Jeffrey AronsonDear Rovers North,
Side shaft – that’s what the axle shaft is called in South Africa. Since no shop in Lydenburg would agree to work on the old ‘69 Series bakkie, that left it up to me. It was maybe lucky that it broke at the spline, but it had swaged itself tight and had to be driven out of the differential.
Since the axles have to be slid out to remove the differential, how does one get the broken piece out? If the break is close enough to the hub, then you might stick a welding rod to the end and snag it. As there is a rod through the center of the diff, one cannot drive it out from the other hub with a long rod. Does one just turn the truck up on its side and shake until the broken axle falls out? It might be knowledge that could be crucial in the future.
Everett Stiles
Macon County, NC
[Series II-III Land Rovers have “floating” axle shafts that sit inside the rear axle casing. Breaks usually occur at the splines, either the wheel or differential end. If the break is at the differential end, or the axle piece is stuck at an angle in the casing, you can unbolt the prop shaft, unbolt and split the differential housing, remove the differential, and access the stuck piece. Make certain to clean any shards or swarf from the differential and housing before reassembly. When broken off at the hub end, weld a bolt to the end of the axle shaft and attach a slide hammer to the bolt, or a pry bar to lever against the bolt head to remove -ed.]
Dear Rovers North,
While not unfamiliar with Rovers, this year is my first as the owner of a Cobalt Blue ‘98 Discovery I. I’m not sure yet if ownership is enlightenment or a curse; now I want to buy every half decent Discovery that comes up for sale. At least I now understand how they can add up.
I’m ecstatic to learn that after buying parts from Rovers North, my Discovery comes with magazine subscription to Rovers Magazine. I was born in the ‘90s and couldn’t wait to be an adult just to afford my own subscriptions to all the titles I saw on gas station magazine stands. I remember Auto Trader fondly as the best bang for my (dad’s) buck. You can imagine my frustration as I became an adult with disposable income only to find out that print media was slowly moving over to digital. RIP Auto Trader.
From the newer generation of owners, thank you for keeping print media alive and accessible and not succumbing to digital only. We drive Rovers for the sense of occasion and connection to tangible machines, not a sense of speed and connection to 5G wireless.
If I could make one suggestion. I would love to see centerfold posters in Rovers Magazine. Having those tacked up in the garage would capture the attention of the next new generation after me.
Gram Pratt
Alum Ridge, VA
[Thanks, Gram. We’ll keep your centerfold idea in mind, but Rovers North does publish a calendar with spectacular photos -ed.]
Dear Rovers North,
I saw this working fire truck while on the island of Capri, Italy, in February. Enjoy!
Jonas Bashaw
Cambridge, NY
[We have many first responders as readers, and we’re certain they’ll enjoy your photo -ed.]
Dear Rovers North,
I wanted to share this photo of me and my Schultz cousins, who live in Marianna, FL. The bottom photo is from 1994, and the top one is from this March. 2026. We might have aged but our Defender has not!
George Bruner
Tallahassee, FL
[We think it’s wonderful that you also consider your Defender to be part of your family -ed.]
Dear Rovers North,
On a visit to New Zealand this past winter, I enjoyed the warmth and spotting this Range Rover Classic. I also treated myself to this clever t-shirt.
Barry Enis
Kent, CT
[Warm weather, a stunning Range Rover and an entertaining souvenir – what a trip! -ed.]
Dear Rovers North,
Shout out to Rob Smith, Erik Brennan and Pete Golovich at Rovers North for the parts assistance over the past year and a half on my ’74 Series III 88” Santana. After an educational, fulfilling, and at times frustrating galvanized frame swap & mechanical restoration, “Breezy” is now ready to assume coastal watch on the beaches of Chappaquiddick Island, MV.
Dave and Colleen Picard
Edgartown, MA
Dear Rovers North,
I’m writing a novel and hope you can help me verify a few things about 1973 Series III Land Rovers sold in the US. I’m finding conflicting information and hope to get things right about the vehicle my characters will be driving.
My questions are: Were front and rear seat belts installed? Were they seat belts 3-point belts, or was that an option? Did a ’73 have an ignition interlock preventing a start without the driver’s seatbelt being fastened? Did the inside front door latch open by lifting up or pushing down?
Thank you very much for assisting me with my research.
Robin Haglund
Mt. Vernon, WA
[The Series III Land Rover 88 imported into North America for MY 1972-1974 was fitted with two front outside shoulder seat belts and a center lap belt. In the rear, the two opposing bench seats were each fitted with two lap belts. This provided a total of seven occupant seat belts fitted to North American 88s. All the seat belts fitted were static type, requiring manual adjustment. There was no ignition interlock. The inside door latches all opened by lifting up. Good luck with your novel! -ed.]
Dear Rovers North,
Imagine walking out of the grocery store and seeing this Series III Defender pull into a parking place. What a treat! The proud owner filled me in on all the details of his Santana Defender with a smile on his face. I asked for the ‘photo op’ which he graciously allowed. Made my day!
And I really enjoyed the OCTA Road Trip article in the last issue. What an amazing ten days it must have been for you. Thank you for sharing the experience, the thrill, and the OCTA!
Leighton Dowdle
Marion, NC
[Your experience confirms that grocery shopping can be fun. We’re glad you enjoyed the OCTA article –ed.]