Land Rover Restoration Part 10 - Front & Rear Axles 1/2

This series of videos follows the restoration progress of a 1978 Series 3 Land Rover. Part 10, rebuilding the axles.
We start by checking the differential for wear. Checking the backlash with a dial indicator, and checking the contact pattern. Next we replace the differential pinion oil seal.
The next task is to install the axle plugs and breathers. Then attach the stub axles.
From there we rebuild and fit the chrome swivel balls and swivel housings. Including rebuilding the housings with new roller bearings and Railko bushings. We’ll also look at attaching the steering arms, and setting the steering preload or tension using a fish scale.
/ geoffreycroker
/ geoffreycroker
[e-mail]

[@williamstainer7214]

Surprisingly enough to respond to your gear pattern comment they are very good. You want the pattern to edge further towards the “toe” of the gear, ie further out towards the edge rather than it be further down i the centre like you suggested. On our aircraft transmissions we set the pattern relatively high, along with roughly about the same amount of backlash

[@bobuk5722]

Hi folks, I'm guessing, but I suspect the reason for this is to maximise leaverage and contact area on the gears thus reducing the tooth load and consequently the wear. Obviously you don't want the contact pattern ever getting off the outer edge of the gears, just 'reasonably' close. BobUK.

[@rille47]

Geoffrey you are a very skilled mechanic and you work cleanly, thorough and methodical, it's a joy to watch. In some way you also find time to be educational (which is great). You put in the time on the video editing and have mastered this skill. The fact that you are addicted to old school heavy metal just makes it better. Your great sense of humor is not lost on me either. I love these videos you make, so thank you for taking the time and making the effort.

[@MrButtonpresser]

Who even needs to be into Land Rovers? I wasn't before this. Excellent production quality.

[@jaredrattray]

@Lassi Kinnunen Absolutely agree on both points!

[@vguitarman]

The quality of this series is ruining other channels for me.

[@AlfOfAllTrades]

I take it you haven't found Clickspring yet, then :) But yes, Geoffrey is right up there.

[@AlfOfAllTrades]

@Mustafa Wanq I hope this was written literally dripping with irony.

[@AlfOfAllTrades]

@Mustafa Wanq Thanks, l know for sure, now :D

[@brlbrlbrlbrl]

This and BOM's Project Binky are the only two car projects I follow. The quality and attention to detail is just on another level.

[@vguitarman]

@Lassi Kinnunen The fiero build is fantastic and fun to watch. There's just a bit more satisfaction in these vids here. Hard to explain. I also quite like the Restore It vids with the e30.

[@michaeletc]

This should be on Netflix...

[@topoftheleaguemostlygamer3021]

An amazing series it would be

[@darnellengelbrecht4400]

I hear that, it’s similar to Meat Eater in that people who aren’t really interested in the topic at all would find it fascinating, going into all the detail. Just like new innovation products from companies bring a new consumer to the brand, putting this on Netflix would draw a whole new kind of person into the world of restorations / touring in a time when the second hand car market has a lot of good deals

[@MrEyad1990]

I dont even have a landrover . But i really love watching you work ..

[@steveturpin4242]

The top Landrover repair videos on YT! Thanks.

[@andresfernandezduran3281]

Hey Mate! You are my hero....can’t stop watching. My 1976 SIII is waiting for the same treat...Cheers!

[@MrCJNI]

OK so I just need lots more of this. I don't own an old Land Rover. Or any Land Rover. I barely own what could be charitably defined as a car. But this channel is so well done, so watchable that I have to just rewatch the videos over and over. Superb use of bandwidth. Thanks Geoffrey!

[@NathanNostaw]

Add a few more parts and a bulkhead rebuild you will have made a full video rebuild series for your series. Super valuable info you are sharing and a nice light hearted presentation. Thanks for sharing.

