89 Range Rover Restoration Project

...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

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!!

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.

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....

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.

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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/techtalk/techtalkimages/bushes_fitting_front_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).

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

I am parting out an 88 RR classic. If there are some parts you think will help you along please e mail me @ markp912@yahoo.com