How to check a 2006 Defender LT230 T/C?

[Parker]

This may show my ignorance.

When I bought my Defender it already had a Disco LT230 fitted. The Defender LT230 came well wrapped and looks and feels ok. It was exchanged at around 140k and has been sitting unused since then. I thought I might put it back it but have come to like what I have fitted as I do mostly highway driving and got adjusted to the somewhat odd gearing. But it seems that folks also like to put Defender T/Cs into TD5 Discovery with auto transmission for better off road performance.

So here is my dilemma: How could one check the Defender LT230 to confirm that it is ok? And what is a fair value?

I am asking because I will not put it back into my Defender. It is in my garage, and is said to have been perfectly ok at the time of swapping over. But I have no real clue, and would not want to sell it under false pretenses. I guess the cover could be opened for inspection. I have asked at the second hand part places and compared with the Disco LT230 the Defer LT230 is super expensive, apparently "they are rare and people hoard them".

Appreciate your comments!

[Plutei]

Commented as I'm also interested.

Also I'm curious what the longer gearing is like for you as I think I may have to get the defender TC done and I am also 90% highway driving with some end of route fire trails. Or doing touring but never any towing.

You've said it's "somewhat odd" gearing wise. Is that referring to it being odd to drive or odd as in rare for defenders.

Cheers

[Parker]

It’s fantastic. The ‘odd’ refers to a funny spot around 60kmh revs, not quite 3rd or 4th gear in city traffic. I usually drive low rev.

I’m surprised that no one has suggested how to check the TC on the bench. Could turn things and listen, or take the cover off and look. Anyone with ideas?

[Plutei]

I know nothing about the checking TCs but if no one has suggestions you could call a trusted mechanic for a few tips or Ashcroft in the UK

[Toxic_Avenger]

For bench testing, You'd be best to either:
1) Get it looked at by a pro for a clean bill of health (could provide the report with the sale if that's what you want to do)
2) Refer to the service manual for the various specs on the T-case, particularly:
Transfer case gear train torque to turn- is listed as 3.4Nm
Looking for chipped/missing gear teeth
Looking for 'excessive' swarf in oil
Checking for smooth operation between high and low range

But most importantly, if it leaks oil, it's probably knackered, and I'll give you $50 or a carton for it.