. it's up loud to drown out the sound of the overdrive lever rattling against the gear shifter.

now just on the west side of williams, az on i-40 the primary fuel tanks runs dry. quick switch to the 2nd tank and motor on. i stop for coffee, dip and gas in sligman. my friend calls and suggest a route other than the interstate so as to avoid a bunch of steep inclines. being a pighead i don't take the advise and head eastward and upward on the interstate. cruising as slow as 35 mph at times. not to much of a probem as it's after midnight and traffic is light.

now between winslow and holbrook the old ride starts a sputtering. i pull over and lean it out a bit thinking maybe the altitude was getting to it. she seem fine for about a mile. i was kidding myself, i knew what was wrong, fuel filter. running a tank dry will do it every time, i just wasn't looking forward to pulling it off, cleaning it and putting in back on in the freezing cold wee hours. it was about 25 degrees with the wind howling. i'm wearing a light jacket and no gloves. holding the pieces in my bare hand and spraying them with carb cleaner, wondering if i could fit the parts back together before my fingers froze solid. using the still warm radiator to thaw my digits i manage this repair with just a gerber pocket tool and i cruise the rest of the way home without any further mechanical trails. but the road was kicking my tail. i had to pull over and nap a few time. drag here is that 30 seconds after shuting it down and turning of the heat the inside temp drops to the low twenties.

the whole trip took 17 1/2 hours which includes 3 hours of fueling, repairing and napping. i figure i averaged 50 mph, 12 mpg and used 3 gallons of water (radiator still leaks...i've been meaning to fix that but besides being pigheaded, i'm pretty lazy) and two quarts of motor oil.

[uralrover]

Well heres what I learned driving my 73 Series III 88 RHD cross country from Fort Lewis. If it's failing or limping along, Rebuild it, replace it, or carry a spare for when it failes. Carry extra fluids, spare distributar parts and an emergency fix it kit for all those other who'd of thaught faults. Things like a belt or two and wiring parts, radiator hose tape or hoses. Because it's better to have then have not. And, as I found out two weeks ago, DHL doesn't always deliver everywhere.

Mak
73 Series III RHD