[@porteog]

I'm about to start a full nut and bolt restoration on a series 3 Land Rover and I'll be forever grateful for these videos. It's also highly likely that I'll be asking a lot of additional questions! My brother lives in Tauranga so perhaps I'll get to see the car in the flesh one day when I'm over. Keep up the good work! Regards, George

[@Chris-ib2mg]

absolutely incredible. Your videos have become the standard for my 1960 restoration. Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SafariLifestyles]

Glad to see someone else went through the same process of the nuts and bolts not being protected.... I have also zinc plated them all.

[@devotidchannel]

I bleed green and just found this!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you. Ive rebuilt 2 of these and to see this quality of production video on the thing I love is...... well..........Im literally at a loss for words.

[@olivertrevellyan9789]

These videos are the reason why I wake up every morning

[@gertv6777]

I’m not a Land Rover guy but your cinematography work is so good I have to watch your videos as soon as I get a notification. It’s so amazing to see the difference in Land Rover verses American built trucks of the same era..... it’s definitely time to upgrade to at least a limited slip dif, as good as you are at rebuilding everything else it will not be difficult for you to set up a dif

[@GeoffreyCroker]

I thought about it. But it’s an expensive upgrade I probably don’t really need.

[@tonybaggett1984]

This channel is like a beautiful woman that only sees you periodically. You may not see her all the time but when you do it is an absolute joy. Please keep up the excellent work and never stop uploading. I need my fix every once and a while 😂

[@GeoffreyCroker]

I am often compared to beautiful woman 🤣

[@MrCrankyface]

It's so incredibly satisfying seeing how thorough you are bringing this vehicle back into top condition. Great work both mechanically and video wise!

[@garagefaff]

Holy timeline misdirection Batman! Those axle cases and FWH are all done in advance Roll on part 2!!! 👍👍👍

[@gonesailing]

Thanks very much. Heaps more entertaining than anything Netflix, Disney or Apple TV can offer of an evening 😅

[@bobuk5722]

Yup, Geoffrey knows how to make highly entertaining, informative and succinct videos. BobUK

[@ferstuck37]

Those swivel areas even though they have a seal are exposed to the elements, why don’t they have gaiters for them as is common on most vehicles :)

[@dirk4926]

I'm happy to see you back on the project

[@mwendakanyuru1051]

Your explanation is so good since i began watching the series three restoration i have loved land rover so much. I wanna get one series 3 109 and gradually work on it. Am inspired. Much greetings from kenya

[@NigelMarston]

Really enjoying this series, not least because of the dry sense of humour.

[@dougsaunders8109]

Nice to have you back

[@batbawls]

The paint is humble yet fantastic. Classy 👌🏼👌🏼

[@Parknest]

Geoffrey, I've been watching all your videos from the start and I love all the attention to detail. This will be better than new when it is finished. Your are fortunate that you have stuff (such as the lathe) that most DIY-ers don't access to. The attention to detail is also reflected in the quality of the production of your videos. I've never owned any Land Rover vehicles but I once nearly bought a SWB Freelander with a 1.8 K-Series petrol engine and I've driven a Range Rover and a LWB Freelander.

[@Doughboy1941]

The music toward the end had me thinking something was going to go wrong. So glad I stumbled across you channel way back when. Keep it up. Regards, Silas.

[@simonhughes9472]

It’s awesome to have you back Geoff, keep making the videos!!

[@lookcreations]

Enjoying this over my cheese butty before heading back out to my series 3 109” project 👍😎

[@WaynesWorld69]

I'm loving these videos! Binge watched the first 9 twice already!

[@homeless_horse2038]

That makes 2 of us

[@aribach]

Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to enlightening us how to keep our grand old ladies running :)

[@collinwilliams9690]

Just wanted to say I love your videos. I’m a big car guy (off-road vehicles especially) and got recommended your channel, I instantly loved the video quality and style and I am very impressed. I’ve been binge watching this restoration series and had to take a break to let you know to keep up the good work. I hope to see many more!

[@rdbanks2823]

Really good video! Tip for the bearing races: pop them in the freezer for an hour or so, they'll drop right in without any oil :)

[@cittim]

best video series on youtube. Thank you!

