considering auto conversion

[wozapinin]

Just bought a 300tdi defender and I'm considering converting to auto as the boss won't drive a manual. Not unfamiliar with auto 4wd as I had a c4 in my 2a and it worked a treat, I guess it's a good thing in a defender?
Wondering what would be the better donor vehicle to source the box and parts from and anything I should be aware of. :D

[Benny_IIA]

Just bought a 300tdi defender and I'm considering converting to auto as the boss won't drive a manual. Not unfamiliar with auto 4wd as I had a c4 in my 2a and it worked a treat, I guess it's a good thing in a defender?
Wondering what would be the better donor vehicle to source the box and parts from and anything I should be aware of. :D



zf from a disco 1 would the easiest option.

[justinc]

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/162781-manual-auto-update.html

this will help :)

jc

[Bazzle218]

Check out my post's. I just finished mine. 300 tdi defender ute. Nil issues just need to source all the parts. Pm me if you want a contact number to speak about it. Baz;)

[alan48]

Hi,
I have recently done a 300tdi big cab defender with a new box from a disco. Am in Sydney and it is great--but we did need to fit a second cooler for the auto. Davis Performance Landys also does a magic centre console for autos.

[redrovertdi]

I did it nearly 2 years ago to my 95 110, best thing for a defender, mate did it to his county and cooked the auto on fraser due to poor cooling-he had a rail/finned tank cooler on his bull bar only, i have the same plus a radiator/tube style in my grill behind an air con thermo pusher fan, i havent had any dramas other than the governor o rings which i would reccomend everybody to replace as a matter of course befor fitting the box to the car. I believe the auto is a lot easier on the driveline than a manual box. Dont forget you need the bell housing adaptor off the back of the disco 300tdi block.

[Didge]

I reckon auto in the bush and on sand seems to be the way to go; try following a D3 or 4 crawling up a hill and you're constantly slipping the clutch or stopping because they're going SO slow.
Is anyone brave enough to let us know the typical overall costs?
cheers gerald

[redrovertdi]

COST-i picked all the bits up on ebay over time and it set me back approx $1100, i fitted it on the driveway and sold the r380 for $500, clutch $50, adaptor plate $50, mate picked up an auto with t bar etc for $500, just got to play the game or buy a tdi disco as a donor

[Didge]

Thanks redrovertdi, I was hoping someone would suggest that course of action. Does the motor have to come out or did you drop it in from behind or from below?
cheers gerald

[justinc]

Hi Gerald, I've done a few now, very easy. engine stays put, swap out flywheel housing and fit all auto bits and then box etc. You will need the auto trans kickdown cable adapters from the donor vehicle injector pump, again easy to fit, and then bolt it all in. The cooler, as mentioned, should be uprated to a larger one, preferrably mounted high up behind the grille with plenty of airflow.

JC

[redrovertdi]

motor didnt come out, i dropped the gearbox and transfer as a unit and slid out, slid auto and transfer under and up. remember there are no modifications to mount the box, its a straight swap on the same mounts and use the same tail shafts. However i did have to turn down the output shaft of the auto[held in with 1 bolt] to fit all the way in the defender transfer case[slightly different length spline/shaft depth] but if you use a disco transfer case there is no need, you can do the mod with a grinder very carefully. It is a very easy conversion then you have to work out where you want your t bar[cable so it can go anywhere within reach] and the fiddliest bit is setting the kick down cable at the pump- i had to stop on the side of the road about 5 times to get the adjustment right-the kick down controls the box changes and is the difference between super smooth and rough.

[Didge]

Thanks Justin, if I do one I just may be able to get the missus behind the driver's wheel again. And the kids (young adults) could all share the driving if I get to the Cape with MLD in the middle of next year. Sounds like a good project and would make driving the def in traffic so much nicer. How do you think it would affect the backlash ? (considering I've only got minimal now with the air locker and Hd axles and flanges)
cheers gerald

[HardCharger]

Doesn't Ashcroft make an automatic transmission conversion for the Defender?

[justinc]

Thanks Justin, if I do one I just may be able to get the missus behind the driver's wheel again. And the kids (young adults) could all share the driving if I get to the Cape with MLD in the middle of next year. Sounds like a good project and would make driving the def in traffic so much nicer. How do you think it would affect the backlash ? (considering I've only got minimal now with the air locker and Hd axles and flanges)
cheers gerald


makes a better vehicle out of a defender in my opinion. i am still toying with an auto for mine, but having trouble finding a suitable one:(

jc

[redrovertdi]

much better vehicle with an auto in my opinion, way easier in traffic, easier to tow a trailer, better off road[no clutch slip/bite], doesnt run away down hills when locked in first low, much easier on the drive line.:)