Thread: LT85 Santana 5 speed & LT230

Any chance of a closeup of the MS splines?

Sounds like you need an oil feed trough welded to the pto cover (unless you are using a PTO already?).

If you are really worried you could even use a small pump to feed oil to the back of the MS.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Any chance of a closeup of the MS splines?

Sounds like you need an oil feed trough welded to the pto cover (unless you are using a PTO already?).

If you are really worried you could even use a small pump to feed oil to the back of the MS.

I plan to run a pto hydraulic pump when I can get my hands on one. Going to be a bit of a problem this The main shaft was dry as a bone. No oil getting up there at all.

Looks like it has been very hot in there at some stage.

Do the main shaft splines really need constant oil? I'd just grease them with some real thick goopy stuff.

Raise the filler level to above the inter shaft bearings bottom level.

That should do it ???

OK, I have just ordered a dropped winged cover plate from the UK. Will increase the oil capacity by over 1 litre and has cooling fins. Should help stop it overheating.
When it all goes back together I'll run a synthetic 75/90 oil with 1 ltr of Lucas gear oil stabilizer. I'll smear the main shaft with molly grease.
Not much else we can do other than run a pump some how as Ben has suggested.

I have sussed the TL85 and is still OK. I never ever use fifth gear in anger BTW.
A mate of mine rebuilt this box and used multiroller bearings. He said machining was involved to do this.

My only real concern is the main shaft spines and looking after fifth gear! So, I'll stick with this set up for a bit longer.

I'm on the hunt for a spare LT85 to build up the same way so when the inevitable failure eventually happens, I'll swap them out as these things are so simple to work with.

In the long term, I want to get a six speed truck box matted to the LT230. I don't have the time or energy to do this conversion ATM.

The winged sump is on in its way.

Very similar to this...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...1&d=1274246982
More oil capacity and heat dissipating ability. Bit more room for chewed up metal as well

This may be a bit off the norm, I'm going to set up a small 12V gear gear pump to circulate oil to the top of the main shaft and over the intermediate shaft. I'll connect it to a micro switch so only comes in in low range for a start. May be a temperature switch would work?
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...1&d=1274246982
I have concerns on how the pump will lift the oil as has to be mounted out of harms way. I'll fit an anti drain back valve to keep it prime.

I hate to tell you and not wanting to start an argument or put other peoples vehicles down... but the Isuzu is known for systematicly destroying any vehicle it is put it. Starting with the gbox. The only advantage I see in going to a 380 is parts may be more readily available. I have just about finished rebuilding the split case version in my fathers 1990 V8 county and all the parts we needed we were able to get without too many dramas. Have a good look at any gap between the circlip and collar on the main shaft. They generally flog out as well. I had one break in my truck and cost $1000 by the time I got it home and replaced the 5th gear set. There should be none.
Tim

Originally Posted by Freestyler

I hate to tell you and not wanting to start an argument or put other peoples vehicles down... but the Isuzu is known for systematicly destroying any vehicle it is put it. Starting with the gbox. The only advantage I see in going to a 380 is parts may be more readily available. I have just about finished rebuilding the split case version in my fathers 1990 V8 county and all the parts we needed we were able to get without too many dramas. Have a good look at any gap between the circlip and collar on the main shaft. They generally flog out as well. I had one break in my truck and cost $1000 by the time I got it home and replaced the 5th gear set. There should be none.
Tim

Yea, I'm aware of the shortcomings
You may have noticed I'm running a beefed up LT 85 and LT230.
MY failure is a result of lubrication and heat issues due to the very heavy low speed work.
If I make the LT230 bullet proof now, I then only have to adapt it to a 6 speed truck box latter on if I kill the LT85.
I'm not going to bother with the R380

The winged sump ( This one came from Roverdrive Canada as couldn't score a UK jobie), O rings, bearings, crush tube etc have turned up to day. Still waiting on the oil pump, so will drill & tap the holes for the fittings and plug them.
Into it tomorrow I Don't mind jobs like this at all