Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 2.25 petrol › Workshop guide › Change gearbox & transfer box oil

Land Rover Series III 2.25 petrol: change gearbox & transfer box oil

Transmission · Series III (1971–85) · 1971–1985

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Wear particles and water in old oil wear synchromesh and bearings.

Main gearbox	90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈1.4 L (1½ US qt). Avoid GL-5: its additives attack the bronze bushes
Transfer box	90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈2.6 L (2¾ US qt)

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Gearbox oil (90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈1.4 L (1½ US qt). Avoid GL-5: its additives attack the bronze bushes)
Transfer box oil (90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈2.6 L (2¾ US qt))
2 × Drain plug washers (if needed)

Tools

Spanners
Drain tray
Oil pump

Step by step

Drive to warm the oil. Drain the gearbox and transfer box.
Clean the magnetic drain plugs.
Refill each to its level plug with the specified oil.

More Land Rover Series III 2.25 petrol servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Clean oil-bath air cleaner every 6,000 mi or year
Points, plugs & ignition timing every 6,000 mi or year
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Carburettor & fuel pump service every 6,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 6,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Steering box, relay & joints check every 6,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check every 12,000 mi or year
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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