5 Common Technical Issues with Land Rover Series II and III (And How to Tackle Them)
If you’re searching for Land Rover Series 2 and 3 Parts, chances are you’re either mid-restoration, planning your next fix, or troubleshooting a mechanical headache. These vehicles are loved for their ruggedness, mechanical simplicity, and nostalgic appeal, but they’re also 40 to 60 years old. That means wear and tear, age-related issues, and upgrades are simply part of the deal.
1. Braking System
The most searched-for component across our shop and Google Trends? Series Land Rover brake kits. That’s no surprise. Series II and III models used single-circuit drum brakes, and over time, these fade, become unbalanced, or simply stop working effectively.
Symptoms:
• Hard or soft pedal feel
• Pulling to one side
• Brake fade when hot
Fix it with:
• New brake shoes and cylinders (matched by wheelbase)
• Updated braided brake lines
• Fluid replacement and regular bleeding
2. Wiring: Brittle Looms and Bad Grounds
Years of cold starts, DIY splices, and rodent damage can leave your wiring a mess. Series III wiring loom kits are high on the fix-it list, especially in northern climates like Sweden and the Netherlands where salt and moisture corrode connections.
Symptoms:
• Random cutouts or short circuits
• Poor charging or dead batteries
• Flickering lights or horn failures
Our tip:
• Replace the full loom, it’s easier than chasing individual faults
• Add grounding straps, especially from the chassis to battery
We stock complete wiring loom kits tailored to SWB and LWB models.
3. Steering Slack
After decades of service, Series II steering box parts and linkage components wear out. German buyers especially report wobble at high speeds due to worn track rod ends and loose swivel pins.
Common issues:
• Wandering on the road
• Knocking or clunking over bumps
• Play in the steering wheel
Solutions:
• Rebuild kits for steering boxes
• New track rod ends and drag links
• Full ball joint replacements
See our steering upgrade kits in the restoration section.
4. Suspension Sag and Leaf Spring Fatigue
Your Series might look like it’s squatting, especially in the rear. That’s a sign your leaf springs are tired.
What to look for:
• Rear end sits lower than front
• Bumps feel harsh or bottom out easily
• Squeaking or binding
Time to replace:
• Leaf spring sets (we stock SWB and LWB options)
• Shock absorbers (often forgotten but vital!)
• Polyurethane bush kits for a modern feel
5. Axle & Half Shaft Failures
Heavy loads, off-road adventures, and time all conspire to wear out the axles- particularly on Series III models prior to the 1982 upgrades.
Clues:
• Clicking when turning
• Uneven power delivery
• Oil leaks from the hub seals
Fix with:
• Half shaft kits (LWB and SWB available)
• Axle seals and flanges
• Salisbury axle upgrades for strength
We’ve got a full selection of drivetrain parts ready to ship.
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