Thread: R380 Grumbles

What's the go with the 5th gear thing? Is it a phantom problem that's grown bigger with time as people spread hear-say?

I've been towing large/heavy trailers behind Defender TD5's since about 2001, lots of that in 5th. Never had a problem yet with the gearboxes, been through several clutches though!

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I broke the layshaft in mine... I thrashed it relentlessly towing heavy trailers in 5th gear for years.

What I think eventually broke it though was high load reversing in low range on big tyres.

There is no way I would even consider doing long distances in 4th gear towing... if it breaks again.. I will just fix it again!

OK, the latest news is I have ordered a Ashcroft suffix L R380 with heavy duty 5th gear support bearing mod, whilst I'm at it a clutch kit & DMF, nothing wrong with mine, but prudent whilst the box is out.


So I was under the car with a torch to get the G'box number and something looks a bit fishy to me.

Aren't the numbers supposed to be stamped, and isn't there supposed to be a "A" after 74


also looks like a proper stamped number under the 7 (yellow arrow)

what do you reckon, ??? is this normal or has someone done a bodgy ??

Originally Posted by robbotd5

Geez fellas this thread has me a little concerned. I am guilty for towing in 5th. My Disco is so much happier 90-100 in 5th. I can't imagine NOT using 5th. Mind you I am very aware of it's downfalls. I drive by my boost and EGT gauges and when in 5th I try to maintain 15psi and no more. Slightest signs of laboring I'll change down to 4th.

Like anything, I suppose, you can be lucky or unlucky.

I think the risk is increased when engine mods make more power. With more power, you can just put the foot down in 5th to get up inclines, overtake, etc., whereas with less power, you'll change back to 4th quicker.

I've also run from my boost gauge in 5th since doing the layshaft, and don't let it get above 14psi in 5th. I'd rather use a bit more fuel and have the engine revving a bit more, than go through that exercise again.

Umm....I to use 5th all the time when towing the camper

so how will us out of towners go about doing the Ashcroft R380 5th gear bearing mod here in Oz?

I must have got the one good R380, 320k, 250k towing 1.8t and I kill engines all the time

Originally Posted by uninformed

so how will us out of towners go about doing the Ashcroft R380 5th gear bearing mod here in Oz?

I must have got the one good R380, 320k, 250k towing 1.8t and I kill engines all the time

I tried to buy just the modded 5th gear housing & beefed up bearing kit without any success, had to settle on a complete upgraded gearbox

Originally Posted by goingbush

OK, the latest news is I have ordered a Ashcroft suffix L R380 with heavy duty 5th gear support bearing mod, whilst I'm at it a clutch kit & DMF, nothing wrong with mine, but prudent whilst the box is out.


So I was under the car with a torch to get the G'box number and something looks a bit fishy to me.

Aren't the numbers supposed to be stamped, and isn't there supposed to be a "A" after 74


also looks like a proper stamped number under the 7 (yellow arrow)

what do you reckon, ??? is this normal or has someone done a bodgy ??

Dodgy!

Should be nice stamped numbers, not some hand scribed engraving...
Possible to not even be TD5 box rather a cobbled together R380 from a 300tdi or something else?