Ashcroft transfer case kit

[hesguitar]

Hi, I've been getting loads of info off the forum so far so thanks to everyone but it's first post time- just bought a series 2a and have started getting it ready for a trip from Melbourne to Cairns in 2012. So in the interest of better highway driving, and less strain on the standard engine, we're fitting a re-geared transfer box.

Has anyone had any experience with Ashcroft Transmissions (england) High speed transfer case kit? Thought I'd take advantage of the good exchange rate at the moment ($670 for the kit including shipping and core deposit). Any local suggestions as well? I know 4WD in Blackburn have a similar kit but the list price $935.

Any suggestions appreciated

[Ivan]

Not had any dealings with their high speed transfer case kit. But, I did have Ashcroft Q (uieter) Gears fitted to my D1. I can honestly say that Ashcrofts are extremely good engineers and have a very good, well deserved, reputation. Dave is very knowledgeable. If you want to email him a question just look for Ashtrans on LR4x4.com

HTH

Ivan

[isuzurover]

What engine and wheelbase do you have?

A friend fitted high ratio t-case gears to a rebuilt 109 hardtop with rebuilt 2.25P. He found the gearing unacceptable, and was forced to remove it and sell it. I remember he said it was often necessary to drop to low range on hill starts.

[hesguitar]

I'll certainly be emailing more questions to ashcroft so thanks for a contact name :)

It's a 109 with a 2.6 on gas. It runs well, keeps up with traffic (to an extent i passed someone the other day but i think they broke down) so would like to keep the engine- i figured changing the transfer case gears was the best option in relation to price and effectiveness as opposed to a diff change or overdrive.

[Blknight.aus]

the ash croft is near on useless with any varient with the stock 2.25 anything.

a set of extractors and a diesel cam in the petrol makes it workable, just, providing your nearly empty and dont hit head winds.

the 6's do better and its a dream with a holden conversion till you drop it into low range.

IMHO more mechanically reliable than the OD options and a better choice than changing the diffs but theres more work involved.

If you do it on the 6 pots it makes them work a bit harder and if you dont stay on top of the servicing you can risk the exhaust valves especially if you run a touch lean.

[reubsrover]

You've probably come across this but in case you haven't.
Series Land Rover Gearbox Rebuild (http://www.stumpie.com/tech/gearbox/)

I've just purchased the Ashcroft kit, still in rebuild phase however so no feed back as yet. I have a Holden 186 in her at the moment, hopefully will have a 200TDi in her soon to go with the new gearing.

[isuzurover]

I'll certainly be emailing more questions to ashcroft so thanks for a contact name :)

It's a 109 with a 2.6 on gas. It runs well, keeps up with traffic (to an extent i passed someone the other day but i think they broke down) so would like to keep the engine- i figured changing the transfer case gears was the best option in relation to price and effectiveness as opposed to a diff change or overdrive.

I would think it would be marginal if a 2.6 on gas could pull it - and as Dave says you would be more likely to burn valves. Your high range is also increased slightly by the conversion.

IMHO the best option would be an R380 or LT77 conversion - not sure if Ashcroft still do the kits? Next would be a roverdrive, then diffs.

[hesguitar]

Cool, thanks for the input.

A roverdrive is actually our preferred option but it's pricey- it will have to wait till i find out how much everything else is going to be, surprises have already come up during the build- the rear springs collapsed the other day (new ones on the way) so I'm expecting many more. Still love the landy though

[series3]

Does the new Roverdrive give the same ratio changes as the old Fairey/Toro?

[hesguitar]

they seem to offer around the same reduction of engine speed about 28% so i would assume the gearing is similar. The rover drive just does it more efficiently with a planetary gear set (like an auto)

[reubsrover]

...not sure if Ashcroft still do the kits? Next would be a roverdrive, then diffs.

Ashcroft certainly still make the kits.

Ashcroft Transmissions - High Ratio Transfer Case Kit (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=43)

They claim "This kit was developed as a stronger alternative to the Series "overdrive." By using the High Ratio conversion the High range is raised by 31.8% (overdrive is 27.5%) whilst leaving Low range unchanged."

[hesguitar]

They certainly do and with the current exchange rate they're a reasonable deal
i was quoted 330 pounds including core deposit (or send the old case back) plus 90 pounds postage ($680 aus all up) direct from Ashcroft.

Although after some consultation and consideration (once again thanks for the advice) the high speed transfer kit won't work for ours as it has the standard six, an overdrive will have to be saved up for.

[reubsrover]

Fair enough. Yes that price proved irresistible to me. Hopefully it was worth it. I needed to get rid of a very loud and whining overdrive since I didn't want to rebuild it and then find it was still loud and whiny.

[isuzurover]

Ashcroft certainly still make the kits.

Ashcroft Transmissions - High Ratio Transfer Case Kit (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=43)

They claim "This kit was developed as a stronger alternative to the Series "overdrive." By using the High Ratio conversion the High range is raised by 31.8% (overdrive is 27.5%) whilst leaving Low range unchanged."

You misunderstood me. I was asking if Ashcroft still did the kit to fit an LT77 5-speed into a series. IMHO this option is a hundred times better than fitting a HRTC.

[Ivan]

They still do them but they are out of stock Ashcroft (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=45)

Ivan

[reubsrover]

You misunderstood me. I was asking if Ashcroft still did the kit to fit an LT77 5-speed into a series. IMHO this option is a hundred times better than fitting a HRTC.


Ah yes it appears I did :o. Well I'll soon see if I regret the HRTC purchase, hopefully by next week she'll be back on the road.

[wagoo]

If your vehicle is heavy and/or you do a bit of towing, the 31% permanently higher gearing will eventually kill an already marginal gearbox, regardless of engine fitted. At the top of the list of series 1,2, and 2a gearbox weaknesses is the layshaft. When pulling in 2nd gear the gears tend to slightly push away from each other, flexing the non too rigid layshaft until fatigue sets in and the shaft breaks, leaving you with only 4th gear.With higher transfer or diff gears fitted 2nd gear will see alot more use.
Wagoo.

[UncleHo]

G'day Hesguitar :)

My prefered option would be the overdrive unit, more expensive but it is easily removable,(take old output gear and cover as spares to return to standard if required) it gives you more gears if used correctly 2+ 3+ 4+ :) BUT ALWAYS use the CLUTCH when changing up or down, I have seen so many O/d's destroyed by just pulling in and out, they are not Laycock-De-Normanville, or similar, they also have their own sump and if neglected will overheat and seize, I would also adivse the use of "Wynnes Friction Proofing" or a % of Viscoutine in the O/dr sump.

From memory the max torque on the IOE 6 cyl is @ 1900-2000 rpm is is a long stroke slow revving high torque slugger but thirsty.


Hope that is of some help.:)


cheers