1992 RRC SWB - deeper into the LR rabbit hole

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discomeans

Well-known member
Apr 13, 2021
156
59
Florida, USA
More trip prep... laid that Second Skin MLV in the cargo area. I didn't put the butyl underlayment in here because I'm not sure how much it's needed in this space, and it would have taken more time than I had at the moment. I also didn't pull up the carpet over the wheel wells where I think the butyl would have the most benefit.

Of course, I forgot to take before pics. Virtually no rust in the cargo space at least!

My tailgate didn't have any carpet or padding on it when I got it... I figured it wouldn't hurt to put some on there now while I had the extra material.
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Blueboy

Blueboy

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Apr 20, 2004
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Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
discomeans said:
Also, I’m running tires bigger than stock (245/70 R16) and we can regear the LT to match them. It already has a 1.5” lift and I don’t plan on changing the suspension anytime soon and I appreciate the slightly larger tires.
Click to expand...
discomeans said:
@Blueboy yeah, I read where you’re coming from… we’re basically replacing the whole drivetrain anyways given the high mileage. So then do I go with a rebuilt BW or to a LT? The guy I’m working with prefers the LT for strength and serviceability. I like the quietness of the BW and that it just works when needed. But I also don’t want to find myself stuck somewhere where the only option is getting a rebuilt/“new” one ordered.
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Currently have 235/85-16 on mine with stock gearing. However also have 4.6 RPI engine with 275 hp. And 2” lift with OME HD springs.
When I replaced mine it had ≈ 120k miles on it. And probably could have been repaired yet being in Europe a new B-W easily found and shipped. With a strong U$ dollar a new / totally refurb B-W from GB would be feasible. Shipping isn’t that bad and no worries with longevity. Just an alternative to consider.
 
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discomeans

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Apr 13, 2021
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Florida, USA
The Key West trip was a success! The RRC only suffered from two minor inconveniences - idle issues/nearly stalling on hot starts (during the frequent fuel stops) and at times, a TON of condensation underneath the vents from the cold A/C. I'm not sure if the latter can be mitigated, but I'm willing to deal with it rather than not having cold air!

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The drive down, my halfway stop was in Venus, FL, at a farm that rents out cabins on AirBnB. Left having given a ton of treats to the donkeys and with a bag full of fresh eggs.
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My as-back-roads-as-possible route suffered from numerous closures due to Ian or just a lack of public information about some roads being gated until I showed up. This road south of Venus had some fun water over the road, but I had to turn around because some of the water was quite deep and wide... and being solo with sketchy cell service I didn't want to risk getting stuck. This section was fine (I actually followed a baby gator through it!) but the section after was where I called it quits.
1665492867622.jpeg

A few takeaways from the trip:
  • Can't wait for the TDI conversion. 10-11mpg is no fun.
  • I'm going to keep close to the tire size I have now, although I'd like to go skinnier (like 215/85 R16?) Hitting this little bit of water over the road made me appreciate the taller tires.
  • I'd really like more performant brakes. I felt like I was really noticing the long distance needed for braking on the 11 hour drive back home.
  • I need to pull the center console and carpet and get some insulation in there for heat like I did in the footwells. I can feel it easily through the carpet, and I'm betting quite a bit of drivetrain noise is coming through there, too.
  • Same thing with the doors - I want to pull the door cards and get those properly insulated for sound. I found myself wearing these for a bit when I was closer to 65-70mph (they work GREAT though, cut out the road noise but I could still hear my podcasts clearly).
 
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Rangeroversurfer

Rangeroversurfer

Active member
Jan 16, 2013
41
13
Alaska
discomeans said:
The Key West trip was a success! The RRC only suffered from two minor inconveniences - idle issues/nearly stalling on hot starts (during the frequent fuel stops) and at times, a TON of condensation underneath the vents from the cold A/C. I'm not sure if the latter can be mitigated, but I'm willing to deal with it rather than not having cold air!

