Gearbox and Transfer case issues.

[stimpy]

Hi all,

I have a couple of issues that hopefully you can help me with. My 89 R/R is running an R380 g/box and it is no longer centralizing in the 3rd - 4th gate. I am guessing a spring has broken, is it internal or external and how do you get to it?
Also, about 18mths ago my t/f case ran very low on oil on a trip:angel: :wasntme: and developed a horrible whine! it still leaks but has never got any worse or self destructed. Could the noise be the output shaft bearings or would it be tooth wear (noise is worse under load and quietens off as throttle backs off). I'm not sure what t/f case it is, but it could be out of a defender as low range is very low. Any advise would be fantastic, unless its going to cost money:D :D .

Thanks guys.

[MacMan]

If the R380 is anything like the LT77, then the shift gate problem will be a broken bias plate. I don't have a parts diagram handy for the R380, but when I had to fix the LT77 in our Disco everything can be done by removing the centre console and lifting it off the the top of the box. A few screws and bolts and you're there.

The bias plate is the stopper against which the bias springs stop. This bias plate is pressed out of flat steel, with a tab folded up at the back. In the 3rd/4th gate there are opposing springs pushing from both sides and one side stops on the plate. My guess is that it's now getting closer to 1st/2nd, and when it's totally cactus the lever will be all the way over to the left. A few of the later Discos that I've looked at had this problem.

Through use and vibration the point at which it's folded develops a fracture and it tears from that point. Easy fix with a welder.

[ladas]

Unfortunately the 77 selector mechanism is nothing like the 380,

To access it you need to remove the whole assemby from the top of the gearbox.

..............and I think you would have to at least lower the gearbox to get access

[MacMan]

***** hey?! No wonder the owners of the ones I've seen don't fix them!