[@rayg9069]

Whitworth bolts holding the backing plates on, Luxury. Series 2A use BSF (well mine does), Nylocs for those are getting hard to find at Bunnings, still popular in British aircraft restoration circles. Thank you for the detail on the front swivel housings, being new to Land Rovering I wasn't clear how it all fitted up and worked.

[@StraightLineCycles]

This thing is coming along very nicely I hope at the end of it all you do a all-in-one video to highlight everything you've done

[@tomanharalampiev4990]

one of the best restoration channels

[@sjoerdvandermaaden]

Impressive craftmanship and inspringen for my 77 RRC restauration!

[@peterhabel]

Thanks for sharing. Brilliant video.... getting myself in to the mood to restore the front axle on my Defender. This is a great inspiration!

[@RustyRecovery]

Great video as always. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to part 2. Jason

[@theogantenbein7870]

After decades of VW and Mercedes ownership i just learned about the joy of setting the bearing preload with a fish scale on my newly purchased Opel (Vauxhall/Holden) Frontera. Most annoying 😄. But a fun car.

[@zawzawaung6789]

Up here in Putao, Kachin State, the wealthy owner of a local hotel go his hands on a couple of mid-60s Landrovers...thinking he would restore them. Since watching your videos he's been disabused of the notion, realizing that parts will not magically show up in the post. Both vehicles were formerly used by the Burmese government, and run into the ground. One has an engine from an early Isuzu Trooper. Locals are masters of mending and making-do, but I think these Landrovers are beyond redemption. Other still-running machines are WWII American M-35 2 1/2 ton trucks, and occasionally a British 3-tonner.

[@GeoffreyCroker]

Cool. I will come and pick them up one day :) I have been to Myanmar but I don't think visitors were allowed further north then Mandalay back then.

[@mcallbee]

I wish they let us post pics here...I was in Pyin Oo Lwin and I got a picture of a 60's pickup truck that looked amazing.

[@nickboylen6873]

Erotikstudio Winkler GmbH, I strongly disagree. Their mechanics are often more resourceful, or even inventive, but they are also far more often dangerous.

[@bborkzilla]

I've seen several WWII era Willys MB's and Ford GPW's running around here with Isuzu diesel engines.

[@bob-ny6kn]

@@mcallbee Post a link to your pic. Start an account on dropbox, imgur or any photo-sharing space.

[@EssentialMountainHomesteading]

Great video, I have a 67' 109" and love all the information you're sharing.

[@mattcorbel]

perfect saturday morning. another croker video. i daily my series 2a and love these.

[@tutekohe1361]

Rover 90 diff pumpkins fit the axle housings for a higher final drive ratio, ergo less revs and lower fuel consumption. Great video, Geoff, thx 👍

[@mikekjellman]

the quality of your work (both the land rover itself and your videos) is just absolutely top notch! keep it up!

[@iTeerRex]

I have always wanted a Defender. These vids are gona be great help when I finally get one. Happy holidays everyone.

[@NathanNostaw]

A defender is similar, but a whole other beast altogether. These videos are for a series land rover, the early ones pre defender.

[@AlexWeetch]

Another 10/10. Thanks for always doing such a great job with these. The best thing about watching this one was that I already did this a few months ago so it was quite relaxing to watch.

[@BalintCzupi]

Thumbs up for the old famous german toolbox, the "radii" and the glorious plating :)

[@dudesandtools]

Great series ...... I've watched it a dozen times already.......you sir are a genius...... can't wait for the next video

[@graemelliott3942]

Cheers from LA Geoff! Great Video. Looking forward to the next one!

[@jangoofy]

ah 13:52 - Stahhhlwille, the reason I started coming here in the first place, such memories

[@paulwomack5866]

Did you see his restoration video on that set?

[@hugodrax1674]

Should've used that German bloke at that point saying Shhhhhtahlwille

[@captainq]

I, for one, am glad you're back and posting videos again. I will also settle the debate now: These are fun videos.

[@dragon4r4]

Another excellent video, thanks Geoffrey and love the humour

[@steveturpin4242]

Brilliant descriptive series...thanks.

