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Thread: Yet another defender conversion question- from Canada

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Canada
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    Yet another defender conversion question- from Canada

    Hi guys

    I don't know how much more time I can spend trolling the Internet to find my answers - I think looking for information is taking longer than doing the job!

    I have a small Land Rover repair shop in Canada so I have all sorts of gearboxes for Defenders - LT85, LT95, LT77s, Late R380 - even the odd auto box


    So basically I have a 4DB1T out of a GM truck with a 300 mm clutch

    The original plan was to use the engine and buy an adapter for a NV4500 and adapter for the NV4500 to the LT230 (which I have)
    Only the guy making the engine adapter let me down big time and after 2 1/2 months I managed to get my money back from Visa


    So now my plan is to do a straight Isuzu to Land Rover gearbox - I do not use my truck for off road but towing my car trailer up big hills here - the 300 Tdi struggles!

    So I know there is a lot of information but I really need to know the following

    What engine adapter do I need and where can I get it?

    Which bell housing? Can the LT85 be modified to fit?

    Do I use the V8 flywheel and clutch or the Isuzu - this engine was out of a 7 ton truck


    Which clutch is best to use?

    Naturally being in Canada we have no domestic parts or people who make a kit due to the low demand

    I did see this image (probably here) for the Original Australian Isuzu to LT95 box compared to the truck Isuzu




    So this is my big problem

    The land Rover one looks as if it uses the original Isuzu clutch, and the bell housing bolt pattern is not that of a V8 (the diameter seems too small and the bolt pattern is wrong)
    Also the LR one has the clutch slave under the starter

    Which brings me to another issue - the Isuzu I have has a 12 volt 3 bolt starter, but the orientation of the bolt pattern is wrong - mine are almost horizontal at the top.
    And the starter is huge so looks like it will hit the frame

    I know the original parts are like chickens teeth to find and also people have done this without original parts, and it has been dome but all I can find is bits and bobs of info but not the whole picture

    So if any of you kind people can push me in the right direction I would be most grateful!

    Mike
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Batemans Bay mostly, and Brisbane
    Posts
    255
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    Quote Originally Posted by britrest View Post
    Hi guys

    I don't know how much more time I can spend trolling the Internet to find my answers - I think looking for information is taking longer than doing the job!

    I have a small Land Rover repair shop in Canada so I have all sorts of gearboxes for Defenders - LT85, LT95, LT77s, Late R380 - even the odd auto box


    So basically I have a 4DB1T out of a GM truck with a 300 mm clutch

    The original plan was to use the engine and buy an adapter for a NV4500 and adapter for the NV4500 to the LT230 (which I have)
    Only the guy making the engine adapter let me down big time and after 2 1/2 months I managed to get my money back from Visa


    So now my plan is to do a straight Isuzu to Land Rover gearbox - I do not use my truck for off road but towing my car trailer up big hills here - the 300 Tdi struggles!

    So I know there is a lot of information but I really need to know the following

    What engine adapter do I need and where can I get it?

    Which bell housing? Can the LT85 be modified to fit?

    Do I use the V8 flywheel and clutch or the Isuzu - this engine was out of a 7 ton truck


    Which clutch is best to use?

    Naturally being in Canada we have no domestic parts or people who make a kit due to the low demand

    I did see this image (probably here) for the Original Australian Isuzu to LT95 box compared to the truck Isuzu




    So this is my big problem

    The land Rover one looks as if it uses the original Isuzu clutch, and the bell housing bolt pattern is not that of a V8 (the diameter seems too small and the bolt pattern is wrong)
    Also the LR one has the clutch slave under the starter

    Which brings me to another issue - the Isuzu I have has a 12 volt 3 bolt starter, but the orientation of the bolt pattern is wrong - mine are almost horizontal at the top.
    And the starter is huge so looks like it will hit the frame

    I know the original parts are like chickens teeth to find and also people have done this without original parts, and it has been dome but all I can find is bits and bobs of info but not the whole picture

    So if any of you kind people can push me in the right direction I would be most grateful!

    Mike
    You might be best of buying a suitable LT95 and normally aspirated engine from Australian Frontline Machinery auctions that are held here every two or so months- put up a request on AULRO for someone to facilitate- offer some extra money and remaining parts- to remove the Landrover Isuzu 4BD1 bellhousing (engine side) and flywheel, package this with the army LT95 and send through to Ca. Should be able to do all of this for under $2k to $3k AUD.
    The starter issue is readily sorted if you get this with the engine or buy separately at auction. All you need then is the suitable clutch kit and slave cylinder rod. You can then use your rear propshaft and a 110 four speed front prop and you are away. Use the LT95 four speed box if you like the idea of not having to go in there any time soon after the install. The LT85 or R380 won't be able to offer that longer term security (strength) if you catch my drift.
    Freight is likely to be the most expensive part of the job- but you do get to have an Australian army modified LT95- more than strong enough to handle your towing needs.
    HTH
    Cheers
    steu

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