View attachment 63349

The drive down, my halfway stop was in Venus, FL, at a farm that rents out cabins on AirBnB. Left having given a ton of treats to the donkeys and with a bag full of fresh eggs.
View attachment 63350

My as-back-roads-as-possible route suffered from numerous closures due to Ian or just a lack of public information about some roads being gated until I showed up. This road south of Venus had some fun water over the road, but I had to turn around because some of the water was quite deep and wide... and being solo with sketchy cell service I didn't want to risk getting stuck. This section was fine (I actually followed a baby gator through it!) but the section after was where I called it quits.
View attachment 63351

A few takeaways from the trip:
  • Can't wait for the TDI conversion. 10-11mpg is no fun.
  • I'm going to keep close to the tire size I have now, although I'd like to go skinnier (like 215/85 R16?) Hitting this little bit of water over the road made me appreciate the taller tires.
  • I'd really like more performant brakes. I felt like I was really noticing the long distance needed for braking on the 11 hour drive back home.
  • I need to pull the center console and carpet and get some insulation in there for heat like I did in the footwells. I can feel it easily through the carpet, and I'm betting quite a bit of drivetrain noise is coming through there, too.
  • Same thing with the doors - I want to pull the door cards and get those properly insulated for sound. I found myself wearing these for a bit when I was closer to 65-70mph (they work GREAT though, cut out the road noise but I could still hear my podcasts clearly).
Click to expand...
Wow, great pictures. Is your AC drain tube unclogged, does it drip lots of water underneath after using the AC?. I would make sure it's unclogged. and definitely carry spare fuses! and Relays. also probably not a bad idea to check on the connection wires for the AC etc. Old age and whatnot, just my 2 cents......I may have to start looking for another RRC.....You thread has brought back some really good memories!
 
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p m

p m

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Great work.
Your gas mileage should really be better, my guess in the 14 mpg range. 245/75 is only half an inch taller than factory tires, so there's no need to regear for those. 215/85 are relatively uncommon - most choices are either trailer or farm implement tires; 235/85 is about the same size as 7.50R16, just a bit wider on pavement, but almost 32" tall. You will definitely notice the lack of oomph; however, think twice before swapping out the nice and quiet BW for a whiny bitch of an LT230, especially with lower highway gearing. I have a luxury of taking one of two Classics to work - one with LT230, another with BW. The second is definitely far more comfortable.
Your truck should have the five-pin connector for a test computer; if so, you can buy a five-pin-to-USB cable, and use RoverGauge (on a laptop) or RS-RV8 on an Android phone to either help you troubleshoot the EFI, or confuse the crap out of you. FWIW, bad O2 sensors on my LWB caused the engine to run ridiculously rich, to the tune of 9.5-10 mpg.

Brakes: I am not sure about 92, do you have vacuum booster or a full WABCO job? The latter is a lot better than early RRC/D1 style vacuum boosted brakes, when/if it works properly. If yours don't, something is amiss. It may be something simple as stuck prop valve, or some of the ABS drain-back valves not fully closed.
 
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discomeans

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Apr 13, 2021
156
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Florida, USA
p m said:
FWIW, bad O2 sensors on my LWB caused the engine to run ridiculously rich, to the tune of 9.5-10 mpg.
Click to expand...
I feel like mine is running a bit rich. I've actually ordered the necessary stuff to start using rovergauge but haven't put the cable together. That said, the TDI is on order, so I don't want to spend too much money on this V8 since its term of employment is limited.

I am really reconsidering the LT230 vs BW based on the feedback here. Can one do diff lockers with a BW box?

As for the brakes, I'm not familiar with WABCO but I know this vehicle doesn't have ABS, if that helps.
 
Blueboy

Blueboy

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Apr 20, 2004
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Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
discomeans said:
I'm going to keep close to the tire size I have now, although I'd like to go skinnier (like 215/85 R16?) Hitting this little bit of water over the road made me appreciate the taller tires.
Click to expand...
I tried 215/85-16 BFG Trac Edge on my ‘93 LWB. Great tire pattern yet really squirrely on the road. Quickly sold them. Although only slightly wider than the standard 205/80-16 just didn’t handle well at all. Changed to 235/85-16 and have used this size on various Rovers including a 110 with 300 Tdi engine. Pretty sure the LT 230 was 1.4 high range ratio and also a manual.
 