[@piggymito]

Love the first part of this video dude, it's got a real Wes Anderson vibe to it! Top work as always. 👌

[@johncoghlan7633]

your swivels are amazing for 40 years old. I used to fit leather gaiters to protect them.

[@johncoghlan7633]

forget this comment. i have just seen the rest of the video

[@nicholasmcintyre4166]

Just discovered your channel. Watched the entire land rover restoration up till now. I'm definitely subbing, can't wait for more content!

[@MartsGarage]

Geoffrey, I've been hacking some videos together myself, so I appreciate what it takes to put them together. And honestly I have to say I don't know how you do it. The work is meticulous, the parts are all absolutely perfectly prepared and the videography is beyond excellent. Camera angles and storyline are realy great. Post production is also top notch. I am in awe of your work. I can't compete with that and you deserve your subscription base. All the best. Mart. Oh yeah, forgot to say I live in Solihull and recently retired from Jaguar Landrover.

[@GeoffreyCroker]

Cool. Would you have worked on this LR? 1978

[@MartsGarage]

@@GeoffreyCroker Not really mate. I was an apprentice at the Austin factory at Longbridge 74-79 but I did spend one of my assignments during that time in the "Research" dept. at LR Solihull. So while I wouldn't have worked on your Land Rover as such I was associated with the company. I have done automatic transmission calibration on many Land Rover products though, including the first supercharged Range Rovers.

[@chuckbester8430]

great video! Excellent visuals,

[@jonathanguerra3663]

Wow, christmas is a couple of days early!!!

[@ioannisiordanidis3562]

Hi Geoffrey, thank you for the video, loved it! The axles themselves look very new and rust free. I would love to see the video where you restored/repainted those as well. These videos are beyond belief good. Gem of a channel! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

THE best restoration vids! Keep it going and many thanks for this content. Love it!

[@mattwhite5307]

I have loved watching your content - keep it up mate - it is inspiring me to get some of my rusty old junk working again!

[@CraigLYoung]

Merry Christmas Geoffrey! May you and your family have a joyous season.

[@GeoffreyCroker]

Cheers and same to you 👍

[@Geordie90210]

Brilliant as always! Thanks for sharing.

[@steveturpin4242]

Open University! Thanks. Essential viewing!

[@MarcosColuci]

Thank You! This is a wonderful christmas gift!!!

[@alexs8710]

Cant wait for the next part. Awesome video mate! Happy holidays!

[@iverspivers]

Great quality work, filming, and editing. Your videos are helpfull and inspiring to watch. I have a series 3 too. Thank you!

[@MrBadvok]

Lovely job. For the hub preload use the lead solder method. Save loads of time. 😃

[@aearles7]

Great to see you back!

[@doug12341988]

Great video, I look forward to the next one!

[@conrad1468]

Great visual aids and information.

[@SteveTheCurious]

Thought we'd have to wait another 6 months from part 9 but woo hoo 10 in time for xmas. Brilliant as normal. Makes me want a series landrover more each time as my drive looks distinctly unoiled. Merry Xmas.

[@Skremn01]

Bloody good effort. Can’t wait for more.

[@user-nr2xb4zg7w]

Thanks for the explaination of the differential. I never got that.

[@jondoe9249]

Greetings! I have a Series 3, 5 door and am going to rebuild the fronts hubs and your videos are an immense help! Keep up the great work, looking forward to seeing your Rover finished. With that, at around the 22-minute mark you begin reassembly of the hub and are setting the drag/pre-load on the swivel pin bearing and state 8-10 lbs; I was watching another video and 3-4 kilo's (approx 7-9 lbs) is stated. Additionally, according to the 'Land Rover 2-2A-3 Owners Workshop Manual' (pg 141), the resistance must lie between 14-16 lbs, but wait there is more! The 'Haynes Restoration Manual: Series I-II-III' pg 231, the drag should be 12 lbs. So between all that, the range is 7-16 lbs, which is fairly wide. Do you, or any S3 Rover owners out there have a definitive answer? Thanks and keep on Rovering!

