Yesterday the catalytic converters were stolen from my P38 and so the first order of my day was to survey that damage and order the parts – installing them will take me away from 05 KD 28 for a couple of hours or so in the next few days.
Back to more positive things now.
The front end strip down is now complete save for actually drawing the axle from beneath. Brake lines and junction came away nicely, as did just about everything else surprisingly! The old cooler hose to mount needed persuasion in a vice.
Engine / gearbox mounts also came out well. These will be replaced of course but interesting to note one of the gearbox mounts had sheared off in the middle of the rubber.
The only other challenge was the offside lower damper mount. The split pin refused to budge so I cut it off and drifted it out with a punch. Dampers off and the front sprang up. There is life in the springs!
I then the yes with the idea of splitting the transfer and gear boxes, but this would have required more time than I really had. I had a bit of a look under the various inspection plates to get my bearings ready for the splitting another day.
I turned my attention to the engine. Clutch, flywheel, bell housing all came away nicely albeit with a lot of old oil. I am now ready to mount the block onto the stand … oh wait I don’t have the requisite 3/8” x 3” UNF bolts to do that! Fingers crossed they arrive by Saturday.
I had already decided that the block would be the correct terracotta shade it was when it left the factory but the sight of the original unmolested paint put pay to any doubt.
Whilst the block is here I have also back off the manifold bolts. Not a single one snapped! Phew.
Land Rover Series 3 Air Portable ‘Lightweight’ 05 KD 28 