I found a 74 series III 109 that i am thinking about buying. It has the inline 6 engine and a number of electrical and interior upgrades.
I just don't know anything about these rigs. I have had an '02 Disco for 7 or 8 years now and am looking to add to the fleet.

anything I need to be on the lookout for on these earlier rigs?

Thanks,

Craig

 

Rust, rust, and frame rust. But a link to the old manuals is Land Rover Manuals

Alternators were not very large, lots of extra lights could be an issue. Radiator if original will likely be a candidate for rod out, if still holding together. Chemical activity takes place 24/7, even with the key off.

 

Main things on these old girls is RUST. starting from the fron the dumb irons, where the bumper attach is the first front rusting point and then it carries on back from there. Out rigerrs all rust. Bad points on the bulkhead/firewall foot wells and under the wind shield are known bad points. Springs will sag and loose tenstile strength bow the leaves and seperating the leaves.
The 6 cylinder engine is a beauty, very smooth but dont expect to go fast and it will make opec extreamly happy. Head gaskets are a joy to replace.
The gearbox can be an issue. The detent springs will give out and when on over run throw the car out of gear..... and can be fun going down hill, espcially when it happens in the Pyrenees going from Spain in to France
They are a very equired taste but extreamly easy to work on

 

I know it's a bit of an old thread but, as described, the Series are prone to rust in the chassis.
Usually the box frame rusts from inside out. I know of some owners who have run small flexible pipes from the crankcase breather into the chassis and threaded them through towards the back end, where the rust is often worse. Apparently the oil mist helps keep the steel from rusting