Symptoms
The lever pops out of gear, often second or fourth, on the overrun or over bumps. Some owners resort to holding it in, or to a bungee cord on long trips.
The fix, step by step
- Start with the cheap checks that Rovers North forum members suggest.
- Look for play in the gear lever and its mounting: one owner tightened it and it 'totally' stopped jumping out of second.
- The same owner also found a dragging, bent clutch disc.
- Next, take off the top PTO cover and check the mainshaft nut for free play; an overdrive has to come off to reach it.
- With the cover off, inspect the selector forks and detent springs.
- Worn forks, a loose circlip on the gear cluster or worn synchros mean the box comes out.
- If the speedo also wanders and transfer-box oil leaks between the handbrake drum and its backing plate, one member says the rear output shaft nut has backed off.
- It gets 90 ft-lb.
Tools & part numbers
- Spanners and sockets
- torque wrench
- top cover gasket
- transmission jack if the box has to come out
Where to buy the parts
3649 gear selector detent spring (1st/2nd, 3rd/4th), Series 1948–84LR Direct ↗Amazon ↗
56102 reverse selector detent spring, Series 1948–84LR Direct ↗Amazon ↗
Series gearbox rebuild parts (search)Rovers North ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Land Rover Series I–III parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.