80 series Cruiser or Range Rover

[tommyd]

Originally Posted by WarDamnEagle

An interesting side note for those even remotely interested....1983 was the first year of the Defender (replaced the Series III). You can now import these diesel engine 80 Defenders into the US as they are 25 years old (but only the 1983 models).

Actually, the 1983-1989 110s are not technically Defenders; the model is a 110. (90s came out in 1984). Land Rover re-branded the 90s and 110s as 'Defenders' starting in 1990. Minor point.

[86 Bronco]

On with the Yota search..........Thanks for all the input. I can't wait to find the one ....

[maybe_a_80...]

Originally Posted by 86 Bronco

On with the Yota search..........Thanks for all the input. I can't wait to find the one ....

welcome aboard! Read everything you can here and REGULARLY scan around the internet - i found mine on autotrader.com although I spent more time looking on cars.com. It really pays to have a good idea of what you are looking at...

[timc]

I know this is a LC board, and I don't want to offend anyone. This is my opinion based on my experiences with both trucks. I own both now. A 95 County Classic SWB with a 3.9, and a 97 LX450 (if that counts as a LC). I bought the RR with 70k, it now has 180k. The 450 was bought with 95k now has 150k. For daily around town and highway, I find the RR better hands down. It will out handle and out brake the 450 easy, and I have slotted brembo's on the front with pagid pads on the 450 to improve it's braking. The RR is much smoother, more comfortable. I like the support of the RR seats much better, the 450 are much to soft and cushy. My wife likes the 450 better! The RR is also much easier to work on, heads are easier to get off, belt easier to change, WP easier, just better access. Replaced HG's on both, the RR at 130k and just did the 450. The RR was much easier. The 450 has been more dependable, but all of the problems I've have had with the RR were due to neglect, you cannot neglect that truck, if you do it will fail. Overall the 450 has been more dependable, and just keeps right on running. The 450 has that Japanese engine sound that I just don't like. The RRC reminds me of a hand made truck every time I get in it, where as I see assy line in the 450. I just prefer old world craftsmanship, which I see in the RR and not the 450. I've often said, if you could put the wiring and running gear of the LC in the RR you'd have one hell of a truck.


The RRC also has much better axle articulation, and better off road clearance. I don't do heavy off road, so I really cannot compare, but the RRC has the exact same susp as the Defender, with a longer wheelbase (100 vs 90) so I think you get the idea.


I also have an 86 930, and I enjoy driving the RR almost as much as the 930, whcih was also handmade.

You need to decide what you like in a truck and what appeals to you. I like the fact that the RRC was introduced in the early 70's, and kept the same body until 95. I also think it's a pretty cool looking truck.

When we no longer need the 3rd row of the 450, it will be sold.

Also, this is based only on the 95 RRC which was much different then the 94 and earlier RRC's.

[alia176]

Originally Posted by timc

Also, this is based only on the 95 RRC which was much different then the 94 and earlier RRC's.

Excellent observations and I tend to concur mostly. I used to have a '91 RRC so it was a tad older and perhaps more troublesome. The philosophies used by the two manufacturers when it comes to off road is different. LR believes in soft, supple suspension for good traction w/o traction aid. Toy believes in using traction aid to offset a little tighter suspension.

At the end, they both work well but I switched to the Toy primarily due to long term dependability and stoutness. Another thing is the cost of after market products seem to absurdly higher for the LR marquee. Go figure!

I concur with the engine running feel/sound of the two engines: The 4.5 I-6 sounds and feels like a chain saw compared to a 3.9/4.0/4.2/4.6 LR V8.

I've shown this picture before but here's a comparison between a FZJ80 rear diff and a LR rear diff. One on the right is the LR diff.

In the end, only the original poster has to decide what trips his trigger, so to speak.



feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.