Hey Guys____A neighbor has a 1988 Range Rover SWB, 4D Auto, not sure of the engine size ,or if it has a Center locking Diff. What I,m not clear on is,if its always in 4X and it has (not sure it does) center locking diff. ,when locked, what does it do?Also how capable is this year,and model(short wheelbase) off road in stock form? What are its strengths and weaknesses? I presently own a 1985 4Runner(solid fr. axle) ,other than luxury,would it be more capable as a 4Xer in stock form,also which one would have more potential? I realize this is a Land Rover Forum,but hopfully with your collective insights I can make a wise decision on which vehicle I would be most happy with. I would be using it as an expedition type vehicle and moderate (to lower end of extreme)4Xing___Oops almost forgot does this year have the LT230 transfer case_____ THANKS BAYRUNNER

yes it has a LT230 and a locking center diff. what this does is lock the power output solid. By this I mean that the torque/power is split 50/50 just like your 4-runner in 4wd. Weaknesses: low hp 3.5L v-8, but very capable off-road, some will say 10 spline axles are weak, but for what you want to use it for they will probably be ok.
also no sway bars so the suspension is very limber.
all in all a very capable rig out of the box with some grippy tires.

What a coincidence... I sold my lovely '85 4Runner and bought a .. 1988 Range Rover. :) I needed a 4 door and always wanted a Rover and a nice 85 4Runner is rare enough that I made some money off it.

I love it, frankly. It is a bit of a beast in comparison though... much heaveier, a LOT more power equipment. Everyone calls the 3.5 underpowered, but compared to the 22re in my old 4runner, it is plenty strong. Cruises just fine at 70+.

Follow all the general used Rover buying tips and you should be fine. Not many fancy doodads. I'd be stunned if your cruise control works, and expect there to be a few oddities, like 1 or 4 windows doens't work or you've got a few dash lights on. Seems to be par for the Rover course.

The upper tailgate is prone to rusting as well.

Haven't wheeled mine yet but I have a set of 245/75-16 (approx. 31's) to go on for summer. Mine also came with a 2" OME MD lift so that was a nice bonus.

Don't add a locker and the 10-spline axles shouldn't be a problem. Apparenly they are easy to change so carry spares (haven't done this yet).

Originally posted by Sporin
Apparenly they are easy to change so carry spares (haven't done this yet).

Easy to change is relative, the problem is that with stock 10 splines and a stock diff, you are more apt to blow apart the cross shaft in the carrier before a shaft.

Good to know.