Disco 1 gearbox

[JL321]

Hey everyone, I'm considering buying a 1998 land rover discovery 4cyl diesel, but I do know one of the synchros in the gearbox is damaged. I was just wondering would anyone have a rough idea on how much it would cost to get it repaired ( replacing the synchro)
An idea would be greatly appreciated

[slug_burner]

JL321,

A big part of any gearbox job is going to be man-hours to get the gearbox out to work on it and then put it back afterwards. Last time I had something done on my box it was about $3k and that was a few years ago.

Before you go tearing down your gearbox you should know the following. LR used to recommend automatic transmission fluid to be used in the R380 gearbox, works fine for many but there is better stuff around in the line of Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF). Most go for a MTF, there is plenty of choice to accommodate different temperature ranges and special wizz bang additives. A change in the gearbox lubricant has made many boxes synchros work better and hold off the synchro replacement for a time when other things need to be done.

Search for Redline, Motul or posts on this forum by Rick130 who is a knowledgeable pers in matters relating to lubricants.

[JL321]

So a possible gearbox oil change could sooth the problem?

[JL321]

I have taken it for a test drive, and couldnt select 2nd on the down change from 3rd. But when going from 1st to 2nd it's no problem

[slug_burner]

when in neutral coming out of third on the way down give the engine a blip on the throttle to get the revs up and it will drop into second a lot easier.

[JL321]

Ok so next time I'm with the disco, I'll try that. Do you possibly think it isn't the synchro thats damaged?

[Blknight.aus]

Fairly normal for a cold box running the wrong oil.

If you can get it out to the switch Im happy to take a look at it for you.. (look at not an offer for repair time)

R+R for a disco trans by me is about $1k in labour (includes seperating off the Tcase and the labour for all the other "while Im in there)
overhauling the box is about $200 if its just a redo syncro jobs and you can blow $2k in parts easily enough by the time you do all the syncros, bearings, the clutch, seals Uj's and mounts

A replacement box is about $3500 from MR automotive as a 1:1 swap.