Thread: importing a Ashcroft R380

Importing is an expensive option....do you need something extra special ?

na,

just need a really second hand unit or rebuilt unit,

Cheers NAT

I've still got the R380 out of the D2 I wrecked last year, it seems to be in good nick. No transfer case on it.

Importing is actually cheaper than buying local.

5th gear blew on my Td5 Defender a little over 12 months ago, and I got a Rebuilt Ashcrofts R380 with heavy duty 5th gear bearings, new DMF (flywheel) Clutch and Pressure plate all sent over ( cost no more for shipping that the gearbox alone would have been. ) Took less than 2 weeks from ordering to delivery

All that lot cost less than getting a standard R380 rebuilt locally

Same^^^^^^
Did the 5th gear in my td5 def. less than 2 weeks I got mine. Got the upgraded 5th gear (sleeve or bearing, can't remember). I didn't return my old one so they kept the core charge. They were really helpful and didn't mind about not returning the old unit. I think it was $1500 landed from memory!

Definitely worth the effort, but do your homework. There are a couple of threads about this. Check out Craig's thread, "Defer failed to proceed", which is current, or my old thread "Importing things...Grr...", both in technical chatter.
I have to say that the Ashcroft's box is worth the effort, as long as you do your homework. I doubt you'll find one here that would match it.

You need a very clear idea of the import costs, including AQIS, which seem to vary exponentially from case to case. Still, in my case, the 'landed cost' was very similar to the cost of a local reco one, and Ashcroft's are the best. End of story.

As an aside. When the first box failed, we bought a second hand unit, 175000 ks apparently, and fitted that. New oil etc. got a little less than 10,000 ks out of it. $750.00, and a lot of blood, sweat etc. for nothing.

Email Dave or Joanne. They are super helpful, but professional. Discuss shipping options, and read the various threads that discuss this. But I cannot stress enough, do your homework. We got our fingers burnt because I didn't. I do not regret the choice. Ashcroft's are fantastic. I regret jumping in without some research.