Blueboy

Blueboy

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Apr 20, 2004
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Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
discomeans said:
I am really reconsidering the LT230 vs BW based on the feedback here. Can one do diff lockers with a BW box?
Click to expand...
Had frt and rear ARB lockers on my ‘93 LWB with a B-W box. Yes, it worked yet no doubt a lockable center diff would work better. Yet again it depends on what is the goal? Rock crawling in Moab on Upchuck or moderate trails where additional traction is useful. For the latter a B-W works fine imho.
 
p m

p m

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discomeans said:
I feel like mine is running a bit rich. I've actually ordered the necessary stuff to start using rovergauge but haven't put the cable together. That said, the TDI is on order, so I don't want to spend too much money on this V8 since its term of employment is limited.
Click to expand...
You'll be up to another uphill battle with the TDI, but... that's what the cool kids run.
discomeans said:
I am really reconsidering the LT230 vs BW based on the feedback here. Can one do diff lockers with a BW box?
Click to expand...
It depends on your driving style and locker type. Automatic lockers like Detroit are really hard on chain-driven transfer cases, LSDs like TrueTrac and full lockers like ARB are fine.
LT230 is a great case, but it is what make a Disco and Defender drive like a truck. I couldn't figure out what made this difference until I had my LT230 in a Classic. Would I do it again if I went back three years ago? Yes. But I have two other Classics with Borg Warner to fall back onto.

discomeans said:
As for the brakes, I'm not familiar with WABCO but I know this vehicle doesn't have ABS, if that helps.
Click to expand...
Does it have a vacuum booster? If yes... Read Ed Testa's thread in Discovery section about weak brakes.
Blueboy said:
I tried 215/85-16 BFG Trac Edge on my ‘93 LWB. Great tire pattern yet really squirrely on the road
Click to expand...
I currently have 7.50R16 Michelin Latitude Cross which are similar in size and tread design to 215/85 Trac Edge. 40 psi in all four tires makes them stiff enough not to bend the sidewalls in turns.
 
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discomeans

Well-known member
Apr 13, 2021
156
59
Florida, USA
No pics, just a couple notes from the last few days:

Got new ProLine window switches in from RN to replace the worn ones for the front windows. ProLine's usually fine for me but not impressed with the finish on these. The wife thought they were old, used parts LOL.

Trying to figure out what's going on with the interior lights. I can hear the relay under the seat tick when the door is opened, but none of them turn on. They also don't turn on when I press the switch in the dash. The underhood light doesn't work either, nor the door chime or the puddle lights in the doors. Radio and clock are good. Checked ALL the fuses and they're good. Looking at this thread I guess I need to find/check all the connectors? Not sure if there's a more expedient way to go about it.
 
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discomeans

Well-known member
Apr 13, 2021
156
59
Florida, USA
Yeah, that whole road trip I was very conscientious around keeping below 2000rpm as much as possible for the same reason.

I probably won't dig into it any further considering the new engine's on the way. And I know the 300Tdi comes with its own challenges (slowness) but I just love a diesel. And the thought process of scouring abandoned supermarkets and restaurants for cooking oil as fuel in a post-apocalyptic wasteland is quite entertaining.

Any thoughts on the aforementioned lighting issue, y'all?
 
Rangeroversurfer

Rangeroversurfer

Active member
Jan 16, 2013
41
13
Alaska
discomeans said:
No pics, just a couple notes from the last few days:

Got new ProLine window switches in from RN to replace the worn ones for the front windows. ProLine's usually fine for me but not impressed with the finish on these. The wife thought they were old, used parts LOL.

Trying to figure out what's going on with the interior lights. I can hear the relay under the seat tick when the door is opened, but none of them turn on. They also don't turn on when I press the switch in the dash. The underhood light doesn't work either, nor the door chime or the puddle lights in the doors. Radio and clock are good. Checked ALL the fuses and they're good. Looking at this thread I guess I need to find/check all the connectors? Not sure if there's a more expedient way to go about it.
Click to expand...
I had the same problem on my RRC's, from what I remember it was the door light contacts, they are either white or black either plastic or ceramic type...but if you remove each one and go thru it to make sure there is good contact and that they move freely, one or two of them were either stuck or getting stuck, corrosion etc. that was the source of my problems. as the relay was also clicking..., also remove the interior switch and check it with multi meter..etc...just my 2 cents.
 
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