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Special attention should be paid to the
condition of the chassis as it is this, more than any other part of a
Land Rover, that determines how much life there is left in the
vehicle. Some repairs to the chassis are not unusual and, if done
properly, should cause no problems. Replaced outriggers are common, as
can be a replaced rear chassis member which suffers badly from
corrosion on the 88-inch model, while the long-wheelbase variants in
particular tend to rot around the spring mounts. Larger areas of the
chassis should be examined just as thoroughly, as extensive rot may
result in removing the complete bodyshell to provide access to the top
face of the chassis frame.
While the chassis is prone to rust (often due
to blocked drain holes), it can also get damaged, depending on how
much off-road work has been encountered. Damaged crossmembers are not
uncommon; it’s even possible for the crossmember under the gearbox
to be partially torn off, while that under the clutch housing can get
pushed up against the housing so that any engine vibrations will be
felt right through the vehicle. If you inspect a Land rover on which
some of the crossmembers and outriggers have previously been replaced,
you should always ask yourself why they needed replacing in the first
place. The answer may provide you with an indication of the sort of
treatment the vehicle has received over the years!
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