Thread: LT85 Santana 5 speed & LT230

Originally Posted by Rangier Rover

I have notice over time the drive line is definutely getting noisier in my 120".

It seems to chatter more at idle wile in neutral and wont go away til around 1200 rpm Used to be fine at 900.
Seems to be a lot worse in low range. It very quiet in high except if the revs drop down to around 1100 in forth gear and it rattles a bit with the torque pulse from the Isuzu.

This box was rebuilt about 70k ago and has had the multi race bearing modification and shaft X drilled.

I'm thinking an float problem or a flogged spline in the LT 85.
As for the noise in low range that is in every gear, sounds like a typical dry or rough bearing howl. Not that bad yet but noticeable.

The big question is.... Do I drive it to death and dump the LT 85 for something stronger. OR, get it out now and rebuild it again so it last only another 70K

I must admit it does get a very hard life here though. Used every day, heavy towing and a lot of low range work.

Is there a 5 speed land rover box thats stronger than an early LT85?

Originally Posted by Hardchina

Is there a 5 speed land rover box thats stronger than an early LT85?

Not really Land Rover gearbox history

For the punishment my 120" gets I may be better with either LT95 with the tapered bearing TC, the Isuzu truck box ( May be a bit hard for me do do this here) Or an Allison auto.

In my case top speed and highway performance is second to durability.

I'll have to make my mind up soon.

R380 and match up to LT85 bellhousing.

LT95 trb since you probably don't do much high speed in the 120, but then you have to find the bellhousing.

Or stockpile LT85s.

My LT85 has done ~ 130k km since a rebuild by Mal Story. The second gear synchro is a bit worn, but apart from that I expect it to last a long time.

Mine doesn't get pampered, but it doesn't have as hard a life as yours.

If mine lasts as long as I think it will, I will drive it till it dies and then swap for an R380, which Ashcroft says are as strong or stronger. (though Grubb's kits to fit the isuzu box are tempting).

I like the LT230 and I like 5th gear. I am about to put a disco 1.21:1 (Q) case in mine, with a McNamara 1-piece cross shaft. Should be indestructible then, and with slightly lower 1st and reverse high which will be nice.

For the kind of stuff I've seen pics of, that you do, I thought you had a LT95 with a taper conversion.
I am currently overhauling a LT85, parts are on way from UK. I am making 1 good box from 2 and the difference between stopping when the gearbox starts making bad noises & keeping on driving is fairly extreme.
In fact the box that was flogged - front & rear main bearing collapse- has practically nothing salvageable, where as the other one only needs a main shaft ( spline wear into the LT230) and overhaul kit from Ashcroft - bearings, seals, shims etc, about $600 incl postage.
Bearman (Brian) might still have a fully refurbed taper LT95 with all the bits to convert yours to a far more robust box.
You would get a tidy sum for your LT85 bellhousing to help offsett the cost.

Change it as soon as you can, a destroyed LT85 will do no good to anyone. Judging by the photos of the hay bails on the little trailer the other day and the harvester I'd say you want a proper truck box.

This noise is getting the better of me Seems to only be in forth gear high range or with transfer in neutral. In low range its a bit growly right through.

I need to get my hands on a LT85 service manual if I'm venturing in. May pop the LT230 off and have a look. Just incase its only the out put bearing complaining.

Originally Posted by Rangier Rover

I have notice over time the drive line is definutely getting noisier in my 120".

It seems to chatter more at idle wile in neutral and wont go away til around 1200 rpm Used to be fine at 900.
Seems to be a lot worse in low range. It very quiet in high except if the revs drop down to around 1100 in forth gear and it rattles a bit with the torque pulse from the Isuzu.

This box was rebuilt about 70k ago and has had the multi race bearing modification and shaft X drilled.

I'm thinking an float problem or a flogged spline in the LT 85.
As for the noise in low range that is in every gear, sounds like a typical dry or rough bearing howl. Not that bad yet but noticeable.

The big question is.... Do I drive it to death and dump the LT 85 for something stronger. OR, get it out now and rebuild it again so it last only another 70K

I must admit it does get a very hard life here though. Used every day, heavy towing and a lot of low range work.

So far in this thread no-one has mentioned gearbox oil quality....

.... and notwithstanding the comments about wear etc....

FWIW then, I have changed to the appropriate grade of Castrol Syntrans with the results of easier meshing and quieter operation (gearbox only - NOT tc)

--- could be worth giving it a go & I expect that you would already be aware not to labour the gearbox in any gear ... especially 5th gear