Thread: So there goes 5th gear...

I would have thought it should have lasted longer than 30K after a rebuild... but towing in 5th is a big no no on any vehicle, I realise people do it all the time, its their vehicle, their choice, as a repairer I've never towed in 5th with any vehicle.

Of course the above doesnt apply if u have never towed in 5th....

As with all things Ashcroft... it generally is a good option / solution, but does come at an additional costing, that can work out being cheaper if you dont have to rebuild the gearbox again at 30K...

Regards
Daz

I just did my 5th support bearing. Reason being the ashcroft box even though it was reasonably priced (@2200) the wait for the box to be built was the killer for me. When I had a look at every thing in the box it was all quite serviceable. Now that I know that I would still just change the bearing if it starts to get noisy again. I have changed my driving style to be gentler to 5th too... within reason.

Not only towing in 5th gear but also driving up hills in 5th gear especially when a chip has been added can seem easy. However, the extra torque can destroy the gearbox quickly. I would suggest that if 5th gear went at only 30000km, barring any obvious damage that might have occurred during the rebuild, I would look at changing driving style (as others have mentioned) to suit the added power of your Defender. Cut back to 4th on hills and don't lug the engine with too much torque in the higher gears.

Regards

XDrive

Originally Posted by DazzaTD5

I would have thought it should have lasted longer than 30K after a rebuild... but towing in 5th is a big no no on any vehicle, I realise people do it all the time, its their vehicle, their choice, as a repairer I've never towed in 5th with any vehicle.

Of course the above doesnt apply if u have never towed in 5th....

As with all things Ashcroft... it generally is a good option / solution, but does come at an additional costing, that can work out being cheaper if you dont have to rebuild the gearbox again at 30K...

Regards
Daz

Doesn't that depend on the gearbox? I have a PUMA now and have started towing.. so I assume I switch 5th for 6th in your statement? I am totally unfamiliar with gearbox designs I have however gone through two td5 5th gear rebuilds (with no towing).. with the second one being an ashcroft which never failed again.

with 33's, and a Disco transfer - 5th, if used is going to be working hard even if it isnt towing.
Im guessing any warranty wouldnt have gone past 12 months or 20k.
I would get the upgrade box if it were mine.

Originally Posted by XDrive

Not only towing in 5th gear but also driving up hills in 5th gear especially when a chip has been added can seem easy. However, the extra torque can destroy the gearbox quickly. I would suggest that if 5th gear went at only 30000km, barring any obvious damage that might have occurred during the rebuild, I would look at changing driving style (as others have mentioned) to suit the added power of your Defender. Cut back to 4th on hills and don't lug the engine with too much torque in the higher gears.

Regards

XDrive

I would have to second this. Ever since our layshaft sheared and I had to rebuild the box, I have greater mechanical sympathy for 5th and reverse gears, knowing how they're engineered within the extension housing. Our is chipped, intercooled, etc.., and never thought anything of just pushing the foot down a little harder on hills in 5th gear (as did the previous owners, probably). Now it's change down to 4th as soon as the engine starts to have to work a bit harder. Might use a little more fuel and wear the synchro rings a little more, but much cheaper and more convenient than shearing that shaft again...