Thread: Gearboxes! Whats the go?

Hi Alex, the LT95 is a transfer case and a 4 speed gearbox all in the one unit. Are you running the LT85 5-speed with the LT230?

LT85 - Good, will break. (Should get coupla hundred k kms though)
R380 - Good, will break. (ditto)
LT95 - Great, will still eventually break. Diff/transfer ratios can help with the speed issue, although you did buy an Isuzu county.
Isuzu 5 speed - Good, better, best.
Do a search on here, there's looooots of reading

LT95 with .996 hi range transfer + turbo + standard diff ratio. Cruising at 110k's no issue. Capable of 140++

Forgot to add - that's with 255/85-16's

Steve

Any of them can be broken if you abuse them, but its not compulsory to do so.

Amongst the 4BD1/110s here there are a couple with LT85s, one with 307,000km, both are going fine.

what SteveG said. I have an R380.. I drive it very carefully but managed to break it. I've been told this was due to a mistake when it was reconditioned before I fitted it, however.

If I did it all again, I would do exactly what SteveG suggested. I wanted the more refined manners of the R380 and was near to KLR who did the bell housing so it was an easy - but not cheap - conversion at the time.

IMO the Isuzu MSA/MXA conversion is only for people who have a mill and a lathe and the skills to use them.

Originally Posted by flagg

IMO the Isuzu MSA/MXA conversion is only for people who have a mill and a lathe and the skills to use them.

True, but if someone wanted to make a few adapter housings, there are cad drawings somewhere of mine, all that needs doing is the adapter shaft to be made, its drawn up, just need to send bits to Barry so he can make some, I just haven't had the time.
And someone to sort a shifter

Originally Posted by Disco Muppet

LT85 - Good, will break. (Should get coupla hundred k kms though)
R380 - Good, will break. (ditto)
LT95 - Great, will still eventually break. Diff/transfer ratios can help with the speed issue, although you did buy an Isuzu county.
Isuzu 5 speed - Good, better, best.
Do a search on here, there's looooots of reading

I largely agree with what Muppet said, but:

LT95 - About the highest compliment you can pay it is that it is adequate. Expensive, rare, gear changes about as fast as a RoadRanger and a pain to work on as it is a huge heavy lump. I do like driving them though, and I've had two vehicles with them and never had a bigger problem than leaks *touches wood*.
LT85 - About as strong as an R380, but getting rare and consequently expensive.
R380 - Cheap, plentiful, easy enough to work on. If it breaks, find a parts car (Disco) and grab the box. Great to drive.
Isuzu 5 speed - Unquestionably strong enough, but a strange collection of ratios and bespoke bits are needed -> expense.

If you are going to those lengths, there are two other high-dollar options that I find interesting:

Rakeway can put a TKO 600 where an R380 was, or so I've heard (anyone have pictures?). The ratios work out well for a 4BD1 with a Disco LT230, and it's rated to 600ft.lbs - about 800Nm.

A baby Allison - reliable, probably make for a much quicker vehicle. You'd have to deal with insecure types whinging about you driving an auto though.

For me, for now, I'm very happy with the R380 though.

Originally Posted by Dervish

I largely agree with what Muppet said, but: LT95 - About the highest compliment you can pay it is that it is adequate. Expensive, rare, gear changes about as fast as a RoadRanger and a pain to work on as it is a huge heavy lump. I do like driving them though, and I've had two vehicles with them and never had a bigger problem than leaks *touches wood*. LT85 - About as strong as an R380, but getting rare and consequently expensive. R380 - Cheap, plentiful, easy enough to work on. If it breaks, find a parts car (Disco) and grab the box. Great to drive. Isuzu 5 speed - Unquestionably strong enough, but a strange collection of ratios and bespoke bits are needed -> expense. If you are going to those lengths, there are two other high-dollar options that I find interesting: Rakeway can put a TKO 600 where an R380 was, or so I've heard (anyone have pictures?). The ratios work out well for a 4BD1 with a Disco LT230, and it's rated to 600ft.lbs - about 800Nm. A baby Allison - reliable, probably make for a much quicker vehicle. You'd have to deal with insecure types whinging about you driving an auto though. For me, for now, I'm very happy with the R380 though.

Tko600 idea is interesting - have these been adapted to the 4bd1 before?