[@GeoffreyCroker]

Just go with whatever is in the green workshop service manual for series 3. That is what Land Rover published for mechanics to use. There were also changes in design for the top bush - I think earlier series 2 etc. vehicles used a roller bearing, so this could be some of the difference.

[@michaelbradley4050]

Really enjoy your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@PeteCourtier]

An artist at work👍 Love it

[@hiddenwatersflyfishing]

So happy to see more great videos!

[@bogdanisari4365]

Beautiful work

[@CathyInBlue]

When you referred to the ring gear as a "crown wheel", I was totally set to tear into you beknighted heathens of the anglophone world who still have the queen on your money for having monarchy-addled brains. But then the Timken bearings came out and all was forgiven. Besides, everyone knows that the Range Rover, especially of your vintage there, are ultimately based on the American GWP, or "Jeep", of WWII up to the late 80s, so from a certain point of view, you're still working on ancient `Merican technology. Love the whole series. Keep up the good work.

[@CwazyWabbits]

And we all know that the Jeep was really derived from the Austin 7 ;)

[@CathyInBlue]

@@CwazyWabbits Only the prototypes, old boy. Only the prototypes. Then, they were passed through the digestive tract of Willys Overland and Ford Motor Company to become the Jeep everyone knew and loved. The first Rover was not built until 1947, on a Jeep chassis and axles. Axles supplied by Spicer of New Jersey, spec'ed by Probst of Detroit. I'm afraid at that point, whatever Austin DNA there may have been in the American Bantam company, it had long since been spent.

[@MattTester]

I really like the 3D printed seal setting tool, you should probably treat yourself to a hydraulic press this Christmas though so we don't have to see you struggle any more! Looking forward to the second part.

[@GeoffreyCroker]

Ahhhh a press. That’s a big space I can put a machine in instead... I will get one one day.

[@labellesworkshop]

Loved every second of it, keep up the great work!

[@allanloveday8764]

It’s amazing how similar the front axle of this truck is to my ‘91 80 Series Landcuiser

[@CSkwirl]

Same as my '90 Daihatsu Feroza too

[@ronnieskimming7242]

Brilliant channel.

[@tombob671]

Excellent job👍.... Merry Christmas from Oklahoma

[@GeoffreyCroker]

Merry Christmas Oklahoma :)

[@davidbrown8365]

Brilliant. Simply brilliant.

[@777pistolero]

Rammstein in the toolbox... cool!

[@markuskaljunen7066]

whats the song name?

[@adrianwhite888]

@@markuskaljunen7066 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWTUaYKaatZ9n9E

[@frantisekhajek8]

@@markuskaljunen7066 Rammstein - Du Hast :)

[@jonofriedrich5429]

Christmas came early! Love these videos, mate!

[@southhillfarm2795]

No doubt a major overhaul. Must be a pricey fix.

[@Hazmatt4700]

Heck yeah! I was worried you had been lost to a needle in a strawberry. I see my prediction of 2032 is still on track so keep up the great work and I'll click the bell on this as it's great to watch while I'm in chemo.

[@MrBadvok]

Forgot to add, great channel by the way.

[@VintageRestorationsAustralia]

Super useful video, thanks

[@mavdog87]

Search for drag link socket Geoff, you may find a perfect size for diff plugs. I only learnt the correct name the other day. Cheers

[@CraigsWorkshop]

Excellent video as usual Geoff! Cheers, and merry christmas. Craig

[@laser-on-off]

There must be something wrong with me, since I watch your videos without being in the land rover thing. Or maybe I just like to see very skilled mechanic work. Cheers from France.

[@Mile3500]

That photograph at the end could be a desktop background

[@GeoffreyCroker]

www.geoffreycroker.com/2019_land_rover_axles.jpg

[@BravoCharleses]

@@GeoffreyCroker What a mensch!

[@billzemon8628]

Great idea. Downloaded .jpg and installed. Looks great. I owned a 64 Land Rover in Ecuador. Learned a lot of life lessons trying to keep it running.

[@Mile3500]

@@GeoffreyCroker oh, bless your soul!