R380 vs MT82

[shack]

Now that both boxes have some age on them, I'm wondering what owners - and the mechanics that deal with them, think are the positives and negatives of both, and an overall outcome.

This includes both of the clutch setups and slave cylinder and master cylinder issues.

I realise that the MT82 with 6 gears would be better ratio wise, but there's more to it than that as regards robustness.

I realise both have their weaknesses, just interested in others thoughts..

[DazzaTD5]

mt82 box every time, it is a stronger box.

in a Defender with the 6 gears and discovery high range ratio like the Defender TDCi (2007 - 2016) its got a awesome low range first yet the 5th gear (1:1) and the 6th overdrive its almost the best of both worlds.

Downside is its verging on being too tall geared as in its not difficult for people to load them up and lug lug lug them in 6th.
hence i tell my customers when loaded keep the engine rpm 2200 and above.

[shack]

Thanks for that Daz.

I'm currently in the position where I may be able to fit an MT82 behind a TD5.

I read of numerous failings of the pressure plate and slave cylinder, both of which require a gearbox removal.

Then the infamous output shaft... Although LOF clutches may have that sorted.

So I'm trying to decide whether it's worth the effort and expense.

[DazzaTD5]

I really doubt it's worth it...

The adaptor from the mt82 to td5 is available.
I think a td5 would be ok with the tall gears, maybe a tuned one.
the transfer case you could do the minimum and just fit disco 2 high gears, although if it was me I'd want one of Aztech 4x4's transfer case (shameless plug) as at least you know it has been built properly and not just had a set of bearings and seals thrown at it.
The adaptor shaft between the mt82 and lt230 isnt an issue anymore. You either do the lof or do what I do on all mine, which is machine it and bolt the 2 parts together.
https://youtu.be/BLy3AwpWirk?feature=shared


I did ponder doing all that to my Dad's TD5 defender, but I'm likely to give it disco 2 high gears.

[shack]

I have a feeling it's not really worth it as well.

I would like a lower 1st for towing starts.

That's with the D2 transfer gearing, it's ok with standard defender gearing, except after 95kmh.

Good job on the MT82 fix Daz, I'll keep that in mind.

[Robmacca]

mt82 box every time, it is a stronger box.

in a Defender with the 6 gears and discovery high range ratio like the Defender TDCi (2007 - 2016) its got a awesome low range first yet the 5th gear (1:1) and the 6th overdrive its almost the best of both worlds.

Downside is its verging on being too tall geared as in its not difficult for people to load them up and lug lug lug them in 6th.
hence i tell my customers when loaded keep the engine rpm 2200 and above.

This is one thing I remember people telling... I was wondering, when I'm fully loaded I generally will sit in 6th providing the road is pretty much flat but change back to 5th on any sort of incline. At a 100kms/hr it's revving about 3000rpm in 5th and I'm not sure if this is still OK or not. I have thought about increasing tyre size to a 33'' and thus just drive everywhere in 5th as I reckon the revs would then be more suitable?

[shack]

It's probably not a bad option given the lower first gear.

On an R380 first gear is pretty tall to take off return when towing, which prompted my thread to some degree, 4th is straight through on an R380 and 5th is straight through on an MT82.

I've got a mate with 33s on a disco and he tows in 4th with his R380... But he wants to fit an MT82 because of the first gear being high on the R380