FAQ

Q: Are parts available?

 YES and NO.

Volvo C303 / TGB series use the same B30A engine (except the cam is different for more torque) that was used in the Volvo 160 series cars back in the 70’s. Some parts for it can be found at your Volvo dealer or online. Other parts vary as to availability, with some taking time to find and others no longer available. However, a lot of the regular maintenance parts like brakes and clutch are Land Rover 109 parts. There are also some equivalent after market parts listed on other websites so check around online

Q: What is a portal axle and why is it so much better?

A portal axle design is one which the centerline of the axle shaft enters ABOVE the centerline of the wheel/hub (see Figure below). This in turn creates much more ground clearance regardless of tire size. Portal axles typically give an extra 5 inches of ground clearance when compared to a standard axle. Another advantage of this design is reduced stress/torque on the axle shaft. This is because the final gear ratio is decided by the hub gearing. Differential ratio for the Volvo axles is 2.91/1 whereas the hub ratio is 2.06/1 for a total ratio of 5.99/1. The axle shaft only sees HALF the torque multiplication of the total torque multiplication to the wheels. Higher (lower numerically) differential gears have a larger pinion size and gear teeth also. This makes them much stronger.

What’s the difference between a Pinzgauer 710K and Volvo C303?

Here are some specs of the two for an apples to apples comparision (both hardtops):

Pinz 710K                                 Volvo C303

Height                                                                                 Approx 83"                                Approx 89"

Track width                                                                              56.7"                                           60.6"

Length                                                                                     163.2"                                          171.2"

Engine                                                                             4 cyl air cooled                 Straight 6 cyl water cooled

HP                                                                                             90                                                 125

Torque                                                                                 130 ft lb                                         162 ft lb

Ground clearance min                                                         14.75"                                           15.75"

Stock tire size                                                                        31" dia                                         34" dia

Suspension                                                           Independent coil sprung                Solid axle leaf sprung

Curb Weight                                                                    ~ 5200 lb                                        ~ 4900 lb

Crawl Ratio                                                                            58:1                                                56:1

Fuel tank size                                                                     19.8 gal                                          22.0 gal

Payload                                                                            ~ 1660 lb                                         ~ 2550 lb

Top speed                                                                          62 mph                                           75 mph

Locking Diffs Front/Rear                                                 Hydraulic                                       Vacuum