Thread: Something other than R380?

Originally Posted by johntins

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, so feel free to move it.
Does anyone know of a relatively simple, reasonably priced conversion to replace the R380 gearbox in a 300TDi Disco? The 380 is a nice box to use, but I've never come across a manual box so subject to complete, unexpected, failure. It's time to move on.

The suffix K or L box is easily strong enough and give very few problems, I'm guessing yours is 1994 to 1997 then? Suffix J were pretty average in the performance and reliability department. There is no other easily adaptable trans avialable that I know of, so start looking for a box from a 1998/9 D1 Tdi, or order one from Ashcrofts in UK, they will build one in Suffix L spec for you.

JC

Quaife in the UK are about to release a six speed sequential shift dog 'box to replace the R380, but I'd reckon you'd need a pretty good $$$$$ limit on your credit card to acquire one

[edit]It's been released, 8950.00 quid http://www.quaife.co.uk/shop/products/qbe86g

R380's are prone to sudden failure just like any other manual box,thats the way it is.I also don't think the problem is as dramatic as you put it as many R380's are doing fine at big K's,I'd get an Ashcroft built box and forget about it. Pat

I think if you just get it rebuilt with new hi quality bearings and seals itll be as good as new for a long time

Yup, Like Pat says, I have seen many in the 400,000km bracket, and some fail at 100K, change the oil at regular intervals, don't try and put 400Hp through it and use a Suffix K or L and you should be fine for ages.

What is the history of yours?

JC

Originally Posted by justinc

Yup, Like Pat says, I have seen many in the 400,000km bracket, and some fail at 100K, change the oil at regular intervals, don't try and put 400Hp through it and use a Suffix K or L and you should be fine for ages.

What is the history of yours?

JC

Don't want to change the direction of the thread but how do you find ZF4P22's around 97/98 fare? (Well technically that is "something other than R380"... so on topic).

Mine is regularly serviced with Transmax Z and has been pressure tested and I'm told its as good as the day it was made. But at nearly 300 grand I think it might be time to start a rebuild money jar

Originally Posted by B92 8NW

Don't want to change the direction of the thread but how do you find ZF4P22's around 97/98 fare? (Well technically that is "something other than R380"... so on topic).

Mine is regularly serviced with Transmax Z and has been pressure tested and I'm told its as good as the day it was made. But at nearly 300 grand I think it might be time to start a rebuild money jar

A piece of string question, is it behind a Tdi or V8? If a V8 they tend to last longer strangely enough if driven sensibly, when they fail it is usually sprag or TC . The Tdi version suffers a lot more from heat, and the fact that the smaller TC is very light duty in the lock up clutch etc etc.

I have seen many V8 ones at over 300K, but lots of Tdi ones fail at 200 to 250K.

Best ones IMO were 1998/9 versions of both V8 and Tdi, they seem to have upped the line pressures and shift quality etc they are noticeably crisper to drive.

JC

Originally Posted by justinc

The suffix K or L box is easily strong enough and give very few problems, I'm guessing yours is 1994 to 1997 then? Suffix J were pretty average in the performance and reliability department. There is no other easily adaptable trans avialable that I know of, so start looking for a box from a 1998/9 D1 Tdi, or order one from Ashcrofts in UK, they will build one in Suffix L spec for you. JC

Hi JC

What is required to upgrade a R380 J to a K or L suffix ?
Besides a load of Martin Cash !
Can a J suffix case, be used in doing the upgrade?

Cheers Arthur