SERIES 3 MODS AND VALUE

[joshallen676]

Hi folks,

I was wondering if I could have a wee bit of advice.

I have a late model series three Santana and a set of axels from a discovery.
I have seen numerous people make hybrids by installing disco axles for the stronger diffs and disc brakes. I was wondering in your opinions what this modification might do to the value of my truck. As I see it right now it isn't much of a collector's vehicle, but I am currently getting bing her a full go through (rebuilding the engine, new fluids, paint and rust repair, sound deadening, leaky cabin seals etc.)

I want to do the mod for sale of drive ability and because I like tinkering haha but I may be leaving the island for school in a few years and have to sell the truck ( ) so I don't want to kill the value.

It will be properly done by myself in a professional shop with the help of my old high school auto teacher (it's great having connections with welders )

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Josh


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[Bill E.]

Hi Josh,
These are just my comments and I'm not trying to ruin your fun.

If the Santana is in good or easily restorable condition, keep it stock if future value is a consideration.

Rolling coiler axles under a leafer truck is not quick, easy or cheap. Though if you have perseverance it can be done.

Others will dial in with the shopping list of other parts and modifications you'll need if you are determined to hurt yourself I'm sure.

There is a galvanized 88 coiler conversion chassis available in Langley that could make the project a whole lot more fun and worthwhile if you are interested. (I'm assuming we are talking 88 here?).

Bill

[joshallen676]

Bill, I'm mainly interested in the disc brakes. I already have a servo. You're right though this one should probably stay stock. Since I'm part way through restoring it right now haha.

At 88 cooler chassis for sale? That might be useful for my other project


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[Dave_F]

Why discs? Lot more $$$ to set up.

A properly set up drum brake system works well. Basic and easy to maintain imo.

Biggest problem is drums is making sure you clean them after getting them dirty.

They are more than adequate for the 2.25 engine. :rev:

[red90]

If it is just discs you want then go over and see Ray and get a conversion kit. http://www.parabolicsprings.com/products.html

[joshallen676]

The only issue with the kit is it costs $1180 and I bought the whole discovery for $300 (running). I thought the disco axles were basically all the same sort of shape except a little wider (which would probably improve road holding a little too). I've had some sketchy experiences with the drums starting to fade once or twice in the hills. I always drive in a lower gear now


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[joshallen676]

Dave how are discs more money to set up that drums? I've done both and found them different but certainly no expensive ve


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[Dave_F]

Dave how are discs more money to set up that drums? I've done both and found them different but certainly no expensive ve


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Because I am guessing that your Santana already has drums? As previously mentioned ed once you start changing things like axles etc...you loose the value of the Rover. Originality is the key to gett My a return on your investment.

If that is not an issue, then modify.

[red90]

The only issue with the kit is it costs $1180 and I bought the whole discovery for $300 (running).

Sure, but they are 20 year old axles that will need to be rebuilt to be of any use, most likely, unless you found a well maintained, $300 vehicle. The gearing is completely wrong and without changing it, you won't have the power to drive. The pinion angle to castor angle is wrong for the leaf springs. The steering arms are in locations that are completely different and clash with the leaf springs. The internals are not stronger and some would say weaker, if that is an important consideration.

So, you can say one option is $1200 and the other $300, but you are not including all of the other costs that are involved depending on how good a job you want done, nevermind the massive difference in labour involved.

If you Google this topic, you can read dozens of writeups and understand what others have done.

[joshallen676]

Interesting. Thanks guys, I already know HOW to do it, I was just trying to determine if it was worth the trouble. Apparently not haha, thanks for the info!


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[Bill E.]

Hi Josh,

I think the others have given solid advice. The best advice we can give you as a group is that there isn't a cheap way to do the job properly. It's easy to get drawn into the idea of swapping in seemingly newish parts to your old Rover (Santana). If a grand for disc brake conversion is outside your budget limitations then the cost of parking a Discovery under your Santana will make the cost of brakes pale in comparison. It's great that you have the skills and ambition to tackle these sorts of projects but there is definitely no cost savings to justify doing it. Be sure to post up photos of your project no matter what choices you make. My comments are just intended to save you from some of the mistakes I've made over many years of crap car ownership.

Bill

[joshallen676]

Thanks Bill,
To be honest it wasn't so much cost savings rather I had a whole donor vehicle that was quite low mileage and in good knick but for the fact it had a 4.0L acting up under the hood.

I appreciate all the help from people chiming in on this forum. It really feels like a community of Landy guys and gals I love it!


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[Greg S]

I bought the disc brake kit from Ray and installed it on my 109.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat. What a great modification! Seamless and invisible. Incredibly easy to install with every step of the Instructions clear and correct.

BUT you have to have 16 inch wheels. Won't work with 15 inch.