Classic question

[1sicbronconut]

I'm thinking about buying a classic for a mild trail rig. I've been told a 95' is the best year to buy, why are they so much better than say a 93':confused: I'm new to Rovers but have been wheeling for 20 years. Thanks for any input

[Spupilup]

If you've been wheeling for twenty years than you'll understand the difference between a manually locking center differential and one that locks through the use of a viscous coupler. If it doesn't matter to you which way your truck locks up than go with the newest Range Rover you can find ('95). If, on the otherhand, you prefer the power to manually lock your center diff then your choices are a bit more limited.

Range Rovers in the US only mad a manually locking center diff in 1987 and 1988. The transfer case was the LT230. After that, Land Rover went with a Borg Warner viscous coupled unit. Later still ('93-'93) traction control was added.

Many favor the LT230 and it is not uncommon to find those cases transplanted onto later Range Rovers.

Models from 1993 through 1995 had an electric air suspension that, in most cases, by now has been removed but it is another item to consider with later Rovers.

Another issue is that mid year 1993 Land Rover finally broke down and upgraded the half shafts to 24 spline from the 10 spline units that had been used sine 1970.

Many don't like the ABS in these older trucks. Given their age, pumps are prone to failure and are very expensive.

I could go on but what it really comes down to is you need to figure out exactly what is important to you in a trail vehicle and select accordingly. Once you've set your perameters choose the car you buy wisely because these things can be money pits. Don't for an instant believe that they don't rust because they're alluminum. They are from the UK, they invented rust and the Italians perfected it.

[PTSchram]

I'll try again.

Not all '93-'95 Rangies have air suspension. Just when I think I have it figured out, I see another variation.

'95s were the shortest production run of Classics, some folks see this as a novelty and will pay more.

The '95 will have a serpentine belt, earlier models multi-vee belts. I prefer serpentine, others have differing (wrong) opinions.

'93-'95 are available short wheelbase of 100" or long of 108".

the '95s have slightly more reasonable wiring than the earlier ones and share many parts with the '94-'95 discos.

[pugwash4x4]

Just to really shake your noggin (really that is a proper expression where i live) the 93s tend to have stronger chassis than 95s. The story goes (and this may be heresay) that land rover in 94-95 changed steel suppliers and the chsasis are like swiss cheese.

I've had modded rangies for about 10 years now and have had an 86 (which had the second strongest axles LR ever made), a 91, a 92 and a 94. For me the 92 was best. All the electrics improved in 92, but that year was pre air suspension. The chassis are all good, and the doors and stuff seem pretty reliable too. I dont' actually mind the BW t-box. Initially i was dead set on putting an LT230 in for the manually locking diff, but i've off roaded with the BW for 3 seasons now and i think they're brilliant. Lots of traction- you never forget to put them in and they lock just as well as an LT230 as far as i can see. Fit and forget a bit like the detroit axle lockers.

Some 94 and 95s are "softdash" (i am presuming you guys got these). Which was a pre- P38 model. Had upgraded interior- more comfy and again better electronics. Serpentine front ends are desirable as the oil pump is more efficient so they tend to suffer less from oil starvation- it is a fallacy that the later cross bolted blocks do not suffer cracked liners or slippage- ignore anyone that tells you that- i've seen at least 6 with my very own eyes.

Whichever way you go- check all the common places for rust (easily found on the internet) and make sure ALL the elctronics and gizmos work. ABS, Air Suspension, Cruise control and electric seats are the most common failures. A/C also needs re-gassing quite often- IMHO you do NEED a/c in these vehicles- the large amount of galss and poor ventilation as well as a large inefficient V8 means the cabins get very very hot!

[pugwash4x4]

Just to really shake your noggin (really that is a proper expression where i live) the 93s tend to have stronger chassis than 95s. The story goes (and this may be heresay) that land rover in 94-95 changed steel suppliers and the chsasis are like swiss cheese.

I've had modded rangies for about 10 years now and have had an 86 (which had the second strongest axles LR ever made), a 91, a 92 and a 94. For me the 92 was best. All the electrics improved in 92, but that year was pre air suspension. The chassis are all good, and the doors and stuff seem pretty reliable too. I dont' actually mind the BW t-box. Initially i was dead set on putting an LT230 in for the manually locking diff, but i've off roaded with the BW for 3 seasons now and i think they're brilliant. Lots of traction- you never forget to put them in and they lock just as well as an LT230 as far as i can see. Fit and forget a bit like the detroit axle lockers.

Some 94 and 95s are "softdash" (i am presuming you guys got these). Which was a pre- P38 model. Had upgraded interior- more comfy and again better electronics. Serpentine front ends are desirable as the oil pump is more efficient so they tend to suffer less from oil starvation- it is a fallacy that the later cross bolted blocks do not suffer cracked liners or slippage- ignore anyone that tells you that- i've seen at least 6 with my very own eyes.

Whichever way you go- check all the common places for rust (easily found on the internet) and make sure ALL the elctronics and gizmos work. ABS, Air Suspension, Cruise control and electric seats are the most common failures. A/C also needs re-gassing quite often- IMHO you do NEED a/c in these vehicles- the large amount of galss and poor ventilation as well as a large inefficient V8 means the cabins get very very hot!

[gregolma]

The 89 and earlier are simpler vehicles with no ABS. The Hunter model in '90 and '91 also lacked ABS and traction control. Less to worry about. I like the '89 set up better than the earleir vehicles, except for the t-case. But it can be swapped.

[cptyarderho]

depends, I have a 92 with no ABS.