Ashcroft under-drive reliability for a tourer

[Steve223]

Hello,

Currently deciding whether to get crawler gears or Ashcroft under-drive. Really would prefer the under-drive for the tourer so I have more options my only concern is reliability as it ads another component and as I understand a failure with a under-drive would render the car undriveable. Looking for experience from people with under-drive and how suitable it is for a tourer where many K's will be driven.

Cheers

Steve

[Wicks89]

No PERSONAL experience, however when I was shopping around for my defender found a beautiful td5 110 with reduction gears that you speak of done up as a tourer.
The lovely old bloke that was selling it had everything installed (he had a huge list of mods and accessories) prior to doing several massive trips. Through the Simpson and the gulf etc etc.
obviously he was selling it but he said they went great and never had a drama with them. I believe him he sent me very comprehensive wad of information about it.
So I reckon reduction gears will definitely work. Hope this vague, unreferenced info helps

[Steve223]

Hi, so you have reduction gears or a under-drive? The reduction gears in transfer case will pose as much reliability issues as the regular transfer case as it it will only change the low rang gearing. Different with a under drive where you bring another element in to the equation

[Robmacca]

Hi, so you have reduction gears or a under-drive? The reduction gears in transfer case will pose as much reliability issues as the regular transfer case as it it will only change the low rang gearing. Different with a under drive where you bring another element in to the equation

Can I ask a stupid question here.... what is this "another element" that u mention.....?

[Steve223]

Can I ask a stupid question here.... what is this "another element" that u mention.....?

the under-drive is the other element

[Psimpson7]

I have zero concerns with reliability with my underdrive.

[Steve223]

I have zero concerns with reliability with my underdrive.

You have the Ashcroft under-drive? How long do you have it for, used on a tourer or only play car? Cheers

[Psimpson7]

I do indeed. I think I got it in 2011 but I need to check that

it is fitted on my td5 which is my tourer and play toy so it cops a total pounding.

Things to be aware of. Its another large heat source. Its heavy and it is driven through all the time.

We have 3 cars fitted with them who all use them in the group of mates i drive with and I have driven a few mates cars in the uk who had them well before I did. No one has had any issues I am aware of.

I have probably done 25k on mine now inc a long trip to tassie.

there are another couple of members at least on here who also have them aswell.

[Steve223]

Thanks a lot, good to hear as I very much prefer the flexibility of the under-driver over crawler gears

[bushrover]

Had one in my Defender for 3+ years. Haven't even given it a second thought until now............maybe I should pull it out to check for wear. I do change oil more often and have never had any excess wear material. It certainly quietened down after a few thousand K's, probably has 50000 on it now. I tow a 1200kg camper (been pulled up a few times for excess speed while towing) and use the underdrive a lot in tight and rocky stuff.

I do have to pull the transfer case to fix oil leaks, so will check for wear and post up a few photos when I do.

Rick